Building computer help please...

[Geogi]

I'm building a computer for a single mom's 13 yr old boy. Stability and cost are the most important. He plays online games a lot but nothing too serious. This is what I've come up with so far. Let me know how to make it better if you have ideas. I'd like to keep costs around the $600 mark.

4650 graphics card.
amd 9650 cpu
4gb ram (speed?)
780G Mobo
Power supply?

I'm not set on any of that and have no idea as to the specific models of parts. I like Asus for the mobo, not sure on what this system needs for a power supply. Any specifics are greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Georgi

 

[The Third Level]

I wouldn't go for the original Phenoms...they really aren't worth the money. Instead, spend the extra 20 bucks and get a Phenom II X3 720, or a X3 710 if you're not going to overclock. It's an AM3 CPU, but its backwards compatible for AM2+ mobos.

For RAM, use DDR2 with an AM2+ socket mobo. The mobo usually has a recommended RAM speed.

Power Supply is quite important. For everyday use & no OCing, i'm guessing most things over 350-ish should be more than enough. Don't get an extremely cheap CPU-it'll bite you in the ass later.

I like the Antec Earthwatts or Neopower PSUs. Asus & Gigabyte have good mobos.

 

[Raidur]

The 4650 would be enough for a game like WoW, but if he plans on playing games with a higher GPU demand I'd suggest a 4670 or even a 4830.

DDR2-800 is the best bang for buck speed, and is plenty.

And like 3rd said, go for the AMD Phenom II 710 X3 (tri-core), or the 720 (if you plan on overclocking). They out-perform even the 9850 X4.

 

[stonebattle]

I just helped my grandson build one for about the same amount. He built it with my supervision and all of his friends think its greatest. We used a core II dual and a 9600GT.

The advice given so far is good. Make sure the power supply you chose include overvoltage protection for the outputs. Does the $600 include case, hard drive, OS and any other parts?

 

[Geogi]

Thx very much for your input. So far I think I've gathered AMD over Intel and the 710 processor (5% overclock max if I do). The ASUS M3A78 Pro is what I'm looking at for mobo. Does that support the AM3? The AM3 specific mobo's really kick the price up. Or is there a better board? DDR2 1066 ram seems like a fit? 4gb enough? Does XP home support 4gb ram? I think the mobo has 4 ram slots how does this need to be configured. 4 1gb or 2 2gb? He lost his XP disk but I have the I.D. number from "My Computer" off his machine. Not the Key but the I.D. number. Will MS give me a key or do I have to buy another OS?

Yes, needs to include inexpensive ($65)HD, and he's got an old Enlight case that I'd like to replace the power supply and fans in.

This power supply looks like it will work (Antec earthwatts EA380 380W) $40.

 

[blackpanther26]

the only problem with a AM3 socket CPU going into a AM2+ socket is to make sure the BIOS is up to date before it is instaled into the system. Get a motherboard that has AM3 ready on it.

 

[The Third Level]

Yup ^. You can look on manufacturer websites to find out most of the times.
The PSU looks ok, but if you're planning on OC i would try to get something with higher wattage. It's either the extra 30 bucks now or another 600 to replace the whole thing if the computer gets fried.

I recomming 2x2gb, should be enough. DDR2 ram is quite cheap so don't be concerned, it's inexpensive and easy to upgrade. HDD's are also cheap so for $50 you can easily grab a 320-500gb one.

To support over 4gb RAM, you need to get a 64-bit OS. I'm not sure if XP Home comes in that, but im sure Vista does.

1066 should work but just check with the mobo specs to make sure.

 

[The_Blood_Raven]

Here is what I would build:

CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103648

MB: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813186165

HDD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152098

RAM (increase voltage to v2.1 and set timings to 5-5-5-15/18 easily): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231226

Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042&Tpk=antec%20300

GPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131129

PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371007

Total: $530 - Plenty for some extras and that thing has some insane power! I recommend overclocking to ATLEAST 3.0 Ghz, might need after market cooler.

Edit: since when can you build such a nice gaming rig for under $600? Times are good.

 

[The_Blood_Raven]

Thx very much for your input. So far I think I've gathered AMD over Intel and the 710 processor (5% overclock max if I do). The ASUS M3A78 Pro is what I'm looking at for mobo. Does that support the AM3? The AM3 specific mobo's really kick the price up. Or is there a better board? DDR2 1066 ram seems like a fit? 4gb enough? Does XP home support 4gb ram? I think the mobo has 4 ram slots how does this need to be configured. 4 1gb or 2 2gb? He lost his XP disk but I have the I.D. number from "My Computer" off his machine. Not the Key but the I.D. number. Will MS give me a key or do I have to buy another OS?

Yes, needs to include inexpensive ($65)HD, and he's got an old Enlight case that I'd like to replace the power supply and fans in.

This power supply looks like it will work (Antec earthwatts EA380 380W) $40.

If his older computer still works then you should be able to find the key on it. If he does not have the actual disk, but the key, you could always pirate (DON'T SHOOT ME!) windows XP and use the key. That is perfectly legal since you are using it with a key he paid for.

 

[Geogi]

Wow, thx for your time and effort. My only question for Blood is the ram says "Intel Chipsets only" and I'm not sure what that means? Also a little nervous about the off brands PowerColor and Foxconn. I haven't built a system in 6 years so hopefully things have changed but it used to bite you in the back side.

Keep the info coming... I'm a huge sponge...

 

[Geogi]

His old computer is on it's last legs but still works. I wasn't able to find the key anywhere just the I.D. number. Can anyone be specific in where to look on XP home to find the key?

Thanks again!

 

[The_Blood_Raven]

Hmm not sure about the "Intel chipset only" BS, but you could get these instead and save the worry:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231241

Foxconn makes good motherboards and you should feel fine about them, they are my preferred budget board maker.

Don't worry about the Powercolor thing, they are all reference ATI boards made by ATI and stuck with a different cooler and sticker on by the distributors like HIS or BFG.

The 4830 is a serious gaming card, not high end, but it will definitely play everything.

If you haven't built a system in 6 years than its about god damn time you did! If you need help overclocking the CPU Tom's just published a great article about overclocking the new AMD CPUs:

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/phenom-overclock-athlon,2161.html

 

[The_Blood_Raven]

Sorry forgot to post the program:

http://www.download.com/Magical-Jelly-Bean-Keyfinder/3000-18487_4-10079600.html?tag=mncol

 

[Geogi]

Blood... You're a stud... Thanks so much for your help. She will be very happy to save $100 on the OS. Yes, it's been too long but I'm looking forward to putting this together.