Need help building a computer

Ok guys, I'm building a computer. I have everything I need besides the motherboard, processor, and RAM. I'm having trouble figuring out what parts are compatible and are in my price range.

Video card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814122245

Processor (can't figure out if this one sucks, willing to spend up to 150): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819116231

RAM (want to get like 1gb, want to spend like 50)

Motherboard (want to spend around 75

Keep in mind I want it to be able to run Oblivion (recommended, http://www.theelderscrolls.com/gam [...] _faq.htm). It has to be compatible (obviously) and you can toy around with the prices as long as it stays 400-450$.

Thanks to anyone who can help me out.


Sorry if this is in the wrong section by the way, I didn't know where else to post it.

1. I just fixed the links, check my first post again.

2. My total budget for everything I listed is about 400-450.

3. That's the video card I picked out, I don't actually have one yet.

4. I'm not sure, but I don't think the other things would effect what I'm trying to upgrade on it or fix (the motherboard fried, video card outdated, processor is either fried or outdated, not enough RAM)

For the videocard you suggested, I was choosing from the Oblivion supported video chips (I don't believe that particular one you chose is on there). Is that card as good as the one I chose and going to work with Oblivion?

And one other thing, is that processor there only 110 for today or does "One Day Only" mean something else?

With the eVGA board at $150 after rebate, you've got $300 left. Unfortunately, 1GB of decent memory will cost closer to $90. Here's what seems to be a good deal on some DDR2 at $84 AR:
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Prod [...] Code=85205
That leaves around $210 for CPU+MB. A decent MB will run around $100, so you'll have around $100 for the CPU. Others will likely have some good suggestions for CPU+MB at $210.

Motherboard MSI K9N Neo-F $77
CPU AMD 3800+ $110 (On sale at time of post)
RAM PQI 1gb DDR2 667 $78
GPU Geforce 7600GT $166 (Not including $20 rebate)

The total is $431, and that will give you the performance you're looking for.

What if I decide to downgrade the videocard a little bit, what card(s) can I get that are still compatible?

Actually scratch that, If I go down to the 7600 instead of the 7900, should I think about spending the money elsewhere?

That's not true, unless the X1800XT is 512mb. Otherwise, each of the cards are about equal. Some games will naturally play better on one brand than the other, of course.

For those posting suggestions: Please INCLUDE SHIPPING COST in your price quotes. It can make a big difference (as in the posts above) to quote (for example) a newegg price w/o the $5 extra for shipping and another price that includes shipping.

You could always buy an xbox 360 as Oblivion was made for that console, it has DX10 video so it will run at full settings, costs between 350 and 500 depending where you go. The only difference between versions is keyboard/mouse versus controler. Oh that and the tittie mod. mmmm animated boobies...

I hate to break it to you, but unless it is a really good 350W PSU, you probably won't. What brand is it? What are the amps? The amps are in a chart like this:



Good luck!

~Ibrahim~

Enermax Whisper

DC +3.3V +5V +12V -5V -12V +5Vsb

Output 32A 32A 17A 1A 1A 2.2A

AC Input 115V/230V~ 50-60Hz
10A/6A

+3.3V & +5V : 185W MAX ; TOTAL = 350W


That's what I wrote down from the power supply, also keep in mind that it's like 5 years old, heh

I would really suggest you go dual core and AM2 to be a bit future-proof and not have to upgrade eveything real soon.

My suggestion is: (The total is gonna be about $500 so if it's not suitable don't carry on)

CPU: AMD X2 3800+ Socket AM2 - $150

MotherBoard: Open Box ( but you can trust Newegg) ASUS M2N - $86.40

Video Card: SAPPHIRE X1800XT 256 MB - $206.12

Memory: Open Box Patriot 2x512MB Dual Channel Kit - $58 (Dual Channel Memory is much better than one stick, but less future-proof)

Total: $500.52

If I were you and I'd go with this and for an extra $50 you will definitely see increased performance.

Good luck

Actually, with AM2 dual-channel gives no added benefit. One stick will work just as fast.

On the PSU. It is possible that with a strong enough load it might blow the PSU which in turn might hurt other components. But usually the computer will automatically restart or even shutdown. A shutdown means that it is dead, the PSU at least. Restarts are much more common.

~Ibrahim~

Ok, thanks. I think I'll upgrade to a higher one just to be safe. How is this one lookin? It seems good from reviews. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817709010

Ok, thank you and everyone else who has helped me, I really appreciate it. I assume the double +12V is better than 1, so I'm going with the one you suggested.

OK, one last question, sorry.

I was just looking at the motherboard and the RAM, and the motherboard says DDR2 800, and the RAM says 667... My guess is that they aren't compatible and I'm gonna need DDR2 800 RAM. Am I right?

This is the best deal I can find on DDR2 800 RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820145566

Ok, thank you