41 replies to this topic

[amyjia]

Hi everybody! Like Zeeky a few topics down, I am also buidling a computer, and I really need some help. I've been looking on newegg and I see a lot of good stuff, I'm just not sure what all to get etc. I do have some specs that I want.

First off, I'm looking to build a totally new computer so I'm gonna need everything including like monitor, speakers, keyboard, etc. The computer I'm using now (and have been for like..6 years? ) Is pretty much done for. I mean it uses Windows ME which Mircosoft doesn't even give support for nor updates for anymore. I'm prepared to spend a little over $3000 I really want this to be kinda top of the line and I don't want to have to upgrade for awhile.

As for computer specs, I know I want 4GB Memory maybe this one http://www.newegg.co...N82E16820227195

also a 1 TB Hard Drive maybe this one http://www.newegg.co...N82E16822145143
(on newegg, I got kinda confused with these because under the 1 TB harddrives they had a lot of hard drives that looked like they were the same, but some had different prices I know one set said OEM and another said retail, but they also had copies of those that said the same thing.. )

As for the other stuff, I'm not sure .I really want like the best processor I can afford..lol I would like to be able to play like any game I want smoothly on this computer (which is a big problem on my current computer. I even have problems playing maplestory ) Anyways, I know it's A LOT to ask, but any help would be very much appreciated

P.S. I know it was discussed a little in Zeeky's topic, but do yall think it would be better to go ahead and do Vista or stick with XP. Either one will probably be better then Windows Me, but just putting that out there.

Edited by amyjia, 12 September 2007 - 03:10 PM.

[Bryan]

Fatal will come up in here a outdo anything I post, so I'm just going to wait for him to post his specifications.


I really wouldn't invest that much money into a computer. Because honestly, anything you build now, at least one of the parts will be outdated within the next few months.

Is there any specific reason you want that much storage space? I know a couple drives that would run a lot more efficiently with a smaller amount of storage space.

4GB is the maximum I would recommend for anyone that isn't planning on running a server of their computer.

As for Keyboard/Mouse. I know Microsoft has a Biometrics Keyboard & a Wireless Optical mouse for 30$ (what I'm using now).

Is there anything you want to use it for specifically, or are you just trying to build a super computer?

[Nick]

If he's like me he'll need that 1 TB. I have 200 GB Music, 300 GB Movies/TV, 200 GB Games/Various Other Things. 10 GB Art Images.

[Bryan]

If he's like me he'll need that 1 TB. I have 200 GB Music, 300 GB Movies/TV, 200 GB Games/Various Other Things. 10 GB Art Images.

... Why?

[Fatal]

Fatal will come up in here a outdo anything I post, so I'm just going to wait for him to post his specifications.

heh nah, you can post your opinions on what he should get

I really wouldn't invest that much money into a computer. Because honestly, anything you build now, at least one of the parts will be outdated within the next few months.

thats why you buy the most budget you can buy and still have it do your needs

If he's like me he'll need that 1 TB. I have 200 GB Music, 300 GB Movies/TV, 200 GB Games/Various Other Things. 10 GB Art Images.

I have 1.28TB close to full If you download a lot of *stuff* then you will need it


EDIT: alright amy, after actually reading your post, you should change your thinking about a few things


1. you need to ask yourself
A: Are you running XP or Vista
B: Are you running 32bit or 64bit OS

If you run XP, no need for 4gb, if you run vista, you may want 4gb but a 64bit OS is REQUIRED for 4gb


2. 1TB hard drives are extremely expensive, my 320GB Hitachi's are 68-70$ a peice, 4 of them is 1.28TB, which is 280$ and if you run it in raid, it will blow that 1TB seagate OUT OF THE WATER, it would also blow 2 raptor x's in raid 0 out of the water (performance wise) Hard Drive performance is definitely one of the most underated things out there, it is the slowest component of a computer and its usually a big bottleneck to other parts such as the CPU, etc. #2 most under rated part would have to be the power supply


I really dont recommend spending 3000 at a time, I recommend spending around 1000 but doing ~200-500$ upgrades yearly, 1500$ max if you want to go overkill. 3000 is not needed and isnt practical. I will build you a full buying list sometime tomorrow, have to go to bed now, so Bryan should do it then I can just edit his list Another thing, I dont recommend buying from newegg unless you have to, nowadays in the year 2007, they are HARDLY EVER the cheapest. Stores such as http://clubit.com, http://buy.com have been very cheap recently for computer parts, I usually use Amazon for things like speakers, Justdeals for keyboards, and a few other sites. It seems you dont care too much about money so you may like newegg use for convenience.

Edited by Fatal, 12 September 2007 - 10:29 PM.

[amyjia]

I really wouldn't invest that much money into a computer. Because honestly, anything you build now, at least one of the parts will be outdated within the next few months.

Is there any specific reason you want that much storage space? I know a couple drives that would run a lot more efficiently with a smaller amount of storage space.



Is there anything you want to use it for specifically, or are you just trying to build a super computer?

Hmm..It's ok if after awhile newer things come out or whatever. I just kinda want to get the best I can get now (while I have the resources) so I won't "Have" to upgrade in order to do things for quite some time.

As for the space,pretty much same thing. I don't want to worry about needing more space for a long time. I'm not gonna like use 1TB of space. Will probably be good for years. And if I do need more space , The one TB HD will only be taking up one drive spot, so I will have more spots to add drives on.

What do you mean when you say the smaller drives run more efficiently?

Is there anything you want to use it for specifically, or are you just trying to build a super computer?

I am just kinda thinking in the long run. I've used the computer I'm on for like 6 years and will probably be the same with the one I'm gonna build. Basically I want to be able to do anything I want to do and leave room for if things come up that require more space or more memory in the future.

If it ends up being a super computer for todays standards, then hooray

[Fatal]

Hmm..It's ok if after awhile newer things come out or whatever. I just kinda want to get the best I can get now (while I have the resources) so I won't "Have" to upgrade in order to do things for quite some time.

As for the space,pretty much same thing. I don't want to worry about needing more space for a long time. I'm not gonna like use 1TB of space. Will probably be good for years. And if I do need more space , The one TB HD will only be taking up one drive spot, so I will have more spots to add drives on.

What do you mean when you say the smaller drives run more efficiently?
I am just kinda thinking in the long run. I've used the computer I'm on for like 6 years and will probably be the same with the one I'm gonna build. Basically I want to be able to do anything I want to do and leave room for if things come up that require more space or more memory in the future.

If it ends up being a super computer for todays standards, then hooray

Horrible idea, but I'll make you a list for that if you want... just telling you NO COMPUTER is good for 6 years, there is always something software that will come out, that will require something hardware, such as DX10, Shader Model 3/4, etc

Edited by Fatal, 12 September 2007 - 10:34 PM.

[amyjia]

I have 1.28TB close to full If you download a lot of *stuff* then you will need it
EDIT: alright amy, after actually reading your post, you should change your thinking about a few things
1. you need to ask yourself
A: Are you running XP or Vista
B: Are you running 32bit or 64bit OS

If you run XP, no need for 4gb, if you run vista, you may want 4gb but a 64bit OS is REQUIRED for 4gb
2. 1TB hard drives are extremely expensive, my 320GB Hitachi's are 68-70$ a peice, 4 of them is 1.28TB, which is 280$ and if you run it in raid, it will blow that 1TB seagate OUT OF THE WATER, it would also blow 2 raptor x's in raid 0 out of the water (performance wise) Hard Drive performance is definitely one of the most underated things out there, it is the slowest component of a computer and its usually a big bottleneck to other parts such as the CPU, etc. #2 most under rated part would have to be the power supply
I really dont recommend spending 3000 at a time, I recommend spending around 1000 but doing ~200-500$ upgrades yearly, 1500$ max if you want to go overkill. 3000 is not needed and isnt practical. I will build you a full buying list sometime tomorrow, have to go to bed now, so Bryan should do it then I can just edit his list Another thing, I dont recommend buying from newegg unless you have to, nowadays in the year 2007, they are HARDLY EVER the cheapest. Stores such as http://clubit.com, http://buy.com have been very cheap recently for computer parts, I usually use Amazon for things like speakers, Justdeals for keyboards, and a few other sites. It seems you dont care too much about money so you may like newegg use for convenience.

Ok, you say if I run windows XP, 4gb memory won't help? Like it won't allow me to do a lot of different thingsat once smoothly? Like download a movie while playing a game? Or do you mean I will be able to multitask at the top speed without that much memory?

You say that Vista would need 4gb. Does that mean it is less efficient with it's resources than XP? Is 4gb like a mininium for Vista that I may have to upgrade soon?

As for 32 bit or 64bit, errmm Is 64 bit better cause if it is, that's the one I want.lol

err.. I don't really know about hard drive performance. I just wanted 1 big TB hard drive because there's only room for two hard drives (at least with the computer I have now),and I wanted to make the most out of the available spots, but since you say you used 4 HDs, maybe newer computers have more spots for HDs..lol

lol. Someone recommended that I go to newegg and I also saw it in the lower post so I thought it was good..lol Yeah I do care about money it would be nice to get the best, the cheapest I can. I went to the dell website awhile ago and went through the build my computer thing and it came out to $3,411. It included Dual 256MB nVidia GeForce 7900 GS which at the time was told was the best for gaming and stuff, but there is probably something better out now. My great Nephew ( I think that's what he is.. He's my mother's sister's son ) told me it would be cheaper if I build a computer myself. So it's not like I'm set on spending $3000, it's just that I'm prepared to pay more for important things like the processor,video card, memory etc to get the best I can right now.

Edited by amyjia, 12 September 2007 - 11:25 PM.

[Fatal]

heh



XP is older, and less of a resource hog
Vista is newer, more of a resource hog because there are a lot more services running, more effects, etc


Vista may need 4gb for intense gaming, but runs great on 2gb (im running it on 2gb right now)
XP should run all games great with 2gb


The amount of hard drive slots is based off your case thats all, and how many your motherboard supports which is usually 4-6


Intel E6750 / Crucial 2gb 800 / ASUS P5K-E / 8800GTX would be some of the basic parts you may want to take a look at. Like I said, I'll post a bunch of different lists with different price ranges and needs etc, tomorrow

Alright, I know I said I would build the list yesterday, sorry for the delay but here it is

CPU: Intel Q6600 ($280)
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16819115017

Motherboard: ASUS P5K-E ($160)
http://www.newegg.co.....pk=ASUS+P5K-E

RAM: A-Data 2x1GB 800 Extreme ($86, $56 after rebate)
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16820211174

PSU: Corsair 620HX ($170, $140 after rebate)
http://www.newegg.co.....Corsair+620HX

GPU: MSI 8800GTX ($500, $480 after rebate)
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16814127281

Hard Drive: Seagate 500gb SATA ($120) - You might want to buy 2 or 4 of them so that you can run RAID 0
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16822148135

Lite-On 20X DVD-RW SATA ($40)
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16827106072

There, quoted it to make it easier to see, I built it based on you wanting the best of the best, except I chose to cheapen up a few parts but you will still have the same quality / performance, I can cheapen it up even more to around 1000-1300$ if you want a good gaming comp right now, then upgrade later, or I can even further improve it. Again I dont recommend buying from newegg, I just went to newegg for convenience, to recommend parts, not to actually buy all the parts from them.

Edited by Fatal, 14 September 2007 - 01:14 PM.

[Cataliste]

I suggest hitting a lower spec Gaming card. DX10 and the Shader4 shit has not been out long. Getting a cheaper card now (prices are dropping) that supports DX9 is sufficient for most games. Wait about 6 months to a year for a DX10 card, the price should hella drop.

[Fatal]

244$ for a high performing DX10 card isnt bad (8800GTS 320mb)

Crysis / Unreal Tournament 3 are both DX10, both coming out within a few monthes, no point in a DX9 card anymore IMO, especially if you're looking to build a 6 year lasting rig

[amyjia]

hi! OK, I've been thinking more and more about the aspect of building the computer myself and as yall are discussing it, is seeming kinda scary. Fatal thanks a lot for giving some really good part ideas . It's just scaring me that when I go through sites that say "build a computer" they have like a whole bunch of things to add,and I'm not sure if I would be able to do it all properly. It maybe a better idea to just buy a already made computer. It sure would save a lot of the hassel even if it does cost more. But eh.. I don't know.. I've been looking at this computer... http://www.cyberpowe.../infxlc.asp?v=d
After the building here are the stats..

# *BASE_PRICE: [+1835]
# CAS: ($20 off Mail-in Rebate) NZXT Zero Aluminum Full Tower 420W Case (Black/Silver Color)
# CASUPGRADE: NONE
# CS_FAN: Extra Case Cooling Fan [+3] (3 x Fans [+6])
# CPU: (Sckt775)Intel® Core™ 2 Duo E6850 CPU @ 3.00GHz 1333FSB 4MB L2 Cache 64-bit
# CD: (Special Price) 18X DVD±R/±RW + CD-R/RW DRIVE DUAL LAYER (BLACK COLOR)
# CD2: 16X DVD ROM (BLACK COLOR)
# CABLE: None
# FLASHMEDIA: None
# FREEBIE_CU1: FREE! CyberPower Multi-Purpose Carrying Briefcase ($19.99 Value)
# FREEBIE_CU2: FREE! Cyberpower Unleash The Power T-Shirt ($19 Value)
# FAN: CoolerMaster Liquid CPU Cooling System (Superior Cooling Performance + Extreme Silent at 20dBA)
# FREEBIE_VC2: None
# FLOPPY: 1.44 MB FLOPPY DRIVE (BLACK COLOR)
# HDD: Single Hard Drive (1TB (500GBx2) SATA-II 3.0Gb/s 16MB Cache 7200RPM HDD [+134])
# HDD2: NONE
# IEEE_CARD: NONE
# KEYBOARD: PS2 MULTIMEDIA INTERNET CONTROL KEYBOARD (BLACK COLOR)
# MOUSE: Logitech Optical Wheel Mouse (BLACK COLOR)
# MODEM: PCI 56K V.92 FAX MODEM W/ VOICE
# MONITOR: 17" TFT Active Matrix LCD Display Monitor (Black Color) [+165]
# MONITOR2: NONE
# MOTHERBOARD: (Quad-Core FSB1333) Asus P5N-E nForce 650i SLI Chipset LGA775 FSB1333 DDR2 Mainboard
# MEMORY: (Req.DDR2 MainBoard)4GB (4x1GB) PC6400 DDR2/800 Dual Channel Memory (Corsair Value Select or Major Brand)
# NETWORK: ONBOARD 10/100 NETWORK CARD
# OS: Microsoft® Windows Vista™ Home Premium (64-bit Edition)
# PRO_WIRING: None
# PRINTER: None
# PRINTER_CABLE: None
# POWERSUPPLY: 600 Watts Power Supplies (CoolerMaster Unit 600 Watts eXtreme Power - SLI Supports)
# RUSH: NO; READY TO SHIP IN 5~10 BUSINESS DAYS
# SOFT: Microsoft® OFFICE® 2007 BASIC EDITION [+159]
# SERVICE: STANDARD WARRANTY: 3-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY PLUS 24/7 LIFE-TIME TECHNICAL SUPPORT
# SOUND: 3D WAVE ON-BOARD 5.1 SOUND CARD
# SPEAKERS: Logitech (BLACK) X-540 70Watts 5.1 Configuration Speaker System
# TEMP: NONE (AS SHOWN)
# TVRC: None
# USB: Add External USB 2.0 Hub (4x USB 2.0 Ports) [+19] (($9.99 off Mail-in Rebate) SILVER Color IR-4100-SL)
# UPS: None
# USBHD: NONE
# VIDEO: NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB 16X PCI Express (EVGA Superclocked Powered by NVIDIA [+17])
# VIDEO2: NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB 16X PCI Express (EVGA Superclocked Powered by NVIDIA [+17])
# VIDEOCAMERA: NONE
# WNC: NONE
# WAP: NONE
# _PRICE: (+2355)
# _view_: detail

Ok.. and this comes out to be $2,355.00 Questions I have .. Is that monitor a flat screen? Do you think the power supply should be more wattage? This has dual video cards.. Are dual lower quality video cards better than one higher quality video card? and most importantly, what do yall think of the computer as a whole? Is it worth it?

Edited by amyjia, 14 September 2007 - 03:46 PM.

[Fatal]

its not all about wattage, its about quality, anything other than OCZ, Enermax, Corsair, Thermaltake, Antec, PC Power & Cooling (now owned by OCZ), if its not one of those brands, its garbage IMO. Yes that monitor is a flatscreen, its an LCD so thats an automatic yes, it will be very tiny though and most likely low quality. That sound card and those speakers are also garbage, motherboard isnt that great and the CPU is worse than what I picked out. The SLI video cards would beat a GTX but more expensive.


Buying and building > buying prebuilt, when you build, you get exactly what you want performance wise, you get the exact look you want, and you get the price you want


Goodluck doing whatever you're going to do

Edited by Fatal, 14 September 2007 - 04:30 PM.

[amyjia]

CPU: Intel Q6600 ($280)
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16819115017

Motherboard: ASUS P5K-E ($160)
http://www.newegg.co.....pk=ASUS+P5K-E

RAM: A-Data 2x1GB 800 Extreme ($86, $56 after rebate)
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16820211174

PSU: Corsair 620HX ($170, $140 after rebate)
http://www.newegg.co.....Corsair+620HX

GPU: MSI 8800GTX ($500, $480 after rebate)
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16814127281

Hard Drive: Seagate 500gb SATA ($120) - You might want to buy 2 or 4 of them so that you can run RAID 0 smile.gif
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16822148135

Lite-On 20X DVD-RW SATA ($40)
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16827106072

Alright, I know I said I would build the list yesterday, sorry for the delay but here it is
There, quoted it to make it easier to see, I built it based on you wanting the best of the best, except I chose to cheapen up a few parts but you will still have the same quality / performance, I can cheapen it up even more to around 1000-1300$ if you want a good gaming comp right now, then upgrade later, or I can even further improve it. Again I dont recommend buying from newegg, I just went to newegg for convenience, to recommend parts, not to actually buy all the parts from them.

okies.. I see what you mean.. I just got a little scared about the aspect of having to put everything together and doing all the software stuff instead of just taking it out of the box and going..lol which is very tempting.I'm sure when putting it together, I will probably be here asking where to put stuff . Other than the things listed above, what else will I need? You mention like speakers and sound card. I know I'm gonna need USB thing that can support multiple devices and a ethernet plug thing. Oh and you mention further upgrades of the above computer.. What would be further upgradeable?

Sorry if me waviering is annoying I'm just kinda nervous and excited at the same time about this. Thank you soo much for your help

[Fatal]

every single part is further upgradeable..... I dont really know what you mean by that

Also, I dont think you need anything else, just a case... unless you want to get a better soundcard or some speakers , or a monitor....

Edited by Fatal, 14 September 2007 - 07:45 PM.

[amyjia]

There, quoted it to make it easier to see, I built it based on you wanting the best of the best, except I chose to cheapen up a few parts but you will still have the same quality / performance, I can cheapen it up even more to around 1000-1300$ if you want a good gaming comp right now, then upgrade later, or I can even further improve it. Again I dont recommend buying from newegg, I just went to newegg for convenience, to recommend parts, not to actually buy all the parts from them.

That's what I was meant, about further improving it. I am thinking about getting vista which would probably mean getting 4GB memory. Would you recomment Vista over XP? I'm thinking it may be better in the long run, but eh.. Also, what woud be the next steps up as far as processors and video cards?

Would I not need like a sound card or USB port or ethernet plug thing? Or does that stuff come bundled with the motherboard or something? Sorry if these are noob questions, but I don't know.. Just wanna make sure. Also, I won't need any fans or anything or are those also bundled with something else you listed?

Also, I dont think you need anything else, just a case... unless you want to get a better soundcard or some speakers , or a monitor....

Yar Yar, I'm not using any of my old parts from this computer. Does a soundcard and speakers come with the motherboard? If so, I won't worry about getting another one.

Yeha I'm gonna need a monitor.. Would like a flat screen.. It doesn't have to be too big though. The one I have now I would say is like a 13 " and not flat.

[Fatal]

I still dont understand your ethernet/USB thing

Pretty much any motherboard comes with a bunch of USB ports / an ethernet port



I would recommend Vista if you are going to play DX10 games such as Crysis or UT3. You cannot get 4gb unless you use 64-bit Vista.

http://www.newegg.co...N82E16819115027

There is the next step up for a processor, not needed upgrade if you are going to be overclocking.



A motherboard has nothing to do with speakers/soundcard. The motherboard has an onboard soundcard, but they're not as good as something such as a Creative X-Fi or a Auzentech Prelude.

Speakers, I recommend Logitech Z-2300 if you want a 2.1 system, or Logitech Z-5500's if you want a 5.1 system. I own both myself and they're both awesome


Also, you would definitely want a big Samsung LCD, I would have to say your whole computer build would be a complete waste if you didnt get a Samsung 20 or 22 inch LCD monitor, the Samsung 226cw is good, they just came out and not available in all stores yet, so I would wait till thats up on newegg

Edited by Fatal, 14 September 2007 - 08:01 PM.

[amyjia]

I still dont understand your ethernet/USB thing

Pretty much any motherboard comes with a bunch of USB ports / an ethernet port
I would recommend Vista if you are going to play DX10 games such as Crysis or UT3. You cannot get 4gb unless you use 64-bit Vista.

http://www.newegg.co...N82E16819115027

There is the next step up for a processor, not needed upgrade if you are going to be overclocking.
A motherboard has nothing to do with speakers/soundcard. The motherboard has an onboard soundcard, but they're not as good as something such as a Creative X-Fi or a Auzentech Prelude.

Speakers, I recommend Logitech Z-2300 if you want a 2.1 system, or Logitech Z-5500's if you want a 5.1 system. I own both myself and they're both awesome
Also, you would definitely want a big Samsung LCD, I would have to say your whole computer build would be a complete waste if you didnt get a Samsung 20 or 22 inch LCD monitor, the Samsung 226cw is good, they just came out and not available in all stores yet, so I would wait till thats up on newegg

Hmm.. ok.. well will stick with the current processor then. On newegg, people are talking about the video card saying it over heats. Do you think that will be a problem?

oh ok good motherboard comes with sound card. As for speakers, omg I looked those up and their like $100 . I'm really not particular about that and would be ok with just getting like a keyboard, mouse, and speaker pack.

Same thing with monitor, I really don't need all that. A 15 or 17" would be ok. I don't even think my tv is 20" o.O

64-bit Vista is in reference to motherboard right? Is the motherboard you listed above 64-bit Vista?

[Bryan]

64 bit is generally used for servers. It's the architecture of the OS. Everything in computers is run in bit.

For instance

1011 1001 would be 8 bits.

32 bit vista would be the best for the future. But 32 XP would be the best bet. As for ram, you can have 4 gigs installed, but 32 bit will only read about 3.5 GB of it (which is all you need and then some)

[Fatal]

only buy 2gb if you're running 32bit, buy 4gb if you're running 64bit

64-bit Vista is in reference to motherboard right? Is the motherboard you listed above 64-bit Vista?

Vista is an operating system, not a motherboard



Also, 15-17" is barking TINY, that is incredibly small, thats like the size of my laptop's screen (17")

[amyjia]

ok. instead of getting spread speakers, this monitor which is 19" has speakers built into it and it's not that costly. I see that new Samsung 226cw on newegg.. it's $319 o.o This puppy is just $159. What do you all think of it?
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16824254001

Also think this cordless keyboard and mouse combo looks good.
http://www.amazon.co...7259442-7466010

Oh! I'm gonna need a power surge too.

Do you think I will be ok without like fans and heatsink or whatever? Those things may be hooked into other items, but I'm just asking to make sure. I'm gonna start ordering this stuff after putting it all together.

only buy 2gb if you're running 32bit, buy 4gb if you're running 64bit
Vista is an operating system, not a motherboard
Also, 15-17" is barking TINY, that is incredibly small, thats like the size of my laptop's screen (17")

ok. I really don't know what you mean you just say "if your running 32bit 2gb, and if your running 64bit 4gb. This is probably all very elementary to you, but I am not familiar with these types of things. Please bare with me and explain it a little better. Byan said 64 bit is used for servers so does that mean personal computers are not 64 bit thus this computer your helping me build could not be 64 bit so me asking if it was 64bit was laughable?

Also when I look at reviews for processor etc, they talk about things working better with proper "cooling" Do I need anything to help with keeping the computer from getting hot?

Edited by amyjia, 14 September 2007 - 09:48 PM.

[Fatal]

The samsung will have much better image quality / bigger / faster response time, you generally dont want speakers built in to a monitor


My point was, if you are going to be running a 64bit OS, you should buy 4gb of ram, if you are going to be running a 32bit OS, you should buy 2gb of ram. 64bit OS' are commonly used for desktops, I ran 64bit XP for a long time. the CPU I linked you to is a 64bit compatible CPU, all new CPU's are, thats not an issue.

You might want to buy a better CPU heatsink even though its not really "needed" since your CPU comes with one even though it doesnt cool it too well, some ones to consider are the Arctic Freezer 7 Pro, Thermalright Ultra-90 and the Thermalright Ultra-120

[amyjia]

The samsung will have much better image quality / bigger / faster response time, you generally dont want speakers built in to a monitor
My point was, if you are going to be running a 64bit OS, you should buy 4gb of ram, if you are going to be running a 32bit OS, you should buy 2gb of ram. 64bit OS' are commonly used for desktops, I ran 64bit XP for a long time. the CPU I linked you to is a 64bit compatible CPU, all new CPU's are, thats not an issue.

You might want to buy a better CPU heatsink even though its not really "needed" since your CPU comes with one even though it doesnt cool it too well, some ones to consider are the Arctic Freezer 7 Pro, Thermalright Ultra-90 and the Thermalright Ultra-120

lol I kinda like the idea of not having to worry about speakers with them just being inside the monitor. If there isn't a particular reason why it's bad, I will probably just get that. It seems to have a lot of good feedback on newegg also.

Ok, I'm looking at the Thermalright Ultra- 120. In the comments, someone said something about putting a Scythe S-Flex fan onto it. Would I also need to buy fans to put onto this or does it come with all the stuff it needs? If I need to buy fans how many and would Scythe S-Flex fan be good?

gonna meed a surge protector and this looks good..
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16812120401

Oh yes and finally, I'm probably going to need a big case. A few say they are good for cooling.. Any recommendations?

wow and as I'm looking at cases, I see they have to be motherboard compatible.. lol glad I saw that before I made a decision

I found this case
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16811133154
It looks really good, it's big and has fans. Just not sure if it's compatible with the motherboard

Internal 3.5" Drive Bays is where hard rives go right?

Edited by amyjia, 15 September 2007 - 12:19 AM.

[Fatal]

lol I kinda like the idea of not having to worry about speakers with them just being inside the monitor. If there isn't a particular reason why it's bad, I will probably just get that. It seems to have a lot of good feedback on newegg also.

Ok, I'm looking at the Thermalright Ultra- 120. In the comments, someone said something about putting a Scythe S-Flex fan onto it. Would I also need to buy fans to put onto this or does it come with all the stuff it needs? If I need to buy fans how many and would Scythe S-Flex fan be good?

gonna meed a surge protector and this looks good..
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16812120401

Oh yes and finally, I'm probably going to need a big case. A few say they are good for cooling.. Any recommendations?

wow and as I'm looking at cases, I see they have to be motherboard compatible.. lol glad I saw that before I made a decision

I found this case
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16811133154
It looks really good, it's big and has fans. Just not sure if it's compatible with the motherboard

Internal 3.5" Drive Bays is where hard rives go right?

first off the speaker quality will be horrible, you will be buying a cheaper, lower quality monitor,

for heatsink, it doesnt matter what 120mm fan you want to use

surge protector: I would just buy the cheapest one possible unless you need some kind of special need..

cases: if you want a ricer thermaltake case, go ahead and buy it, if you want a cool,quiet,professional looking case, go check out the Antec P182 and the Lian Li's

as long as the case supports ATX motherboards, your motherboard will work, most support it

[Bryan]

Honestly, I'd get the 32Bit XP with 4gbs of ram. Yes, XP will not be able to read all of it, but that is really all you'll need. 64 bit generally has problems with certain programs, meaning it isn't AS compatible as 32 bit is. Over time, that will change, but for the moment, 32 bit is the way to go.

As for a monitor, you really don't want to get the cheap ones. Mainly because they are all LCD screens. And LCD's are a bitch.

Samsung
Mitsubishi
LG

are all good monitor companies. Basically anything you can recognize as selling something other than monitors is a good company =P. A decent 20 inch will cost about 250 dollars. If you're looking for a gaming monitor, pick one with a 2ms refresh rate (so no ghosting occurs, where images blur because they move too fast for the monitor to handle). Look for a decent color:contrast ratio. Anything above 2000:1 is decent =]

As for speakers, I just have it hooked up to my stereo (my cd/dvd player) entertainment system. I have no separate computer speakers and I saved money that way.


As for cases, just make sure you read noise level reviews. Because there's nothing worse than a case that sounds like your great grandmother snoring herself through the night.