6 Newbie Q's

[lexmark]

Hi!
Im a soon-to-be first time pc builder. these are the specs im preparing to build out of my measly 9-5 paychecks :

JPAC 608 Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 500W Power Supply -
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811217014

AMD Athlon 64 3500+ Venice 1GHz FSB 512KB L2 Cache Socket 939 Processor - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103533

MSI K8N Neo4-F
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813130491

3dFuzion Geforce 7800gt
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications...details.asp?EdpNo=1549681&Sku=B52-1030

BenQ DW1640 Black (OEM)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827101651

Sound card-sound blaster live

Ram-undecided
1x HD-Sata/1.5Gbps undecided
Already own a CRT/keyboard/audio system.

Heavy gamer, budget $800-$900.
-------------------------
6 newbie Q's:

1) why do some cases cost $100+ and come with no PSU, when there are cases for $30 that come with a 500W PSU? I?m not overclocking, only using one HD, only need 2 usb ports in the front, and don?t care for fancy cases. so is this case above ok?

ram, ram, ram. too many choices when i don?t know didly squat about them.
2)any suggestions for 2x512 ram under $100 for games?
3) whats the difference between DDR400/PC3200? will both of these run in the motherboard above?
4)out of curiosity, how much do a 1gig sticks run?

5) related to my current pc, should headset be connected to the audio port on the pc or to my speaker system?

Lastly, what does OEM stand for on the dvd drive above?

Sorry for such stupid questions, just got tired of web crawling articles for answers

Thanks!

 

[TWills]

1. The $100 cases are obviously of much higher quality. They are made of aluminum (usually), have carefully orchestrated airflow, and removable drive bays and a removable mobo tray, so that installling things in the case doesn't feel so cramped. The $30 cases are little more than shells, and the power pupplies that come with them are worth using for about 4 weeks, which upon your luck of the draw may last a week up to 6 months (with those parts) or not even work at all. You get what you pay for.

2. Corsair value sticks pc3200

3. I believe those are the same speeds of ram, and yes, they will both work

4. Get the 2x512 sticks, so you can run dual channel

5. Speaker system, so that you don't have to switch between your speakers and the headphones all the time

6. It means you don't get a manual and a pretty retail box. Just the drive, and usually nothing else.

 

[LTC8K6]

Original Equipment Manufacturer.

When Dell buys DVD drives, they buy them in big cases. They have no need for the fancy retail pckaging and the extra stuff that goes along with retail. They just need the drives.

Same thing with CPUs and RAM, etc.

A big mfg doesn't want to have to dispose of thousands of individual retail packages for CPU's and RAM, so they don't buy it that way. They buy it by the case.

Retailers like Newegg can also buy OEM stuff and sell it as individual pieces.

Imagine if you were building 100 computers and bought everything in individual retail packaging. Think about all of the boxes and wrapping you'd have. Think about all of the extra cables you'd have through duplication.

Another way they save a bit is by using plain white boxes in the cases. They don't have to print all that fancy stuff on each box like it would need for retail sale. Just a simple label on each box and one on the case. No need to shrink wrap each box, either.

Buying OEM is great if you know what you are doing and don't need any of the retail extras.

 

[lexmark]

thanks 4 the help Twills!

im almost ready to order. how widespread & common are power supply problems in cheap cases? You almost scared the holy shiznit out of me lol. Im trying to cut corners, any suggestions on cases ~50?

 

[lexmark]

Originally posted by: LTC8K6
Original Equipment Manufacturer.

When Dell buys DVD drives, they buy them in big cases. They have no need for the fancy retail pckaging and the extra stuff that goes along with retail. They just need the drives.

Same thing with CPUs and RAM, etc.

A big mfg doesn't want to have to dispose of thousands of individual retail packages for CPU's and RAM, so they don't buy it that way. They buy it by the case.

Retailers like Newegg can also buy OEM stuff and sell it as individual pieces.

Imagine if you were building 100 computers and bought everything in individual retail packaging. Think about all of the boxes and wrapping you'd have. Think about all of the extra cables you'd have through duplication.

Another way they save a bit is by using plain white boxes in the cases. They don't have to print all that fancy stuff on each box like it would need for retail sale. Just a simple label on each box and one on the case. No need to shrink wrap each box, either.

Buying OEM is great if you know what you are doing and don't need any of the retail extras.

very helpful! thanks!

 

[Buck Naked]

One other thing about OEM to be mindfull about is the warranty.

On the case, remeber you get what you pay for. I would say a good quality PSU is more important than the case.
It would be tough to find both for $50, for me at least.

 

[KoolDrew]

The PSU that comes with that case is definitely junk. You will never find a quality 500w unit for that price. I would suggest either getting an Antec case with a quality PSU or just buying a cheap (but good quality) case and buy a quality PSU seperate. It may cost extra, but you should not skimp on the PSU.

Instead of getting the 3500+ you could just drop down to a 3000+ and overclock it. It will easily reach 2.4GHz, which is past 3500+ speeds. The good ones even get up to 2.8GHz on air.

The motherboard is not really a bad choice, but I would suggest the Epox Nf4 Ultra board. It is a very good overclocker and an overall good board.

As for your questions:

1) why do some cases cost $100+ and come with no PSU, when there are cases for $30 that come with a 500W PSU? I?m not overclocking, only using one HD, only need 2 usb ports in the front, and don?t care for fancy cases. so is this case above ok?

The cases that cost more are usually of much higher quality. The cases that are cheap are usually junk and the PSU's that come with them are always junk. If you see a 500w PSU for that cheap it is a sign that it sucks. If you don't want anything fancy and are not doing any overclocking you an just getan In-Win case w/ 300w PSU.

2)any suggestions for 2x512 ram under $100 for games?

Some Corsair Value Select would be fine.

 

[lexmark]

about the venice 3000+: good choice, but unfortunately I dont know anything about oc'ing

ok would a quality 300W psu be sufficient with a better case?

 

[CalvinHobbes]

I don't know of any 300W PSU's that I would put with that setup you list above.
Something like this would be good:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817103928

 

[redhatlinux]

It's wrong to generalize that all the PSU's are junk that come with cheap cases. I've used tons of them and had very few problems. If you are going to load the system to extreme and be a crazy over clocker then you need to invest in a better PS. Look at the PS that are approved on the AMD web site. One of the advantages of the heavier cases is the shielding that is provided from EMF and other types of electrical noise. The more expensive cases generally offer better shielding, which, if you push your system can be an advantage. There are certainly cases out there that offer 'fancy' themes but provide little in terms of benefit.

 

[Gadzookie]

that case is junk do not get it it doesnt even have native 24 pin on the PSU i would get this instead

Antec Solution SLK3000-B Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail 49.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129152

FSP Group (Fortron Source) AX450-PN ATX12V 450W Power Supply - Retail 49.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817104954

 

[coomar]

a 300W psu is not going to be enough for a 7800gt

 

[Sforsyth]

I have a super cheap case that came with a PUS 420W, it was fine for what I had but when I upgraded to better hardware it wasn't enough.

 

[shoRunner]

if your looking for a good psu for the price check out fortron 450w that is about $50 and XClio 450w that is also about $50, both at newegg. The PSU is no place to skimp, but also there is no reason to spend $100 on a PSU for your system.

 

[bamacre]

I think you will be MUCH better off with this case/psu...

Antec SLK3800B 400W Power Supply Mid Tower Case (Black)

 

[alimoalem]

don't get scared with the "your PSU will last you a maximum of 6 months" it's all BS. if you're not going to OC, you're definitely safe. i made 2 custom built systems 2 years ago. one of them we got a really really cheap case/PSU combo from frys ($15 for both) and that PSU burned out after a year i think. we just put in a 350W from a 1996 computer and it's running fine. the other computer we bought a $25 PSU/Case combo and it's running perfectly. it's a 480W PSU. i even OCed the 2.8GHz cpu to like 3.28 and it was working. it's back at stock though. worse comes to worse, you burn it out. the PSU probably added like $5 to your case so don't worry. just add the PSU from your old computer until you have $50 to spend on a quality one.

i think your case is fine. the more expensive ones usually have better cooling, have more spaces for fans or better positioning for the fans. also, as previous posters have mentioned, they have removable trays and are better protecting.

get a 3000+ if you're on a budget, otherwise spend an extra $50 to get a 3700+ San Diego processor.

don't buy OEM if it's your first build. you'll need the cables to connect the DVD burner to your motherboard and if you don't have any spare parts from your old builds, what are you going to use to connect it with?

get some corsair Value Ram. it's like $85 for two 512mb sticks i think

DDR400 and PC3200 are the EXACT same thing. just 2 different ways of saying it. both will run for you.

 

[Jiggz]

Originally posted by: Gadzookie
that case is junk do not get it it doesnt even have native 24 pin on the PSU i would get this instead

Antec Solution SLK3000-B Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail 49.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129152

FSP Group (Fortron Source) AX450-PN ATX12V 450W Power Supply - Retail 49.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817104954

If you can afford it go with the above suggestions. If you cannot, then go ahead with what you can although I must say, you are taking a big risk especially with that GT video card. IMHO with $20.00 more I'll go with the FSP with Fortron 450W.

 

[lexmark]

thank you guys so much for the help!

After reading some of the suggestions given here, I decided to wait 2-3 more paychecks before I splurge my wallet.

1.) Is the performance/price ratio of the 3700+ worth the $50 increase? I havent gave any thought to san diego before...
2.)thanks for answering the ram questions, im definitely buying the corsair value ram
3.) I understand that I shouldnt shrimp on the psu, but Im already walking on the thin line of my budget, something has to give. So I think Ill shrimp on the case(no oc'ing here, no need for uber cooling right?) and get the FSP Fortron 450 Watt psu.

I think I better tell my wife I bought a dell. XD

 

[JEDIYoda]

Originally posted by: shoRunner
if your looking for a good psu for the price check out fortron 450w that is about $50 and XClio 450w that is also about $50, both at newegg. The PSU is no place to skimp, but also there is no reason to spend $100 on a PSU for your system.

Why?
There is plenty od reasons to spend $100.00 and up.....

I`ll put my Turbo Cool 510 Deluxe up against any PSU you wish to choose from........

quality and pound for pound you just can`t touch a PCPC PSU!!!

There are alot of reasons to spend over $100 on a PSU!

But there also many PSU`s that will do the job for under $100!!

 

[foodfightr]

1) why do some cases cost $100+ and come with no PSU, when there are cases for $30 that come with a 500W PSU? I?m not overclocking, only using one HD, only need 2 usb ports in the front, and don?t care for fancy cases. so is this case above ok?

Answer:: Quality design for overclocking or showing off at a Lan Party. Don't use a "free" power supply, why would you risk it?

2)any suggestions for 2x512 ram under $100 for games?

Answer: Check the hot deals forum and search for Kingston HyperX. It's really amazing ram for the price of budget ram.

3) whats the difference between DDR400/PC3200? will both of these run in the motherboard above?

Answer: DDR400 and PC3200 are just measurements of the "speed" that the ram is guarenteed to work at. Unless you are overclocking, your best bet would be a DDR400/PC3200 configuration with an Athlon 64 machine.

4)out of curiosity, how much do a 1gig sticks run?

Answer: If you don't plan on adding a second gigabyte in the future, you'd be better off running 2 x 512 and making use of the dual channel feature. Price Guide

 

[potato28]

EW GET THAT CASE AWAY FROM ME!!! Buy a cheap case and u get LOTS of sound! I did that, and I regret it.

 

[mechBgon]

After reading some of the suggestions given here, I decided to wait 2-3 more paychecks before I splurge my wallet.

You are wise

Here's a place you can get the SLK3000-B for a very good price, including shipping: Amazon, $43 shipped. The case comes with a 120mm 3-speed exhaust fan, very nice case for the money. I like mine better than my expensive Lian-Li or any other case I've had, although there's still room for improvements. The first-time-builder guide in my signature shows basically the same chassis except for color and side vents (and lack of a PSU in the 3000-B of course), if you want to see one taken apart.

I would go for that Fortron 450W, based on Fortron's good reputation, and I'm with the other guys saying don't use the freebie PSU in a cheap case. Good luck newbie!

 

[billyjak]

A good power supply is essential, and one of the most overlooked and skimped on parts of the computer.
I learned from building many computers over the years, buy a good power supply first off and you'll save many headaches later on.

I also use PC Power and Cooling Power supplies in my computers.
Never had a problem with them in over 5 years of using them.

You are doing the right thing by waiting

 

[aatf510]

Originally posted by: coomar
a 300W psu is not going to be enough for a 7800gt

People on this forum generally exergerate needs.
A quality 300w PSU is going to be perfectly fine.
I just got a Kill-A-Watt Unit last week, and I measured my system (slightly o/c 4400+ and GTX KO) power drain it idle @ 160w and never exceeded 270w under any circumstances. Take notice that after taking off 20% (assuming my PSU gives 80% efficiency, which it doesn't), my system is never using more than 220w of power.

I have also ran a P4 2.8GHz system (more power drain than Venice 3000+) + 6800GT (more power drain than then 7800GT) for a couple of months rock solid on a 3 year old Enermax 330w PSU with 12A on the +12v.

so.. you could say this people are basically BSing since they have never done any testing before claiming than 300w isn't enough.

 

[mechBgon]

Better to spend $50 for the 450W Fortron unit and have some excess "towing capacity" available for the future. It's not a large expenditure in absolute terms. Quality first, and a healthy does of wattage won't hurt either... after 20000+ posts with an emphasis on troubleshooting, that's my story and I'm stickin' to it :evil: