Having a computer built by a friend but want outside opinion(s).

[Spaz10]

First off I'm NEW to this forum and would like to say HI.

Now my predicament. My friend has made a shopping list from NewEgg.com and sent me the list. I gave him the price range and what I was looking for when it comes to the build but I'd like other opinions to what he has recommended. I'd like to know what you guys recommend when it comes to building this PC.

What I'm looking for is quite simple. I want a fast computer for browsing the internet. I'm not a gamer but I watch videos on YouTube ALL the time. I also use FaceBook and MySpace. I have a cheaper digital camera but would like to get into a more expensive camera in the future. I also want to purchase a video enhancement software in the future for assisting in blurry videos. I want to be able to clean up video and pictures like you see on CSI and other Law Enforcement shows. I would like the computer to have more than 6GB of RAMM (if possible) and a Terabyte of memory. Essentially I don't want to have to upgrade anytime soon. I like Windows XP but I understand that it will be obsolite in the near furture so I'll move up to Windows 7. My friend has made the list and done it all for $520.00. I have the specs if anybody would like to ask.
I guess my actual question, after all this, is "do the items that my friend suggested fit the bill and meet my requirements"?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Spaz10

[zburns]

Spaz10:Welcome to the forums.

Go ahead and post your specs including your preference for a monitor. Forum members can take a look and give you some opinions and comments.

[RickyTick]

Yeah...show us your stuff. We love to look over build lists.

[Spaz10]

Sorry it took me so long to get back with ya. I copied and pasted the list from my e-mail. See what ya think. When I went to NewEgg to check on the availability of the items I also checked the reviews. The reviews for the motherboard are mixed. Some like it some don't. What do you guys think? Also do you think I could get better deals at a different site or not.
Thanks in advance.

Spaz10




Wish List:

Qty. Product Description Savings Total Price
1 SAMSUNG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner Black EIDE/ATAPI Model SH-S222A
Item #: N82E16827151175
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy $17.99
1 ASUS P7P55D-E LX LGA 1156 Intel P55 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
Item #: N82E16813131634
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy -$20.00 Instant
$10.00 Mail-in Rebate Card
$149.99
$129.99
1 LOGISYS Computer PS575XBK 575W ATX12V SLI Ready Power Supply
Item #: N82E16817170017
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy -$12.00 Instant
$34.99
$22.99
1 ASUS ENGT430/DI/1GD3(LP) GeForce GT 430 (Fermi) 1GB 128-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Low Profile Ready Video Card
Item #: N82E16814121397
Return Policy: VGA Standard Return Policy -$10.00 Instant
$10.00 Mail-in Rebate Card
$79.99
$69.99
1 Intel Core i3-550 Clarkdale 3.2GHz LGA 1156 73W Dual-Core Desktop Processor BX80616I3550
Item #: N82E16819115065
Return Policy: CPU Replacement Only Return Policy -$5.00 Instant
$129.99
$124.99
1 RAIDMAX Hurricane ATX-248WB Black SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Item #: N82E16811156237
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy $10.00 Mail-in Rebate
$39.99
1 Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST3320418AS 320GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Item #: N82E16822148469
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy $44.99
1 G.SKILL 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9T-6GBNQ
Item #: N82E16820231225
Return Policy: Memory Standard Return Policy $69.99




https://secure.newegg.com/WishList/MySavedWishDetail.aspx?ID=19136667


If you have any questions, please use our LiveChat function or visit our Contact Us Page.

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[zburns]

Your ram selection is triple channel but the motherboard is dual channel. On Newegg, the motherboard actually has pretty good user reviews; I did not look for reviews by the so called 'reviewers'. I am not knocking the choice of case, but I do not believe you can get a high quality case for $ 40. PSU has to be looked at closely to be sure it does in fact have what is called a decent headroom -- unused wattage capacity based on cpu and video card total operating requirements.

I will look at it some more tomorrow and make further comments; some other forum members will probably comment also.

[Spaz10]

Thanks!! This is exactly the kind of help and info I was looking for. I'll check back later tonight to see if others have commented. THANK YOU!!

[RickyTick]

Qty. Product Description Savings Total Price
1 SAMSUNG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner Black EIDE/ATAPI Model SH-S222A
Item #: N82E16827151175
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy $17.99
This is an obsolete item on Newegg, plus it's an IDE connection. Look at this instead. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204



1 ASUS P7P55D-E LX LGA 1156 Intel P55 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
Item #: N82E16813131634
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy -$20.00 Instant
$10.00 Mail-in Rebate Card
$149.99
$129.99
Nice choice. Has lots of features.



1 LOGISYS Computer PS575XBK 575W ATX12V SLI Ready Power Supply
Item #: N82E16817170017
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy -$12.00 Instant
$34.99
$22.99
This is currently out of stock at Newegg. I don't have any first hand experience with Logisys, but it seems cheap. The psu is one place that you just can't go cheap.
You may need to consider a case/psu combo.



1 ASUS ENGT430/DI/1GD3(LP) GeForce GT 430 (Fermi) 1GB 128-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Low Profile Ready Video Card
Item #: N82E16814121397
Return Policy: VGA Standard Return Policy -$10.00 Instant
$10.00 Mail-in Rebate Card
$79.99
$69.99
Excellent video card.



1 Intel Core i3-550 Clarkdale 3.2GHz LGA 1156 73W Dual-Core Desktop Processor BX80616I3550
Item #: N82E16819115065
Return Policy: CPU Replacement Only Return Policy -$5.00 Instant
$129.99
$124.99
Very nice cpu. If you plan to do some photo and video editing/rendering, then this may slow you down a bit.



1 RAIDMAX Hurricane ATX-248WB Black SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Item #: N82E16811156237
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy $10.00 Mail-in Rebate
$39.99
Its a case. What else can you say about it.



1 Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST3320418AS 320GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Item #: N82E16822148469
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy $44.99
320gb is going to fill up fast. This one is 500gb (still kinda small) for only $5 more. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152181



1 G.SKILL 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9T-6GBNQ
Item #: N82E16820231225
Return Policy: Memory Standard Return Policy $69.99
This is triple channel ram and will NOT work with your motherboard and cpu. You need dual channel ram. Maybe this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231311

[Spaz10]

You guys have been fantastic already!!! I'll check out the suggestions you guys have given and make the changes to his list. Keep em coming.
I wish I knew you guys because then I'd just have you build it!!!!!

THANKS A TON!!!!

Spaz10

[zburns]

You do not want that PSU. Just check out this page of reviews: https://www.pcworld.com/shopping/reviews/prtprdid,44579629-sortby,retailer/reviews.html My comments on the reviews: A good computer PSU will protect itself from damage from a failed board, in general, provided good circuit design. It is hard for a self builder to do something to screw up a PSU. These reviews are all over the place. To me that means inconsistent quality leaving the manufacturer. Another comment sort of same as mine on the case: you cannot get a good psu for this price, period.

Read the reviews. I need to check your wattage. Suggest you consider a Antec psu, or OCZ.

[zburns]

Here is the newegg link to the Antec Earthwatts 500 watt supply with two 12 volt rails at 22 amps each. Price is $ 64.99. MySuperPC members have used a lot of these. Double checked, with mail in rebate $ 49.99.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371007

You can go to this link and see the system power required (300 watts) (it is at the bottom of the specification listing). Here is the link: http://www.nvidia.com/object/product-geforce-gt-430-us.html
The GT 430 is a generic video card built by several manufacturers and the wattage would roughly be the same for all manufacturers. Wattage also includes other items such as cpu and smaller power assorption items like the HD and DVD drive. Point is 500 watts should do it.

[zburns]

Spax10: This is an important post for the information in it. Please ask any questions. There is a real difference in the PSU you picked and all three of the following PSUs by Antec, Corsair and OCZ.

First, regards the LOGISYS Computer PS575XBK, here is a link to the company's website, please go to it and read the entire page, it contains their specifications for their PSU: http://www.logisyscomputer.com/viewsku.asp?SKUID=PS575XBK&DID=Main

Second: Here is a composite table for 500 watt psus from Antec, Corsair and OCZ:

Antec +5V@24.0A, +12V1@22A, +12V2@22.0A, -12V@0.8A, +5SB@2.5A, +3.3V@25A
CORSAIR +3.3V@25A, +5V@20A, +12V@34A, -12V@0.8A, +5VSB@3A
OCZ +3.3V@25A, +5V@25A, +12V1@18A, +12V2@18A, -12V@0.3A, +5VSB@2.5A
------------

LOGISYS +3.3V@38A, +5V@40A, +12V@25A, -12V@0.8A, +5VSB@2.0A
------------------
Here are the manufacturers again and the cat #s of the above PSUs, Antec Earthwatts EA 500, Corsair Builder Series CMPSU-500CX, OCZ Pro OCZ500MXSP. You may google these names and numbers and go directly to the manufacturers website to confirm the specs or go to newegg and confirm the specs. The Logisys website did not list any numbers (ratings) for their PSU performance. I found the numbers (ratings) for Logisys on Newegg.

---------------

Notice for Antec, Corsair, and OCZ the close similarity of the +3.3volt and amp ratings and the +5volt and amp ratings (not the 'SB' +5volts rating). Now compare the Logysis +3.3V@38A and +5V@40A to the other three, all approx +3.3V@25A and +5V@20A.
Wattage is volts x amps. Multiply voltage times amperes and you get watts -- watts is the power consumed at those volts and amps. A 100 watt, 110 volt lightbulb consumes 100 watts / 110 volts = 0.909 amps; the calculation is very simple.

So based on published numbers the +3.3 and +5 volt rails for Antec, Corsair and OCZ are close to each other, 82.5 watts for the +3.3 rail and 125 watts for +5 volt rail (approximate numbers - all three of these major suppliers are close enough for the example). For the Logysis the newegg numbers are +3.3v x 38a = 125.4 watts and +5v x 40a = 200 watts. For the + 3.3 rail, the Logysis watts exceed the others by 125.4 -82.5 = to almost 43 watts and the +5v rail, Logysis exceeds the others by 200 - 125 = 75 watts. For these two rails together, Logysis exceeds each of the three others by approximately 118 watts.

Final comment: Look at the +12 volt rail or rails for Antec, Corsair or OCZ. Antec, 2 rails at 22 amps each, 44 amps total; Corsair one rail at 34 amps, total; OCZ 2 rails at 18 amps each, 36 amps total. Logysis one rail at 25 amps.

So Antec has the largest amp value for the +12volt rail, then OCZ and Corsair in that order. Logysis below them all by at least 34 - 25, or 9 amps less for a composite +12 volt rail rating. The +3.3 and +5 volt rails for Antec, Corsair and OCZ are close in amps and way below Logysis's combined amps for the two rails. Logic says the excess amount is not needed, yet the excess amount contributes to the overall PSU wattage rating. What does it all mean?

It is important to check out the full ratings of any PSU you buy and compare it to others. If there is a question, consult the manufacturer by email or telephone until you get an answer. A good PSU, with adequate amperage rating is a must for any computer.

The lesson here is the following: You cannot necessarily depend on 'wattage ratings only' for psu comparisons. You must look at the individual ratings for the 'outputs' or 'rails' of each PSU (output and rail mean the same thing). You can trust wattage ratings between 'long time known' psu manufacturers but if you are unfamiliar with the psu brand you have to look at the detailed ratings.

A final statement that sort of sums it all up: The one or two + 12 volt rails is (are) the most important rails in any PSU because they are the main power supply for all the circuit boards. It is this single rail or these two (sometimes 3 rails) rails that supply the real power reqired by the boards. The other voltage rails have other specific purposes.

[Spaz10]

Holy smokes I would have never known that there is this much to think about for just the PSU itself. but for clarity sake my friend Josh is the one who picked the items to use for the build. I simply told him what I wanted and what the computer would be primarily used for. I've replaced hard drives and memory in the past but that's it for my knowledge of things. I'm very much the novice when it comes to a building of a computer. Josh had graduated from a computer school and has built many computers but after reading all this tech stuff I'm a bit wary of his abilities now. I've never seen any of the computers he's built nor have I used any so who knows if they really run well or how many problems he may have had with them?
So with all this new info in front of me and after reading the above specifics (5 times) I would like to ask you another question. Would you be willing to look at the original list that I posted and make your recommendations on what I should stay with and what I should switch to? After reading the above info I believe that the Antec PSU would be the best unit to use and the video card has been said to be an excellent choice. What else would you recommend? I am trying to keep this build @ or under the $500.00 mark if that's at all possible.
Thanks again to all of you that have posted a reply for me and I just want to say that it's very much appreciated!!

Spaz10

[RickyTick]

There's a lot to consider. Truth is, it's getting really hard to build a computer for less than $500 without having to settle for a little less performance.

[Spaz10]

I just want the computer itself. I have a monitor, keyboard, and etc. I just need the computer. Does that help? I may be able to go a bit over but nothing over $600.00. I'm using my Income Tax return money for this.

Spaz10

[Spaz10]

any suggestions? I looked at the Dell Inspiron 580 with the i5 processor and 8GB Ramm with the 1TB hard drive. It shows the cost at like $679 or so? I may have to save for that one. Any opinions of that choice?

Spaz10

[RickyTick]

The 580 is a fine computer, but you'll be locked in to it without a lot of options for upgrades. Building your own is almost always a better option. Look at the Non-gamer build in my signature below.

[Spaz10]

Hey there RickyTick. I took a look at your build and then gave it a try of my own on putting some things together. Please take a look at the items I have chosen and let me know what you think and where I may have faultered. Thanks in advance!!

ASUS DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS Black SATA 24X DVD Burner - Bulk - OEM
Item #: N82E16827135204

RAIDMAX Skyline ATX-948WB Black SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Item #: N82E16811156246
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy -$15.00 Instant

Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST31000528AS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Item #: N82E16822148433
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$5.00 Instant
$69.99
$64.99

Antec TruePower New TP-650 650W Continuous Power ATX12V V2.3 / EPS12V V2.91 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE ...
Item #: N82E16817371021
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy -$50.00 Instant
$129.99
$79.99

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL9D-8GBRL
Item #: N82E16820231311

ASUS P7P55D-E LX LGA 1156 Intel P55 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
Item #: N82E16813131634
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$10.00 Mail-in Rebate Card13-131-634 $149.99
$129.99

Intel Core i5-2400 Sandy Bridge 3.1GHz (3.4GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I52400
Item #: N82E16819115074
Return Policy: CPU Replacement Only Return Policy
$194.99

forgot to look for a video card though. will the one originally selected work ok?

Thanks for looking!!

Spaz10

[RickyTick]

Your motherboard is 1156, and the cpu is 1155. They're incompatible with each other.

I would suggest waiting for the 1155 (P67) motherboards to become available again or go the AMD route.

[Spaz10]

I didn't catch that at first. I had sent that list to Josh (my friend) and he said the same thing as you so I found a different processor. It's another i5 but this time compatible. What do you think about the PSU? Is it still the right one?

Thanks,
Spaz10

[RickyTick]

It's an excellent psu.