Any suggestions on what else we want? Never actually built one, just replaced lots of parts. I know we need motherboard, memory, PS, HD, OS. Just not sure which ones (brands and such). Would like to keep it around $500 or less more to spend.
#2. "RE: I want to build a new computer for my son...." In response to Garold99 (Reply # 1)
Check out the Coolermaster HAF 922 case. Very roomy to work in, good space behind motherboard to conceal lots of wiring, good air flow and very quiet with a Coolermaster Quiet Pro power supply. If he is going to be playing some of the new genre of games that require lots of processing power he will probably need a different CPU cooler than the stock one. I'm sure others will be along with some good recommendations for parts.
#14. "RE: I want to build a new computer for my son...." In response to Les (Reply # 2)
Quote:
QUOTE: If he is going to be playing some of the new genre of games that require lots of processing power he will probably need a different CPU cooler than the stock one. I'm sure others will be along with some good recommendations for parts.
Not really..... The new AMD CPU's run a lot cooler than the older Models ( smaller dies sizes on new gen CPU's ). The factory HSF is more than adequate in most cases. The quad cores all have big ass Heat Pipe coolers on them. And they are fairly quiet
Only situation that you need a third party cooler is if you are overclocking...which is not really needed these days.
#4. "RE: I want to build a new computer for my son...." In response to jbmcmillan (Reply # 3) Tue Oct-12-10 11:29 PM by Garold99
Well he recently bought the video card (last week) for $200 after shipping overnight and priority cost. Card was on sale for $179, now it's $229 so he got a good deal on it. I would like to stay in the $500 range for the rest of the computer if possible, but he has more if needed.
#7. "RE: I want to build a new computer for my son...." In response to Garold99 (Reply # 6)
I like the power supply. But I would choose something different for the hard drive. Those WD Green drives are good for a backup or data drive, but they are slow for the main drive. If you're going with WD (which I would) I'd go with one of the Black drives. Here's a 1TB Black drive (since that's the size you posted):
#8. "RE: I want to build a new computer for my son...." In response to MSU (Reply # 7) Wed Oct-13-10 11:05 AM by mickster
Garold, That drive Mark recommended is the one I scored for storage on Corky's new bidness system. Make sure to utilize NewEgg's combo deals when making your purchases. I combined the drive with a specific mobo and got a $30 discount on the two items. If you're as OCD about deals as I am, you can reduce your cost nicely.
They even have some gamer combo packages if you want to make it easier Simply search SuperCombos at their site
#9. "RE: I want to build a new computer for my son...." In response to mickster (Reply # 8)
Thanks, I will look into the combo's. I'm trying to decide on Intel I3 or higher, or AMD quad, not sure he really needs the 6 core. And should I get an ATX motherboard, or micro ATX motherboard?
#10. "RE: I want to build a new computer for my son...." In response to Garold99 (Reply # 9)
Depends, for me, it would be ATX. Micro ATX boards don't have the expansion options I need. Not enough PCIe or PCI slots. Usually not enough SATA ports, memory slots or USB ports. But that's me, you may not need the expansion options.
#12. "RE: I want to build a new computer for my son...." In response to MSU (Reply # 10)
Quote:
QUOTE: Depends, for me, it would be ATX. Micro ATX boards don't have the expansion options I need. Not enough PCIe or PCI slots. Usually not enough SATA ports, memory slots or USB ports. But that's me, you may not need the expansion options.
Agree 100%...Plus the micro-ATX boards are so small it's a PITA trying to hookup all the internal connectors.
#11. "RE: I want to build a new computer for my son...." In response to Garold99 (Reply # 9)
Another option would be to have MWave ship you a pretested motherboard/processor/memory combo. They charge $9.99 to install and test before shipping it. I have had good luck doing this.
#16. "RE: I want to build a new computer for my son...." In response to Garold99 (Reply # 9)
Intel / AMD?
Toss a coin, assuming equivalent price performance points. Whichever CPU & M/B provides the most value that you find.
ATX/micro?
I'm actually partial to the micros - assuming you don't the extra ports or whatnot that an ATX may provide. (In many case, an ATX could be a tight fit in a "mid-tower" case, & for me a micro in the same case just makes it easier to install & connect up.) I would not go micro if you are limited in memory slots (i.e. if there are only two) or if it otherwise hampers your intended usage.
-------------------------------------- BANK OF AMERICA.COM ONLINE BANKING SUCKS IN THE HUGEST WAY IMAGINABLE
Newegg.com's new image gallery layout sucks in the hugest way imaginable too ! And now they're using JavaScript to "turn" pages to boot ! SUCKS
#19. "RE: I want to build a new computer for my son...." In response to Garold99 (Reply # 18)
I don't know if you have made your case decision yet, but if you want "cool" this will definitely do it for you. I have built two with this and it is excellent IMHO. Note that it does have the small access door for the optical drives which is a nuisance, but other than that I like it.See my comments in the Reviews, 3 or 4 down from the top. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811144102&cm_re=apevia_case-_-11-144-102-_-Product
#22. "RE: I want to build a new computer for my son...." In response to Garold99 (Reply # 0) Thu Oct-14-10 02:10 PM by therube
There seems to have been a few (somewhat) bargains on DDR3 memory of late.
Here's one. Really should read the reviews. These are pretty bad, but who knows. (Also running at 1.65 V, which is <seemingly within, though> a bit higher then "norm"?)
#23. "RE: I want to build a new computer for my son...." In response to therube (Reply # 22)
Quote:
QUOTE: There seems to have been a few (somewhat) bargains on DDR3 memory of late.
Here's one. Really should read the reviews. These are pretty bad, but who knows. (Also running at 1.65 V, which is <seemingly within, though> a bit higher then "norm"?)
The GIGABYTE GA-870A-UD3 AM3 MB is a far better MB than the AsRock...and it's only $1.01 more. IMHO of course.
Gigabyte = $93.99 + Free shipping.
Asrock = $89.99 + 2.99 shipping.
Combo is a pretty sweet deal.
Plus, the Callisto CPU's are actually 4 core processors with two of the cores disabled.They just didn'tr quite make the pasiing grade to be 4 cores. Rather than throw them in the garbage, AMD just disables two cores, and voila, a really cheap 2 core.
Here's the neat part. Although they didn't make AMD's spec to pass as four cores...you can up the voltage a bit or lower the frequency a bit..and all 4 cores will work 100%.
Most times you can certainly unlock three cores...so not a bad deal at all.
The GIGABYTE GA-870A-UD3 AM3 MB is a far better MB than the AsRock...and it's only $1.01 more. IMHO of course.
Gigabyte = $93.99 + Free shipping.
Asrock = $89.99 + 2.99 shipping.
Combo is a pretty sweet deal.
Plus, the Callisto CPU's are actually 4 core processors with two of the cores disabled.They just didn'tr quite make the pasiing grade to be 4 cores. Rather than throw them in the garbage, AMD just disables two cores, and voila, a really cheap 2 core.
Here's the neat part. Although they didn't make AMD's spec to pass as four cores...you can up the voltage a bit or lower the frequency a bit..and all 4 cores will work 100%.
Most times you can certainly unlock three cores...so not a bad deal at all.
The only thing that bothers me about that combo is the GSkills RipJaws Memory.
There seem to be more issues than normal with the RipJaws ram from reports at AMD and GSkill forums. However... a slight increase in Dram voltage seems to cure most problems. ( Depends on CPU revision as well. Latest C3 cores have revised memory controllers that add stability to some ram modules )
Maybe phone customer support and see if you can substitute different memory. Corsair or Crucial would be better IMHO.
That's the problem with " Combo " deals. You're kinda stuck with " The Special ". Remember the Toast scene in Easy Rider?
If it all gets too complicated, I'd just bite the bullet and get this combo.
#33. "RE: I want to build a new computer for my son...." In response to Chickenman (Reply # 32) Fri Oct-15-10 05:53 PM by Garold99
Quote:
The only thing that bothers me about that combo is the GSkills RipJaws Memory.
There seem to be more issues than normal with the RipJaws ram from reports at AMD and GSkill forums. However... a slight increase in Dram voltage seems to cure most problems. ( Depends on CPU revision as well. Latest C3 cores have revised memory controllers that add stability to some ram modules )
Maybe phone customer support and see if you can substitute different memory. Corsair or Crucial would be better IMHO.
That's the problem with " Combo " deals. You're kinda stuck with " The Special ". Remember the Toast scene in Easy Rider?
If it all gets too complicated, I'd just bite the bullet and get this combo.
Decisions..decisions.
After looking at the reviews on that board, they didn't look too promissing. I only looked at the first page though and there was a lot of negative ones. I'm gonna keep searching, this doesn't have to be done in the next day or two, so I have time to compare. Thanks
#25. "RE: I want to build a new computer for my son...." In response to Garold99 (Reply # 23) Thu Oct-14-10 06:27 PM by MSU
He's refering to whether the RAM can be run in dual channel (you would need two sticks) or tripple channel (you would need three sticks). Depending on the board, some are dual, some are tripple.
edit: That's not the number of slots either. I've had dual channel boards with 4 and 6 slot's, so on those there are either 2 of 3 slots per channel. I think some cheap ones even have only 2 slots (1 per channel).
#27. "RE: I want to build a new computer for my son...." In response to Garold99 (Reply # 26) Fri Oct-15-10 05:07 AM by MSU
3" too tall for what?
edit: Nevermind, you must have a little cubby in your desk that you want to put it in that it's too tall for. I was sitting here and looked over at my Antec P180...sitting next to my desk because...it's too big for my cubby and it dawned on me. I put my sub-woofer and UPS in there instead.
#30. "RE: I want to build a new computer for my son...." In response to MSU (Reply # 27)
Quote:
QUOTE: 3" too tall for what?
edit: Nevermind, you must have a little cubby in your desk that you want to put it in that it's too tall for. I was sitting here and looked over at my Antec P180...sitting next to my desk because...it's too big for my cubby and it dawned on me. I put my sub-woofer and UPS in there instead.
Yep, we have 3 computer desk in one bedroom, so there is no room for any of the computers to sit next to the desk, they have to fit the cubby holes.
#36. "Bumping for new list of components" In response to Garold99 (Reply # 30) Thu Feb-03-11 05:18 PM by Garold99
Bumping this thread for update. This might be what we are looking at right now. Although it's probably $100 to $200 more than what we were expecting to spend. If anyone wants to look over this and make any suggestions please feel free to do so.
Currently we already have (already bought and paid for):
Antec EA-750 PS AOC 23" monitor Gaming Keyboard and mouse MSI N460GTX Cyclone IGD5 video card
List of stuff to purchase which comes to a total of $741.82 including $20 in discounts ($60 if you want to count the free game they are throwing in with the AMD 6 core processor.
Anyone think I'm overspending on any of this stuff? Maybe get something just as good but a little cheaper? Anything else I may need that I'm overlooking? Thanks
#38. "RE: Bumping for new list of components" In response to Shelly (Reply # 37)
All he does is game on his computer, seems like every free minute he has he plays games. Sometimes even if he doesn't have free time to spare. He has a duo-core right now and complains so I thought we would go with the 6 core. I'm sure a quad core would work fine though and will look into those. Whats a good way to pick a motherboard? I basically just looked at the CPU and RAM to make sure the board was compatible. I first went with 1600 RAM but changed to 1333 because most the 1600 and above was overclocking and we didn't really care about that.
There are very few games that take full advantage of a quad-core, or even a duo-core for that matter. There's more that comes into play, like the speed of the CPU, speed of the video card, speed of the RAM, background processes running, etc. I have a Core2 Duo E8500, 4GB DDR2-800 RAM and a Radeon HD3870 video card. And have yet to have a game that didn't run great.
QUOTE: Bumping this thread for update. This might be what we are looking at right now. Although it's probably $100 to $200 more than what we were expecting to spend. If anyone wants to look over this and make any suggestions please feel free to do so.
Currently we already have (already bought and paid for):
Antec EA-750 PS AOC 23" monitor Gaming Keyboard and mouse MSI N460GTX Cyclone IGD5 video card
List of stuff to purchase which comes to a total of $741.82 including $20 in discounts ($60 if you want to count the free game they are throwing in with the AMD 6 core processor.
Anyone think I'm overspending on any of this stuff? Maybe get something just as good but a little cheaper? Anything else I may need that I'm overlooking? Thanks
Leave everything else the same, the total comes to $629.02 saving $112.80 over what I originally picked out. Does that sound better and would that make a nice unit for him? Am I still over spending on anything? Also am I overlooking anything else we may need?
#45. "RE: Bumping for new list of components" In response to Garold99 (Reply # 42) Fri Feb-04-11 09:57 PM by MSU
That's a tough call, you could, but that is a really nice case. I used to buy cheap cases. Not anymore, a good quality case not only looks nice and is built better, but they are nicer to work inside too. Personally I'd stick with that one. But that shouldn't be such an issue if your're just going to build it and be done with it. I'm always inside my cases doing upgrades and use the same ones for several builds.
Yes they do, I have an Antec and a CoolerMaster right now. Both great cases. Both higher end of both lines though. I don't know how the economy models stack up.
Hmm, he have decent speakers? Sound is a big part of gaming. Also, I notice that the MB you chose has onboard video. Since you've already bought a video card, you could save a few more dollars on a MB without onboard video.
#53. "RE: Bumping for new list of components" In response to MSU (Reply # 49)
Quote:
QUOTE: Hmm, he have decent speakers? Sound is a big part of gaming. Also, I notice that the MB you chose has onboard video. Since you've already bought a video card, you could save a few more dollars on a MB without onboard video.
I will look into a MB without onboard video, I was wondering about whether the ATI onboard video would conflict with his nVidia card. As far as speakers go, he just uses head phones with a mic.
No, the onboard video will not interfere. Just make sure to disable it in the BIOS. Headphones are great with games...unless you want to feel the room shake
#56. "RE: Bumping for new list of components" In response to MSU (Reply # 55)
Ok, how about this MB http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131402 $89.00 for a grand total of $602.76 then include a $15 mail in rebate on the MB for a new total of $587.76. Also, should I change the RAM to 1600 instead of the 1333 or does that matter?
If that's your other choice, yes, I'd go with that. You'll love the tool-free design. Plus if there comes a time that you need to replace the CPU fan, the cutout on the MB tray will make it much easier. Many fans require access to the back of the board and without the cutout you'd basically have to disassemble the whole system.
I was actualy just looking at that board and was going to suggest it to you. As for the RAM, I'd go with the fastest you're comfortable paying for. With the money you're saving on some of the other stuff, you can put a little more toward RAM. I'd go for it. Of the DDR3 1600 8GB (2x4) kits that NewEgg has, I'd opt for one of the Corsair kits. Second choice would be G.Skill. After that it's kind of a toss up.
#62. "RE: Bumping for new list of components" In response to Garold99 (Reply # 56) Sat Feb-05-11 07:13 AM by Chickenman
Quote:
QUOTE: Ok, how about this MB http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131402 $89.00 for a grand total of $602.76 then include a $15 mail in rebate on the MB for a new total of $587.76. Also, should I change the RAM to 1600 instead of the 1333 or does that matter?
That's an older MB that only supports SATA 2 (3 Gb/s ) and USB 2. Get something that supports SATA 3 ( 6 Gb/s ) and USB 3.0
The SATA 3 makes a HUGE difference in HD performance.
Edit: You have a SATA 3 ( 6 Gb/s ) HD on your list...don't cripple it with a MB that only runs SATA 2 ( 3 Gb/s)
Ok, another question before I order. My son found this case http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811166032 any negative thoughts about it? Looks like the case has to be assembled, and some have mentioned they had to buy a couple assessories for the case. I'm thinking on something like this you would definately want some kind of cable organizers or covers so they are not strung all over the place.
QUOTE: Ok, another question before I order. My son found this case http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811166032 any negative thoughts about it? Looks like the case has to be assembled, and some have mentioned they had to buy a couple assessories for the case. I'm thinking on something like this you would definately want some kind of cable organizers or covers so they are not strung all over the place.
I'm not a big fan of non-metallic cases. The reason is EMI ( Electro Magnetic Interference ). It can cause strange problems with all of the wireless devices we have these days.
Metallic cages act as a shield from EMI...both for the Computer ( from outside EMI ) and from the Computer ( contains EMI generated by the Computer, so outside devices are not affected ).
I don't know why the link doesn't work, I made the list public but can't find it when I check public list. Anyhow, here is what I just ordered. Now I need to research how to piece it all together since this is our first build.
1: Be aware of static electricity. Were a wrist strap or ground yourself to a the metal case when working. NEVER touch any of the Gold electrical contacts.
2: Attach the CPU to the MB out of the case. A firm base with the foam packing pad underneath is required.
3: Small 3mm wide tie wraps from Home Depot etc are handy for routing cables. They also carry square adhesive pads that attach to flat surfaces to loop the cables through.
4: Install only one DIMM to begin with. Read your MB manual for it's placement. Then adjust Bios Memory Timings according to Memory specs. " Extended Performance " memory is often detected at a fail safe setting. You often have to adjust timings and voltage manually. IE: DDR 1600 may in fact be detected as DDR 1333 if you use Auto settings.
5: Power supply goes in last. Never force a connection. Some auxiliary PCI-E connectors ( video card ) look a lot like the auxiliary 12v Power connectors to the MB...but they are wired different. Double check all connections before plugging in to wall socket.
6: Adjust date and time in Bios. Read manual carefully in regards to Bios settings. Some boards with mixed IDE and SATA terminals have particular SATA settings that must be adjusted before the HD can be detected. Asus MB's used to be a particular PITA on this. They may be better now.
7: After OS installation, load the MB drivers before anything else. Win7 may load generic drivers for the MB chipset...but the proper MB chipset drivers are always required.
If you ask 10 people you'll probably get 10 different partitioning schemes. In general the consensus seems to be with one hard drive to go with one partition for the OS, one for programs and one for data. But it all depends on your usage and how many hard drives you have. Me, I have three drives. Two as one partition and one as three partitions.
#83. "RE: Bumping for new list of components" In response to MSU (Reply # 82)
This machine is only going to have one HD, a 1TB size. Pretty much all he will have on it for the immediate future is the OS, whatever games he decides to load, AV and maleware, along with Office 2007.
Should I just set up a partition for win7 (and how big of one) and then let the rest be put on another partition? And if you have multiple partitions and you want to install something, how do you place that software into a certain partition.
#84. "RE: Bumping for new list of components" In response to Garold99 (Reply # 83) Sun Feb-13-11 02:42 AM by Chickenman
I run a 40gb Partition for my OS on the C: Drive. That leaves me plenty of space for overhead and the occasional third party program that I want to install to the C: drive. 40gb on the C: drive leaves me with about 17gb of free space.( Edit: This on a 640gb HD )
Note that during the installation of programs, even if they are installed to another partition, they often create folders on the C: partition for various .dll files etc.Printer drivers are notorious for this. BTW, I like to install my video drivers to the C: partition...but that's just me. So make sure to allow sufficient overhead on the C: drive.
Don't forget to trim the System restore size down. I limit System Restore to about 6gb per partition.
When installing new Programs to a different Partition, always choose the " Custom " install. This will allow you to change the destination directory. Easy peasy. I usually let all MS stuff go to C:. Everything else goes in a different partition(s).
Before partitioning your drive, rename all the drive letters of Optical Drives and things like Card Readers to the end of the Alphabet. Do this through Control Panel/Administration Tools/Computer Management/Disk Management. Then you can partition to your hearts content and all of your drive letters will stay in a logical order. IE: : E: etc. If you add a HD or a partition down the road. they will also be in a logical order, instead of being mixed up with Optical drives and Card Readers etc. Makes life a bit easier IMHO.
NTFS or FAT/FAT32 or does that matter anymore? Remember computer will is going to be used for gaming, but also for his school work, so he will have Office 2007 and such on it.
#87. "RE: Bumping for new list of components" In response to MSU (Reply # 86)
Well I screwed up and wasn't paying enough attention when I installed win7, or just didn't see where I partition or set disk to NTFS. Now the whole 1TB disk is one partition. I have downloaded drivers and updated everything, but should I go back and refortmat HD and start all over installing everything?
Looks like it's running good right now. I'm not sure if I missed anything other than partitioning the HD. I could not find a speaker wire in the case to hook to the motherboard so I could hear warning signals, so I guess if I can't hear them then there are none, I hope. I ran as many of the cables as I could behind the back panel to hide them the best I could, so the case should have good air flow a cleaner look.
#89. "RE: Bumping for new list of components" In response to Garold99 (Reply # 87) Sat Feb-26-11 07:16 AM by Chickenman
Quote:
QUOTE: Well I screwed up and wasn't paying enough attention when I installed win7, or just didn't see where I partition or set disk to NTFS. Now the whole 1TB disk is one partition. I have downloaded drivers and updated everything, but should I go back and refortmat HD and start all over installing everything?
No big deal. It can be done after the initial installation.
Use Windows 7 built in partitioning tool to add a partition or two.
Go to: Control Panel/Administrative Tools/ Computer Management/ Disk Management
If you've already added some third party Programs you can just leave the C: partition a bit bigger, or you can uninstall the programs and re-install them after you have created the new partition(s)
Looks like overnight my son added his game which takes up most of the night downloading for some reason. So the only thing on the HD is the OS (win7), MSE, Malewarebytes, and his game so far.
Thanks for all the help guys, I really appreciate it.
I put my sub-woofer and UPS in there instead. 
: E: etc. If you add a HD or a partition down the road. they will also be in a logical order, instead of being mixed up with Optical drives and Card Readers etc. Makes life a bit easier IMHO. 