Building my first computer

[alfa147x]

aldo this is a nice power supply

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817153021

 

[DrCool]

Originally posted by: tanishalfelven
get a opteron 165 for $99 more. it will be more than worth it.

Wow, thanks for your words of wisdom...

You think your recommendation could be any more outlandish?
He is already planning on spending $300 on a video card, and $200 on a processor, but you would have him spend another $99 on his processor?

that would mean he'd be spending $600 on TWO system components which is money he could be putting towards stuff that really impacts his daily usage, like a nice LCD display, Gaming Mouse, and speaker set.

Thanks for taking the time to contribute.. :disgust:

OP, maybe the money you intent to spend isn't hard earned, but you may want to learn something called ROI (Return on Investment). If your goal is to build a satisfing gaming system with $1100, it is very possible. Don't buy expensive components for the sake of them being expensive. SLI is just a waste of money. The REAL WORLD peformance difference is minimal, and the cost unneccessary. You need to build with a 18 month upgrade cycle in mind. Why spend $200 on a processor when you can replace it with sometime twice as good in 12 months. Why spend $300 on a video card that will half its value in 6 months. Get an entry level A64, an Abit or Asus NF4-x chipset motherboard, and a 6600 DDR2 video card, a practical case (in-win s508), quality memory (Crucial Ballistix - 2x 512MB), and spend the rest of the money you've saved on the system itself to get yourself a really nice Samsung / Dell LCD Display.

 

[hurtstotalktoyou]

Originally posted by: Future Guy
So that Enermax will work fine with 2 video cards?

Almost positively, yes.

I thought 500W was needed for 2 video cards?

Wattage doesn't make much of a difference. The power supply converts the incoming AC current to the DC current required by the PC. That output takes the form of several voltage "rails," each used by different components of the PC. The rail used by video cards and CPUs is called the "+12v rail." As long as the +12v rail carries enough power, the wattage rating doesn't matter.

The 400W Enermax I listed has dual 20A +12v rails. That should be more than enough to run two video cards and a dual core CPU. That 500W Seasonic has dual 17A and 16A +12v rails, which probably means it's less powerful than the 400W Enermax. Besides which, it's just more expensive than necessary. Cutting costs is the name of the game when it comes to building PCs. If you cut costs one place, you can spend the money you save on faster components elsewhere!

How about this memory? CORSAIR ValueSelect 2GB (2 x 1GB)

That's very nice memory, yes, and reasonably priced. But why not save $9 and get the OCZ Value Series?

 

[Chosonman]

-If you're not overclocking you won't need the XMS series RAM. You could do just as well with the value series and save some money to upgrade other parts.

-You won't need 2gigs of RAM unless you're already running 64 bit apps or you're doing graphic/video editing. 1 gig will be fine for just about everything else.

-I don't believe in getting SLI unless you have money to burn.

-I love the case.

 

[hurtstotalktoyou]

Originally posted by: DrCool

Originally posted by: tanishalfelven
get a opteron 165 for $99 more. it will be more than worth it.

Wow, thanks for your words of wisdom...
You think your recommendation could be any more outlandish?
He is already planning on spending $300 on a video card, and $200 on a processor, but you would have him spend another $99 on his processor?
that would mean he'd be spending $600 on TWO system components which is money

The CPU is the most important component in the system. With an $1,100 budget, there's just no good reason to get anything other than dual core. If he doesn't want to spend $650 on just two components, he should cut back on the video card. But really, with $1,100, spending half on the CPU & GPU is perfectly normal.

he could be putting towards stuff that really impacts his daily usage, like a nice LCD display, Gaming Mouse, and speaker set.
Thanks for taking the time to contribute.. :disgust:

The OP mentioned nothing about those components. Obviously, he's either got more money to spend on such things, or else he already owns peripherals.

OP, maybe the money you intent to spend isn't hard earned, but you may want to learn something called ROI (Return on Investment). If your goal is to build a satisfing gaming system with $1100, it is very possible. Don't buy expensive components for the sake of them being expensive.

That is correct. Like I said, cutting costs is the name of the game.

SLI is the biggest waste of money of all time. The REAL WORLD peformance difference is minimal, and the cost is insane.

Although I agree SLI is a waste of money, you're exaggerating the degree. It costs about $60-$70 more ($30 extra for an SLI-capable PSU, and $30-$40 extra for an SLI-capable motherboard), which isn't a big deal on his budget.

However, if he wants SLI he wants SLI. Who knows? He might end up using it, like he plans.

You need to build with a 18 month upgrade cycle in mind.

How do you know he's going to upgrade in 18 months? I upgrade about every nine months, myself.

Why spend $200 on a processor when you can replace it with sometime twice as good in 12 months. Why spend $300 on a video card that will half its value in 6 months.

Geez, man, that's downright crazy. Even if his CPU will lose half its value in 12 months--and I can assure you it won't--that's still an entire year's usage. Yes, I'm sure he could live with something slower, but why should he? And if he waits those 12 months, he's going to be in the same situation: PC components depreciate. That doesn't mean you shouldn't buy a PC!

Get an entry level A64, an Abit or Asus NF4-x chipset motherboard, and a 6600 DDR2 video card, a practical case (in-win s508), quality memory (Crucial Ballistix - 2x 512MB), and spend the rest of the money you've saved on the system itself to get yourself a really nice Samsung / Dell LCD Display.

Ballistix? Talk about a waste of money! And an entry level A64 will also depreciate.

"Can I buy some pot from you?"

 

[VERTIGGO]

personally, im working on my third PSU upgrade in 6 months; thats not something you want to be stingy on. at least for quality. Stick with the Seasonic if its not too expensive. I would go with the 600W if you are going to up it to 2 x 7800GTs sometime, but thats up to you. the S12 is an extremely stable and reliable PSU, and you should be able to trust your power supply, or the rest of the system doesnt matter.
my experience:
look at my sig. for system specs
Thermaltake 430W: Incessant lockups (mostly during 3D)
OCZ modstream 520W: Instant stability with my current setup, but no SLI support.

personally for me it was a choice between Seasonic S12 600W and PC P&C SLI 510W I'm going with PC P&C because their PSUs are rated at pristine levels, but they are expensive.

 

[fire400]

Originally posted by: fibes
Get the Fortron 450W PSU for $59.00 @ Newegg. The Seasonic is a great PSU, but it's overkill for your system, unless you plan to have 2 video cards.

I disagree. I say go with this PSU, but get a silent CPU fan as well. I mean come on, you're going for a silent PSU, you might as well go for a silent HSF for your AMD. If you are that serious, don't connect your Thermaltake case fan to your PSU, it will defy the fact you've got a quite computer which I strongly support now a days, most of my systems I've owned sound louder than my refridgerator at home.

 

[Future Guy]

Originally posted by: hurtstotalktoyou

Originally posted by: DrCool

SLI is the biggest waste of money of all time. The REAL WORLD peformance difference is minimal, and the cost is insane.

Although I agree SLI is a waste of money, you're exaggerating the degree. It costs about $60-$70 more ($30 extra for an SLI-capable PSU, and $30-$40 extra for an SLI-capable motherboard), which isn't a big deal on his budget.

However, if he wants SLI he wants SLI. Who knows? He might end up using it, like he plans.

Apparently he doesn't understand the *plan* part. I'm *planning* on going SLI, but things have come up in the past that have forced me to change my *plans*. I just want to get a system that can go SLI, if/whenever I choose to do so.

Thermaltake Tsunami VA3000BWA Black Aluminum ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Is it possible to unplug/disconnect the lights?

ASUS A8N-SLI Premium Socket 939 NVIDIA nForce4 SLI ATX AMD Motherboard - Just noticed it has onboard audio so I nixed the sound card.

eVGA 256-P2-N516 Geforce 7800GT 256MB

ENERMAX Liberty ELT400AWT ATX12V 400W Power Supply

AMD Opteron 148 Venus

CORSAIR ValueSelect 2GB (2 x 1GB)

 

[BOLt]

Originally posted by: DrCool

Originally posted by: tanishalfelven
get a opteron 165 for $99 more. it will be more than worth it.

Wow, thanks for your words of wisdom...

You think your recommendation could be any more outlandish?
He is already planning on spending $300 on a video card, and $200 on a processor, but you would have him spend another $99 on his processor?

that would mean he'd be spending $600 on TWO system components which is money he could be putting towards stuff that really impacts his daily usage, like a nice LCD display, Gaming Mouse, and speaker set.

Thanks for taking the time to contribute.. :disgust:

OP, maybe the money you intent to spend isn't hard earned, but you may want to learn something called ROI (Return on Investment). If your goal is to build a satisfing gaming system with $1100, it is very possible. Don't buy expensive components for the sake of them being expensive. SLI is the biggest waste of money of all time. The REAL WORLD peformance difference is minimal, and the cost is insane. You need to build with a 18 month upgrade cycle in mind. Why spend $200 on a processor when you can replace it with sometime twice as good in 12 months. Why spend $300 on a video card that will half its value in 6 months. Get an entry level A64, an Abit or Asus NF4-x chipset motherboard, and a 6600 DDR2 video card, a practical case (in-win s508), quality memory (Crucial Ballistix - 2x 512MB), and spend the rest of the money you've saved on the system itself to get yourself a really nice Samsung / Dell LCD Display.

Right on! A nice LCD is the best investment you can make, IMO. An entry-level A64 processor will be just fine and will save you a ton of money. Plus OC'ing makes buying a more expensive processor seem stupid. There are entry level Opteron choices as well. A 6600 GT is a good choice, though if you're gaming, I really would go for a $300 7800 GT since their performance is incredible given their relative inexpensiveness (compare it to ATI's offerings or the 6800 GT's price point just a year ago). Ballistix is nice, nice RAM. Corsair VS is the best ValueRAM though, so if you go for ValueRAM, that should be your choice. I highly suggest a 20" Dell LCD if you get the 7800 GT or a 19" Dell LCD if you choose the 6600 GT. You want to match GPU power and optimal LCD resolution correctly. Don't go widescreen for gaming (trust me, I know), though. 2GB of RAM is great for ValueRAM, but if you choose something like Ballistix, you'll be paying out of your arsehole to get 2GB. Ballistix's low latency is optimal for gaming, but 2GB of RAM means faster load times and such. You'll have to investigate that more on your own.

Dell 2001FP, A64 3000+/3200+ (Venice) (or an Opteron 144/146), eVGA 7800 GT, EPoX EP-9NPA+ SLi (OCs very well and unlike DFI, it runs well with even ValueRAM) are all good choices.

The case is really up to you. If you like the Tsunami (my friend got one and he likes it a lot), then by all means go for it. Your power supply should be 500W or more if you're seriously considering SLi in the future. Antec and Enermax are my favorite PSU brand names.

Let us know what you end up deciding!

 

[Future Guy]

So, is it possible to disconnect the LED lights in the case?

Thanks for all the suggestions guys!

 

[VERTIGGO]

it should be quite easy to disconnect your lights

i dont know why she doesnt like them, ive added blue to my case.

 

[Future Guy]

Originally posted by: VERTIGGO
it should be quite easy to disconnect your lights

i dont know why she doesnt like them, ive added blue to my case.

Thanks, I was just curious if it was possible.

 

[DrCool]

Originally posted by: Future Guy

Originally posted by: hurtstotalktoyou

Originally posted by: DrCool

SLI is the biggest waste of money of all time. The REAL WORLD peformance difference is minimal, and the cost is insane.

Although I agree SLI is a waste of money, you're exaggerating the degree. It costs about $60-$70 more ($30 extra for an SLI-capable PSU, and $30-$40 extra for an SLI-capable motherboard), which isn't a big deal on his budget.

However, if he wants SLI he wants SLI. Who knows? He might end up using it, like he plans.

Apparently he doesn't understand the *plan* part. I'm *planning* on going SLI, but things have come up in the past that have forced me to change my *plans*. I just want to get a system that can go SLI, if/whenever I choose to do so.

Funny, because based on your OP, it sounded like you were asking for advise.. Please feel free to NOT post in the future if you've already made up your mind, or give your thread an appropriate title "BUYING THIS NO MATTER WHAT YOU SAY." At least that way we'd know just to ignore it.

 

[akugami]

Everyone has made solid suggestions and are things I would suggest. I do think SLI is a waste of money but if you've got the money to burn, go for it. It's your money. So I'll now suggest something no one has. With the release of the R580 based cards in late Jan (hopefully hard launch) and the release of the G71 based cards in late Feb, it might make sense to wait a while to see how things turn out.

Since this is in the planning stage and you're soliciting advice, it doesn't seem like you plan to purchase it in like a week. And if your current system isn't ancient and dying, you can probably hold off for a month or two more to see how things shake out. At the very least, you'd get a more recent card that is better performing for the same money that will hold it's value longer since it's a newer card.

 

[hurtstotalktoyou]

edit oops

 

[hurtstotalktoyou]

Originally posted by: DrCool
Funny, because based on your OP, it sounded like you were asking for advise.. Please feel free to NOT post in the future if you've already made up your mind, or give your thread an appropriate title "BUYING THIS NO MATTER WHAT YOU SAY." At least that way we'd know just to ignore it.

Speaking of ignoring the OP, it seems that's precisely what you've done: "SLI - I would like to at some point, but not right now. I want to have my system ready though." He wants SLI. That doesn't mean he knows the best way to go about it, hence the request for advice.

Stop spamming this guy's thread.

 

[hurtstotalktoyou]

Originally posted by: akugami
Everyone has made solid suggestions and are things I would suggest. I do think SLI is a waste of money but if you've got the money to burn, go for it. It's your money. So I'll now suggest something no one has. With the release of the R580 based cards in late Jan (hopefully hard launch) and the release of the G71 based cards in late Feb, it might make sense to wait a while to see how things turn out.

Since this is in the planning stage and you're soliciting advice, it doesn't seem like you plan to purchase it in like a week. And if your current system isn't ancient and dying, you can probably hold off for a month or two more to see how things shake out. At the very least, you'd get a more recent card that is better performing for the same money that will hold it's value longer since it's a newer card.

Maybe. I'd want to make darn sure they are going to be released though, and that this isn't just another rumor.

 

[Future Guy]

Originally posted by: hurtstotalktoyou

Originally posted by: DrCool
Funny, because based on your OP, it sounded like you were asking for advise.. Please feel free to NOT post in the future if you've already made up your mind, or give your thread an appropriate title "BUYING THIS NO MATTER WHAT YOU SAY." At least that way we'd know just to ignore it.

Speaking of ignoring the OP, it seems that's precisely what you've done: "SLI - I would like to at some point, but not right now. I want to have my system ready though." He wants SLI. That doesn't mean he knows the best way to go about it, hence the request for advice.

Stop spamming this guy's thread.

Thank you hurtstotalktoyou.

I am grateful for all the suggestions that have been presented in this thread. I don't want to waste money on getting a system now only to have to buy better parts later. That's just stupid. I want to get all the right parts now.

As for when I'm getting this, probably next week when I get paid. I already have most of the money set aside for it. Which is why I'm asking for advice now. Again, thank you all for your advice.