I’ve never built a computer before but I’m down for the challenge. I need a new computer and I’ve decided to try and build one myself because I don’t want to be stuck with a PC that is minimally upgradeable near the end of its life. I figured with DDR3 and core i7 so readily available and fairly inexpensive, now’s the best time to invest and since it’s so fresh, I should be able to extend my pc’s shelf-life much longer than before. I want a machine that will handle most video games I throw it. I currently don’t play too many PC games, I’m a console gamer but hopefully this new build will change my mind. I’d also like it to be able to handle all my home theater needs. One day I’d like a digital library of music and movies. I don’t do much on my computer currently but that doesn’t mean I don’t want a powerhouse. Just like everyone else, I want to own the fastest computer EVER!!! I’m no expert when it comes to computers. I probably just know enough to do more harm than good, but I’m learning. This is just kind of a hobby for me. I do know exponentially more than any of my friends, including my local Geek Squad, so I don’t have anyone to discuss my new build with. That being said, I really need your help, please. Any advice, recommendations or comments are welcomed. I’m so ready to get those parts in the mail and boot up for the first time
APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Soon, I would have bought it last week if I knew what I was doing BUDGET RANGE: Around $1500, but willing to go higher, I just don’t want to spend a bunch of money where I don’t have too.
SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Surfing the web, gaming, home theater pc, streaming movies
PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Monitor (I was planning on using my Panasonic 52” PZ800U as my monitor), I have a Logitech wireless keyboard w/mousepad
PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: I’ve been looking at tigerdirect and newegg
PARTS PREFERENCES: core i7 , I think I wanna go with a Radeon HD for graphics
750 watt is more than enough ... corasir , pc power and cooling , seasonic
Thankfully we all like different things with cases . Your picks are a little unique as far as Im concerned but go for it .
Remember that any case becomes blue if you can paint .
Its unlikely that you will be needing more than 6 gig of ram in the foreseeable future . None of your uses would benefit from more
Go for it .
Building is easy , if you can follow instructions
My Recommendations Case: Your choice of your two cases or either the Antec 902 or Cooler Master HAF 922
CPU: Core i7 920 (of course)
MOBO: ASUS P6T... No need to spend for the extras if you don't plan to use them.
RAM: OCZ Platinum DDR3 1600 (of course)
GPU: Sapphire HD4890
PSU: Corsair TX750
HDD: Western Digital 640GB Black... You will see a difference in speeds over your HDD and close to the same speeds as the VRaptor for about the fourth of the price.
HSF: Xigmatek Dark Knight S1283V... I still recommend a cooler even if you aren't planning on OCing.
Thanks guys, I finally bought my rig today, hopefully it'll be here Wednesday. Now i'm trying to decide what to do about the OS. My original plan was to run the Win 7 RC till next year but looking at the prices now, I might be better off to do the Vista Home 64bit with free Win 7 upgrade.
The only thing I'm not sure about is I don't understand what it means when it says "for System Builders w/ Tech Guarantee - OEM ".
I'm confused b/c on newegg, this windows vista Home 64bit (NEWEGG's) is $109.99 and the price according to microsoft for windows vista home 64bit is $239.95.
I'm thoroughly confused now. Does the system builder w/tech guarantee mean that I won't have access to tech support? And does this effect how many computer I can install this OS on if I decide to upgrade my MOBO later?
Message edited by crewsro on 08-03-2009 at 05:16:25 AM