Need help building a computer

[joebonneau]

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/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814122245

Processor (can't figure out if this one sucks, willing to spend up to 150): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819116231

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/games/oblivion_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.

 

[Flopmouth_Fish]

A couple things:
1) Those links to newegg are broken. I just got a message saying, "We are very sorry, the page that you requested does not exist."
2) What is your total budget for the CPU, mobo, and RAM?
3) Why do you link to a video card if you already have one?
4) What are the complete specs of this PC, inlcluding the parts that you already have?

 

[joebonneau]

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I don't think the other things would effect what I'm trying to upgrade on it or fix (the motherboard fried, video card outdated, processor is either fried or outdated, not enough RAM)

 

[Flopmouth_Fish]

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

I'd save $27 and get this eVGA 7600GT KO

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I don't think the other things would effect what I'm trying to upgrade on it or fix (the motherboard fried, video card outdated, processor is either fried or outdated, not enough RAM)

Ouch. That sounds like what happened to me. My computer was an HP; the CPU fried, my mobo fried, and it had an X600, which is the definition of outdated. At least it had 1GB RAM, a PCIe video card, and a SATA hard drive. I bought a new CPU, mobo, case, and PSU.

I wouldn't get that CPU. The whole Prescott series runs very hot. Trust me; my P4 540 (same as the 541, except no 64-bit support) fried. Instead, I'd get an Athlon 64 3800+ (socket AM2), which is both faster, cooler, and uses less power. It's only $10 more than that P4 crap.

All socket AM2 CPUs use DDR2 RAM, but I really don't know much about RAM, so I won't recommend anything.

Also, I don't know much about socket AM2 motherboards; check google for reviews.

 

[joebonneau]

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?

 

[Mondoman]

...I was choosing from the Oblivion supported video chips (I don't believe that particular one you chose is on there).

It's the same GPU as the one you listed.

 

[Mondoman]

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/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=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.

 

[joebonneau]

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/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=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.

Ok, thanks. Can anyone tell me what makes one motherboard better than the other and what will be compatible with the http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103631 (if this is only on sale for today, then I'm gonna have to find another one if it goes up significantly in price, because I'm not ready to buy anything yet).


Thanks for everyone's help, I really have no idea what I'm doing, heh

 

[aj6065]

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/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814122245

Processor (can't figure out if this one sucks, willing to spend up to 150): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819116231

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/games/oblivion_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.

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.

 

[k-]

Just Get these... for Oblivion, GFX cards are more in need rather than the CPUs.

Open box but perfectly fine 3200+
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103637R
$76 or if you want a brand new one, $86

ECS gForce 6100chipset mATX(decent, according to reviews)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813135010
$60
although I reccommand you this but open box for $60
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813130050R

eVGA 7900gt (runs oblivion MUCH MUCH better than 7600gt)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130015
$244 after MIR

Mushkin 1gb DDR2 667 Memory (I picked 667 because 3200+ can only take up til 667)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820146438
$89 a bit more expensive but better than $76 pqi or w/e that is.

$469

Done, I think everyone else here will agree that, it is a much better system than what you were going to get. and This rig will handle Oblivion Just fine.

Forget everything and buy them!

 

[joebonneau]

Just Get these... for Oblivion, GFX cards are more in need rather than the CPUs.

Open box but perfectly fine 3200+
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103637R
$76 or if you want a brand new one, $86

ECS gForce 6100chipset mATX(decent, according to reviews)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813135010
$60
although I reccommand you this but open box for $60
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813130050R

eVGA 7900gt (runs oblivion MUCH MUCH better than 7600gt)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130015
$244 after MIR

Mushkin 1gb DDR2 667 Memory (I picked 667 because 3200+ can only take up til 667)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820146438
$89 a bit more expensive but better than $76 pqi or w/e that is.

$469

Done, I think everyone else here will agree that, it is a much better system than what you were going to get. and This rig will handle Oblivion Just fine.

Forget everything and buy them!

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?

 

[k-]

No, if you want to play Oblivion at like at least 30fps+ and playable, go for 7900gt.

With a 7600gt, you won't be satisfied.

7900gt will last you a long time.

Trust me

EDIT: If you REALLY want to get a 7600gt... don't spend any more money on the cpu... when 65nm Athlon processors come out late 2006, buy that, and it will be much better than 90nm ones.

Actually, if you want the best performance in Oblivion, get a X1800XT, it outperforms 7900gt in everything.

the 256mb version of x1800xt
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814102007
only $200

 

[aj6065]

Actually, if you want the best performance in Oblivion, get a X1800XT, it outperforms 7900gt in everything.

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.

 

[k-]

yep, its cheaper and performs equally...

use common sense please.

 

[Mondoman]

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.

 

[joebonneau]

the 256mb version of x1800xt
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814102007
only $200

Ok, I'm getting this card (I'm pretty sure I don't want the 512mb one)

As for a power supply (my brother just told me the one we have is 350 watts) should that be enough or should I get a better one? If so, can anyone recommend one?

 

[pinkmeat]

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...

 

[joebonneau]

I could, but I want a computer because I have more uses for it. That was my original plan, to buy an xbox 360 but I talked myself out of it.


How about that power supply?

 

[ikjadoon]

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~

 

[Flopmouth_Fish]

As for a power supply (my brother just told me the one we have is 350 watts) should that be enough or should I get a better one? If so, can anyone recommend one?

What is the make/model of that power supply? Also, what are the amps on teh 12V rail?

 

[joebonneau]

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

 

[ikjadoon]

It *might* work. 17A is more than I expected, I was thinking like 12A or 14A...

I've been reading some reviews of the X1800XT and it eats watts like no other. It'll take upto to 9A on load. I think I've known one computer than ran a X1800XT on a 350W... That leaves 8A on load for the CPU, drives, fans, etc...Possible, but there might issues.

~Ibrahim~

 

[zrawas]

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

 

[joebonneau]

Ok, thanks. One more question (I know, when will they stop ). If the power supply isn't enough to support everything, will that damage any of my parts? I'd rather be safe than sorry.

Also, I might be overclocking (the processor most likely if I can figure it out)... does that take extra power as well?

 

[ikjadoon]

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~