This is what I am looking for

[badbob]

I have two computers. The newest is the third I bought from a local computer store that builds computers. The oldest has already been retired.
The second oldest is getting so slow that it takes longer than is pleasant to read email and surf internet. I wouldn't dare try to do a Pinnacle Studio video on it. I have upgraded all I can with ram and a better video card.

Basically, I need a computer with more memory, faster CPU, and media capable. I mostly read email, surf the internet, watch media clips and also sometimes I like to down load my video camera to make a short film to burn on a DVD. Occassionly we will do Flight Sim or watch a film on.

I would like to be fast enough that it can keep up with my thinking and typing and mouse so it is not a frustrating experience that wastes my time.

In the past I pay the computer company to build me one for at least it was plug-n-play so I could upgrade or repair it. However, I think I am at the point were I would like to try and do it myself. I have read a couple books on how to do. Only parts or steps that are holding me back is the MB and Bios. If I could get past this hundle, I think I would be on my way.

I like the computer set up on this web site and feel it might meet my needs. Only part I am leary about is the video card for I wonder if it might be too much for my needs? Perhaps it isn't?

Any suggestions for components? Should I just go with what is on the My Super PC website?

Is Amazon a reliable source for purchasing computer components as compared to NewEgg? I noticed the MB recommend by this website is no longer sold by NewEgg. Please advise.

Thank you for your time and kind consideration.

[kris77]

Price range?

[RickyTick]

Case (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119137) COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

Power Supply (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006) CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W

Motherboard (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128412) GIGABYTE GA-P55A-UD3 LGA 1156 Intel P55 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard

CPU (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115215) Intel Core i5-750 Lynnfield 2.66GHz 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor

Ram (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231189) G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666)

GPU (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150447) XFX HD-577A-ZNFC Radeon HD 5770 (Juniper XT) 1GB

Hard Drive (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319) Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB

Optical Drive (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106335) LITE-ON Black 24X DVD+R 24X DVD-R SATA Black 24X DVD Writer LightScribe Support

Operating System (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116754) Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit

Total is only $971 after rebates, and this includes the Operating System. Most of these offered free shipping too.

The only things missing are the mouse, keyboard, and monitor.

This is a good starting point. Tell me what you think and we can go from there.

[badbob]

Need FireWire Port for Video camera.

Did not see RJ-45 ports. Don't I need this for internet cable?

[badbob]

I am parcel to Win XP Home Ed. Any way still to have this instead of what you listed? Is it still available?

[RickyTick]

This motherboard has 2 firewire ports and still has USB 3.0.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128409

Microsoft will end support for Win XP SP2 in July.

[The Wise Monkey]

You can still buy Windows XP here: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116583&cm_re=xp-_-32-116-583-_-Product

Personally, I would have to agree with Ricky and say that you would be better off buying Windows 7. Not because of eye candy or anything like that, but because of the numerous security improvements that have been made.

Also, the motherboard that Ricky mentioned has two Ethernet ports for your network cables.

[badbob]

Vista 7 would be best.

Why do you recommend GIGABYTE GA-P55A-UD3 LGA 1156 Intel P55 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard instead of Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P posted on website?

What about this video card EVGA 01G-P3-1158-TR GeForce GTS 250 1GB 256-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130514&cm_re=evga_geforce_GTS_250-_-14-130-514-_-Product

[badbob]

I have never built a computer before. Only experience I have is upgrading.

You have under budget builts A Step Above for about $917.

Ricky was nice enough to send me his suggestion for about $971.

And the components on first page of MySuperPC website adds up to about $1010 if I substitute a different video card.

We have three different MBs, two different CPUs, and three different video cards, etc.

I have down loaded and printed the instructions for components on the website. So, unless you guys can give me good reason to do other wise, I am going to go with these. If you think I am making a mistake, say so and explain why.

I really appreciate all your ideas, time, etc. You have been great!

[RickyTick]

Vista 7 would be best.

Why do you recommend GIGABYTE GA-P55A-UD3 LGA 1156 Intel P55 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard instead of Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P posted on website?

What about this video card EVGA 01G-P3-1158-TR GeForce GTS 250 1GB 256-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130514&cm_re=evga_geforce_GTS_250-_-14-130-514-_-Product

We post "Recommended Builds" and keep them updated as often as possible. It just depends on the current options available, and more importantly, what parts give you the best value for your money (bang for the buck). What Rob has in his build is not always the latest components. He cant' build a new PC every time an upgraded version is available.

To answer your question specifically, one of those motherboards is a P45 chipset and the other is P55. The P55 is the latest version and provides better and newer options, like USB 3.0 and SATA 6gb/s. It's just better. :)

The GTS250 is an excellent video card, but the Radeon 5770 is better, faster, and provides DX11.

The list that I provided is the best "bang for the buck" that is available as of today. Next week, it could change.

Hope that's helpful.

[badbob]

The MB you have link to on components your suggested is this.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128412

When you replied to my question that this MB has Firewire and RJ-45 the link you provided went to this.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128409

The first does not appear to have firewire but the second does.

Do both or either have outlet for cable to my router for internet service?

Do both or either have ability to receive old IDE cables should I want to put my old computer's hard drive in to transfer data and for back up?

Does this apply to a DVD and Floppy as well? I would like to be able to transfer these from old computer to new built one if possible as well as having the new DVD-RW.

[zburns]

Your second newegg link does appear to omit the RJ-45 rear panel ports. However, if you go to the Gigabyte home mobo page, the spec clearly says 2 RJ-45 rear ports.

Firewire is more correctly denoted as IEEE 1394; there are two of them on this mobo.

The RJ-45 port only accepts a ethernet cable and it will plug directly into your router.

Two final points. When you want to be "sure" about a component's features, specs, etc., best to go directly to the manufacturers website. Newegg is a good quick reference, but not a final reference for "all details".

Second point: while you may be new at this, your attention to detail will pay off big time for you in the future! Good luck!

[RickyTick]

The MB you have link to on components your suggested is this.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128412

When you replied to my question that this MB has Firewire and RJ-45 the link you provided went to this.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128409

The first does not appear to have firewire but the second does.

That's correct. The second one has 2 Firewire (IEEE 1394) ports.



Do both or either have outlet for cable to my router for internet service?

Both have ethernet (IEEE 802.3) ports. They are often called RJ-45, but technically they are not. RJ-45 is actually a telephone jack.



Do both or either have ability to receive old IDE cables should I want to put my old computer's hard drive in to transfer data and for back up?

You can get an adaptor for IDE to SATA.
http://www.satacables.com/html/sata_to_ide_adapter.html



Does this apply to a DVD and Floppy as well? I would like to be able to transfer these from old computer to new built one if possible as well as having the new DVD-RW.

Since a DVD burner is only about $30, I would just buy a new one and not worry about an adapter there.

[The Wise Monkey]

Both motherboards do have a PATA aka IDE cable slot, so you will be able to plug in your existing CD/DVD drive. I doubt you will ever need a floppy drive, but it should be OK to put this in as well.