Computer Build

[Nava2]

Hello!

So, I have some extra money right now, and I'm looking to build a computer.

Currently I have this in a laptop:
#lshw -short
H/W path Device Class Description
================================================== ====
system U50Vg
/0 bus U50Vg
/0/0 memory 64KiB BIOS
/0/4 processor Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU T6500
/0/4/5 memory 64KiB L1 cache
/0/4/7 memory 2MiB L2 cache
/0/6 memory 64KiB L1 cache
/0/18 memory 4GiB System Memory
/0/18/0 memory 2GiB SODIMM DDR2 Synchronous 800 MHz
/0/18/1 memory 2GiB SODIMM DDR2 Synchronous 800 MHz
/0/100 bridge Mobile 4 Series Chipset Memory Contro
/0/100/1 bridge Mobile 4 Series Chipset PCI Express G
/0/100/1/0 display G98 [GeForce G105M]
/0/100/1a bus 82801I (ICH9 Family) USB UHCI Control
/0/100/1a.1 bus 82801I (ICH9 Family) USB UHCI Control
/0/100/1a.2 bus 82801I (ICH9 Family) USB UHCI Control
/0/100/1a.7 bus 82801I (ICH9 Family) USB2 EHCI Contro
/0/100/1b multimedia 82801I (ICH9 Family) HD Audio Control
/0/100/1c bridge 82801I (ICH9 Family) PCI Express Port
/0/100/1c.1 bridge 82801I (ICH9 Family) PCI Express Port
/0/100/1c.1/0 wlan0 network WiFi Link 5100
/0/100/1c.2 bridge 82801I (ICH9 Family) PCI Express Port
/0/100/1c.5 bridge 82801I (ICH9 Family) PCI Express Port
/0/100/1c.5/0 eth0 network AR8131 Gigabit Ethernet
/0/100/1d bus 82801I (ICH9 Family) USB UHCI Control
/0/100/1d.1 bus 82801I (ICH9 Family) USB UHCI Control
/0/100/1d.2 bus 82801I (ICH9 Family) USB UHCI Control
/0/100/1d.7 bus 82801I (ICH9 Family) USB2 EHCI Contro
/0/100/1e bridge 82801 Mobile PCI Bridge
/0/100/1f bridge ICH9M LPC Interface Controller
/0/100/1f.2 scsi0 storage ICH9M/M-E 2 port SATA IDE Controller
/0/100/1f.2/0 /dev/sda disk 320GB ST9320320AS
/0/100/1f.2/0/1 /dev/sda1 volume 146GiB Windows NTFS volume
/0/100/1f.2/0/2 /dev/sda2 volume 140GiB EXT4 volume
/0/100/1f.2/0/3 /dev/sda3 volume 9538MiB Extended partition
/0/100/1f.2/0/3/5 /dev/sda5 volume 9538MiB Linux filesystem partition
/0/100/1f.2/0/4 /dev/sda4 volume 1427MiB Linux swap volume
/0/100/1f.2/1 /dev/cdrom disk DVD-RAM UJ862AS
/0/100/1f.5 storage ICH9M/M-E 2 port SATA IDE Controller
/0/1 scsi4 storage
/0/1/0.0.0/1 /dev/sdb1 volume 465GiB Windows NTFS volume
/1 power U80--28

Its a 15.7" screen, by the way.

I'm looking to upgrade to a desktop + a netbook. I don't use my laptop as a laptop because its too big. I have some money, so I am willing to spend some. I want to keep my budget around $1K CAD if possible, including the selling of my laptop.

I am wondering what this laptop would be worth. It has both Debian Squeeze (KDE) on it and (Genuine) Windows 7.

Firstly, I would like to stick with either www.canadacomputers.com, www.newegg.ca, www.tigerdirect.ca for purchasing of parts. I trust these the most and others kinda scare me. :(

Moving on, I would need a netbook. I like Asus and I would like to stick with them, but I am far from against looking else where (I trust Asus :p). As for use of the netbook, it would be for taking to class and doing work on the go. Battery life is key here. Keeping the netbook under $400 CAD would be nice. Smaller is better in this respect. I like the following netbooks, suggestions are welcome!
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220816
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220651
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220768

I will be running Linux on the netbook, so if anyone knows where to get a white-box netbook I would love it.

Moving on to the desktop. I use my desktop mainly for casual uses, with the exception of playing some Quake 3 and RuneScape from time to time, I really do not need gaming performance. Having the option later on is not a bad thing though. I will run Linux (Debian KDE as it would currently seem) with a Windows partition as well. Depending where I go hardware wise, I may move into using a Windows VM instead since I use Windows only once a month to update my iPod Touch g2. Here is the build I've come up with, with help from lots of others of course:

SSD (For / and Windows): Intel X25-V SSDSA2MP040G2K5 2.5" 40GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) (http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820167030) 99.00
HDD for /home and Media: SAMSUNG Spinpoint F4 HD204UI 2TB 5400 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive (http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152245) 104.99
Processor: AMD Phenom II X4 970 Black Edition Deneb 3.5GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Desktop Processor HDZ970FBGMBOX (http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103894) 164.99
Mobo: GIGABYTE GA-880GA-UD3H AM3 AMD 880G HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard (http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128444) 109.99
GFX: PNY VCGGTS4501XPB GeForce GTS 450 (Fermi) 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card (http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814133343) 124.99
CD/DVD: ASUS Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 24X DVD Burner - Bulk - OEM (http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204) 24.99
RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL9S-4GBRL (http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231310) 60.99
Speakers: Logitech S-220 17 Watts 2.1 Multimedia Speaker System - OEM (http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836121014) 22.99 (crappy, I know.. budget!)
Case: COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case (http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119137) 39.99
PSU: OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ500MXSP 500W ATX12V V2.2 / EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply compatible with core i7 (http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341016) 54.99
Keyboard: Rosewill RK-7300 Black 105 Normal Keys 7 Function Keys USB Super Slim Unique Curved Design Multimedia Full-size Keyboard (http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823201033) 19.99
Mouse: Kensington K72356US Black 3 Buttons 1 x Wheel USB Wired Optical Mouse (http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826125108) 14.99
Webcam & Mic: Logitech C210 1.3 M Effective Pixels WebCam (http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826104354) 30.99


Spent: $498.72 + $480.47 = $979.19
To go: $169.48 (SSD.. LATER)

This is my first build, so all opinions are welcome!

Please help me out, I really appreciate it.

Thus far: I'm at ~$800 - (Laptop selling price). This is OK, but I really need to know how much I should even attempt to sell my laptop for. :(
E: updated to reflect later changes.
E2: Dropped the SSD, I will get one later ;)
E3: Changed some things around.. Ordered some parts that have limited time frames for good deals.
E4: Done now.. all is bought, except the SSD.. Waiting on that one until I get some more cash flow. :)

[Shuttleu]

if its not for gaming, then you wont need a powerful GPU
something like a nVidia GeForce 9600GT will do perfectly
i have it and can play rs, highest settings, fullscreen and 60 fps

so only get a better one than that if your going to do some serious gaming

~shut

[Nava2]

Some friends suggested the following changes:

Processor: Intel Core i3-530 Clarkdale 2.93GHz 4MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 73W Dual-Core Desktop Processor BX80616I3530 (http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115222) 117.99
SSD: Intel X25-V SSDSA2MP040G2K5 2.5" 40GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) (http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820167030) 99.00
Mobo: ASUS P7H55/USB3 LGA 1156 Intel H55 USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard (http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131662) 109.99
GFX: ZOTAC ZT-98GEY3G-FSL GeForce 9800 GT 1GB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card (http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814500115) 116.14


New total: 584.55 (+ 99.00 = 683.55)

[Simtoon]

Don't you use NCIX?

[Capricorn]

I didn't see a PSU mentioned anywhere.

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341016

Question, does Linux support TRIM?

And a 5670 is a better buy than the 9800. You can get a 1gb for 90$ and that will be great for 1080p playback and will put out for gaming too. (if/when you decide to play a game a little more demanding - lets face it, you never know if that will happen)

Lastly can you consider waiting to buy a netbook? You don't have to if you don't want to, it is just I have never been a fan of Atom. I am personally waiting for Ontario/Zacate.

(Also the i3-530 is better too)

[Brain]

selling your laptop? pm me....I've been looking for a cheap one.

[Nava2]

Don't you use NCIX?

I don't know what you mean.


I didn't see a PSU mentioned anywhere.

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341016

Question, does Linux support TRIM?

And a 5670 is a better buy than the 9800. You can get a 1gb for 90$ and that will be great for 1080p playback and will put out for gaming too. (if/when you decide to play a game a little more demanding - lets face it, you never know if that will happen)

Lastly can you consider waiting to buy a netbook? You don't have to if you don't want to, it is just I have never been a fan of Atom. I am personally waiting for Ontario/Zacate.

(Also the i3-530 is better too)

The PSU is included in the case. Its a 450W.

Why would you put a 5670 over the 9800, especially when its cheaper.

The netbook would have to be around the same time as the desktop as I need something which is mobile.

Also, why the i3 rather than i5?

E: I was also considering upping the 500gb HDD to this: http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5758911&Sku=TSD-2000EARS. Same brand etc, so probably a good call for $40.

TRIM is supported on Linux apparently: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TRIM#Operating_system_and_SSD_support.
If I do get the SSD, I would place / on the drive, and then keep /tmp on the other drive. That way it minimizes the usage on the drive if it gets remotely full. :)

[Smartzkid]

Either buy one 4gb stick of ram or buy 2x4gb; down the road, it makes upgrading a lot easier if you don't have to start throwing 2gb sticks out.

[Capricorn]

The PSU is included in the case. Its a 450W.

Please don't. That PSU probably can't even output 150W. This is why you do not buy crappy PSU's. (http://www.anandtech.com/show/3985/three-550w-psus-for-different-prices/2)



Why would you put a 5670 over the 9800, especially when its cheaper. Because they preform about the same AFAIK, except the 5670 is miles better as far as features go and is still getting driver updates.



The netbook would have to be around the same time as the desktop as I need something which is mobile.

Also, why the i3 rather than i5?
Well like I said Zacate/Ontario come out in January, if you can't wait that long how well. Life is though :(.

Well it really depends what you use the desktop for. You won't really benefit from a i5 over a i3 unless your running heavier tasks. Video editing/encoding, rendering anything, other stuff that are not coming to mind.

You certainly won't need the extra performance if you are just going to do some coding*, browse the web, play some light games, watch 1080p video.


TRIM is supported on Linux apparently: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TRIM#Operating_system_and_SSD_support.
If I do get the SSD, I would place / on the drive, and then keep /tmp on the other drive. That way it minimizes the usage on the drive if it gets remotely full. :)

Thats good, means you should probably get a sandforce based drive. Or maybe a C300 drive, if you can add in the extra cash.



Either buy one 4gb stick of ram or buy 2x4gb; down the road, it makes upgrading a lot easier if you don't have to start throwing 2gb sticks out.
I don't know man. I think it really depends on your usage. I have friends who can fill up 4 gb of RAM with multitasking with a bunch of tabs in a browser. Then there are people who will only have facebook open, and maybe a music player. Nava2 should check how much RAM he uses and go from that.

* by coding I assume you don't plan on compiling open office or something like that.

[Nava2]

Please don't. That PSU probably can't even output 150W. This is why you do not buy crappy PSU's. (http://www.anandtech.com/show/3985/three-550w-psus-for-different-prices/2)

Hmm, I will look for another case. That article was an interesting read. I understand your reasoning though, and I'm willing to spend a bit more if it means that I do not have to deal with parts frying etc..

XION AXP 120 Gaming Series AXP120-001BK Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case (http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811208035) 39.99
Antec NEO ECO 400C 400W Continuous Power ATX12V 2.3 / EPS12V 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply (http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371029) 51.49

Probably a safer option, allowing for upgrading later on too.
New Price: 738.54


Because they preform about the same AFAIK, except the 5670 is miles better as far as features go and is still getting driver updates.

Thats enough to convince me. :) But, I can't find the card on newegg!



Well like I said Zacate/Ontario come out in January, if you can't wait that long how well. Life is though :(.

I would need it sooner than later haha. Unfortunately.


Well it really depends what you use the desktop for. You won't really benefit from a i5 over a i3 unless your running heavier tasks. Video editing/encoding, rendering anything, other stuff that are not coming to mind.

You certainly won't need the extra performance if you are just going to do some coding*, browse the web, play some light games, watch 1080p video.


I often compile heavy applications etc, but nothing abnormal. I would be willing to move down to an i3 if it is in fact the better option.
E: I was already at the i3 o.O



Thats good, means you should probably get a sandforce based drive. Or maybe a C300 drive, if you can add in the extra cash.


I think I might just stick with the typical on that one ;)


I don't know man. I think it really depends on your usage. I have friends who can fill up 4 gb of RAM with multitasking with a bunch of tabs in a browser. Then there are people who will only have facebook open, and maybe a music player. Nava2 should check how much RAM he uses and go from that.

* by coding I assume you don't plan on compiling open office or something like that.

I think I'm with him on this one. RAM is cheap and upgrading is pretty straight forward so going for one stick of 4gb is probably a good plan.

E: I still need a price for this laptop.. :( It kinda makes or breaks this deal haha. I bought it for $1100 last September.

[Dervish]

Once more : http://i1002.photobucket.com/albums/af150/The_FalconO6/CurrentLogicalPCBuyingGuide/Guide.png

(PC building guide)

Not for a laptop though. Laptops are hard to build.

[Nava2]

Once more : ...snip...

Not for a laptop though. Laptops are hard to build.

I'm not building a laptop, I'm trying to sell mine..

Also, I used that as a reference point when I was making this build. :)

Would you mind just making it a link rather than a picture, the picture is huge.

[Dervish]

I'm not building a laptop, I'm trying to sell mine..

Also, I used that as a reference point when I was making this build. :)

Would you mind just making it a link rather than a picture, the picture is huge.

Done.

[Capricorn]

Thats enough to convince me. :) But, I can't find the card on newegg!


http://www.newegg.ca/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=40000048&IsNodeId=1&Description=5670&name=Desktop%20Graphics%20/%20Video%20Cards

I'm not so sure on that PSU you included or the case, but atleast Antec is more reputable then that other junk you had.

[Nava2]

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=40000048&IsNodeId=1&Description=5670&name=Desktop%20Graphics%20/%20Video%20Cards

I'm not so sure on that PSU you included or the case, but atleast Antec is more reputable then that other junk you had.

I switched up the PSU with the one you suggested, its a $5 difference after rebate. The case is big (lots of slots etc), and has two fans. What would be the issue otherwise?

The GPU you suggested is ATI. The only thing I have against ATI is that, in general, their drivers are not as well prepared as nVidia for either Linux or Windows. Just a small note, but the price is nicer for that card, heh.

[Nava2]

So small update.. my Dad has decided that a netbook makes a good christmas present! :)

So, I need to get some specifications etc to him.

Also, I really need a price point to look at for selling this laptop! Any advice would be great.

Side note: I might up the processor to i5 as well, just to remove the need to upgrade later.

[Capricorn]

So my internet cut out as I was posting my reply. Yeah you probably want to end up buying a nvidia card the whole linux thing slipped my mind.

Maybe a 460 GTX then, the 768mb version. Not sure how competitive nvidia's other cards are though.

Man I feel pretty bad for you though, now is such a ugly time to be buying a netbook and a new desktop. In two months there will be sandy bridge and Brazos (Ontario and Zacate).

Oh well, good luck on the computer :P

[noidea]

So my internet cut out as I was posting my reply. Yeah you probably want to end up buying a nvidia card the whole linux thing slipped my mind.

Maybe a 460 GTX then, the 768mb version. Not sure how competitive nvidia's other cards are though.

Man I feel pretty bad for you though, now is such a ugly time to be buying a netbook and a new desktop. In two months there will be sandy bridge and Brazos (Ontario and Zacate).

Oh well, good luck on the computer :P

And AMD's Bull dozer is coming, and its going to be a monster. Nava, why not hold out until 2011. srsly, Zacate is supposed to be awesome, ask your dad to hold off or to give you the monies and you make the decision? HOld out on the Desktop till Sandy bridge and Bull dozer arrive?

just a heads up, AMD's hexacores are on sale atm. The 1090T (Black edition, clocked at 3.2GHz), which was 300 is now 230 (usd), the 1075T is 3.0GHz and 200, and the 1055T is 2.8GHz and 180. If you're super desperate why not go 1055t and a great cpu cooler to OC it?

[Smartzkid]

While what the others say is true, when all of these new chips come out, the prices aren't exactly going to be rock bottom. My best advice is to go for a LGA1366 motherboard - they are expected to receive one more major processor update before they go EOL. This new processor is expected towards the end of 2011, so your computer will stay relevant for an additional year - perhaps two - down the line. Of course, the other option is to go with an AMD hexacore, because their current prices are rock bottom, and you can put together a kick ass machine on almost any budget.

I would, however, advise against anything running on a LGA1156. New silicon that will EOL these products will be out within a couple of months. They will receive no more processor upgrades.



Maybe a 460 GTX then, the 768mb version. Not sure how competitive nvidia's other cards are though.

I bought one and was very disappointed. RMA'd for return and adding $50 and buying an ATI card.

[Nava2]

And AMD's Bull dozer is coming, and its going to be a monster. Nava, why not hold out until 2011. srsly, Zacate is supposed to be awesome, ask your dad to hold off or to give you the monies and you make the decision? HOld out on the Desktop till Sandy bridge and Bull dozer arrive?

just a heads up, AMD's hexacores are on sale atm. The 1090T (Black edition, clocked at 3.2GHz), which was 300 is now 230 (usd), the 1075T is 3.0GHz and 200, and the 1055T is 2.8GHz and 180. If you're super desperate why not go 1055t and a great cpu cooler to OC it?

The AMD Bulldozer looks awesome, but I can only imagine how much it will cost. I won't be able to afford it, I'm sure.

I'm seriously considering the AMD Phenom II X6 1055T Thuban 2.8GHz 6 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 125W Six-Core Desktop Processor HDT55TFBGRBOX (http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103851). The price is awesome for what it is.. I would have to change my MOBO though which is not a big deal.


While what the others say is true, when all of these new chips come out, the prices aren't exactly going to be rock bottom. My best advice is to go for a LGA1366 motherboard - they are expected to receive one more major processor update before they go EOL. This new processor is expected towards the end of 2011, so your computer will stay relevant for an additional year - perhaps two - down the line. Of course, the other option is to go with an AMD hexacore, because their current prices are rock bottom, and you can put together a kick ass machine on almost any budget.

I would, however, advise against anything running on a LGA1156. New silicon that will EOL these products will be out within a couple of months. They will receive no more processor upgrades.


The Hex-core's are really nice..

[Smartzkid]

I agree. If you don't care too much about your upgrade path, AMD all the way.

AMD 1090T is $230 on newegg; $215 if you buy it by tomorrow ($15 promo gift card)

[i luffs yeww]

I know virtually nothing about computer hardware, but I have heard that ATI/AMD doesn't play too nicely with Linux, so make sure the hexacore whatever will work. :3

[Nava2]

Update: Bought things with a strike through them due to rebates coming up soon etc.

I feel like shit lmao.

Only 400 more to go.. Shame is.. I get paid on the 30th which is when I can finish buying. :(

[any_one]

So I presume you already have a screen for the desktop? (you don't mention it.)
My suggestions:

- either get a cheaper or more powerful GPU, the 9800 is "in the middle" where it neither offers lasting performance nor is the cheapest. If you don't plan on doing anything gpu-demanding, just go cheaper as it both saves money now and saves money in the future if you do need to upgrade. Otherwise you are better off with a later-gen GPU that is more future-proof.

- I would highly recommend taking some time to look at speakers/keyboard/mouse as they are what you actually have to deal with when using the damn thing and you don't want to be stuck with something annoying. I don't have any specific recommendations (and probably those will be fine if you don't mind too much) but it's something to think about.

- get a 7200RPM hard drive, there's no reason to have a 5400RPM one in a desktop. (or is that the norm for large drives? Not really sure, if you really need the space/it is too expensive then this isn't too major).

- personally I would have gone with a 6-core CPU as, at least where I am, there are hexacores for cheaper than the CPU you got :) Ghz rating doesn't mean much, my laptop's (i7) cpu is 1.6ghz and it destroys my older (amd) dual-core at ~3ghz. Plus overclocking is fairly easy on desktops, even on air cooling you should be able to get just about any cpu up to 3ghz or more with a decent motherboard.

[kingarabian]

Do not do the same mistake as I did. I used the stock psu that came with my case, and my rig got fucked within 2 weeks.

I recommend this (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371016&Tpk=Antec%20BP550%20Plus%20550W)

Edit: You can low-ball prices for any hardware you want for your rig. But NEVER cheap around with a PSU. Make sure it also puts out enough power to your motherboard, GPU, and anything else your powering with it. Just because you did the math, and the items you bought need 300-400 Watts, does not mean ALL PSU's out there that are 500W+ will keep your system running.

Also read this, its a very good read. (http://www.hardware-revolution.com/warning-6-surefire-ways-of-blowing-up-your-computer-due-to-an-inadequate-power-supply/)

[Capricorn]

Do not do the same mistake as I did. I used the stock psu that came with my case, and my rig got fucked within 2 weeks.

I recommend this (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371016&Tpk=Antec%20BP550%20Plus%20550W)

Edit: You can low-ball prices for any hardware you want for your rig. But NEVER cheap around with a PSU. Make sure it also puts out enough power to your motherboard, GPU, and anything else your powering with it. Just because you did the math, and the items you bought need 300-400 Watts, does not mean ALL PSU's out there that are 500W+ will keep your system running.

Also read this, its a very good read. (http://www.hardware-revolution.com/warning-6-surefire-ways-of-blowing-up-your-computer-due-to-an-inadequate-power-supply/)

We already went over this :)


get a 7200RPM hard drive, there's no reason to have a 5400RPM one in a desktop. (or is that the norm for large drives? Not really sure, if you really need the space/it is too expensive then this isn't too major).
Pretty sure he ended up buying a SSD, not sure though.

[Smartzkid]

Antec, Cooler Master cases come with good PSUs. Everything else sucks.

[Nava2]

So I presume you already have a screen for the desktop? (you don't mention it.)
Yup, I have a 23" acer monitor already. :)



- either get a cheaper or more powerful GPU, the 9800 is "in the middle" where it neither offers lasting performance nor is the cheapest. If you don't plan on doing anything gpu-demanding, just go cheaper as it both saves money now and saves money in the future if you do need to upgrade. Otherwise you are better off with a later-gen GPU that is more future-proof.
That's a good suggestion actually. I'm not really comfortable around GPU's so that sounds like sound advice. Any idea where to go on either end? I'm thinking bit lower might be smarter. I really do not run any games other than RS and Quake..



- I would highly recommend taking some time to look at speakers/keyboard/mouse as they are what you actually have to deal with when using the damn thing and you don't want to be stuck with something annoying. I don't have any specific recommendations (and probably those will be fine if you don't mind too much) but it's something to think about.

Thats why I did not cheap out completely on them! I got a decent mouse and a keyboard that I liked.I like the low profile keyboards (kinda a macfag thing here..). The speakers are crappy, but I really can't afford to go bigger at this point. Speakers are expensive! (I never noticed before..)



- get a 7200RPM hard drive, there's no reason to have a 5400RPM one in a desktop. (or is that the norm for large drives? Not really sure, if you really need the space/it is too expensive then this isn't too major).
Is there a significant difference? I will be getting a SSD in a month or so to combat the bottle-neck effect. It would be used to run my OS files.



- personally I would have gone with a 6-core CPU as, at least where I am, there are hexacores for cheaper than the CPU you got :) Ghz rating doesn't mean much, my laptop's (i7) cpu is 1.6ghz and it destroys my older (amd) dual-core at ~3ghz. Plus overclocking is fairly easy on desktops, even on air cooling you should be able to get just about any cpu up to 3ghz or more with a decent motherboard.
I moved from the Hex-core to the Quad-core for two reasons:
Price: I got it for cheaper due to a bundle deal and rebates. It also clocks higher without over clocking (might OC anyways..). It also has better ratings and is a tested technology.
What applications currently use hex-cores? Why waste the money on something which is not used yet!


I really appreciate the advice on everything, by the way! Thanks!


We already went over this :)


Pretty sure he ended up buying a SSD, not sure though.

Yup, I bought a OCZ PSU with a 80+ silver rating. It was regularly 110, got it for 55. ;)

Also, I did not buy the SSD, I can not afford it right now, but I definitely will buy one in a month or so.

Thanks again for the advice, if I didn't already say it. You definitely played a massive part in my decisions. I guess you built this, I paid for it.. haha.


Antec, Cooler Master cases come with good PSUs. Everything else sucks.

My case has no PSU. :p

I hope the everything else sucks was not in reference to what I got :(

[noidea]

I think you will feel the slowness of a 5400 drive after time. I would suggest dropping 500GB and get this drive. http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136592
WD is a much more reputable manufacturer and that drive will be much faster.

Hexacores are great because you could have a dvd converter/ripper/etc running raping 4 cores and still be able to use your computer without being frustrated with lag because you've still got those two cores free. I've converted a bunch of movies on my 1090t @ 3.2GHz (stock) and its great. When it uses all 6 cores it just flies through.
1055t is 180 right now, 1075t is 200, 1090t is 230 and I got mine for 300 a couple of months ago :(
Remember that intel plays socket roulette. AMD's current socket is amd3, and bulldozer coming in 2011 will be different. Idk if any new cpus amd3 compatible will be coming after bulldozer.

I also suggest an nvidia 460 fermi. The 768MB versions are about ~160USD, so they're not that much more than the 9800 you've got listed and it will be much better.
My radeon 5770 runs games well. I tried with metro 2033 and it was laggy at times, but thats to be expected with a game like that. With mw2 it runs like a dream. I havent tried black ops yet.

[kingarabian]

We already went over this :)


Pretty sure he ended up buying a SSD, not sure though.

I know, thought I would add my experiences and knowledge with PSU's :stirthepot:

[any_one]

Hmm.. Looking at it.. There aren't really that many cheaper graphics cards than the 9800 which still offer good value.. Possibly the AMD 5670, 4670 or nvidia 9600 gt (I have this in my desktop but I bought it when it was high mid-end and had just come out :)) But really.. it depends on the price difference, $100 is already not a large amount for a graphics card. Too much choice! The pace of GPU development is so fast that there's now about 3-4 generations with all their models and the latest ones don't necessarily supercede the earlier ones :/

[Nava2]

I was thinking of this: http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=22-136-284 for a media HD. Not to bad, cheaper too..

I don't really need 2TB. I will get an SSD eventually, and this will purely be for media's and /home.

[Capricorn]

Just make sure you move your documents folder when you get your SSD otherwise all the videos and photos you write to the SSD will prematurely wear it out.

[noidea]

I was thinking of this: http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=22-136-284 for a media HD. Not to bad, cheaper too..

I don't really need 2TB. I will get an SSD eventually, and this will purely be for media's and /home.

Good choice

[Nava2]

Hmm.. Looking at it.. There aren't really that many cheaper graphics cards than the 9800 which still offer good value.. Possibly the AMD 5670, 4670 or nvidia 9600 gt (I have this in my desktop but I bought it when it was high mid-end and had just come out :)) But really.. it depends on the price difference, $100 is already not a large amount for a graphics card. Too much choice! The pace of GPU development is so fast that there's now about 3-4 generations with all their models and the latest ones don't necessarily supercede the earlier ones :/

People always say things like ``YOU NEED TO GET AN AMAZING GFX CARD OMG!!!11!!!!!ELEVEN!'' Among those there are also the zealots which make it even harder to find credible information..

I do know that I want to stick with nVidia, mainly because it plays nicer with Linux. As well, going for mid-gen is probably best.


Just make sure you move your documents folder when you get your SSD otherwise all the videos and photos you write to the SSD will prematurely wear it out.

I run Linux, but I also do not know what you mean.


Good choice

I thought so. I can always expand later on too.

[Boreas]

People always say things like ``YOU NEED TO GET AN AMAZING GFX CARD OMG!!!11!!!!!ELEVEN!'' Among those there are also the zealots which make it even harder to find credible information..

I do know that I want to stick with nVidia, mainly because it plays nicer with Linux. As well, going for mid-gen is probably best.



I run Linux, but I also do not know what you mean.



I thought so. I can always expand later on too.
I think he means have /, and /boot on the SSD, and /var, /tmp, and /data on the HDD. I'd put /home on the HDD, but it depends on what you do.

[XcanadamanX]

one thing from me. use NCIX.com. awesome price matching and good sales. I prefer them over Newegg

[kingarabian]

I use Amazon.com since it ships to Hawaii for free and has cheap shipping and offers the same or nearly the same prices as newegg.

[Capricorn]

I run Linux, but I also do not know what you mean.


Basically how SSDs work is you forcibly put electrons in transistor gates. The problem is that this isn't very nice on the gates, so when you write to a SSD you are slowly causing damage.

Eventually after several rewrites the gates can break and you will lose out on sectors.

It won't have after 2-3 rewrites, so don't get me wrong here. But it's just best to avoid wearing your SSD down. This is also the reason why you do not defrag SSDs because the moving of the files around is pointless because of the seek time of a SSD and such so you end up wearing out your SSD for no purpose. And usually SSDs will spread out the writing around the blocks so it evenly deteriorates. It's a big reason why we have TRIM.

Anyways you'll probably never have your drive fail on you, but you invested your money into something so you might as well take as best care of it as you can. A lot SSDs have like a 3 year warranty anyway so don't worry about it to much if I freaked you out :P.

[Smartzkid]

I bought a NVidia GTX 460 (768mb) and was very disappointed with the compute performance. (looking to convert movies at insane speeds)

[noidea]

I bought a NVidia GTX 460 (768mb) and was very disappointed with the compute performance. (looking to convert movies at insane speeds)

Well duh. Its the low end of their high-ish end cards. if you wanted insane speeds you'd go with the 480 or 580.

edit: nava: tootoot2 just linked me to this site, http://forre.st/storage. Looks like it parses newegg for super cheap drives.
example: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148337 - $60 1.5TB 7200rpm
edit: $50 ram. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231277 2x2GB 1600MHz same gskill one?

[Smartzkid]

Well duh. Its the low end of their high-ish end cards. if you wanted insane speeds you'd go with the 480 or 580.

Comparing it to my 8800 GTS (512 mb), it really isn't all that impressive.

[Nava2]

I think he means have /, and /boot on the SSD, and /var, /tmp, and /data on the HDD. I'd put /home on the HDD, but it depends on what you do.

That was always my plan. :)

Basically, put things that are fairly static onto the SSD. Anything that changes, put it on the other.


one thing from me. use NCIX.com. awesome price matching and good sales. I prefer them over Newegg

Trust worthy though?

I've found a hdd there that I like, but I'm scared to buy it. Also, they apparently do not ship? Says I have to pick it up in Markham.. That's not really practical haha. http://ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=50895


Basically how SSDs work is you forcibly put electrons in transistor gates. The problem is that this isn't very nice on the gates, so when you write to a SSD you are slowly causing damage.

Eventually after several rewrites the gates can break and you will lose out on sectors.

It won't have after 2-3 rewrites, so don't get me wrong here. But it's just best to avoid wearing your SSD down. This is also the reason why you do not defrag SSDs because the moving of the files around is pointless because of the seek time of a SSD and such so you end up wearing out your SSD for no purpose. And usually SSDs will spread out the writing around the blocks so it evenly deteriorates. It's a big reason why we have TRIM.

Anyways you'll probably never have your drive fail on you, but you invested your money into something so you might as well take as best care of it as you can. A lot SSDs have like a 3 year warranty anyway so don't worry about it to much if I freaked you out :P.

I would assume its not a HUGE deal.. as the SSD market would kind of crash.

I don't plan to read/write from it a lot. :(


I bought a NVidia GTX 460 (768mb) and was very disappointed with the compute performance. (looking to convert movies at insane speeds)

Unfortunate.. I wouldn't want to do that.


Well duh. Its the low end of their high-ish end cards. if you wanted insane speeds you'd go with the 480 or 580.

edit: nava: tootoot2 just linked me to this site, http://forre.st/storage. Looks like it parses newegg for super cheap drives.
example: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148337 - $60 1.5TB 7200rpm
edit: $50 ram. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231277 2x2GB 1600MHz same gskill one?

I'm going with the 1x4gb RAM because that way I can expand it easily. Also, I think I will go for a HDD with better quality. If I need more storage than 1.5TB I will get another one. But for now, I have my 500gb external and a 1TB internal, with a 40gb SSD will be just fine.

[Capricorn]

I would assume its not a HUGE deal.. as the SSD market would kind of crash.

I don't plan to read/write from it a lot. :(


Like I said, it's not really that much of a big deal. With TRIM you do not really see much degradation of performance now a days and after the first set that ships SSDs are quite reliable. I wouldn't worry about it. It's just so much of taking care of your stuff.

[XcanadamanX]

NCIX does ship. they used to be out of vancouver but they now have a warehouse in ontario so shipping shouldnt be bad at all. Very trustworthy. I trust them way more than CanadaComputers and Newegg. I would buy all my parts from NCIX and pricematch them if you can find a lower price somewhere else (reduces shipping costs). I bought my whole computer from there and same with my brother and we have had no problems at all.

[Nava2]

NCIX does ship. they used to be out of vancouver but they now have a warehouse in ontario so shipping shouldnt be bad at all. Very trustworthy. I trust them way more than CanadaComputers and Newegg. I would buy all my parts from NCIX and pricematch them if you can find a lower price somewhere else (reduces shipping costs). I bought my whole computer from there and same with my brother and we have had no problems at all.

They said shipping was free, but it appears as though they want me to pick it up, thus its kinda confusing.. :p

[XcanadamanX]

yea that is confusing. I went to the checkout part and you can choose to ship it or pick it up. I think it just shows the cheapest option for shipping when you check the cost of shipping
e: it shows the cost in the checkout part for each of the shipping options

[Capricorn]

NCIX does ship. they used to be out of vancouver but they now have a warehouse in ontario so shipping shouldnt be bad at all. Very trustworthy. I trust them way more than CanadaComputers and Newegg. I would buy all my parts from NCIX and pricematch them if you can find a lower price somewhere else (reduces shipping costs). I bought my whole computer from there and same with my brother and we have had no problems at all.

Both NCIX and newegg are just as trustworthy and reputable as each other.

I prefer Newegg because I find their customer service and payment easier. Their costumer service is god-tier.

NCIX I find usually has better deals, and newegg usually has better normal prices.

[Nava2]

I really hate the NCIX website..

Anyways, I got to thinking.. do I need a sound card? Also, what cables will I need? I know I need SataIII cables for the HDDs, what about for the disk drive and the gpu?

[Smartzkid]

I would assume its not a HUGE deal.. as the SSD market would kind of crash.

I don't plan to read/write from it a lot. :(

IMO by the time my SSD wears out, I'll be ready to buy a new SSD.



I'm going with the 1x4gb RAM because that way I can expand it easily.

I like how you think :) Good decision!

[Capricorn]

I really hate the NCIX website..

Anyways, I got to thinking.. do I need a sound card? Also, what cables will I need? I know I need SataIII cables for the HDDs, what about for the disk drive and the gpu?

Most mobos come with a few sata cables. You don't need a sound card (unless your an audiophile). Disk drive? whats that?

GPU it depends. Some of them have extra slots in them because they cannot draw enough power straight from the PCI-E lane, but then all you have to do is connect like a 6pin from your PSU I believe.

[noidea]

Most mobos come with a few sata cables. You don't need a sound card (unless your an audiophile). Disk drive? whats that?

I think he means a dvd/cd drive.

[Capricorn]

I think he means a dvd/cd drive.

Oh, personally I don't use those anymore. Internal ones go through sata too, while I believe external ones would use USB/Firewire/eSATA.

I think most mobo's come with atleast 2 cords for SATA, so enough for a HDD and a BD burner.

It should tell you on newegg what comes in the box.

[Nava2]

Oh, personally I don't use those anymore. Internal ones go through sata too, while I believe external ones would use USB/Firewire/eSATA.

I think most mobo's come with atleast 2 cords for SATA, so enough for a HDD and a BD burner.

It should tell you on newegg what comes in the box.

I have the mobo! I will check.

I have money set aside for some wires, but if I do not need to thats awesome. Also, thats nice that I do not *need* a sound card. More money saved!

[Capricorn]

I have the mobo! I will check.

I have money set aside for some wires, but if I do not need to thats awesome. Also, thats nice that I do not *need* a sound card. More money saved!

Yeah, there are better audio equipment to buy first...

[Nava2]

Yeah, there are better audio equipment to buy first...

That was my entire thought pattern haha.

[Nava2]

All of it is ordered... Now its a waiting game. :)

Just need to get an SSD, but I cannot afford one right now, so I will just wait awhile. No real rush on that one, I intentionally bought a faster HDD to combat this issue.

[Shuttleu]

All of it is ordered... Now its a waiting game. :)

Just need to get an SSD, but I cannot afford one right now, so I will just wait awhile. No real rush on that one, I intentionally bought a faster HDD to combat this issue.

15,000 RPM?

~shut

[Nava2]

15,000 RPM?

~shut

7200 rpm. :)

[noidea]

15,000 RPM?

~shut

Those are a waste. Too expensive per GB and not enough performance in comparison to an ssd.

[Nava2]

Those are a waste. Too expensive per GB and not enough performance in comparison to an ssd.

That was my thinking :)

I need to get more sata3 cables when I get a ssd >.>