Djriacen Posted January 3, 2011 Report Share Posted January 3, 2011 Alright, so the thing is.. I'm -tired- of laptops. Have it for two to three years (good condition throughout) and suddenly end up having to take it in four times this year. Each time something new happened after I got it back. I quit. I want a desktop, it's about damn time. That being said. I've heard from many sources that building your own CPU is both affordable (sometimes more so) and more personable than purchasing one that has already been assembled. I am, however, a complete /V00b (thanks MF) when it comes to this. Naturally, I went online and looked at various guides on the subject. Taking what I can from each. I've realized that I want a CPU that I can help me become more familiar with the Windows OS and well.. Computers in general! I've changed a few things around from the guide I read, and I believe the items I've chosen are all compatible. PLEASE TELL ME IF THEY AREN'T. SILVERSTONE TJ04B-W Black Aluminum / Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case HP 24X Multiformat DVD Writer Black SATA Model 1260i HITACHI Deskstar 7K1000.C HDS721010CLA332 (0F10383) 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive ASUS M4A87TD/USB3 AM3 AMD 870 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 AMD Motherboard SAPPHIRE 100287VGAL Radeon HD 5670 (Redwood) 512MB 128-bit DDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card Antec EarthWatts EA-500D Green 500W ATX12V v2.3 / EPS12V 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply GeIL Black Dragon 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10660) Desktop Memory Model GB34GB1333C6DC AMD Athlon II X4 645 Propus 3.1GHz Socket AM3 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor ADX645WFGMBOX I don't necessarily want a super high quality machine, but I do want to be able to play games, efficiently, should I ever get the desire. I, also, am completely aware that I may have just put together a flop, but hey! That's why I'm asking -you-. EDIT - Also, saving more money would be nice. The current total is: $688.91 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The-Nameless Posted January 3, 2011 Report Share Posted January 3, 2011 are you trying to control a space shuttle? Thats a pretty mean looking gamer. 4gb of ddr3 prolly aint cheap at all either. You also don't ever really need it, you may wanna go to a diff MB, and get some good ol ddr2, that will let you get a beefier graphics card. Also, if your springing on a radeon anyway, why not get two and run an SLI? Most up to date gamers are running SLI. Hell I saw a 19" Alienware SLX(could be wrong, been awhile) who had dual 1gig radeons in an SLI on a laptop. 500watt supply should cause no troubles (GET A SURGE PROTECTOR) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Djriacen Posted January 3, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 3, 2011 Indeed, that GeIL is $94 alone, but I was looking to spend near 800, really. G.SKILL Extreme Series 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 533 (PC2 4200) Desktop Memory Model F2-4200PHU1-1GBLA found that guy for $20, that is something like you meant, yes? I really wasn't sure about the GPU system. Explain a bit on how it works? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raargant Posted January 3, 2011 Report Share Posted January 3, 2011 What resolution do you game on? What type of games? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Djriacen Posted January 3, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 3, 2011 I could see myself playing RTS games mostly, Starcraft 2 for example. WoW, if I finally gave in, and MW2 probably. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
L-A Posted January 3, 2011 Report Share Posted January 3, 2011 Hey, Just my 2c: As someone said - you don't need DDR3 RAM. DDR2 will be fine - Kingston 1066Mhz 2 x 2G (4GB total) probably save you money and will be more than enough. Don't forget that you can't use all 4GB in a 32bit system - which is definately what you'll be running if you're gaming. Some of the other has been covered ie power supply needed if you are going dual video cards. Do you research here as this is important if you are gamin Here is a chart of CPU benchmark - you might want to consider where you processor sits in that: http://www.cpubenchmark.net/high_end_cpus.html Also, if you really want to pick up speed get a SSD to run the OS off and put all you apps and data on a the SATA drive. It might be a good time to think about putting at least 2 x 1TB in as you can backup to one in case of failure... One last thing - are you going to build it yourself?? Coming from personal experience have someone build it for you after you give them your spec. This way you should get 12 months (at least) warranty in case anything 'dies.' Even if its just the vendor having to chase the manufacturer it saves you the hasstle. Last time I had my PC build it cose me $120ish to get it done and it was the best money I ever spent. Unless you are dead set on getting to know more about PCs - and its a painful process the first time you build your own PC.... - it will be well worth the price IMHO. Good luck and let us know how the Beast turns out L-A Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
f0xx Posted January 3, 2011 Report Share Posted January 3, 2011 L-A covered nice points. You WANT a hybrid HDD, SSD for the OS (20 GB at most!) and the rest goes on your conventional HDD. I don't agree with something he said though - 32 bit OS. Why buy a quad core if you are going to run a 32 bit OS? RAM - that is something I would invest in. I don't see how one can say 4 GB is enough. DDR2 is soooooooooooo cheap, I would buy at least 8 GB. [edit] One last thing, something I would personally skip is the DVD RW. 5 years ago when I was building my current PC I told the guy who was assembling it I didn't want a floppy. He laughed. DVDs are carriers of the past. I don't know how much it costs, but if you want to save some bucks ask yourself whether you really need it. If you insist on having it you can also put a normal DVD reader (without the RW). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kyzarius Posted January 3, 2011 Report Share Posted January 3, 2011 are you trying to control a space shuttle? Thats a pretty mean looking gamer. heh, funny you would say that..did you know that the hardware on the space shuttles is over 15 years old. Thats right, 15 years old. One of the recently retired shuttles still utilized several 486 processors. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The-Nameless Posted January 3, 2011 Report Share Posted January 3, 2011 My old palm treo had double the memory, and computing power of the original lunar lander. Can you imagine? Those guys flew to the moon on the equivilant of a calculator hooked to a panel of lights?!?!?! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Croyvern Posted January 3, 2011 Report Share Posted January 3, 2011 Its funny you all mention this, we were discussing the overall weight of the shuttle recently. The computers they use, are less powerful than what I would call a disposable notebook today. Trade in several hundred pounds for less than three. Not to mention, the boulder of a communications computer on board that we could replace with a smart phone today. Likely a few upgrades would save NASA millions in fuel costs. But then didn't our fearless leader halt the space program in favor of promoting useless ethenol, and a healthcare system that screams epic fail? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kyzarius Posted January 3, 2011 Report Share Posted January 3, 2011 Its funny you all mention this' date=' we were discussing the overall weight of the shuttle recently. The computers they use, are less powerful than what I would call a disposable notebook today. Trade in several hundred pounds for less than three. Not to mention, the boulder of a communications computer on board that we could replace with a smart phone today. Likely a few upgrades would save NASA millions in fuel costs. But then didn't our fearless leader halt the space program in favor of promoting useless ethenol, and a healthcare system that screams epic fail?[/quote'] actually there are several indepth articles (ather old) on this subject if you google the issue. The challenge was reliability vs efficency. When the shuttles were built, even the newest, and upgraded, NASA scientists felt that older more reliable equipment was a much better choice than upgrading the components to newer more possibly volitile processors. The joke is "what happens when they get a halt screen on reentry" (though, any techy knows it wouldnt be some windows OS but the concept is similar) They also are under budget constraints that keep them from being able to stress test new computer tech. The new "shuttle" is supposed to fix all of these issues, but we will see. NASA is, after all, enslaved by beauracracy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Demiterracotta Posted January 3, 2011 Report Share Posted January 3, 2011 actually there are several indepth articles (ather old) on this subject if you google the issue. The challenge was reliability vs efficency. When the shuttles were built, even the newest, and upgraded, NASA scientists felt that older more reliable equipment was a much better choice than upgrading the components to newer more possibly volitile processors. The joke is "what happens when they get a halt screen on reentry" (though, any techy knows it wouldnt be some windows OS but the concept is similar) They also are under budget constraints that keep them from being able to stress test new computer tech. The new "shuttle" is supposed to fix all of these issues, but we will see. NASA is, after all, enslaved by beauracracy. Which is why I am accepting donations to build my own space shuttle, It will be dubbed the POS (Personnel Operated Spaceship) Rhino. It shall replace the USS Enterprise as the flagship for Starfleet, after I locate the vulcans and loot them for their rare equipment. After that perhaps a nice description change so I can get a decent RP reward, and then some messing around with a sun to see if I can cause a supernova. Tickets are only ONE MILLLION DOLLARS! Sign up now. Disclaimer: Project does not actually exist in this space/time continuum. However any and all monetary contributions must exist in this space/time. And absolutely no refunds shall ever be distributed if the project ends up not existing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Magick Posted January 3, 2011 Report Share Posted January 3, 2011 My old palm treo had double the memory' date=' and computing power of the original lunar lander. Can you imagine? Those guys flew to the moon on the equivilant of a calculator hooked to a panel of lights?!?!?![/quote'] And double checked by people sitting in chairs with this funny little gadget called the slide rule. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
L-A Posted January 4, 2011 Report Share Posted January 4, 2011 I don't agree with something he said though - 32 bit OS. Why buy a quad core if you are going to run a 32 bit OS? RAM - that is something I would invest in. I don't see how one can say 4 GB is enough. DDR2 is soooooooooooo cheap, I would buy at least 8 GB. I was under the impression there are still issues with drivers and games under 64-bit OS's? It used to be really bad (especially for gamers) but has gotten gradually better. I didn't think it had reached the point where gamers had made the jump but I could be wrong..... L-A Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The-Nameless Posted January 4, 2011 Report Share Posted January 4, 2011 f0xx. Most 32 bit systems dont recognize NEARLY that much RAM. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mudder Posted January 4, 2011 Report Share Posted January 4, 2011 Why run a 32 bit system? Go x64. If you're REALLY worried you can run a 32 bit operating system until you feel comfortable checking out 64. 32 bit is a dying breed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The-Nameless Posted January 4, 2011 Report Share Posted January 4, 2011 its compatability for gaming. Most 64 bit OS have a **** nasty time properly running all the bells and whistles. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kyzarius Posted January 4, 2011 Report Share Posted January 4, 2011 its compatability for gaming. Most 64 bit OS have a **** nasty time properly running all the bells and whistles. windows 7 pro x64 works fine for every app I throw at it. This would not just be limited to gaming apps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The-Nameless Posted January 4, 2011 Report Share Posted January 4, 2011 I just avoid the "cutting edge" of microsoft OS until the hardcore flaws have been figured out. Been through too many .net framework errors, andcompatability issues with drivers to bother going ot 64bit. Espescially when nothing I do requires large processing power. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mudder Posted January 4, 2011 Report Share Posted January 4, 2011 I have x64 bit OS, windows 7 Ultimate and not once have I had any issues. My computer has played every game I've tried without problem. *shrug* To those who say x64 have compatibility problems, do you have a 64 bit OS? Was it Vista? EDIT: Either way, I still say go x64 bit and run the x32 bit OS. That way you have all your bases covered and your computer won't be so easily outdated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raargant Posted January 5, 2011 Report Share Posted January 5, 2011 Still waiting on response re monitor size and/or resolution; this has the biggest impact on the power of the gaming rig you need to run. Also, how much do you care about/are willing to pay for future longevity/upgradeability? How long do you expect this machine to last? Running games at 1280x1024, 1680x1050, and 1920x1080 require drastically different levels of power from your video card, so I really need to know more before I can give you better advice. Also, video card determines performance of your gaming rig more than anything else, and unless you have a $400+ video card (or SLI/CrossFire), the cpu is not going to be a significant bottleneck. RAM (as long as you have enough) plays a relatively minimal role in gaming; the actual FPS difference between a DDR2 and DDR3 has been tested to usually be around 10% at most. HOWEVER, the price of DDR3 has cratered recently, to being about the same as DDR2 (and for some brands, actually cheaper); check NewEgg and you'll see. At this point in time, since you are upgrading anyhow, I'd go with a DDR3 capable motherboard, as they tend to have newer features. A small SSD, however, will make your machine feel much snappier, even if it's just for the OS. In the interests of full disclosure, I have a Q6600 overclocked to 2.7 ghz, an Nvidia GTX 460, and 6 GB of DDR2-800 RAM in an old nForce 680i SLI LT motherboard. To date, aside from a very few 'super high requirements' games or badly coded games (Fallout: New Vegas pre-patch), it's run everything at or above 60 frames per second, which is the 'gold standard' for playability, although anything above a steady 30 FPS is also fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Djriacen Posted January 5, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 5, 2011 SAMSUNG E1920X Glossy Black 18.5" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor 250 cd/m2 DC 50000:1(1000:1) that's the monitor I'm currently looking at. It's cheaper than the one that the, "budget box," guide was suggesting. I want this thing to last awhile, I'm willing to put whatever I need into it for that to happen. My birthday + christmas left me with the ability to do so. keep spouting information, I'll keep looking it up and trying to figure out what it means. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kyzarius Posted January 5, 2011 Report Share Posted January 5, 2011 SAMSUNG E1920X Glossy Black 18.5" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor 250 cd/m2 DC 50000:1(1000:1) that's the monitor I'm currently looking at. It's cheaper than the one that the, "budget box," guide was suggesting. I want this thing to last awhile, I'm willing to put whatever I need into it for that to happen. My birthday + christmas left me with the ability to do so. keep spouting information, I'll keep looking it up and trying to figure out what it means. 26" 1080p LED TV. serious gamers only need apply hehe, hung on the wall two foot behind my desk, with two 19" samsung lcd monitors flanking it on the desk. definatly not for the tight of budget though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The-Nameless Posted January 6, 2011 Report Share Posted January 6, 2011 See, considering you play muds, that seems like overkill. I see the real reason for 3rd attack. One per moniter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raargant Posted January 6, 2011 Report Share Posted January 6, 2011 Okay, so that has a resolution of 1360 x 768. Gaming at that resolution does not require a lot of horsepower at all. Might want to consider upgrading to a 5770 though; it's just 40 bucks more for a nice performance kick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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