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$1200 Build: Need Help Big Noob Here

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 Thread : $1200 Build: Need Help Big Noob Here
 
Profile: stranger
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Okay, so I have a Dell 8400 that is coming up on the 3yr mark and its time to upgrade.  I do not want to buy a box computer again so its time to build.
 
The only thing I will keep from my current rig is a new SATA drive I use to backup files, monitor and my video card that I still like (GeForce 6800).  I also have DVD/CD drives that are "new"
 
What I would like help with is:
 
Case
CPU
CPU cooler
MoBo
Memory
Power
Video Card (unless my current one is okay: GeForce 6800 256mb)
 
 
I have researched everywhere and have inundated myself with so much information that I have no clue where to start.
 
I will mainly use this system for gaming and some non-intensive video editing.
 
 
I really need to keep the build at $1200 so if someone can help me out I would REALLY appreciate it.
 
Thanks!


Message edited by hawgleg on 04-11-2008 at 06:44:47 AM
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Profile: nimble knuckle
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At $1200 upgrade that crappy Video card....are u going to overclock??  Answer that and I can give u a straight list.
 
Also... XP or Vista, quiet case or cooling (again overclocking), dual core or quad?


---------------
99% of all computer problems are user related
Gigabyte P35-DS3L | E2180 @ 3.0
EVGA 8800GT SC | 2gb Crucial Ballistix 800

 

Profile: enthusiast
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Get a case that you like, I like the Antec Nine Hundred, you might not.
 
CPU:E8400, Q6600, Q9300, or Q9450
(Q6600 will run cheaper & easier to overclock, the Q9300 & Q9450 run cooler and faster at stock speeds) all are great choices
 
CPU Cooler: http://www.frostytech.com/top5heat [...] ELHEATSINK
if your not overclocking then stock cooler should be fine(comes with retail CPU)
 
MOBO: P35 or X38 Chipset, ASUS or Gigabyte
GA-P35-DS3L is a great MOBO for $89 (Ultra Durable, All-Solid Capacitor Design)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813128059
 
RAM:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820146565
 
PSU:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 26+Cooling
S610EPS
 
I woudln't upgrade your video card until you need to. Why spend the money if it still suits you. Upgrade video when you have too IMO

Message quoted 2 times
Message edited by level101 on 04-11-2008 at 07:46:23 AM
Profile: stranger
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Silverion77 wrote :

At $1200 upgrade that crappy Video card....are u going to overclock??  Answer that and I can give u a straight list.
 
Also... XP or Vista, quiet case or cooling (again overclocking), dual core or quad?


 
Not looking to overclock...have no clue how and I certainly dont want to screw up a new system.
 
XP for the OS and most likely dual core....unless there is a huge advantage to quad.
 
 
 

level101 wrote :

Get a case that you like, I like the Antec Nine Hundred, you might not.
 
CPU:E8400, Q6600, Q9300, or Q9450
(Q6600 will run cheaper & easier to overclock, the Q9300 & Q9450 run cooler and faster at stock speeds) all are great choices
 
CPU Cooler: http://www.frostytech.com/top5heat [...] ELHEATSINK
if your not overclocking then stock cooler should be fine(comes with retail CPU)
 
MOBO: P35 or X38 Chipset, ASUS or Gigabyte
GA-P35-DS3L is a great MOBO for $89 (Ultra Durable, All-Solid Capacitor Design)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813128059
 
RAM:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820146565
 
PSU:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 26+Cooling
S610EPS
 
I woudln't upgrade your video card until you need to. Why spend the money if it still suits you. Upgrade video when you have too IMO


 
Haven't checked these out yet...planning to first thing in the AM
 

Profile: old hand

CPU: Intel E8400: ~200  
 
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L : $86.67
 
RAM: 2gb ddr2 800 crucial ballastix : $29
 
GPU: 8800GTS 512mb: $220
 
PSU: Corsair 550vx : $58
 
Cooler: XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 : $36.99
 
Total  $627. All prices in newegg.com except for PSU and RAM (buy.com)
 
PS: If you're not planning to overclock you don't need to buy an aftermarket cooler, the stock intel cooler is just fine.


---------------
Intel E6750 * Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L * Galaxy 8800GT 512mb 620MHz* Corsair VX450 * 2GB Transcend 667* 2x120GB Seagate SATA * Altec Lansing ATP3*
Work smarter, not harder!!
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mihirkula wrote :

CPU: Intel E8400: ~200  
 
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L : $86.67
 
RAM: 2gb ddr2 800 crucial ballastix : $29
 
GPU: 8800GTS 512mb: $220
 
PSU: Corsair 550vx : $58
 
Cooler: XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 : $36.99
 
Total  $627. All prices in newegg.com except for PSU and RAM (buy.com)
 
PS: If you're not planning to overclock you don't need to buy an aftermarket cooler, the stock intel cooler is just fine.


2nd that build. I'd probably stick with stock cooler, since he said he's not going to OC. That would save him $44 (with shipping). All he would need is a case. The OP could even go with a Antec Sonata III case/PSU combo that comes with a decent 500w Earthwatts PSU for around $120 or so. I'd probably go with the Cooler Master 690 case and the Corsair vx 550w PSU, because it has more upgrade room, but the Earthwatts PSU is good too. So to recap:
 
* Stick with stock CPU HSF that comes with which ever CPU you decide (maybe the e8400 if available).
* Antec Sonata III case/psu combo, if you want or get a Cooler Master 690 case w/Corsair vx 550w PSU.
 
Links to items mentioned:
Antec Sonata III 500 Black 0.8mm cold rolled steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 500W Power Supply - Retail
Newegg link, but I would'nt buy at their price of $145 w/shipping, just giving you link so you can read about it.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811129024
link from Zipzoomfly for the same Sonata III case/psu combo, but much cheaper at about $110 shipped!!!
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Prod [...] e=10005323
 
Corsair vx550w PSU link from Newegg, which again is overpriced, but use it for information. PSU has 5 yr. warranty and one of the better PSU's you can get in this price range!
CORSAIR CMPSU-550VX ATX12V V2.2 550W Power Supply 90 - 264 V UL, CUL, CE, CB, FCC Class B, TUV, CCC, C-tick - Retail  
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817139004
link from Buy.com that has the best deal on the same Corsair vx550w PSU! $85 - $15 MIR = $70!!!
http://www.buy.com/prod/corsair-vx [...] 52646.html
 
Cooler Master 690 Case. Again overpriced at Newegg, but use link for information. $108 shipped.
COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail  
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811119137
Zipzoomfly.com link for Cooler Master 690 case. $85 shipped!!!
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Prod [...] e=10006342
 


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8800gtx/380w PSU!
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Profile: stranger
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Okay, after looking at the reccomendations this is what I have come up with.  All prices are from ZipZoomFly for one stop shopping convienence but will be purchasing from both ZZF and Newegg.
 
I changed the case and Mobo since I need IEEE for video editing.  Also, I will continue to use my video card for now.
Let me know what you guys think!
 
Here we go:
 
Case
COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Mid Tower Case
$74.99
Power Supply
Antec TruePower TRIO 550 550W Power
$79.99
Mobo
ASUS P5B-Plus Intel Core 2 Duo (Desktop) Socket 775 1066 MHz PC2-6400 (DDR2-800) ATX
$139.98
CPU
INTEL Core 2 Duo E8400 3.00 GHz 1333 MHz 775 6MB Desktop Processor
$210.80
Memory
Crucial Technology Ballistix BL2KIT12864AA804 2GB kit DDR2-800 PC2-6400
$65.90 (2x for total of $131.80)
 
Total is $637.56 plus shipping.

Message quoted 2 times
Message edited by hawgleg on 04-11-2008 at 04:51:43 PM
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If you're not overclocking, go ahead and get cheaper RAM.  The Ballistix is nice if you play with your settings, but just about any RAM will be fine out of the box.
 
Then again, after looking at your link, you'll be hard pressed to find that kind of deal on any other RAM.

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I'm looking to build a similar price range box and have been doing my research the last couple weeks.

 

Looking at your list, the memory is a bit much.  You'd be better off getting a 4gb (2x2gb) kit for $60-80ish (after rebates).  There are a lot of choices right now as far as brand in that price range.  

 

Personally I'm leaning towards the Antec Sonata III case partially because of the reputable PSU that comes with it and it's relatively cheap for decent quality (I've seen it as low as $105 for case/psu/shipping), but it doesn't have a front side IEEE...

 

As far as the CPU goes, if you're planning on doing any kind of multitasking the quad cores will probably suit your needs better.  The Q6600 can be found for $200 at microcenter stores (not online :P) and the q9450 is pretty scarce.  An oem is available for $365 at ncixus.com right now, but I'm hoping to pick one up for around $300-325 once these things are more available... (might be wishful thinking at least short term)


Message edited by Sundog on 04-11-2008 at 05:32:03 PM
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Profile: nimble knuckle
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hawgleg wrote :

Okay, after looking at the reccomendations this is what I have come up with.  All prices are from ZipZoomFly for one stop shopping convienence but will be purchasing from both ZZF and Newegg.

 

I changed the case and Mobo since I need IEEE for video editing.  Also, I will continue to use my video card for now.
Let me know what you guys think!

 

Here we go:

 

Case
COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Mid Tower Case
$74.99
Power Supply
Antec TruePower TRIO 550 550W Power
$79.99
Mobo
ASUS P5B-Plus Intel Core 2 Duo (Desktop) Socket 775 1066 MHz PC2-6400 (DDR2-800) ATX
$139.98
CPU
INTEL Core 2 Duo E8400 3.00 GHz 1333 MHz 775 6MB Desktop Processor
$210.80
Memory
Crucial Technology Ballistix BL2KIT12864AA804 2GB kit DDR2-800 PC2-6400
$65.90 (2x for total of $131.80)

 

Total is $637.56 plus shipping.


Looks fine...couple things:

 

1)  That Motherboard is out of date.  You are paying extra money for older technology.  Get the Gigabyte P35-DS3L as stated or if you want slightly higher end, Asus P5K-E

 

2)  That specific Antec (TruPower Trio) are not the best out there.  Go with that Corsair in the earlier post.  Much better.  If you want modular cables (take some off), then the Corsair 520HX is $90 on buy.com

 

3)  U can get that Ballistix from Newegg atm for $36 for 2x1 so $70 for 4gigs
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820146565
Or for cool LEDs http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820148076-same price atm

 

4)  In regards to a Q6600 to a Q9450....its hard to justify the price.  A Q6600 will OC to 3.6 but that isnt the case for the Q9450 cause of the low multiplier.  In most cases you might see 3.8 on that chip but its personal preference


Message edited by Silverion7 7 on 04-11-2008 at 06:48:53 PM

---------------
99% of all computer problems are user related
Gigabyte P35-DS3L | E2180 @ 3.0
EVGA 8800GT SC | 2gb Crucial Ballistix 800

 

Profile: enthusiast
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hawgleg wrote :

Okay, after looking at the reccomendations this is what I have come up with.  All prices are from ZipZoomFly for one stop shopping convienence but will be purchasing from both ZZF and Newegg.
 
I changed the case and Mobo since I need IEEE for video editing.  Also, I will continue to use my video card for now.
Let me know what you guys think!
 
Here we go:
 
Case
COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Mid Tower Case
$74.99
Power Supply
Antec TruePower TRIO 550 550W Power
$79.99
Mobo
ASUS P5B-Plus Intel Core 2 Duo (Desktop) Socket 775 1066 MHz PC2-6400 (DDR2-800) ATX
$139.98
CPU
INTEL Core 2 Duo E8400 3.00 GHz 1333 MHz 775 6MB Desktop Processor
$210.80
Memory
Crucial Technology Ballistix BL2KIT12864AA804 2GB kit DDR2-800 PC2-6400
$65.90 (2x for total of $131.80)
 
Total is $637.56 plus shipping.


 
You don't want the ASUS P5B you need the ASUS P5K-E $137
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Prod [...] t=celebros

Profile: stranger
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Important question: is your GeForce 6800 AGP or PCIe

Sniper
Profile: Forum Veteran
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level101 wrote :

Get a case that you like, I like the Antec Nine Hundred, you might not.

 

CPU:E8400, Q6600, Q9300, or Q9450
(Q6600 will run cheaper & easier to overclock, the Q9300 & Q9450 run cooler and faster at stock speeds) all are great choices

 

CPU Cooler: http://www.frostytech.com/top5heat [...] ELHEATSINK
if your not overclocking then stock cooler should be fine(comes with retail CPU)

 

MOBO: P35 or X38 Chipset, ASUS or Gigabyte
GA-P35-DS3L is a great MOBO for $89 (Ultra Durable, All-Solid Capacitor Design)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813128059

 

RAM:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820146565

 

PSU:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 26+Cooling
S610EPS

 

I woudln't upgrade your video card until you need to. Why spend the money if it still suits you. Upgrade video when you have too IMO


Agreed. That's some thing like what I would have recommended. Also look at Corsair PSUs too. If your graphics card is PCIe then you can continue to use it unless you plan to upgrade. For RAM get the Crucial Ballastix. If you do buy a P35-DS3L board PM me if you need any help.


Message edited by Shadow7037 93 on 04-12-2008 at 12:39:53 AM

---------------
E2180 @3.2Ghz + P35DS3L +8400GS (700/475 OC)  
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3268/2588429538_b3c41b29c3.jpg
Profile: stranger
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scudst0rm wrote :

Important question: is your GeForce 6800 AGP or PCIe


 
 
It's PCIe.  I will eventually upgrade to something better but right now it is fine.
 

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hawgleg wrote :

It's PCIe.


 
 
Good, PCIe is what you need

Profile: stranger
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Well I did some more tweaking and this is what I have come up with:
 
Case: *No change from original build*
COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Mid Tower Case
$74.99
Power Supply: *New Item*
CORSAIR CMPSU-550VX 550W Active Power Supply
$78.90 after $10 MIR
Mobo: *New Item*
ASUS P5K-E/WIFI-AP Intel Core 2 Duo (Desktop) Socket 775 1333MHz PC2-8500 (DDR2-1066) ATX Motherboard
$137.00
CPU: *No change from original build*
INTEL Core 2 Duo E8400 3.00 GHz 1333 MHz 775 6MB Desktop Processor
$205.80
Memory:*No change from original build*
Crucial Technology Ballistix BL2KIT12864AA804 2GB kit DDR2-800 PC2-6400
$40.90 after $25 MIR(2x for total of $81.80)
 
Total is $577.69 with MIR
Shipping $27.33
Grand Total $605.02
 
Not too bad. Thoughts.


Message edited by hawgleg on 04-12-2008 at 03:03:15 AM
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Profile: nimble knuckle
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Looks fine....buy it


---------------
99% of all computer problems are user related
Gigabyte P35-DS3L | E2180 @ 3.0
EVGA 8800GT SC | 2gb Crucial Ballistix 800

 

Profile: enthusiast
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