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[Solved] First Time Builder (700-800) College/Upgradable Build

Forum Homebuilt Systems : New System Build - [Solved] First Time Builder (700-800) College/Upgradable Build

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Best answer from gkay09.

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APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Within the next week or two BUDGET RANGE: US$ 700-750 (if possible)

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: This will be my computer for college. (Video editing/photoshop, Internet/word processing, and some gaming as well although not the high end games like crysis.)

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: (keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers, OS)

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Any secure website is fine with me.

PARTS PREFERENCES: none

OVERCLOCKING: Maybe SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Maybe

MONITOR RESOLUTION: The monitor I have right now is a 19inch samsung with the resolution set to 1440x900

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: This is my first attempt at a computer build. I have done some research and came up with this list of parts. Since I am new to this I am probably overcautious about this system working properly. Ideally I would like to be able to upgrade my monitor, speakers and add a tv tuner to this computer within the next year once I start making some more money. Some questions i have about my build

1. I am worried about the components getting to hot. Will the heatsink that comes with the cpu work fine, or should I invest in another cooling method? (addition fan, or new heatsink?)
2. Will this motherboard be able to add the tv tuner in the future?
3. I am considering the two hard drives because it is my understanding that I will be able to install my os/programs on the 160GB HD and all other downloads on the 500GB HD and this will help things load faster. Is this thinking correct?
4. I am not sure if the graphics card I chose is too much or not. I used the August guide to research. Is this graphics card more than enough for my video editing/photoshop?

Part List ( This is the list of parts I chose after my research. Any adjustments/criticisms are welcome.)

CPU/MOBO
Intel Core i5 Lynnfield 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor
GIGABYTE GA-P55-UD3R LGA 1156 Intel P55 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.246587 Combo Deal $334.98

GPU/RAM
SAPPHIRE 279L Radeon HD 4870 512MB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.256276 Combo Deal $199.98

PSU
GIGABYTE SUPERB GE-P450P-C2 550W ATX12V V2.3 80 PLUS Certified Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817233010 $77.99

Optical
Sony Optiarc 24X DVD/CD Rewritable Drive Black SATA Model AD-7240S-0B
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6827118030 $29.99

Case
Rosewill Wind Ryder RZLS142A-P BK Dual 120mm Cooling Fans and Mesh Design Front Panel Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811147114 $29.99

HDD
WD Caviar Blue WD1600AAJS 160GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822136075 $39.49
SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822152181 $49.99

Total: $785.51 including $23.10 in shipping

I was hoping to get Windows Vista with this machine http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6832116677 but the $109 makes my total $895.50, which is out of my budget range.

Thanks for any and all advice

Message edited by ooitsmagic58 on 09-09-2009 at 01:17:03 PM

Add a reply

^ Yes it will and for the system to run cooler, maybe you can add more case fans...

Hmmm I didn't even know gigabyte made power supplies. I don't trust it. This one is a safer choice and a little better as well.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817139005

Usually people don't like Rosewill cases, but eh, I'm not much of a case person so I won't say anything different.

What your thinking of with the two hard drives is when you buy a faster but smaller hard drive to put the OS/Programs on, then they put all the files on the bigger drive. The smaller drive you picked out is 7,200 RPM, which is the standard for normal drives, not the faster drives. It also only has an 8MB cache, which makes it a little slower. When people have a separate hard drive for OS, usually they get a 10k RPM drive. Honestly with your budget I would just go with one hard drive.

At that resolution you might want to get a cheaper graphics card to save a little money. I'm a serious fanboy of the 4870, but you might want to consider something a little lower. I'll have to think about what model exactly. Here's a list of possibilities in no particular order:

4770: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814102835

3870: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814102719

9800GT: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814133279

4670: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814121274

The deal on the 9800GT is pretty nice, but I'm curious to see what other people recommend because I'm not exactly sure how intense video editing and photoshop are.

Message edited by FallenSniper on 09-09-2009 at 11:29:09 AM

Reply to FallenSniper

Thanks for the advice. I will look into those graphics cards.

*edited the first post because I realized I forgot to list the actual components, instead I just gave a link to newegg. :lol:

Reply to ooitsmagic58

@ooitsmagic58 The mobo that you have linked and the mobo in the combo is different...

And +1 to FallenSniper's suggest for a lower powered graphics card...
So if you are not a intense gamer, then the 4770/ HD 4850 or the GTS 250 would be my pick...
Though the 9800GT is a good card, but it is an outdated one...just for about $10 more, you could get HD 4850
MSI R4850-2D512-OC Radeon HD 4850 512MB
$99.99
($84.99 after $15.00 Mail-In Rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814127414

Even this is a good option to consider...
MSI N250GTS-2D512-OCv2 GeForce GTS 250 512MB
$119.99
($109.99 after $10.00 Mail-In Rebate )
Free Shipping*
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814127423

Save some money on the PSU...
OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ500MXSP 500W
$59.99
($39.99 after $20.00 Mail-In Rebate Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817341016

Reply to gkay09

Thanks for all the help so far. Going with a less powerful video card and a different PSU. Any other suggestions?

CPU/MOBO
Intel Core i5 Lynnfield 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor
GIGABYTE GA-P55-UD3R LGA 1156 Intel P55 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.246587
Combo Deal $334.98

GPU
MSI R4850-2D512-OC Radeon HD 4850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814127414
$99.99

RAM
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820231277
$79.99

PSU/Optical
OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ500MXSP 500W ATX12V V2.2 / EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply compatible with core i7
SAMSUNG Black 22X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 22X DVD-R 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA DVD Burne
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.248196
Combo Deal $81.98

Case
Rosewill Wind Ryder RZLS142A-P BK Dual 120mm Cooling Fans and Mesh Design Front Panel Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811147114
$29.99

HDD
Western Digital Caviar Black WD7501AALS 750GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Hard Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822136283
$79.99

OS
Windows Vista 64
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6832116677
$109

Total: $840.23 including $23.32 shipping
I will get also $35 worth of Mail In Rebates

Message edited by ooitsmagic58 on 09-09-2009 at 03:37:03 PM

Reply to ooitsmagic58

Get the WD Black 640GB one and not the 750GB one...the 640 is newer, faster and more efficient...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822136319

And check out the CPU mobo deals at ewiz.com...they are cheaper...
http://www.ewiz.com/combo.php?cat_id=370

Reply to gkay09

The combos from ewiz.com that I am looking at is Asus P7P55D LE - i5 combo for $329.99
or the Gigatyte GA-P55M-UD4 - i5 for 339.99
http://www.ewiz.com/combo.php?cat_id=370

Can someone tell me how these mobos compare and if they would both be compatable with the rest of the parts?

Asus P7P55D LE Socket 1156/ Intel P55/ CrossFireX/ A&GbE/ ATX Motherboard
http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=MB-P7P55LE

GIGABYTE GA-P55M-UD4 Socket 1156/ Intel P55/ DDR3/ CrossFireX&SLI/ A&GbE/ MATX Motherboard
http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=MB-P55M-D4

Also are these mobos that much different (good or bad) from the original combo from newegg that I had picked out.

GIGABYTE GA-P55-UD3R LGA 1156 Intel P55 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813128401

Reply to ooitsmagic58

The UD4P is a better board...It supports both SLI and Crossfire...And far better than UD3R

Reply to gkay09

Ok thanks for the advice so far guys.
I am hoping to order some of the parts tonight and the rest by Sunday at the latest.
Here is where I am at right now.

CPU/MOBO

Intel Core i5 Processor i5-750 2.66GHz 8MB LGA1156 CPU
http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=I5-750BOX
GIGABYTE GA-P55M-UD4 Socket 1156/ Intel P55/ DDR3/ CrossFireX&SLI/ A&GbE/ MATX Motherboard
http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=MB-P55M-D4
Combo deal $324.98

CASE/POWER SUPPLY

COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
COOLER MASTER Silent Pro 600 RS-600-AMBA-D3 600W ATX12V V2.3 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.250624
Combo Deal $124.98

VIDEO/MEMORY
MSI N250GTS-2D512-OCv2 GeForce GTS 250 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBRL
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.256305
COMBO DEAL $184.98

HDD [url=http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319]
Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive[/url]
Price $74.99

Optical
Sony DVD Burner $29.99

Total Price $739.92

Will all of this be compatible with each other and will the system run cool enough?

Message edited by ooitsmagic58 on 09-10-2009 at 06:33:41 AM

Reply to ooitsmagic58

Best answer

^ Yes it will and for the system to run cooler, maybe you can add more case fans...

Reply to gkay09

Ok, since this is my first attempt at building a computer a few quick questions before I order these later today.

1. The case says it fits m-ATX motherboards and the gigabyte is a microatx motherboard. Am I correct in assuming these are the same thing?
2. Will I notice a difference worth the money in the two video cards I have listed? I will be working more on video editing/photoshop than I will be gaming.
3. What parts could I possibly upgrade that will make my system more video editing/photoshop friendly if the video cards won't make a difference?

I have purchased

OS
windows vista 64
ODD
sony dvd burner
HDD
640gb western digital

($675.00 USD Budget for the remaining parts)

PSU/CASE

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.250624
$124.98
COOLER MASTER Silent Pro 600 RS-600-AMBA-D3 600W ATX12V V2.3 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified
COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
$124.98

CPU/MOBO

http://www.ewiz.com/combo.php?cat_id=370
i5 CPU
Gigabyte p55 UD4
$324.98

Video/RAM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.256275
SAPPHIRE 100279-1GL Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model
$219.98

or

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.256305
MSI N250GTS-2D512-OCv2 GeForce GTS 250 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model
$184.98

with the 4870 video card combo my total would be $669.94

with the GTS250 video card combo my total would be $634.94

Thanks for any advice

Reply to ooitsmagic58

1. They should be the same. Just remember that the case would be a bit cramp if you choose this form factor, though. And do make sure that you have enough clearing for your graphics card.

2. 4870 should perform similarly to GTX260, which is a bit better than GTS250... although I doubt that you'll see much difference when running application like Photoshop.

3.Since you're using a 64-bit system and doing video/photo editing, it might be a good idea to get more RAMs. That will definitely improve the system performance.

Reply to dragoon190

The 4870 actually performs better than the GTX 260. In a lot of cases it performs nearly as well as the GTX 280.

Is photoshop/video editing RAM intensive? They would have to be extremely RAM intensive before I would agree with getting more than 4GB of RAM.

Reply to FallenSniper

Thanks for the help.

Here are the final parts(unless someone can convince me otherwise) I plan on ordering within the next few hours. I went over the $650 I wanted to spend because I wanted my MOBO to have plenty of PCI options for adding on down the road. Who cares, its only money

CASE/PSU

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.250624
COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
COOLER MASTER Silent Pro 600 RS-600-AMBA-D3 600W ATX12V V2.3 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified

COMBO $124.98

VIDEO/RAM

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.256275
SAPPHIRE 100279-1GL Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory

COMBO $219.98

CPU/MOBO

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.246586
GIGABYTE GA-P55-UD4P LGA 1156 Intel P55 ATX Intel Motherboard
Intel i5

COMBO $364.98

TOTAL $709.94 + $20 shipping $729.94

Will everything here be compatible?
Is there a way to make sure it will all fit in my case and that 600w will be enough to power everything?
I have one of those static wrist band things, is there anything else that I will need being a first time builder? screws? special screw drivers? anything?

Reply to ooitsmagic58

Any quick comments before I complete the purchase?

Reply to ooitsmagic58

I have one of those static wrist band things, is there anything else that I will need being a first time builder? screws? special screw drivers? anything?

Reply to ooitsmagic58

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