OK~! Finally! i have compiled a list for a computer. Good or nay?

[replicat0r]

Ok.. i started a thread yesterday askin bout building a computer for gamin/hd multimedia(50/50)

here was my other thread...
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/262840-31-time-building-system-heres-mind-possibl



after reading through everything in that thread... and articles etc.

i have finally found a vendor with the parts.... however, i am still short on a CPU cooler, and a dvd burner...

heres wut i go so far...

AMD Phenom II X4 940 Black Edition Quad Core Processor AM2+ 3.0GHZ 8MB Cache 125W 45NM Retail Box -$273
http://www.bestdirect.ca/products/206162/HDZ940XCGIBOX/AMD/

ASUS M4N72-E ATX AM2+ AM3 DDR2 nForce 750A 2PCI-E16 2PCI-E1 2PCI 6SATA 1394A Motherboard -$177
http://www.bestdirect.ca/products/213778/M4N72-E/ASUS/


Coolermaster CM 690 Mid Tower Black ATX Case 5X5.25 5X3.5INT No PS Front USB Sound Firewire & eSATA -$84
http://www.bestdirect.ca/products/115378/RC-690-KKN1/COOLERMASTER/

Corsair TX650W 650W ATX 12V 52A 24PIN ATX Power Supply Active PFC 120MM Fan-$123
http://www.bestdirect.ca/products/166445/CMPSU-650TX/CORSAIR/

G.SKILL F2-6400CL4D-4GBPI-B PC2-6400 4GB 2X2GB DDR2-800 CL4-4-4-12 240PIN Pi Black Series Memory Kit -$57
http://www.bestdirect.ca/products/185645/F2-6400CL4D-4GBPI-B/G.SKILL/


Western Digital Caviar Black 640GB 7200RPM 32MB Dual Proc 3.5IN SATA Hard Drive OEM 5YR Mfg Warranty -$90
http://www.bestdirect.ca/products/190346/WD6401AALS/Western%20Digital/


Currently @ $807

I am in CANADA, so is these parts good price?

i still donno which cpu cooler, dvd burner and multicard reader to get.



Heres some of the questions i have....



1. the case contains a esata port. Do do i only need to plug that into the mobo for it to work?(so i dont have to get a card reader with esata on it

2.Can i possibly overclock with the current setup?

3. Should i wait on buying a gfx card , like a good deal? if not, then wuts a good card for a decent price?

4.this is the most important questions..... since i dont know much about wut im doin...
Is everything compatible with each other? so i dont have hardware conflict and dmg my stuff?



If anyone has improvements over the parts. Please give ur advice!!
once again, i am in canada. so newegg.com wont work.
if u were gonna choose part. plz do so from bestdirect.ca(free shipping and everythng i have ordered from so far)

however, if there is better deals to be had.... plz advise!

my budget is around 1000-1100(exl monitor)

currently shipping is free.

thx so much for ur input!

 

[xthekidx]

Steer clear of Nvidia chipsets they are riddled with problems. I would go for this one:
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128387

Or if you really want to order from that site...That one is a better deal though ^^
http://www.bestdirect.ca/products/194820/M3A78-T/ASUS/

 

[MykC]

Where in Canada are you that shipping is $120? I bought my system and shipping without case, was like $45 and I live in Nova Scotia. Unless your in Newfoundland or Northern territories then it should the same or less.

One suggestion is if you have local shop see what price you can get on a case/psu. Those are normally the two heaviest, largest items in the box and will save you a lot to go local.

If you can do that then we can use newegg.ca, which give the best prices.

 

[replicat0r]

Steer clear of Nvidia chipsets they are riddled with problems. I would go for this one:
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128387

Or if you really want to order from that site...That one is a better deal though ^^
http://www.bestdirect.ca/products/194820/M3A78-T/ASUS/

newegg.ca with shipping + handling turn out to be 181.83
ahhh thx!

Where in Canada are you that shipping is $120? I bought my system and shipping without case, was like $45 and I live in Nova Scotia. Unless your in Newfoundland or Northern territories then it should the same or less.

One suggestion is if you have local shop see what price you can get on a case/psu. Those are normally the two heaviest, largest items in the box and will save you a lot to go local.

If you can do that then we can use newegg.ca, which give the best prices.

for the above mobo...

Subtotal: $144.99
Handling: $19.01

Shipping: $17.8

i am at toronto...

bestdirect is free shipping... so ill take the latter.

 

[xthekidx]

lol so glad I don't live in canada...

 

[xthekidx]

See if this is worth it for ya...
http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/PID-AMD940-2(ME).aspx

 

[replicat0r]

See if this is worth it for ya...
http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/PID-AMD940-2(ME).aspx

that tured out about ~$444 (14 shipping)

while best direct is $446 with free shipping (same mobo + cpu combo)

damn stuff in canada is so much more expensive



wut im currently concerned about is the compatiblity of the mobo with the ram and psu...

also need a good cpu cooler for that mobo u recommanded...

 

[sassan]

Try to see if you will save much if you go price matching the parts through ncix.com and use shopbot.ca to find cheapest pricests.

Make sure the items are in stock and that the prices are not after mail and rebate.

I just ordered my parts from NCIX with free shipping, I live in Nova Scotia as well but my parts are still in transit. But that's okay since Ncix is in British columbia which is on the other side of the planet.

Good luck

 

[xthekidx]

Xigmatek HDT-S1283 CPU Cooler.

What size of monitor will you use with this rig, and what games do you play? Those are the determining factors you need to pick a GPU that is suitable, which in turn then dictates what PSU you need. And will you xfire later?

 

[MykC]

Ok, www.newegg.ca is confusing.
Handling means taxes. Taxes on everything was $100.
Shipping means shipping. Its only $60, to get everything to your door. I used a Toronto postal code.
The stuff comes out of New Jersey which is like across the river, so I knew something was wrong with what you interpretted.

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151171 Samsung DVD Drive $32
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042 Antec 300 $71
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319 WD 640 GB AALS $100
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128379 Gigabyte 780G mATX motherboard $100
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102822 512MB 4830 $115 - $15USD MIR
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341022 OCZ 550W Fatality $90 - $20USD MIR
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231209 4GB G.Skill PI Black $55
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.170961 AMD Phenom II 720BE with Xigma Cooler $197

This package was $917.24 to your door.

Upgrades:
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103471 Phenom II 940BE $100
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102801 1GB 4870 $150
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138143 BioStar 790GX mobo $40
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131368 Asus 790GX mobo $75
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148337 1.5TG Seagate $62

Unless you really want to run xfire down the road or need extra PCI slots then stick with mATX board. Its just as fast and feature complete. The Phenom II 940BE isn't worth the money over the 720BE imo, for gaming. The GPU is upto, I personally think the 4830 is fine for everything excpet Crysis and GTA 4 but the 4870 is there and worth it.

 

[xthekidx]

Another good mobo option, just doesn't have onboard video (which you won't use anyway)
http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=36856&vpn=GA-MA790X-UD4P&manufacture=Gigabyte

 

[replicat0r]

Try to see if you will save much if you go price matching the parts through ncix.com and use shopbot.ca to find cheapest pricests.

Make sure the items are in stock and that the prices are not after mail and rebate.

I just ordered my parts from NCIX with free shipping, I live in Nova Scotia as well but my parts are still in transit. But that's okay since Ncix is in British columbia which is on the other side of the planet.

Good luck

thats an excellent idea.... im gonna look into it.

Xigmatek HDT-S1283 CPU Cooler.

What size of monitor will you use with this rig, and what games do you play? Those are the determining factors you need to pick a GPU that is suitable, which in turn then dictates what PSU you need. And will you xfire later?

er.... i thought all i need a psu powerful enuf for the cpu, gpu, mobo to function at full power im good?

ill be prolly using 22-24inch monitor...
as for games...all kinds. FPS, RTS, RPG

this rig is for 50%game and 50% multimedia(hd)

a freind told me that xfire is too expensive.. i prolly cant afford it.
isnt xfire/sli just that the 2 gfx card can work together? so better for games?

do i still need it if i just get 1 decent gfx card?

 

[xthekidx]

No, 1 decent card would be fine and less expensive. But different GPU's have different power requirements. A Geforce 8400 GS wont' consume as much power as a 4870x2.

For a 22-24 inch monitor I think a 4870 is about right, 4850 if the 4870's put you over budget. I also think you should consider a 720 BE, very good for gaming and multimedia needs very little cpu power...a quad isn't necessary for you IMO.

I would suggest this PSU for you, it will be plenty for any single GPU, and a great deal after rebate, even before the rebate its still a good deal:
http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=29576&vpn=BFGR550WLSPSU&manufacture=BFG%20Technologies

 

[replicat0r]

Ok, www.newegg.ca is confusing.
Handling means taxes. Taxes on everything was $100.
Shipping means shipping. Its only $60, to get everything to your door. I used a Toronto postal code.
The stuff comes out of New Jersey which is like across the river, so I knew something was wrong with what you interpretted.

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151171 Samsung DVD Drive $32
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042 Antec 300 $71
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319 WD 640 GB AALS $100
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128379 Gigabyte 780G mATX motherboard $100
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102822 512MB 4830 $115 - $15USD MIR
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341022 OCZ 550W Fatality $90 - $20USD MIR
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231209 4GB G.Skill PI Black $55
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.170961 AMD Phenom II 720BE with Xigma Cooler $197

This package was $917.24 to your door.

Upgrades:
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103471 Phenom II 940BE $100
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102801 1GB 4870 $150
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138143 BioStar 790GX mobo $40
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131368 Asus 790GX mobo $75
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148337 1.5TG Seagate $62

Unless you really want to run xfire down the road or need extra PCI slots then stick with mATX board. Its just as fast and feature complete. The Phenom II 940BE isn't worth the money over the 720BE imo, for gaming. The GPU is upto, I personally think the 4830 is fine for everything excpet Crysis and GTA 4 but the 4870 is there and worth it.

No 1 decent card would be fine and less expensive. But different GPU's have different power requirements. A Geforce 8400 GS wont' consume as much power as a 4870x2.

For a 22-24 inch monitor I think a 4870 is about right, 4850 if the 4870's put you over budget. I also think you should consider a 720 BE, very good for gaming and multimedia needs very little cpu power...a quad isn't necessary for you IMO.

hmmmmm...

i want this computer to last me atleast 6 yrs... so as i read the faq and stickies.. arnt we shifitin towards multicore system?

so if i get a quadcore now, doesnt that mean my system WONT be as outdated as the tripcore or duocore like 5yrs from now?

i like to have extra stuff runnin in the background lol... i used litestep(windows shell replacement) but it lags especially with all the system monitorin stuff and extra..cause my laptop is kinda slow..

so wont be quad be better if i multitask alot? and wont it be better if i burn stuff?

and also.. i kinda want a cool case... lol cause i never had a badass computer before... >_<

 

[MykC]

If you remove the case from the www.newegg.ca you'll save $38 on shipping. You can pick that case up anywhere in Toronto no problem for $70. So, shipping from newegg.ca is only $24.

 

[MykC]

Its up to you, I am personally about multicore CPUs, but there is a limit. The 720BE is still going to be a good multitasking CPU, probably as good as the 940BE. I'd say pocket the money or use the $100 towards the GPU. You'll get a hell of a longer life span out of investing in a GPU than the 940BE over the 720bE.

 

[xthekidx]

Have we ruled out an Intel build? Because you can get the P5Q Pro mobo and it gets you free shipping for the whole order from NCIX, who will also price match...
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=30418&vpn=P5Q%20Pro&manufacture=ASUS

 

[replicat0r]

Its up to you, I am personally about multicore CPUs, but there is a limit. The 720BE is still going to be a good multitasking CPU, probably as good as the 940BE. I'd say pocket the money or use the $100 towards the GPU. You'll get a hell of a longer life span out of investing in a GPU than the 940BE over the 720bE.

lol damnit

u guys are the experts man... u guys all know WAY more then i do...

i like stuff the more the better... lol
asking me which one i think is better is like askin an 8yr old to decide which car is better.

damnittttttttttttttttt
my freind told me that quad core is not as good as duo rite now... but i keep thinkin about the future.. cause i want this to last a long time.

i know u recommand that 720 is a good cpu, but a part of me keep thinkin that if i got quad core, then everything will be so much more faster and my computer wont be a piece of junk 6yrs from now on.....

i am willin to put down that extra $100 if it gives me a better investment.
and also is investin in GPU better then cpu? i thoungt gpu change ALOT faster then cpu...



I just want the best bang for the bucks... so heres my thought..
im thinkin that the 940 is bit more expensive, but it will be faster then 720, and again down the road, will still be good

that to be is a good bang for the buck

unless u are sayin that 720 will be as fast as the 940 and still good like 6yrs from now

 

[sassan]

I would go for this cpu cooler:

http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=35847&vpn=SCMG-2000&manufacture=Scythe

Price match it with http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=14110AC4014&vpn=SCMG-2000&manufacture=SCYTHE

For 40$'s and it's better than the Xigmatek.

 

[MykC]

If you had to choose between taking a 1GB 4870 GPU over the Pheom II 940BE. Your still would be more capable now and 6 years from now if you went with the 4870 GPU. The 4870GPU is at least 100% faster than the 4830 where the 940BE is at most, 33% faster (given an application that maxes all cores all the time) than the 720BE, but in the realworld even in a multicore cpu world down the road it unlikely that will be a realworld example.

Thinking multicore is good, you just don't need 4 when 3 is at a great price.

 

[MykC]

I would go for this cpu cooler:

http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku= [...] ure=Scythe

Price match it with http://www.directcanada.com/produc [...] ure=SCYTHE

For 40$'s and it's better than the Xigmatek.

The Xigmatek is part of the $25 discount, 1-2deg isn't worth $25 price difference.

 

[MykC]

asking me which one i think is better is like askin an 8yr old to decide which car is better.

Put the money into the GPU

 

[replicat0r]

If you had to choose between taking a 1GB 4870 GPU over the Pheom II 940BE. Your still would be more capable now and 6 years from now if you went with the 4870 GPU. The 4870GPU is at least 100% faster than the 4830 where the 940BE is at most, 33% faster (given an application that maxes all cores all the time) than the 720BE, but in the realworld even in a multicore cpu world down the road it unlikely that will be a realworld example.

Thinking multicore is good, you just don't need 4 when 3 is at a great price.

o ok. i see wut ur saying here...

so basically unless i am trying to break decryptions n stuff which uses ALL of the power of the cpu then quadcore will be the same as trip.. for the gamin and multitaskin/media usage because the cpu will never reach full potential.

 

[replicat0r]

can i still use
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Produ [...] 6813138143 BioStar 790GX mobo $40
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Produ [...] 6813131368 Asus 790GX mobo $75

with the 720?

if so which one do u recommand more?
its important for me to have a good mobo? so it wont bottle neck my cpu n gpu?

 

[MykC]

All 3 I've selected won't bottle neck either your CPU or GPU. The difference between the Gigabyte 780G mATX board and either of the 790GX are the following: Full sized ATX board, meaning 1-2 extra PCI slots, 3300 onboard video (irrelevant), 2x PCI-e slots for crossfire possibility down the road, BioStar is consider a lower tier brand name than Gigabyte and Asus. All work with the 720.

I recommend the Gigabyte 780G.

If you get either board for a crossfire future (this would mean you would have to intend on buying another 1G 4870 card before they go out of production) then you will also have to upgrade your PSU to something that at least 600W with 4x 6 pin adapters. The PSU upgrade will be about $60-80.