[Ken_45]

Hello all;

I am new to this forum and know very little about computers. Please forgive my ignorance in computer terminology and latest and greatest technology. The last time I purchase a computer was some ten years ago with upgrades in 2001.I need help in putting together a completely new kick [bleep] machine that is not going to burn out on me.

About the case. Would like to have a cool looking case, with a power source of 550 watts plus, several fans with front end combo multi media card hookup, USB, and PCI ports. I use small digital cards for my camera, not sure what they are called it, but would like to be able to insert card into the front of my computer for file transfer.. I think it is come sort of card reader?

I am looking to purchase a multi task computer and will also be using it for gaming (World of Warcraft), video editing, and to watch videos, so I guess I will need a good video card. I would like to have a decent sound card for music and I would like to able to watch digital videos with the option of running it through my TV set. I will also require a monitor. About the monitor. I have had others tell me flat screen monitors for gaming sucks because of graphics issues. Would like to hear opinions/recommendations for those with experience.

I have a budget of $1,200 to $1,500 to include the monitor and could go a little higher for a kick [bleep] machine. Optional equipment cordless mouse and keyboard. I already have a printer and scanner.

Thanks for the help

Ken

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For $1200-$1500 you should be able to build a decent Intel Core 2 duo system, which are currently the best processors on the market. I would suggest going to www.newegg.com and start putting a wish list together. The descriptions of the products will tell you what they are compatible with (ie. the mobo description will tell you what CPUs it supports). Here are the basic components that you will need with brand suggestions:

Case (Coolermaster, Thermaltake)
Power Supply (Antec, Enermax)
Motherboard (Gigabyte, MSI, ASUS)
CPU (Intel Core 2 Duo)
Videocard (Nvidia 7600GT or ATI 1800GT)
7200 RPM Harddrive (Western Digital, Seagate)
DVD R/RW (Sony, NEC)
Card Reader (any brand, just read the user reviews)
Keyboard/Mouse (logitech)
Operating System (whichever type of Windows you prefer)
Monitor (once again, just read the reviews)

I may have missed something, but I'll edit later or I'm sure someone will come along and correct me. This should be enough to get you started. Once you have your initial wishlist together, post it here and we will make further suggestions.

Edited by kidnova, 13 September 2006 - 12:54 PM.

[kidnova]

For $1200-$1500 you should be able to build a decent Intel Core 2 duo system, which are currently the best processors on the market. I would suggest going to www.newegg.com and start putting a wish list together. The descriptions of the products will tell you what they are compatible with (ie. the mobo description will tell you what CPUs it supports). Here are the basic components that you will need with brand suggestions:

Case (Coolermaster, Thermaltake)
Power Supply (Antec, Enermax)
Motherboard (Gigabyte, MSI, ASUS)
CPU (Intel Core 2 Duo)
Videocard (Nvidia 7600GT or ATI 1800GT)
7200 RPM Harddrive (Western Digital, Seagate)
DVD R/RW (Sony, NEC)
Card Reader (any brand, just read the user reviews)
Keyboard/Mouse (logitech)
Operating System (whichever type of Windows you prefer)
Monitor (once again, just read the reviews)

I may have missed something, but I'll edit later or I'm sure someone will come along and correct me. This should be enough to get you started. Once you have your initial wishlist together, post it here and we will make further suggestions.

Edited by kidnova, 13 September 2006 - 12:54 PM.

[Ken_45]

Kidnova,

Thanks for responding to my inquirer. I have done as suggested with lots of help by way of google search engine.

My Wish list is below. Notice I have two CPU's; one for $229.00 and the other for $339.99. Is there much difference? Which one would you suggest, if any?

Video CarD: In your response you you suggested I consider Nvidia 7600GT or ATI 1800GT. Per Google Internet search (http://tinyurl.com/3ye8d) I learned that the Nvidia Card you suggested in considered in this particular article as a top performer. When I click on the card link several different cards come up, so I am confused. Can you provide the specific link of the Nvidia card you are recommending? REF: http://tinyurl.com/zdljx What are your thoughts on the NVIDIA 7900 and if you were going to purchase, which one would you purchase and why?

About monitors: From what I understand CRT and very reasonably price, has great viewing for Internet, print and gaming From what I understand about flat screens; It is not as encouraging, in part because of the refresh rate. I have been told a decent flat screen for gaming is very expensive, $700.00 plus and perhaps I should stay with the $125.00 CRT. I would like to hear from others with more experience. Any recommendations for a good gaming CRT and/or flat screen gaming monitor?

Here is my first Wish list. Please let me know what you think. Thanks

Case http://www.newegg.co...N82E16811133154 $140.00

Power Supply http://www.newegg.co...N82E16817194003 $110.00

Motherboard http://www.newegg.co...N82E16813128012 $149.00

CPU http://www.newegg.co...N82E16819115004 $229.00

or http://www.newegg.co...N82E16819115003 $339.00

RAM http://www.newegg.co...N82E16820145098 $229.00 each

Hard drive http://www.newegg.co...N82E16822148140 $95.00

Floppy drive http://www.newegg.co...N82E16821103201 $7.00

DVD burner http://www.newegg.co...N82E16821103201 $29.25

Keyboard/Mouse (logitech) http://tinyurl.com/gqs5s $58.00

Card Reader http://www.newegg.co...N82E16820162408 $53.00

Monitor Need CRT and or Flat Screen multi-purpose/gaming monitor.

[b]Video Card http://tinyurl.com/zdljx

Edited by Ken_45, 14 September 2006 - 01:21 AM.

[kidnova]

Yes, there is a rather large performance gap between those two processors, mainly because of the increased cache size on the more e6600. Both are extrememly nice processors, so it depends on if you feel that the increased performance is worth the price.

Here is a review that covers all of the Core 2 processors:
http://www.anandtech...doc.aspx?i=2795

A couple of suggestions:

For RAM, I would go with this:
http://www.zipzoomfl...i...25-5&ps=ho1

I would look at this card reader, mainly because it has more reviews and they are overwhelmingly positive:
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16820176825

For the video card, it really depends on what type of games you play and what type of settings you require. For WoW, you will be fine with the 7600GT at pretty much maxed out settings. If you want to play Oblivion or some other graphic intesive games at high settings than you might want to look at the 7900GT. However if you're willing to turn down a couple of the settings you'll be fine with the 7600. Once again, it comes down to whether or not you feel the price is worth it to you.

I'm not an expert on monitors, but it is my understanding that LCDs have come a long way in the last few years and the performance gap between LCDs and CRTs has pretty much disappeared. Don't take my word for it though, hopefully someone else will come along and clarify for you.

Here is a good 19" widescreen with a 5ms response time:
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16824009091

Edited by kidnova, 14 September 2006 - 07:34 AM.

[SRX660]

One thing that has always bothered me was the multi card readers always put a bunch of drive letters on the computer for each type of reader. It just looks so untidy to me. Now i use a USB adapter that takes MMC or SD cards. I get double use out of the cards because i can use them in my cameras or in the adapter making the adapter like a flash drive.I also transfer pictures out of the camera this way.

Heres the adapter.

http://cgi.ebay.com/...1QQcmdZViewItem

SRX660

[Ken_45]

Here is my revised computer Wish List

Case http://www.newegg.co...N82E16811133154 $140.00

Power Supply http://www.newegg.co...N82E16817194003 $110.00

Motherboard http://www.newegg.co...N82E16813128012 $149.00

CPU http://www.newegg.co...N82E16819115003 $339.00

RAM http://www.zipzoomfl...i...25-5&ps=ho1 $233.00

Hard drive http://www.newegg.co...N82E16822148140 $95.00

Floppy drive http://www.newegg.co...N82E16821103201 $7.00

DVD burner http://www.newegg.co...N82E16821103201 $29.25

Keyboard/Mouse (logitech) http://tinyurl.com/gqs5s $58.00

Card Reader http://www.newegg.co...N82E16820176825 $25.00

Monitor http://www.newegg.co...N82E16824009091 $190.00

Total with Video Card $1,375.00

Now for the Video Card. I trying to understand which is the best 7900 GT card for the money. At this link: http://tinyurl.com/zdljx there are about fifteen different cards, all very similar. I am lost here. Not sure which card to get. I would like the option of hooking my flat screen TV set up to my computer to watch or edited digital movies. Any ideas in a good card? Specific links plz.

I do appreciate the advice.

Ken

[kidnova]

Personally, I would go with the Gigabyte because it is factory overclocked to 1440/525 and it comes with a Zalman heatsink/fan so you won't have to worry about overheating. All of these card have S-video out so you can hook it up to your flatscreen. The fan is a little bit bigger, but since you're buying a full tower, space won't be a problem.

Edited by kidnova, 14 September 2006 - 01:24 PM.