[Shuh]

Hello, I am a new member to your boards. Reason I joined is that it seems to be a VERY good place to ask for help. =)

Alright,

So basically I am starting university at the end of summer and got a 2000$ loan from the governement to buy a computer (+ some of my money hehe).
I will also buy a graphic tablet but I already made my choice on that. =)
I am an art student that uses his computer to Photoshop and play games (atm WoW and soon SC2, etc)
I am not a HC gamer as i dont play many games but I am pretty HC at the 1 game i play. My last comp kinda holded me back for S3 pvp in WoW. got full s3 but im pissed still cuz Id get loew fps and delays/etc on abilities, stuff that made my expireince..kinda..suck..real..bad. Plus lag on low resolution photoshop file is FTL!!!

Basically I would need a good sized LCD screen that gives good coloc quality (for photoshop) and doesnt hurt the eyes 2 much(that has never been an issue before but heh).

I will need a very good graphic card for high rez/no lag photoshoping/gaming ^^
A good processor for also no lag and multi tasking.
Motherboard that will not hold me back if I want to upgrade later on and also delivers the goods/ports/possibilies.
A medium to large harddrive so i can stack music/movies/photoshop_files/etc.
Medium to good speakers since I normally use headohones anyways.
GOOD MOUSE (i bought a crap mouse last time and havnt gotten a new one but it still was a 10$ mouse with very bad control)
Good keyboard for gaming.
2gig + ram
Good dvd/powersuply/case/etc...


I am not thinking anyone will pop with a HUGE answer with super precise/good deals/etc etc BUT I know I might get a few answers. Few but very appreciated answers to help me. =)


Wish you all a great day/night and hope you will... help.. me. hehe =P

Edited by Shuh, 07 June 2008 - 02:23 PM.

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You should get almost everything from directron.com, it's a great site. They have some of the best prices I've seen.

And my favorite mouse to use is the Razer Diamondback. My favorite cheap mouse is the Microsoft IntelliEye optical mouse which is 12 dollars. Find other mice that are a great value at http://www.monoprice...p;keyword=mouse

The keyboard I've been using 2 years is by keytronic and it was 10 dollars. It works great with my Playstation 3, Xbox 360, and the computer I built from scratch from directron.com
here is a list of keytronic keyboards http://search.store......irectron.com/

I would recommend a 1 terabyte harddrive because now they are around 200 dollars. Get the Seagate ST31000340AS from http://www.directron...31000340as.html or http://www.newegg.co...N82E16822148274

For my screen I use a Sony Bravia 42 inch tv that has a resolution of 1280 by 720 pixels which I bought on ebay a year ago. If you buy a high definition tv, make sure it has more than 10-bit color processing and the contrast ratio is at least 15,000:1. And my advice on screen reolution is 1080P, not 1080i.

The coolest PC case I've seen is a http://directron.com/sblexa500.html
It is symmetrical and it has a high-air-flow design. Don't buy an Etched Applique cause I got one and it doesn't make much of a difference to my PC case. Definetely don't buy a case badge, because they are just crappy little 1 inch stickers that have rather low-resolution pictures on them.
The computer case I have is http://directron.com/921wbp.html and it has a screwless design. It looks kind of cool, and the PCI slots are really easy fasten. You do need to screw the motherboard to keep it in and the little buckles for securing the disk drives don't really work well.

For your processor fan, get the Zalman Fatal1ty CPU Cooler. http://www.directron...al1tyfsc77.html I've been using it and haven't had any problems with it. It cools down my processor really well and gets the ram chips at the same time. For the thermal grease you should use Arctic Silver http://www.directron.com/35grams.html

Get some good DDR3 memory from the company Patriot. Directron has them http://www.directron.com/patriot.html
If the motherboard can't take DDR3 ram, the best choice would be http://www.newegg.co...N82E16820146673

Here is an awesome graphics card http://www.directron...70x2900228.html
and similar cards http://computers.pri.../rd=1/st=query/

Edited by system shocker, 07 June 2008 - 03:37 PM.

[system shocker]

You should get almost everything from directron.com, it's a great site. They have some of the best prices I've seen.

And my favorite mouse to use is the Razer Diamondback. My favorite cheap mouse is the Microsoft IntelliEye optical mouse which is 12 dollars. Find other mice that are a great value at http://www.monoprice...p;keyword=mouse

The keyboard I've been using 2 years is by keytronic and it was 10 dollars. It works great with my Playstation 3, Xbox 360, and the computer I built from scratch from directron.com
here is a list of keytronic keyboards http://search.store......irectron.com/

I would recommend a 1 terabyte harddrive because now they are around 200 dollars. Get the Seagate ST31000340AS from http://www.directron...31000340as.html or http://www.newegg.co...N82E16822148274

For my screen I use a Sony Bravia 42 inch tv that has a resolution of 1280 by 720 pixels which I bought on ebay a year ago. If you buy a high definition tv, make sure it has more than 10-bit color processing and the contrast ratio is at least 15,000:1. And my advice on screen reolution is 1080P, not 1080i.

The coolest PC case I've seen is a http://directron.com/sblexa500.html
It is symmetrical and it has a high-air-flow design. Don't buy an Etched Applique cause I got one and it doesn't make much of a difference to my PC case. Definetely don't buy a case badge, because they are just crappy little 1 inch stickers that have rather low-resolution pictures on them.
The computer case I have is http://directron.com/921wbp.html and it has a screwless design. It looks kind of cool, and the PCI slots are really easy fasten. You do need to screw the motherboard to keep it in and the little buckles for securing the disk drives don't really work well.

For your processor fan, get the Zalman Fatal1ty CPU Cooler. http://www.directron...al1tyfsc77.html I've been using it and haven't had any problems with it. It cools down my processor really well and gets the ram chips at the same time. For the thermal grease you should use Arctic Silver http://www.directron.com/35grams.html

Get some good DDR3 memory from the company Patriot. Directron has them http://www.directron.com/patriot.html
If the motherboard can't take DDR3 ram, the best choice would be http://www.newegg.co...N82E16820146673

Here is an awesome graphics card http://www.directron...70x2900228.html
and similar cards http://computers.pri.../rd=1/st=query/

Edited by system shocker, 07 June 2008 - 03:37 PM.

[Shuh]

Hello. Hum... Im not the best so far at making computers hahaha. actually i never made one. however my brother did (he also studied in comp science).

Some precisions:

I dont care about cool looking cases but the 1 u use seems(stats wise) GOOD and looks cool. so id prolly grab it.

For the screen.. im guessing "tv" means "widescreen" screen since 1280x720 looks like it. You totaly lost me with 1080i and 1080P.. i have no clue what that means haha

wich would be a very good graphic card that dpesnt cost 500$? xD You linked a bunch, would be nice if youd tell me what ones you prefer

any ideas for burner(im guessing it means cd/dvd lector/burner?)
and any ideas of a motherboard/processor?
and sound system?

-Shuh


Edit: also an important note: im not gonna buy/make the comp yet since i havnt received the loan yet. will probabaly receive it in 2 months also =/

Edited by Shuh, 07 June 2008 - 04:05 PM.

[system shocker]

I remember hearing about this dvd burner that could backup Xbox 360 games on to Dual-Layer dvds really well and was cheap. It might have been the Pioneer 111d. The stuff I told you to buy so far costs about $1000 dollars total. Since you are getting 2,000 dollars, I thought you could splurge on several things. I made my PC run for only 300 dollars half a year ago. For an audio reciever, I would go for the Yamaha RX-V663 http://www.avsforum....ad.php?t=995796

And high definition tv resolutions come in 720p (1280 by 720 pixels), 1080i (1920 by 1080) and 1080p (1920 by 1080). TVs that support 720p and 1080i are often called "HD ready" and tvs that support 1080p are called "Full HD" tvs. The 'HD ready' tvs convert the 1080i signal down to 1280 by 720 resolution (720p). Full HD televisions convert 1080i signals to 1920 by 1080 pixels (1080p).

Edited by system shocker, 07 June 2008 - 05:09 PM.

[Troy]

Hi there,

Welcome to Geeks to Go! That's both of you!

Edit: also an important note: im not gonna buy/make the comp yet since i havnt received the loan yet. will probabaly receive it in 2 months also =/

This is a very important note. Give this thread a bump close to when you have the money ready to spend. There's no point helping you build a nice rig now, when in two months time, there may be a much better system to be built for the same money. Technology really does move that fast!

I remember hearing about this dvd burner that could backup Xbox 360 games on to Dual-Layer dvds really well and was cheap. It might have been the Pioneer 111d.

I have the Pioneer 111D, it's a great burner. The only problem now is, it's an older one. I purchased it new in the beginning of 2007 - and it's still going strong! Although, I don't do a lot of burning on it...

A Pioneer would be the way to go, in my opinion. They're high-quality, but also cheap. Here's a link to a newer model one. It's very similar to mine, but has the SATA interface.

Cheers

Troy

Edited by troy, 07 June 2008 - 06:43 PM.

[Shuh]

I remember hearing about this dvd burner that could backup Xbox 360 games on to Dual-Layer dvds really well and was cheap. It might have been the Pioneer 111d. The stuff I told you to buy so far costs about $1000 dollars total. Since you are getting 2,000 dollars, I thought you could splurge on several things. I made my PC run for only 300 dollars half a year ago. For an audio reciever, I would go for the Yamaha RX-V663 http://www.avsforum....ad.php?t=995796

And high definition tv resolutions come in 720p (1280 by 720 pixels), 1080i (1920 by 1080) and 1080p (1920 by 1080). TVs that support 720p and 1080i are often called "HD ready" and tvs that support 1080p are called "Full HD" tvs. The 'HD ready' tvs convert the 1080i signal down to 1280 by 720 resolution (720p). Full HD televisions convert 1080i signals to 1920 by 1080 pixels (1080p).

I never understood why you would talk about Tvs. I dont wan a Tv lol i want a SCREEN lolol
and that audio sound isssssss way more than i need hehe. like i said, i dont plan on using it that much, i use headphones and a cheap/good stereo system is fine in my book. i also dont play console games sooo really dont see the point.. ty thought for all infos and yeh, like the op said, ill bump when i get the money =)


-Shuh

Edited by Shuh, 07 June 2008 - 07:41 PM.

[system shocker]

I use a tv as the screen for my computer. It's really awesome with Counter-Strike source and editing high resolution photos and videos.

[Shuh]

I use a tv as the screen for my computer. It's really awesome with Counter-Strike source and editing high resolution photos and videos.

isnt it bad for your eyes though? since its sending light/contrast/etc for a 5 feet distance?

note: this statement isnt probabaly true for HD LCD Tvs hehe

-Shuh

[system shocker]

Yeah, it's a LCD bravia tv.

[Shuh]

alright. so as said at the start of summer. ima wait to get my loan soon and ya.
so now. ima get my loan in like 2 weeks and ive talked to someone i know and he built his tower for around 800$ (he already had the case and p-supply)
i know ppl who will be glad to build the system for me. they have experience


wide screen: http://www.officedep...r-Glossy-Black/
keyboard: http://www.newegg.co...x...&Tpk=Lycosa
mouse: http://www.newegg.co...N82E16826104076

good headphones with a mic?

-cpu fan: ASUS Triton78 or... 79
-MSI K9A2 Platinum
-AMD 9850 Quad Core Black Editition
-2x 4850 GPU ATI
-2gig chip XMS2 RAM x2 ;;total of 4gigs
-COOLER MASTER MYSTIQUE CM 690 RC-690-KKN1-GP BLACK ATX TOWER CASE
-2x( Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST3500320AS 500GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM) http://www.newegg.co...N82E16822148288
-dvd burner: http://www.newegg.co...N82E16827151155
-etc etc etc.. the stuff that misses

also. should i got with XP or Vista?

so basically. could u guys hook me up with the sick prices and what you think would be best.

as a rememinder. its a high performance computer for gaming/photoshop, movie wathing, etc at the same time on dual screen (already have a VA703b ViewSonic ;;2 year old)
i also have a wacom tablet and i want it to work on both screens also.

i have a 2000$CANADIAN budget wich is plenty (screen, keyboard, mouse, headphones incuded in the 2k total)
im putting CAN in caps because its a bit less money AND maybe some deals dont work from US places to CAN.

-Shuh

Edited by Shuh, 21 August 2008 - 01:32 PM.

[Granz00]

I suggest getting 2 of these Samsung HDD's. They have 32MB Cache, meaning they will be faster, and at $80 a peice, you will get your Terabyte at the same price. If it is the same price, or cheaper to get multiple HDD's then do so. What happens if you buy one big one, and that drive dies? You lose everything, and you have to spend $160 all over again to replace it. However, if you have two drives, and one dies, you won't lose everything, and you only have to spend $80 to get back to full capacity. If you want to splurge on HDD's, then you could even look into setting up a Raid, which would be really useful for data backup.

Well, right now I don't have enough time to get into more stuff since I'm about to leave work. I hope this helps for your storage decision though.

[Shuh]

I suggest getting 2 of these Samsung HDD's. They have 32MB Cache, meaning they will be faster, and at $80 a peice, you will get your Terabyte at the same price. If it is the same price, or cheaper to get multiple HDD's then do so. What happens if you buy one big one, and that drive dies? You lose everything, and you have to spend $160 all over again to replace it. However, if you have two drives, and one dies, you won't lose everything, and you only have to spend $80 to get back to full capacity. If you want to splurge on HDD's, then you could even look into setting up a Raid, which would be really useful for data backup.

Well, right now I don't have enough time to get into more stuff since I'm about to leave work. I hope this helps for your storage decision though.

Oh. sweet. yeah. ima do that
plus. on new egg. i only saw positive comments on how it was a sick drive

Edited by Shuh, 19 August 2008 - 12:55 PM.

[Granz00]

good headphones with a mic?

-2gig chip XMS2 RAM x3 ;;total of 6gig(maybe 4gig would be fine? or 4 1gig chips? for more power?
-Coolmaster Case(guessing theres the p-supply in it?)
-2x( Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST3500320AS 500GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM) http://www.newegg.co...N82E16822148288
-dvd burner
-etc etc etc.. the stuff that misses

also. should i got with XP or Vista?

-Shuh

This headset seems to have some good reviews. I don't have any personal opinion on any headsets though. Maybe I will buy it if you get it and like it... Only problem is that it uses a USB connection, so you can't use it for other stuff like an IPod.

2GB x 2 should be better than 1GB x 4. 4GB would normally be more than enough, but since your dealing with graphics, I don't know if that is the case.

It depends on which case you get, if it comes with a power supply. Normally, it is better to buy the case and power supply separately. Coolmaster is the brand name and not the name of the specific case.

I have two DVD burners, a slower one with LightScribe, and a faster one without LightScribe (22x vs 20x even though I think discs only go up to 20x right now). Here is the link for Burner 1 and Burner 2. You can find both of those speeds with and without LightScribe. Samsung is a decent enough brand for me, and you will be paying extra for Pioneer (which does not seem to have any 22x speed drives). It is up to you of course. On a side note, one of the drives I have was nominated for an award on Newegg for best burner of the year, even though it did happen to lose.

Vista has received its fair share of hate, which I do not agree with. I enjoy using Vista, and I don't really see anything wrong with it. In fact, I see nothing but improvements. I'm also using the 64bit version. You will have to do this with both Vista and XP to get full use out of your RAM. RAM wise, Vista 64bit is definitely the way to go. Also, take into account that Windows doesn't want XP to be sold anymore. When a company does that, then it can't mean any good news for the OS. There has been issues with compatibility for programs with 64bit OS's, but I think that is more of an issue with XP 64bit.

To be clear, my suggestion for an OS is Windows Vista Home Premium 64bit OEM (OEM so that you save a good amount of money).

Also, do you need a multimedia card reader, a WNIC (Wireless Network Interface Card aka a wireless card for internet), a printer, or anything like that? Out of curiosity, what kind of games to you plan on playing?

Good luck with this.

[Shuh]

This headset seems to have some good reviews. I don't have any personal opinion on any headsets though. Maybe I will buy it if you get it and like it... Only problem is that it uses a USB connection, so you can't use it for other stuff like an IPod.

Meh. i have 2 USB slots on thius old computer. Im farely sure threll be 2 also on the new case and the keyboard im buying also has 1 or 2. so usb isnt an issue.

tbh. as a matter of burner. best for ur buck is fine for me. i dont rly play games that use the burner. and photoshop etc dont ask it. and i also just stream videos. so yeh .

i was also thinking of vista =)

tbh. i dont rly care about the looks of a case. so any good case that can hold stuff is fine. with good air cooling holes and place for extra fans.

im farely sure my connection will be cable. so no need for a wireless card

more posts = me more happy =P
so post post post ^^

-Shuh

[Shuh]

guess id get more replies if i started a new topic. sadly, its kinda against the logic of forums to spam new threads...


shameless bump

-shuh