First ground up build.

[ZiggyStardust]

I have only upgraded in the past. I want to build something powerful enough to run most games at med-high settings, with the exception of crysis of course.

1. What YOUR PC will be used for
-Gaming, IE - I have a bunch of steam games that I can't even run on my current machine, would be nice to have something that can run source games pretty smoothly at high settings.
-General use, IE - Web surfing, Word processor, multimedia and pretty much the entire adobe suite.

2. What YOUR budget is
-At the moment, I am pretty flush, but that never lasts, I also have college fast approaching. I would like to shoot for about $1000.

3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from
-United States, I have had good experiences with these sites: Newegg.com, Pricewatch.com, Tigerdirect.com

4. IF YOU have a brand preference
-My current build includes an intel chip, but I am also overbudget by a sizeable amount, I haven't taken sides in the intel/amd debate.

5. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are
-I'm doing this from scratch, I'm gonna give my old computer to my family.

6. IF YOU have searched and/or read similar threads.
-yes, although helpful, I feel I need some individual feedback.

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.
-That is reliant on what I end up buying.

Here is just a quick list of what I have looked at.

I need to shave some serious fat off of that final price, and it doesn't even include everything. As I said before, I have no problem switching over to AMD, switching out the intel chip and mobo for an amd chip and mobo alone could save me alot. I should probably shoot for a cheaper GPU aswell, any suggestions on that front? I have browsed through the reviews for the radeon 2900's and 3870's but the newegg reviews aren't very reliable.

Any comments or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

EDIT: List of parts per the request.
Case: Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - $109.99
Mobo: GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - $89.99
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8400 - $229.99
Memory: mushkin 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) with EPP Profile Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model 996533, X2 - $113.98
GPU: EVGA 512-P3-N801-AR GeForce 8800GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - $239.99
PSU: COOLER MASTER eXtreme Power RP-550-PCAR ATX from factor 12V V2.01 550W Power Supply - $59.99
HDD: Seagate Barracuda ES.2 ST3500320NS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - $149.99
Monitor: Acer AL2016WBbd Black 20" 5ms DVI Widescreen LCD Monitor - $189.99
Optical Drive: LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model LH-20A1L-06 - $35.99
Keyboard: LITE-ON SK-1788/BS 2-Tone PS/2 Wired Standard Keyboard - $6.99
Mouse: Logitech SBF-96 Black 3 Buttons 1 x Wheel USB Wired Optical Mouse - $10.25
OS: Microsoft Windows XP Professional With SP2C - $139.99

I would link all of those but it would be easier to just go to the Wishlist.

 

[DSF]

Your link is messed up. You'll usually get more feedback if you list the parts in your post.

 

[MarcVenice]

Link not working.

 

[ZiggyStardust]

Fixed. Sorry about that.

 

[DSF]

Ok, so you're looking to shave 300-400 off the price here.

Case: I'm not a huge fan of the 900's styling, but I suppose that's neither here nor there.
Here are three cases that are better deals:
Antec Solo
Antec P182
Coolermaster 690

Motherboard: Good choice.

Processor: If you have a MicroCenter in your area, they're selling the E8400 for $189 I believe. If not, consider spending less here. Source games don't take a whole lot of processor power by today's standards.
Two very overclockable chips:
Intel E2180
Intel E4500
I have the E4500 on a P35-DS3L, and it will run at 2.93GHz without a problem. You can go even farther if you like, but I have no need.

Memory: Ridiculously overpriced for 2GB.
A-DATA 2x1GB DDR2-800

GPU: For source games, you don't need quite so much power. If it fits into the budget, go for it. Otherwise, consider an HD3850.

Hard Drive: Nothing wrong with the Seagate, but there's no reason to spend $150 on a 500GB drive.
Samsung Spinpoint 500GB

Price if you buy a Solo, E4500, and the Samsung HD: $1077
Price if you buy a Solo, E4500, Samsung HD and the HD3850: $1012
Price if you buy a Solo, E2180, Samsung HD and the HD3850: $982

What about speakers/headphones?

 

[ZiggyStardust]

Originally posted by: DSF
Ok, so you're looking to shave 300-400 off the price here.

Case: I'm not a huge fan of the 900's styling, but I suppose that's neither here nor there.
Here are three cases that are better deals:
Antec Solo
Antec P182
Coolermaster 690

Motherboard: Good choice.

Processor: If you have a MicroCenter in your area, they're selling the E8400 for $189 I believe. If not, consider spending less here. Source games don't take a whole lot of processor power by today's standards.
Two very overclockable chips:
Intel E2180
Intel E4500
I have the E4500 on a P35-DS3L, and it will run at 2.93GHz without a problem. You can go even farther if you like, but I have no need.

Memory: Ridiculously overpriced for 2GB.
A-DATA 2x1GB DDR2-800

GPU: For source games, you don't need quite so much power. If it fits into the budget, go for it. Otherwise, consider an HD3850.

Hard Drive: Nothing wrong with the Seagate, but there's no reason to spend $150 on a 500GB drive.
Samsung Spinpoint 500GB

Price if you buy a Solo, E4500, and the Samsung HD: $1077
Price if you buy a Solo, E4500, Samsung HD and the HD3850: $1012
Price if you buy a Solo, E2180, Samsung HD and the HD3850: $982

What about speakers/headphones?

I wasn't totally sold on the 900, I had just heard so many good things, I haven't heard anything about the three you posted, -the newegg comments. As far as the processor is concerned, is the e4500 semi-future proof? I'm probably not going to have alot of cash to burn once I'm in college. That ram is only $20 cheaper, I should have put the X2 in bold. The same question on the GPU from the processor, is this gonna last me a couple of years, I know most software barely takes advantage of the new technology, but how long do you think I can last. Wow how did I miss that hard drive, thanks. I have a pair of Sennheisers that I'm quite happy with, speakers aren't that important right now, I can make a decision on that later. I also haven't decided on whether or not to go sound card or integrated.

 

[DSF]

Originally posted by: ZiggyStardust

Originally posted by: DSF
Ok, so you're looking to shave 300-400 off the price here.

Case: I'm not a huge fan of the 900's styling, but I suppose that's neither here nor there.
Here are three cases that are better deals:
Antec Solo
Antec P182
Coolermaster 690

Motherboard: Good choice.

Processor: If you have a MicroCenter in your area, they're selling the E8400 for $189 I believe. If not, consider spending less here. Source games don't take a whole lot of processor power by today's standards.
Two very overclockable chips:
Intel E2180
Intel E4500
I have the E4500 on a P35-DS3L, and it will run at 2.93GHz without a problem. You can go even farther if you like, but I have no need.

Memory: Ridiculously overpriced for 2GB.
A-DATA 2x1GB DDR2-800

GPU: For source games, you don't need quite so much power. If it fits into the budget, go for it. Otherwise, consider an HD3850.

Hard Drive: Nothing wrong with the Seagate, but there's no reason to spend $150 on a 500GB drive.
Samsung Spinpoint 500GB

Price if you buy a Solo, E4500, and the Samsung HD: $1077
Price if you buy a Solo, E4500, Samsung HD and the HD3850: $1012
Price if you buy a Solo, E2180, Samsung HD and the HD3850: $982

What about speakers/headphones?

I wasn't totally sold on the 900, I had just heard so many good things, I haven't heard anything about the three you posted, -the newegg comments. As far as the processor is concerned, is the e4500 semi-future proof? I'm probably not going to have alot of cash to burn once I'm in college. That ram is only $20 cheaper, I should have put the X2 in bold. The same question on the GPU from the processor, is this gonna last me a couple of years, I know most software barely takes advantage of the new technology, but how long do you think I can last. Wow how did I miss that hard drive, thanks. I have a pair of Sennheisers that I'm quite happy with, speakers aren't that important right now, I can make a decision on that later. I also haven't decided on whether or not to go sound card or integrated.

You're building on a budget. Go integrated, and if you're not happy with the sound, then save up for a sound card later.

SPCR Review of the P182
SPCR Review of the Antec Solo

The E4500 is plenty for the games you play. If you overclock it, it will last about as long as an E8400 would've at stock speeds. No CPU or video card is going to last forever - that's the nature of the computer industry.

 

[ZiggyStardust]

Updated, I can handle that price, but I would like to go a bit lower. Any suggestions.

 

[DSF]

Originally posted by: ZiggyStardust
Updated, I can handle that price, but I would like to go a bit lower. Any suggestions.

I don't think we're able to see your wishlist unless you share it. Go to "My Wishlists", check the box, and click Share.

 

[ZiggyStardust]

It was shared, I mistakenly gave you the private link, I fixed it.

 

[imported_wired247]

I don't know what "fast approaching means" but if possible, check with your university's student store, often times they have really good deals or even free software, which would be a plus so you don't have to spend a huge chunk of change on an OS.

(FWIW, 3 years ago I got winXP 32 free from my university, now I'm in grad school at the same university, and I just got vista64 free as well, and yes, these are legit licenses for students, not "university p2pware")

Or if you want to save a few more bucks........ Ubuntu

 

[NamelessMC]

Why the hell are you spending so much on ram?

Why are you dead set on Antec cases?

Here's my recommendations-

Swap the Antec Solo out with this -
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811119047

Not only does it look better, it's a solid performing case, has room for large video-cards (I put a G80 GTS in one) and it's $40 cheaper.

Swap the ram out with either of these-
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820231098
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820211066
Or if you're not nervous about rebates-
http://www.tigerdirect.com/app...pNo=2227141&CatId=2261

Also, www.directron.com has a great deal on Mushkin DDR2-800 2gb kit for $49.99. I ordered it just Saturday and it'll be here Friday afternoon. They have great reseller ratings so don't hesitate to trust them or Tigerdirect or even Zipzoomfly over Newegg. Just pay close attention to model #'s as sometimes TD or ZZF have older models which is why they are more competitively priced than Newegg. For ram though, it's no problem.

Also, if you're going to use the 1680x1050 resolution, you don't necessarily need a 512mb card. I would say the 256mb version just because of the price. But I guess the rebate making it $174 versus $184 makes it attractive, but always consider variables like that. I mean just with my recommendations, you save $60 on ram, $40 on case and I can save you $20 on the PSU-

http://www.tigerdirect.com/app...pNo=2143208&CatId=1079

Ultra X-Connect V Series, not to be confused with the X2 which was a bad power supply. The X-Connect V series has good amperage, it's modular and in my opinion probably a safer bet than the Cooler Master PSU. You don't need 550+ to run a 3850 and a Core 2 Duo. Even over-clocked you'd be hard to find a day where you push more than 385 watts at full load.

 

[Roguestar]

Originally posted by: wired247
I don't know what "fast approaching means" but if possible, check with your university's student store, often times they have really good deals or even free software, which would be a plus so you don't have to spend a huge chunk of change on an OS.

(FWIW, 3 years ago I got winXP 32 free from my university, now I'm in grad school at the same university, and I just got vista64 free as well, and yes, these are legit licenses for students, not "university p2pware")

Or if you want to save a few more bucks........ Ubuntu

Indeed, check if your university is a member of the Microsoft Academic Alliance, you'll usually get stuff for free. I have a totally legit iso of and key for XP SP2 stored on my iPod, actually, incase I need it for whatever reason.

 

[MarcVenice]

He SHOULD go with 512mb of vram, the 320mb 8800gts I've got is allready starting to be a PITA at my 1680*1050 resolution. And sooner then later it will become even worse. If he can shave of 130$ on the OS, then he should get a HD3870 512mb, and I'd so much rather have the P182 for 90$ over a Antec Solo for 80$. And drop the Powersupply, this one is 10$ more expensive, but definately a lot better: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...E16817139003&Tpk=450vx that's because this one is rated at 50c continous, whilst the coolermaster isn't. So in the end they both end up being able to supply the same wattage, and 450w is plenty for your rig. Qaulity over qauntity

 

[DSF]

For what it's worth, when you consider the rebate on the Antec Solo and the shipping on the Centurion 5, the Solo is actually cheaper. Also, it will fit a G80 GTS. The only thing it won't fit is an 8800GTX.

 

[ZiggyStardust]

The p182 was well reviewed on many sites, its on sale for $120.00 cheaper, I think I will spend the extra 40 bucks. That newegg ram is only $20.00 cheaper, the tigerdirect is only $40.00 cheaper. I believe that with my first textbook payment I receive some software, but I doubt it includes xp as most digital design schools use macs, but I removed it from the build anyways as I can probably find a deal through my graphic arts teacher at my high school. If I was trying to up the cost of my rig then yes I would totally go for the 3870. It's really starting to come together, with $75 in mail-ins it comes to $1,027.13. That is feasible, any other suggestions? Should I be buying 4gb of ram? Should I be going with Intel? Can that build handle 1680*1050 resolution? What do you guys think about this GPU?

 

[ZiggyStardust]

Bump?

 

[chinaman1472]

P182 for $90 after mail-in rebate: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...2E16811129025&Tpk=P182
Cooler Master cases are a great alternative if you're trying to save cash, they tend to be at least $50 cheaper if there aren't rebates involved.

4GB is definitely worth it, $64 after mail-in rebate: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820211166
Even if you don't run 64bit Vista, the extra RAM will help out for multitasking and games.

That GPU is bad. Try also to get non-OC version since you can do that yourself, and definitely look into the warranties!

It's up to you to find the best deal. Don't expect people here to completely build the system from website(s) for you.

 

[ZiggyStardust]

Originally posted by: chinaman1472
P182 for $90 after mail-in rebate: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...2E16811129025&Tpk=P182
Cooler Master cases are a great alternative if you're trying to save cash, they tend to be at least $50 cheaper if there aren't rebates involved.

4GB is definitely worth it, $64 after mail-in rebate: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820211166
Even if you don't run 64bit Vista, the extra RAM will help out for multitasking and games.

That GPU is bad. Try also to get non-OC version since you can do that yourself, and definitely look into the warranties!

It's up to you to find the best deal. Don't expect people here to completely build the system from website(s) for you.

I am pretty dead-set on the p182. It will be able to fit all of these parts, correct?

Thank you for the ram suggestion, that shaves off about forty. About x64, I was under the impression that x86 Windows xp would only recognize 3gb of ram.

Which GPU are you referring to? I'm gonna take it as the one I posted, as this very site gives the 3850, which is what is in my list, a gleaming review.

Finally, is the E4500 really powerful enough for what I'm gonna be using this for? Or should I opt for the $40.00 more expensive E6550.

 

[MarcVenice]

Well, you can clock that e4500 at 3.0ghz in a matter of minutes, if you do so, or even clock it at 2.6-2.8ghz, you will be just fine for a pretty long time to come.

 

[ZiggyStardust]

Ok then, nothing is final but here is my setup so far.

Link

Case: Antec P182 Gun Metal Black 0.8mm cold rolled steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail $139.99/$89.99 MIR

Mobo: GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX All Solid Capacitor Intel Motherboard - Retail $89.99

GPU: DIAMOND Viper 3850PE3512O Radeon HD 3850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail $179.99/$169.99 MIR

PSU: CORSAIR CMPSU-450VX ATX12V V2.2 450W Power Supply 90 - 264 V UL, CUL, CE, CB, FCC Class B, TUV, CCC, C-tick - Retail $79.99/$69.99 MIR

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E4500 Allendale 2.2GHz 2M shared L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor - Retail $124.99

RAM: A-DATA 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail $83.99/$63.99 MIR

HDD: SAMSUNG SpinPoint T Series HD501LJ 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM $104.99

Display: Acer AL2016WBbd Black 20" 5ms DVI Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 800:1 - Retail $189.99

DVD: LITE-ON Black 20X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 20X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA DVD Burner with LightScribe - Retail $35.99

Input: LITE-ON SK-1688A/B Black 104 Normal Keys PS/2 Wired Standard Keyboard - Retail $6.99 and Microsoft N71-00007S Black 3 Buttons 1 x Wheel USB Wired Optical Wheel Mouse - OEM $9.99

Cooling: ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler - Retail $26.99

Total: $1,079.87 w/ MIR's: $989.87

 

[ZiggyStardust]

Interesting, they jacked the price of my GPU up ten bucks. Now its only ten bucks cheaper than the ASUS, w/ MIR. They also just recently upped the price of the e8400, what's next am I gonna wake up to a $200 hike in my price.

 

[imported_wired247]

Originally posted by: ZiggyStardust
Interesting, they jacked the price of my GPU up ten bucks. Now its only ten bucks cheaper than the ASUS, w/ MIR. They also just recently upped the price of the e8400, what's next am I gonna wake up to a $200 hike in my price.

stranger things have happened...

they reduced the price on my case about $30 for no good reason, and it's a relatively new item at newegg

shopping at newegg is like playing the stock market, except usually most things get cheaper, not always

 

[ZiggyStardust]

Yeah, its pretty funny to read through countless negative reviews of a product: "I bought this a week ago and it dropped forty bucks, sigh" Strange, I just started Econ.

My build is now up over 1100 dollars, once again, I can handle it, but I'm not the kind of person who wastes money, anything on there that seems frivolous? anything on there that will cause bottlenecks?

 

[kirilus]

In case you are a student and need some new or expensive software with huge discount - this is the place: www.journeyed.com (your university or whatever) has to be listed there though...