Building a computer. Need help choosing a graphics card.
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tpl2000
March 6, 2010 1:09:57 AM
So, I'm building a computer. A friend recommended it, and says it would be much more powerful than a premade in the same price range.
So far, I can't find any real opposition to that idea. He's offered to build the computer, when I buy the parts. Unfortunately, I really can't decide on a graphics card. Between the benchmarks, the streaming processing units, etc, I can't really make heads or tails of any of it.
My preferred price range is under $700 for the whole deal. I'm flexible to $750, but anything after that, and I'm not going to be willing to pay for it. Also, he says he'll be able to get a free case to go along with it, so I'm not including that in this.
[edit: Upon reading the "how to ask" sticky, and feeling slightly noobish, here's the form listed.]
APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Within a couple of weeks. BUDGET RANGE: $700-750, leaning towards $700. After Rebates.
SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Games->music->internet->movies->anything else in the world.
PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Keyboard, mouse. Case.
PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Generally I prefer Newegg, I guess. If someone can persuade me otherwise, I'll change this.
PARTS PREFERENCES: Mid-tower, AMD/ATI.
OVERCLOCKING: Maybe, eventually, leaning towards no. Doesn't seem beneficial enough, looking at the risks.
SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Unlikely.
MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1440x900, a la suggested for the monitor.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Quiet is nice. Really, this area is covered in the first paragraph or so.
Here are the parts I've chosen thus far.
HD:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Monitor:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Motherboard:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Wifi PCI card:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
PSU:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Speakers:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Thermal compound:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
RAM:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Processor:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
OS:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Any help at all is appreciated--especially on the subject of choosing a graphics card.
So far, I can't find any real opposition to that idea. He's offered to build the computer, when I buy the parts. Unfortunately, I really can't decide on a graphics card. Between the benchmarks, the streaming processing units, etc, I can't really make heads or tails of any of it.
My preferred price range is under $700 for the whole deal. I'm flexible to $750, but anything after that, and I'm not going to be willing to pay for it. Also, he says he'll be able to get a free case to go along with it, so I'm not including that in this.
[edit: Upon reading the "how to ask" sticky, and feeling slightly noobish, here's the form listed.]
APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Within a couple of weeks. BUDGET RANGE: $700-750, leaning towards $700. After Rebates.
SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Games->music->internet->movies->anything else in the world.
PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Keyboard, mouse. Case.
PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Generally I prefer Newegg, I guess. If someone can persuade me otherwise, I'll change this.
PARTS PREFERENCES: Mid-tower, AMD/ATI.
OVERCLOCKING: Maybe, eventually, leaning towards no. Doesn't seem beneficial enough, looking at the risks.
SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Unlikely.
MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1440x900, a la suggested for the monitor.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Quiet is nice. Really, this area is covered in the first paragraph or so.
Here are the parts I've chosen thus far.
HD:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Monitor:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Motherboard:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Wifi PCI card:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
PSU:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Speakers:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Thermal compound:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
RAM:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Processor:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
OS:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Any help at all is appreciated--especially on the subject of choosing a graphics card.
More about : building computer choosing graphics card
Best solution
Necromentia
March 6, 2010 2:31:38 AM
Hey tpl2000!
Let's see here. A buddy of yours is offering to build a computer if you supply the parts. Lucky
Let's see the parts you DON'T need:
1) Case
2) Mouse
3) Keyboard
Okay. Not too shabby. Not needing a case knocks off $50 usually from a budget. I take it you don't need a video card since you didn't include it in the prices above
So you have a $700 - $750 budget? Let's see what I can conjure up
First, get the essentials out of the way!
Monitor: ASUS 19' LCD ($120)
Not much argument here. Solid monitor. I have one myself
Operating System: Windows 7 64-Bit ($105)
No arguement here either. Probably the best Operating System out right now.
Speakers: Genius 100W Speakers ($13)
I recommend these only because I got them for a girl I know and she loves them. Cheap too!
Wifi Card: EDIMAX WiFi Card ($23)
Fine if you're going to use Wireless internet on your computer
Now HERE comes the hard part!
CD/DVD Burner: SAMSUNG 22X ($22)
This should be fine for your build.
Hard Drive: Seagate 500GB ($55)
Power Supply: OCZ Stealth(Quiet) 600W ($50 ($20 Mail-In Rebate!))
tpl2000, the first lesson you'll learn about building a computer is NEVER buy a cheap power supply. Companies like OCZ, Corsair, Thermaltake, etc are the best ones. These PSU's last very long.
Motherboard: ASUS M4A79 ($90 2x Award Winner ($10 Mail-In Rebate))
CPU AMD Athlon II X4 635 @ 2.9GHz ($120)
An amazingly cheap combo! Award winner Motherboard from a big name, ASUS and a great Athlon Quad Core in price-performance.
RAM: ADATA 4GB @ 1333MHz ($95 with promo code EMCYPYS54!
Some of the best RAM you can get
Grand Total (After Shipping + Taxes): $744.47
Grand Total (After Mail-In Rebates): $714.47 if you include Mail-In Rebates.
Darn it
I really tried. It's hard getting good stuff for under $500 when you have to buy speakers, a monitor, the Operating System, etc, but I think I did it. I tried to be under $700 total, but I failed you!
Is there anything else I can help you with? Maybe something you wanted to clarify?
Let's see here. A buddy of yours is offering to build a computer if you supply the parts. Lucky
Let's see the parts you DON'T need:
1) Case
2) Mouse
3) Keyboard
Okay. Not too shabby. Not needing a case knocks off $50 usually from a budget. I take it you don't need a video card since you didn't include it in the prices above
So you have a $700 - $750 budget? Let's see what I can conjure up
First, get the essentials out of the way!Monitor: ASUS 19' LCD ($120)
Not much argument here. Solid monitor. I have one myself
Operating System: Windows 7 64-Bit ($105)
No arguement here either. Probably the best Operating System out right now.
Speakers: Genius 100W Speakers ($13)
I recommend these only because I got them for a girl I know and she loves them. Cheap too!
Wifi Card: EDIMAX WiFi Card ($23)
Fine if you're going to use Wireless internet on your computer
Now HERE comes the hard part!CD/DVD Burner: SAMSUNG 22X ($22)
This should be fine for your build.
Hard Drive: Seagate 500GB ($55)
Power Supply: OCZ Stealth(Quiet) 600W ($50 ($20 Mail-In Rebate!))
tpl2000, the first lesson you'll learn about building a computer is NEVER buy a cheap power supply. Companies like OCZ, Corsair, Thermaltake, etc are the best ones. These PSU's last very long.
Motherboard: ASUS M4A79 ($90 2x Award Winner ($10 Mail-In Rebate))
CPU AMD Athlon II X4 635 @ 2.9GHz ($120)
An amazingly cheap combo! Award winner Motherboard from a big name, ASUS and a great Athlon Quad Core in price-performance.
RAM: ADATA 4GB @ 1333MHz ($95 with promo code EMCYPYS54!
Some of the best RAM you can get
Grand Total (After Shipping + Taxes): $744.47
Grand Total (After Mail-In Rebates): $714.47 if you include Mail-In Rebates.
Darn it
I really tried. It's hard getting good stuff for under $500 when you have to buy speakers, a monitor, the Operating System, etc, but I think I did it. I tried to be under $700 total, but I failed you!Is there anything else I can help you with? Maybe something you wanted to clarify?
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tpl2000
March 6, 2010 2:39:00 AM
Just one key thing ^_^
I do need a video card. Kinda throws the whole formula off, unfortunately
A valiant effort, nonetheless (and despite the notion that you're a salesman of some sort
.)
The parts you listed look like winners--but I'm not sure they'd fit the budget, if a video card is added.
[Edit: Don't format this for a ten year old
I'm not new to computers, and I think ten breaks between parts and shorter sentences are actually more likely to give me a headache, haha]
I do need a video card. Kinda throws the whole formula off, unfortunately
A valiant effort, nonetheless (and despite the notion that you're a salesman of some sort
.)The parts you listed look like winners--but I'm not sure they'd fit the budget, if a video card is added.
[Edit: Don't format this for a ten year old
I'm not new to computers, and I think ten breaks between parts and shorter sentences are actually more likely to give me a headache, haha]
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Necromentia
March 6, 2010 3:07:39 AM
Haha <3 Very sorry tpl2000. Usually people come here with not too much known about computers.
Grrrr.... So you do need a video card. I have a spare NVIDIA GeForce 7900 GT from EVGA if you want it. It works and runs fine on my old comp. I just have spare parts lying around for my future build. If you DO look for a video card with your budget go for this:
ATI Radeon HD 4850 ($105)
For some reason the ATI Radeon HD 4850 can still hang with the big guns and run games smoothly and costs $100~. If you look at benchmarks, this is THE sweet-spot for price-performance.
I'm sorry that I couldn't fit everything into the budget
Just don't skimp on your Power Supply ever. Spend the extra +$20 to get Thermaltake or CoolerMaster or whomever.
Grrrr.... So you do need a video card. I have a spare NVIDIA GeForce 7900 GT from EVGA if you want it. It works and runs fine on my old comp. I just have spare parts lying around for my future build. If you DO look for a video card with your budget go for this:
ATI Radeon HD 4850 ($105)
For some reason the ATI Radeon HD 4850 can still hang with the big guns and run games smoothly and costs $100~. If you look at benchmarks, this is THE sweet-spot for price-performance.
I'm sorry that I couldn't fit everything into the budget
Just don't skimp on your Power Supply ever. Spend the extra +$20 to get Thermaltake or CoolerMaster or whomever.
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tpl2000
March 6, 2010 3:24:50 AM
Don't apologize too much
The deal with the PSU/HD was spot on. I'm definitely adding that to the build.
As far as processor/mobo goes, I'm probably going to stick with Athlon II x4 630, instead of 635. I chose 630 over 620 because there was 7% difference in benchmarks between the two, and $4 was worth it to me. 4% difference or so isn't quite worth $20 to me
What would you suggest for a motherboard? $120 (100 after rebate) seems a little excessive, and I don't think it would fit well with the budget. Of course, it is Asus--a brand that appears to be well trusted in general.
On the graphics: The 4850 is a good looking card, performance wise. I believe I'll use it
The deal with the PSU/HD was spot on. I'm definitely adding that to the build.
As far as processor/mobo goes, I'm probably going to stick with Athlon II x4 630, instead of 635. I chose 630 over 620 because there was 7% difference in benchmarks between the two, and $4 was worth it to me. 4% difference or so isn't quite worth $20 to me
What would you suggest for a motherboard? $120 (100 after rebate) seems a little excessive, and I don't think it would fit well with the budget. Of course, it is Asus--a brand that appears to be well trusted in general.
On the graphics: The 4850 is a good looking card, performance wise. I believe I'll use it
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Necromentia
March 6, 2010 3:47:39 AM
I love that PSU and HD combo big time. For an extra $10 you can get the same thing but 700W and they're super quiet!
I don't blame you. Some combo discounts make it so you can afford the 635 over the 630, etc. I know what you mean.
There is another ASUS Motherboard (just as good) for $100 but maxes at 1333MHz RAM. It's the 785 version.
ASUS M4A785TD-V 785
Even if you order the Mobo and CPu separately, it's still more than the $120 motherboard. I don't know many good AMD motherboards anymore. I only trust GIGABYTE and ASUS. There was like a $76 GIGABYTE board but it's not there anymore. It won 2x Awards too
I don't blame you. Some combo discounts make it so you can afford the 635 over the 630, etc. I know what you mean.
There is another ASUS Motherboard (just as good) for $100 but maxes at 1333MHz RAM. It's the 785 version.
ASUS M4A785TD-V 785
Even if you order the Mobo and CPu separately, it's still more than the $120 motherboard. I don't know many good AMD motherboards anymore. I only trust GIGABYTE and ASUS. There was like a $76 GIGABYTE board but it's not there anymore. It won 2x Awards too
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Necromentia
March 6, 2010 3:53:56 AM
I can get the price down to $717, $687 after Mail-In Rebates with a different cheaper Motherboard (suits everything) from GIGABYTE and the 630 you prefer
It looks like that is the best I could do.
GA-MA785GMT ($85)
AMD Athlon II X4 630 @ 2.8GHz ($100)
Be sure to select the best answer!
It looks like that is the best I could do.GA-MA785GMT ($85)
AMD Athlon II X4 630 @ 2.8GHz ($100)
Be sure to select the best answer!
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tpl2000
March 6, 2010 4:31:19 AM
Necromentia said:
I can get the price down to $717, $687 after Mail-In Rebates with a different cheaper Motherboard (suits everything) from GIGABYTE and the 630 you prefer
It looks like that is the best I could do.GA-MA785GMT ($85)
AMD Athlon II X4 630 @ 2.8GHz ($100)
Be sure to select the best answer!
Somewhere, I think you might have gotten your math a bit off, or we might be differing on what parts are included
Still very close, however.
Given:
[20] http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
[120] http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
[85] http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
[20] http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
[107] http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
[7] http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
[95] http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
[100] http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
[105] http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
[105] http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?Ite...
Newegg brings it out to 768, before discounts and shipping. After discounts and shipping, it's at 773, and after MIR it comes out to 753.
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tpl2000
March 6, 2010 5:54:30 AM
What are your thoughts on biostar?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?Ite...
Would give me the 635 processor, and gives me a mobo that can run all of the things on the list. Not only that, but it'd bring me under the $750 mark, about 738 after rebate.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?Ite...
Would give me the 635 processor, and gives me a mobo that can run all of the things on the list. Not only that, but it'd bring me under the $750 mark, about 738 after rebate.
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Necromentia
March 6, 2010 1:14:12 PM
Wow NewEgg is quick. The Motherboard I linked you was $85 and Free Shipping. Looks like all boards now have $7.50~ shipping suddenly
Try this combo (similar BioStar Board):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?Ite...
Total should be $707.02 after Shipping + Taxes with this combo.
You can go even cheaper by purchasing these two!
ASUS M4N68T ($58)
AMD Athlon II X4 630 @ 2.8 GHz ($100)
Grand Total should be $682.87 with those two instead.
Also, you don't really need to buy Thermal Paste; it comes with the CPU and Heatsink in the box.
Anything else tpl2000? Need help building the darn thing? Need more help?
Try this combo (similar BioStar Board):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?Ite...
Total should be $707.02 after Shipping + Taxes with this combo.
You can go even cheaper by purchasing these two!
ASUS M4N68T ($58)
AMD Athlon II X4 630 @ 2.8 GHz ($100)
Grand Total should be $682.87 with those two instead.
Also, you don't really need to buy Thermal Paste; it comes with the CPU and Heatsink in the box.
Anything else tpl2000? Need help building the darn thing? Need more help?
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builderbobftw
March 6, 2010 2:15:34 PM
Here's a 4850 1gb cheaper tha his 4850 512mb.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
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tpl2000
March 6, 2010 4:21:08 PM
Interestingly enough, my friend has instructed me not to get a micro-atx board. He currently has one, and apparently they're a pain in the ___ to work on.
<Thanks Bob! The part has been swapped.>
I probably won't go with http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?Ite... mostly because it's micro-ATX, and because the deal I posted $5 more for a better(?) motherboard and a better processor.
<I currently stand at 768, 738 after MIR.>
My friend suggested I throw the thermal compound in. If, as you say, it's included with the CPU, what would be the benefit of buying it? I find it difficult to completely discount his suggestion.
<Thanks Bob! The part has been swapped.>
I probably won't go with http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?Ite... mostly because it's micro-ATX, and because the deal I posted $5 more for a better(?) motherboard and a better processor.
<I currently stand at 768, 738 after MIR.>
My friend suggested I throw the thermal compound in. If, as you say, it's included with the CPU, what would be the benefit of buying it? I find it difficult to completely discount his suggestion.
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coldsleep
March 6, 2010 4:24:04 PM
tpl2000
March 6, 2010 4:29:09 PM
tpl2000
March 7, 2010 1:40:01 AM
coldsleep
March 7, 2010 4:32:55 AM
tpl2000
March 7, 2010 5:04:46 AM
coldsleep said:
An X3 should be just fine. The 4th core doesn't provide a lot of benefit while gaming for the most part. Good luck unlocking the 4th core, it's not a sure thing, but people have definitely had some success.That said, I don't do much coding/encoding/decoding/burning, as is, and as I understand it that's where the quad core shines. I do multitask a lot, though.
And this allows me to swap the mobo/cpu combo for
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?Ite...
Which is better than the Biostar board.. USB 3.0, apparent brand reliability, and it can handle higher MHz ram.
And I save about $30.
Still a little past 700... But this is very close.
Man, does Newegg like to do combo deals with motherboards...
Thanks to everyone
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Necromentia
March 7, 2010 5:34:38 PM
tpl2000
March 9, 2010 3:54:18 AM
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