First time building, want to do it right.

Aaroen77

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Mar 1, 2009
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SInce I have been talking about investing in a new computer, a lot of my frineds have said that building one is the way to go. Better quality parts at usually a cheaper price (depending on where you buy.) So I did a little research, played around with a few things here and there and came to three important requirements for what I want.

1) Must be fast (2.5 GHz+)

2) No less than 8G of memory

3) Keeping under a $900 Budget

I picked parts through New Egg, and put them on a wishlist. What I would like is feed back, is there anything I overlooked, any suggestion on what could be replace by something better and still come in under $900, or does what I already have work well? I have components fromy old compter that I plan on using in the build (a DVD Burner and a 200GB HDD, both of which are only a year old.) Any comments and/or suggestion would be greatly appreciated. I thank you all in advance.

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Jpain

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Feb 2, 2008
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1. Good mobo
2. Phenom II X3 720 2.8GHz $144.99
3. OCZ Vista Upgrade 4GB (2 x 2GB) $39.99
4. Apollo AP-HD4850 512MB 136.99 ""9600 2gb"" NO WAY...
5. No sound CARD... Intergarded -15$
6. No cooler -15$
7. NO Super talent... -5$
8. Rest is ok..





 

Aaroen77

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Mar 1, 2009
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Thanks for the responses so far, but I forgot to mention one thing, what I'll be using the computer for. Yes it will be used for some gaming, but it's primary function will be for graphic design/multimedia/web design/digital illustration/etc...

I apologize for omitting this piece of information, and if this changes anything sorry.

-Aaroen
 
It could very well change things.
Especially if you're going to earn a living doing that stuff you'll want to consider a quad core CPU.
You'll have to look at the software packages and figure out if they support multi-threading.

I saw that you listed 4 single sticks of RAM. For best results you'll want to choose a matched set of RAM.
For example: G.SKILL 8GB (4 x 2GB) DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Quad Kit

Your power supply choice isn't a well regarded brand name.
It has low efficiency, a 1yr warranty and you have to pay extra for shipping.
You really only need something like 400~450W PSU for the system you've picked out.

Looking for a reasonable quality bargain PSU I found OCZ StealthXStream 500W and 600W PSU on sale.
You get better efficiency, 3yr warranty, free shipping and you pay less.
OCZ StealthXStream 600W webpage with links to reviews
 

Aaroen77

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Mar 1, 2009
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So do you think the video card is adaquate, or is it too much for what I'm planning to do? I know after looking up Adobe's CS4 spec, that they recommend 3.0+ GHz for HD work, but I didn't see anything about multi-threading.
 
CS4 does utilize multi threading, as did CS3. A quadcore is exactly what you want. This quad down below is low wattage and low heat...Intel ftw. When they are recommending 3.0 GHz they are talking about the old P4's. Today a 1.8Ghz dual core will blow away that old P4 3.0+ghz. You did right by selecting that vid card, CS4 is a visual memory hog. So the 2 gig card you chose is perfect. Actually Nvidea makes a card just for CS4...the "quadro" but it retails for around $2,000 and it's a 3.5 gig card and then some. The cpu you chose is junk for what you want to do..infact that cpu is junk period. Also the PSU is overkill for watts, but its pretty much junk all together. Also make sure that case you chose will be large enough for that vid card, of not check out the Coolermaster cases...centurion, etc... roomy and usually go for around $50 and the are well made. This build down below is what your looking for if you plan on using CS4 and staying within your price range..although I didn't take the time to add in the monitor, HD, etc.... too much work. :p

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128380 $79.99
GIGABYTE GA-EP43-UD3L LGA 775 Intel P43 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115055 $169.99 Free Shipping*
Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 2.33GHz 4MB L2 Cache LGA 775 95W Quad-Core Processor - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231151 $99.99
G.SKILL 8GB (4 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Quad Kit Desktop Memory - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341022 $79.99 Free Shipping*
OCZ Fatal1ty OCZ550FTY 550W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready Modular Active PFC Power Supply - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814187054 $139.99
SPARKLE SX96GT2048D2-HP GeForce 9600 GT 2GB 256-bit GDDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail

Total: $569.95 (not including shipping and rebates)
 

Rain1406

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Mar 3, 2009
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Personally I'd say 8gb is serious overkill 4 would be plenty. those supertalent heatsinks seem a bit of wasted money as well other than that looks good