Trying to build a new computer

[Valo]

Hello, my boyfriend recommended this site to me. I tried to register but it wouldn't let me, so he let me use his account. I am looking to buy a computer this month, as mine is really outdated. I don't know a whole lot about computers, but I do know some of the basics. I want to build a computer that I will use for games and movies. I already have a monitor, keyboard, mouse, dvd player and speakers. I also just want integrated sound, so I do not need a soundcard.

I have about $800, less would be better though. I'll be playing Sims 2 and 3, World of Warcraft, Spore, Crysis etc on it. I am totally lost on how to choose parts.

Any help would be very appreciated! Thankies :buddies:

[xytrius]

I think (given what you have said) it would perhaps be a good idea for you to buy a computer rather than build it. I think that you could look into deal sites that list boxes (HP/Dell etc.) and find the best bet for your budget. You can try sites like slickdeals, resellerratings, fatwallet etc.

From what you have said, I think you should just search for the best pre-built computer deal for your money.

[Asgard_thor]

can your boyfriend help you make it?

or we going to have to look for a complete system?

let us know
Its easy to learn, many guides online

[stocius]

If you aren't looking for something extreme it is a good idea to do as xytrius said. I'm glad to help all the same.

[Valo]

I know how to build it, I built my last one with help. He knows how to build them, but he isn't up to date with whats good anymore. So the putting together isn't a problem, it's the finding the right stuff.

If I get a premade one, i'll get less for more money. If I build it, then I can get more for the same money or less. I spent a few weeks looking online for stuff, but I'm totally lost on if this card would be better then this one etc. Like i'm not sure if I should get a 8800 or a 9600, or something else.

Oh one more thing, I have alot of files I store, so few hundred gig harddrive I'll need :)

[stocius]

Well, the general consensus is Intel is on top in the CPU dept though some will say AMD is (I use both). A Core 2 Duo (dual core) e8400 is best for gaming but a Core 2 Quad Q6600 is just as good for gaming and better at multitasking. The Samsung Spinspoint F1 SATA drive is the fastest (itcomes in 320GB 500GB 750Gb) sata drives except for the WD Raptors. Your graphics card will depend on whether you want crossfire or SLI or single card and the performance you demand. If you give more detail as to your preferences and budget I and others will be of more help.

[hillywav]

i just recommend this setup to my friends :)

hope u like it

this setup will do crysis pretty well IMO:

COOLER MASTER Centurion 534 RC-534-KKN2-GP Black Aluminum & Mesh bezel / SECC Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
$52.99

ABIT IP35P LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard
$97.99

EVGA 512-P3-N801-AR GeForce 8800 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express $189.9

CORSAIR CMPSU-550VX 550W ATX12V V2.2 Power Supply
$104.99

Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-$194.99

A-DATA 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual $43.99

Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD3200AAKS 320GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
$69.99

LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model LH
$37.99

ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler
$36

sub total: US$819/€530.948

[MomijiTMO]

Looks good. You could step down to a E7200 if you want to save some more money.

[Valo]

I prefer intel, as bf using E6600 core 2 duo and I like it. I just need a single graphics card, not high end but med-high. I've had bad experiences with radeon, so I prefer nvidia. I copy, download and move tons of files all the time so a fast big harddrive that isn't high end is good. Speed dosn't really matter much, as i'm use to really slow copying, so something coping a tiny bit faster for alot more money isn't' a big deal to me, I rather go cheaper. Budget is about $800.

Oh, not sure if this makes a difference or not. But it will have windows xp home on it. So 2 gigs of ram is good :)

[MomijiTMO]

* Intel E7200 C2D cpu :)

[stocius]

i just recommend this setup to my friends :)

hope u like it

this setup will do crysis pretty well IMO:

COOLER MASTER Centurion 534 RC-534-KKN2-GP Black Aluminum & Mesh bezel / SECC Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
$52.99

ABIT IP35P LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard
$97.99

EVGA 512-P3-N801-AR GeForce 8800 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express $189.9

CORSAIR CMPSU-550VX 550W ATX12V V2.2 Power Supply
$104.99

Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-$194.99

A-DATA 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual $43.99

Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD3200AAKS 320GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
$69.99

LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model LH
$37.99

ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler
$36

sub total: US$819/€530.948

This does look pretty good. I don't think you need the e8400 so you could save a few dollars. I've seen cheaper ram from Mushkin I think it was $25 on newegg at the same specs. Hillywav does the price include shipping?

[Serpentarius]

this is xtremesystems ... not commonsystems ...

it would be best if your boyfriend continue to provide pc recommendations ... asking these guys will only prompt watercooling, tec and even vapor phase ... and these wont benefit an average computer user
get a pre-setup ones .. if you havent disasemble the computer before ... well hell, i wont be expecting an average user to assemble a computer from scratch (this is not a tease)

come to think of it .. what made you come to this forum?

[MomijiTMO]

Oh but we are being nice ;). The E7200 has a kick butt multiplier for its price. I want to see some numbers. [evil thoughts]

[hillywav]

This does look pretty good. I don't think you need the e8400 so you could save a few dollars. I've seen cheaper ram from Mushkin I think it was $25 on newegg at the same specs. Hillywav does the price include shipping?

nope..

that setup was for my m8 @ france :)
well, cos i dunt know any good site in france so i just give her some some setup for price guidence

note :i made the setup in newegg wishlist :p

Oh but we are being nice ;). The E7200 has a kick butt multiplier for its price. I want to see some numbers. [evil thoughts]
numbers?

phone numbers or address numbers :rolleyes:

[Valo]

this is xtremesystems ... not commonsystems ...

it would be best if your boyfriend continue to provide pc recommendations ... asking these guys will only prompt watercooling, tec and even vapor phase ... and these wont benefit an average computer user
get a pre-setup ones .. if you havent disasemble the computer before ... well hell, i wont be expecting an average user to assemble a computer from scratch (this is not a tease)

come to think of it .. what made you come to this forum?

so far, everybody has been very helpful. And not recommended stuff like that. I have built a computer, and taken one apart before. I've even overclocked, I'm pretty knowledgeable about building and taking apart computers. But trying to figure out what difference between some stuff is what I'm not that good at. Speaking of that, what is difference between lets say a intel core 2 duo conroe e6600 and a wolfdale?

I came here on a recommendation, as this website helped my bf years ago with some stuff. And I don't believe in pre-setup ones, they are the devil.


That setup looks nice, I took off the burner, and cpu cooler and went with E7200 and I got it under $800. Thank you guys so far for the great input.

[WrigleyVillain]

Your first smart move was identifying yourself as a woman. Even a non-single one. ;)

Good luck. You came to the right place as you've already seen.

I'd offer some advice on your build but I don't have to. :)

[MomijiTMO]

Hey might not be a woman, you just don't know ;)

[hillywav]

so far, everybody has been very helpful. And not recommended stuff like that. I have built a computer, and taken one apart before. I've even overclocked, I'm pretty knowledgeable about building and taking apart computers. But trying to figure out what difference between some stuff is what I'm not that good at. Speaking of that, what is difference between lets say a intel core 2 duo conroe e6600 and a wolfdale?

I came here on a recommendation, as this website helped my bf years ago with some stuff. And I don't believe in pre-setup ones, they are the devil.


That setup looks nice, I took off the burner, and cpu cooler and went with E7200 and I got it under $800. Thank you guys so far for the great input.

cheers

no problem sis :up:

[Serpentarius]

so far, everybody has been very helpful. And not recommended stuff like that. I have built a computer, and taken one apart before. I've even overclocked, I'm pretty knowledgeable about building and taking apart computers. But trying to figure out what difference between some stuff is what I'm not that good at. Speaking of that, what is difference between lets say a intel core 2 duo conroe e6600 and a wolfdale?

I came here on a recommendation, as this website helped my bf years ago with some stuff. And I don't believe in pre-setup ones, they are the devil.


That setup looks nice, I took off the burner, and cpu cooler and went with E7200 and I got it under $800. Thank you guys so far for the great input.


alright .. then i retract my words.

checkout the air cooling section .. read their sig and trace their worklogs for specs

[Asgard_thor]

* Intel E7200 C2D cpu :)

build looks good