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First build, advice needed please!


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#1
Jim45

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I'm strongly considering building my first computer, and I know the actual building of it isn't all that hard, so that part doesn't bother me. I've opened up my tower enough to change a drive, video card, etc, that I'm not intimidated by being inside the computer. That being said, I'm curious as what some of you think as far as whether or not I should build one for my needs, and some advice on how I go about matching up components.

First thing....right now I have 2003 Dell Dimension 4400,P4 1.6GHz, 1GB RAM, so that should tell you a lot. Second, I'm not a gamer...at all. Can't say I'd never play a game here and there, but I don't need a gaming computer, so to speak. So far, I haven't used any programs that are extremely demanding. Right now I'd be happy if I didn't get the spinning hourglass because I opened up Word while my virus scan was running! That might not be totally accurate, but you probably get what I mean. It takes too long to "think" and actually do what I want it to do, compared to "modern day" computers I've seen and used. My other concern is a good video card, so I can watch HD video, or maybe even a Blu Ray, if I want. My computer now can't handle it too well. I'm pretty limited by the 4x AGP slot, and I did as much as I could do with a new video card and PSU, but it still sucks, lol!

So there you have it it. Of course, I want more than I need, because it's too easy, and not much more expensive to have more than you need, but I don't want to go to an extreme that is just unnecessary or ridiculous. I want it to be fast, be able to handle HD video, MAYBE a game, and so on and so forth. All that being said, is it senseless to build one to suit my needs, or is it always better to build your own, regardless of what you need? My understanding is that it is, because you simply get more for your money. If so, are those bundled kits from Newegg a good way to go or should I start completely from scratch and pick everything out myself. And what is the general rule of thumb for matching up components? My main concern as far as software would simply be Windows 7 and probably Microsoft Office Professional(ouch!), for starters. Or would I be just as well off going to Walmart or Amazon and get an HP?? I like the challenge of building it too though, but it will help if I know it's really worth it. I might be build two, depending on how my wife feels about building one, as opposed to just buying one. She plays a few games, unlike me, but nothing super demanding. She has a Dell that is only a year newer, and a 2.7GHz P4, and it can't handle a newer Sims game she got, so she is basically in the same boat as me, more or less.

Of course, any and all advice/feedback greatly appreciated.

Edited by Jim45, 26 January 2012 - 10:24 PM.

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#2
Jim45

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Oh, and I'd like this to stay under $800......closer to 700, if possible, but 800 max, if that helps.
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#3
Jim45

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Just to add......if I was going to go out and buy a prebuilt today, I might get this
http://www.amazon.co...=A2R0FX412W1BDT
based on a friend's liking of HP. That is just way more than I can afford, and more than I need, but if I could drop that kind of cash right now, I would. My friend, who likes his HP, and isn't much of a gamer, has this
http://h10010.www1.h...0564.html?dnr=1
but it's not to be found anymore, as it's a couple years old.
Also, the supposed new version of the first one I linked to is here
http://www.amazon.co...=dp_ob_title_ce
but it's not identical.
So, can I build anything in the ballpark of any of these with my budget? They all probably exceed my needs, but I definitely want at least a little more than I need. Again, any help/suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Edited by Jim45, 26 January 2012 - 05:32 PM.

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#4
phillpower2

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See post #43 for a list I recently put together for another member http://www.geekstogo...-d/page__st__30
Some pre built http://www.newegg.co...N82E16883229300 and http://www.newegg.co...N82E16883229284
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#5
Jim45

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See post #43 for a list I recently put together for another member http://www.geekstogo...-d/page__st__30
Some pre built http://www.newegg.co...N82E16883229300 and http://www.newegg.co...N82E16883229284

Thank you very much! I will look those over carefully in a bit. I should add that I don't need a monitor....bought an ASUS 24" widescreen last year, so I'm set with that for a while.:)

Edited by Jim45, 26 January 2012 - 06:19 PM.

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#6
Jim45

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See post #43 for a list I recently put together for another member http://www.geekstogo...-d/page__st__30
Some pre built http://www.newegg.co...N82E16883229300 and http://www.newegg.co...N82E16883229284

Well, if I bought that list of components, it would be a little over $1,000, after adding sales tax. The downside of Newegg being in California. I could go through Amazon, and just about get everything, but it would still cost $875, and no OS. Too much for me right now.BTW, what is the SSD for?

Also, on the two prebuilts.....they are both doable, but I'm not familiar with the brand, but I'm out of my element with this stuff, so I simply don't know. Are most of the components considered pretty good quality! Is the one I could build that you put together in the other thread a lot better?
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#7
phillpower2

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Well, if I bought that list of components, it would be a little over $1,000,

It was only used as an example, putting a compatible list together on a budget takes time.

what is the SSD for?

Used to put the OS on so that the PC boots up faster.

Are most of the components considered pretty good quality!

Yes, I would however check the PSU brand as system builders do not always use quality brands such as Antec, Corsair or Seasonic.

Is the one I could build that you put together in the other thread a lot better?

Different circumstances, you will lose a $100 of your budget before you start by having to purchase an OS.

Sorry offline now and possibly until Saturday AM UK time.
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#8
Jim45

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Well, if I bought that list of components, it would be a little over $1,000,

It was only used as an example, putting a compatible list together on a budget takes time.

I understand......I didn't mean anything bad by it, just pointing out that it's a bit over my budget......at least from Newegg.
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#9
Jim45

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I revised the list a little, with some help from a friend who is pretty sharp with this stuff. I haven't been drilling her on all this because she has some illnesses in her family that she's dealing with, and I'm trying to leave her alone. She asked me what I'd come up with her so far, I showed her the list, and she advised dropping the SSD because the difference in boot up time she said just isn't worth spending $90 on, and they will drop in price before long.. She said she has had bad luck with G.Skill RAM, and has a dead stick in a computer right now, so she suggested Mushkin. Anyway, I changed the list a bit, and an email today with their mid winter sale had that case on sale, and a CPU that is close enough to the one on my list to be worth swapping for a $30 savings. Here's the list, and the two sale items. I think I could swap the CPU that is on sale for the one on my list, yeah?
http://secure.newegg...Number=18357525

Attached Thumbnails

  • parts.jpg

Edited by Jim45, 27 January 2012 - 11:04 AM.

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#10
iammykyl

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Your link to Newegg, results are, wish list empty.
Find each item, copy from the adders bar, paste in your reply.
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#11
Jim45

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This should work.....don't know what went wrong with the first one.Fixed it the other post too.:)
http://secure.newegg...Number=18357525

Edited by Jim45, 27 January 2012 - 11:04 AM.

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#12
phillpower2

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Trust me if you give iammykyl the details he will do you proud <_<
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#13
iammykyl

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Posted ImagePosted Image

This build will give you a really good upgrade path. Lowered the CPU specs, but will still be more than enough for your requirements, does have Multi Threading, so will perform well when software requires it.
you will have access to the CPU graohics, good backup in case GPU fails, no overclocking.

Case. http://www.newegg.co...N82E16811129066

Mobo. http://www.newegg.co...N82E16813157271

CPU. http://www.newegg.co...N82E16819115077

RAM. http://www.newegg.co...N82E16820231402 8GB.

GPU. http://www.newegg.co...N82E16814131378

Burner. http://www.newegg.co...N82E16827135204

PSU. http://www.newegg.co...N82E16817139020

HDD. http://www.newegg.co...N82E16822136795 The drive you selected is a green drive, not good for a Boot drive.

Total, does not include taxes and shipping $771. Do not count on any mail in rebates, if you do get one, it will be a bonus.
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#14
iammykyl

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Additional to your build. Posted #13 as the editor played up.

OS. W7 64bit, OEM. http://www.newegg.co...N82E16832116986 Unfortunate you will need 2 packs.

This site ma help searching for parts. Register so you can save your selection. Make sure your region is correct at top right. select system build, top left. If there are any builds showing, remove. Work your way down the selection field, not across the top.

http://pcpartpicker....parts/partlist/

I have gone a bit higher than is required for the GPU, gives the better half more scope if gaming becomes an obsession. Could lower the specs for you, you would still be able to game OK.

Let us know what you think.
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#15
Jim45

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Posted ImagePosted Image

This build will give you a really good upgrade path. Lowered the CPU specs, but will still be more than enough for your requirements, does have Multi Threading, so will perform well when software requires it.
you will have access to the CPU graohics, good backup in case GPU fails, no overclocking.

Case. http://www.newegg.co...N82E16811129066

Mobo. http://www.newegg.co...N82E16813157271

CPU. http://www.newegg.co...N82E16819115077

RAM. http://www.newegg.co...N82E16820231402 8GB.

GPU. http://www.newegg.co...N82E16814131378

Burner. http://www.newegg.co...N82E16827135204

PSU. http://www.newegg.co...N82E16817139020

HDD. http://www.newegg.co...N82E16822136795 The drive you selected is a green drive, not good for a Boot drive.

Total, does not include taxes and shipping $771. Do not count on any mail in rebates, if you do get one, it will be a bonus.

Thanks......much appreciated! I guess there would be no problem using the Mushkin RAM my friend recommended instead of the G.Skill.....she's pretty adamant that I don't use that brand. The case is 44.99 with the promo until next week, so that drops it a bit more. Why is the green drive not good for a boot drive? Just curious. Also, will lowering the CPU specs limit my ability to play a Blu Ray later, or have an affect on HD video or anything of that nature?
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