Which best buy computer will I need?

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deejay86

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I have no funds but I have a best buy credit card so it's the only option. I have a GTS 250 video card and a 1000 watt power supply, also 2 sli memory cards. I just need a base computer so I can put these in. I was wondering whats a good choice. Computer will be use to play FFXIV.
 
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wielander

wielander

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Questions:

1. How much money do you have to work with?

2. I'm assuming the memory is DDR3?


Suggestions:

1. You can buy components from best buy. They usually overcharge quite a bit for components, but since you already have half a computer, you might still be better off. Most of the components that come in pre-built systems are junk (case, motherboard, power supply) in comparison to entry level aftermarket components.


Quality Components:


Antec 300 Case (Stalwart of a case, sturdy, plenty big, good cooling and noise isolation)
$70 shipped (only $7 more than newegg)

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Antec+-+Three+Hundred+Computer+Case/9254656.p?id=1218069452235&skuId=9254656


Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB
$88 shipped plus free $10 gift card (same price as newegg before gift card)

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Western+Digital+-+Caviar+Black+1TB+Internal+Serial+ATA+Hard+Drive+for+Desktops+%28OEM/Bare+Drive%29/9861668.p?id=1218186677788&skuId=9861668


They seem to have all of the processors on the market right now available online with only a minimal markup:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olstemplatemapper.jsp?_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1&_dynSessConf=4718227161484178705&id=abcat0507010&type=category&usc=abcat0500000&cp=1&sp=%2Bcurrentprice+skuid&nrp=15&qp=crootcategoryid%23%23-1%23%23-1~~q70726f63657373696e6774696d653a3e313930302d30312d3031~~cabcat0500000%23%230%23%2311a~~cabcat0507000%23%230%23%233b~~cabcat0507005%23%230%23%231c~~ncabcat0507010%23%230%23%233&add_to_pkg=false&pagetype=listing


The motherboard selection isn't hopelessly bad, either.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olstemplatemapper.jsp?_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1&_dynSessConf=4718227161484178705&id=abcat0507008&type=category&usc=abcat0500000&cp=1&sp=%2Bcurrentprice+skuid&nrp=15&qp=crootcategoryid%23%23-1%23%23-1~~q70726f63657373696e6774696d653a3e313930302d30312d3031~~cabcat0500000%23%230%23%2311a~~cabcat0507000%23%230%23%233b~~cabcat0507005%23%230%23%231c~~ncabcat0507008%23%230%23%232&add_to_pkg=false&pagetype=listing
 
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wielander

wielander

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I looked through the computers that are available at best buy; there is pretty much no way that you could save money going with a pre-built computer. You could get better components (processor, motherboard, hard drive, disk drive, case) for ~$150-250 less than any of their desktops.
 
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deejay86

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It's DDR2 2x2 4GB.

I have about $800 to work with. I have a higher limit but I dont want to use it all. I have never build my own pc but I tore apart my old one and it doesn't look too hard.

Are most stuff plug and play in building a pc? Comes with hardware and such?

thanks.
 
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RetiredChief

RetiredChief

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Wielander did some good research for you.

Need only select the Platform, CPU and matching MB. AMDs are a little cheaper, MYself I prefer the Intel (ie i5-750) This is just a biased preference.

I also recommend the "DIY" approach. You end up with a much better system.
To start with you can find some great instructions on putting your own system together on google and possibly a video on You tube.

(1) You will need DDR3 for newer systems. Either DDR3-1333 or DDR3-1600 (I prefer the latter).

(2) the hardest "task" is mounting the HSF, and that is not that difficult. Good videos available.

(3) Two cautions. (a) Before powering on - Double check that all connectors from the PSU are matted properly. The 20/24 pin connector and the 4/8 pin connector PSU->MB). The 6/8 pin connector to the Video card. Then the Connectors from the Case to the MB (Normally on the Bottom right corner. (b) ESD Others may say grounding yourself to the case by just touching is OK - I recommend using an ESD strap (Cheap, $10) But a good idea.
 
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wielander

wielander

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If you have a decent credit rating (and don't mind a credit check), you could use Bill Me Later or Newegg Preferred. Bill Me Later offers no interest if paid in full within 6 months for orders over $200. Newegg Preferred has a promotion for $15 off and no interest if paid in full within 12 months on orders over $500. If you quality, it would make this a lot easier for you I think.



Switching to DDR3 wouldn't necessarily hurt your budget very much, either. DDR2 is much more valuable now than it was two years ago; I recently sold my old set of Patriot Viper DDR2 800 for $70 dollars on ebay (it cost me $20 1.5 in 01/09). You should be able to get at least $50 on ebay for your set.


Here are the best DDR3 Memory kits from best buy:


Corsair DDR3 1333 CL9
$90

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Corsair+-+2-Pack+2GB+PC3-10666+DDR3+DIMM+Memory+Kit/9590677.p?id=1218128733297&skuId=9590677


Kingston DDR3 1600 CL9
$100

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/ValueRAM+-+HyperX+2-Pack+2GB+PC3-12600+DDR3+DIMM+Memory+Kit/9663613.p?id=1218141143170&skuId=9663613


I'm assuming that $800 has to include peripherals and a monitor; even so, it will be plenty.


Your biggest problems (components that cost much more at Best buy) are Windows & the DVD Burner:


Windows 7 x64 Retail
$200 (Best Buy doesn't sell the OEM version which costs only $100 at Newegg)
This is much more valuable than what you get preinstalled on a prebuilt computer though:
1. Your computer will start out faster because of the lack of bloatware (unnecessary software installed on Pre-built Computers).
2. You won't have to deal with the wasted time and headaches involved in removing the unnecessary software (if you can even get rid of all of it).
3. You will have an install disk to repair or reinstall windows later if your disk becomes corrupted.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Windows+7+Home+Premium+-+Windows/9497555.p?id=1218114707064&skuId=9497555&st=windows%207&lp=9&cp=1


HP DVD Burner
$40 (If you can afford to spend $20 elsewhere, you can save $20 buying this from Newegg)

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/HP+-+24x+Internal+Double-Layer+DVD%26%23177%3BRW/CD-RW+Drive/9402247.p?id=1218099651274&skuId=9402247&st=dvd%20burner&contract_desc=null
 
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jared51182

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Just FYI, there is a link in my signature of one of Tom's members who video'd his building process. I would recommend checking it out, so you can see what its like to build. It was his first build.

Just out of curiosity, how old is the PSU, and what brand? Is it from an old computer?
 
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deejay86

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Not sure how old but it's XION 1000watt gaming series.
 
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wielander

wielander

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Worst Case Scenario (Reuse DDR2, Purchase Windows & DVD Burner from BB)

Your Power Supply, Memory, Graphics Card

Antec 300 Case
$70

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Antec+-+Three+Hundred+Computer+Case/9254656.p?id=1218069452235&skuId=9254656


Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB
$88

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Western+Digital+-+Caviar+Black+1TB+Internal+Serial+ATA+Hard+Drive+for+Desktops+%28OEM/Bare+Drive%29/9861668.p?id=1218186677788&skuId=9861668


Windows 7 x64 Home Premium Retail
$200

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Windows+7+Home+Premium+-+Windows/9497555.p?id=1218114707064&skuId=9497555&st=windows%207&lp=9&cp=1


HP DVD Burner
$40

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/HP+-+24x+Internal+Double-Layer+DVD%26%23177%3BRW/CD-RW+Drive/9402247.p?id=1218099651274&skuId=9402247&st=dvd%20burner&contract_desc=null


ASUS M4A78L-M AM2+/AM3 mATX Motherboard
$80

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Asus+-+AMD+Micro+ATX+Motherboard+667/800/1066/1200MHz+%28Socket+AM2/AM2%2B/AM3%29/9877501.p?id=1218187479105&skuId=9877501


Athlon II X2 245 $70 (Decent processor, good match for your graphics card)
Athlon II X4 630 $110 (Better processor, better value considering it's double the cores)
Phenom II X4 945 $150 (Much better processor)

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olstemplatemapper.jsp?id=pcat17080&type=page&qp=crootcategoryid%23%23-1%23%23-1~~q70726f63657373696e6774696d653a3e313930302d30312d3031~~cabcat0500000%23%230%23%2311a~~cabcat0507000%23%230%23%233b~~cabcat0507010%23%230%23%233~~nf398||414d44&list=y&nrp=15&sc=abComputerSP&sp=%2Bcurrentprice+skuid&usc=abcat0500000

Total (w/o monitor or peripherals)
Athlon II X2 245 $548
Athlon II X4 630 $588
Phenom II X4 945 $628
 
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wielander

wielander

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If you want to run that GTS 250 in SLI, you will need a less common nForce chipset motherboard. Best Buy doesn't sell any AM3 motherboards that take DDR2 and support SLI, and newegg only has one model for $149:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131292


To put together an SLI ready system you would have to either sell your DDR2 and buy new DDR3 ram or switch to an Intel LGA775 motherboard and processor (mostly discontinued last year but still available at Best Buy).


If you want a cooler from best buy, the Corsair A50 is the best deal I could find at $40. Otherwise, you could get the superior Cooler Master Hyper 212+ for ~$30 from amazon.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Corsair+-+Cooling+Air+Series+120mm+CPU+Cooling+Fan/9886566.p?id=1218189823759&skuId=9886566
 
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wielander

wielander

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Even with DDR3 you still need a mother board that supports SLI, one with an nForce chipset.

Best Buy doesn't sell any AMD motherboards that support SLI.


There are some Intel motherboards that support SLI. The only ATX LGA1156 motherboard that does is sold out online:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Asus+-+ATX+Motherboard+2000/1600/1333/1066MHz+%28Socket+LGA+1156%29/9724605.p?id=1218159866867&skuId=9724605


This EVGA micro ATX motherboard supports SLI for $95, but you wouldn't be able to add on any other cards:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/EVGA+-+Micro+ATX+Motherboard+1600+MHz+%28Socket+1156%29/1086358.p?id=1218218194154&skuId=1086358


You could pair that with an i3-530 (comparable to an Athlon II X4 in gaming performance) for a decent gaming setup. $117

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Intel%26%23174%3B+-+Core%26%23153%3B+i3-530+2.93GHz+Processor/9715194.p?id=1218156776014&skuId=9715194
 
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deejay86

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I guess I might be sticking to one GPU mobo's. oh well.



 
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deejay86

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is an nforce chipset needed for newer GPU's? I am going to use the GTS 250 for now but in the future I will dual whichever GPU's, ati or whatever.

Should I opt for a better mobo and cpu? I really don't want to upgrade the mobo and cpu later on. I was thinking of

AMD - Black Edition Deneb Phenom™ II X4 Processor 965

Asus - Crosshair III Formula (supports crossfire)

I'm not going to OC, so I want a decent GPU to start with.

950 vs 965? any major jump in performance?

Since it's just for gaming, Will a 950 with a highend single slot gpu be enough even for the future?
 
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wielander

wielander

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No, you just need an nforce chipset for running two Nvidia graphics cards (new or old) in SLI. You do not need an nforce chipset to run newer graphics cards, and it's only really worth getting one if you want SLI (the nforce motherboards on the market now are becoming dated and lack the latest features: USB 3.0 and SATA III).



The Phenom II X4 965 offers a decent increase in performance over the 945 (13.3% increase in frequency). The main reason people go with the 965, though, is that it's better for overclocking; it has an unlocked multiplier so it can be overlocked higher, more easily. If you don't plan on overclocking, either is a good choice.

As for motherboards, there are only a couple things to look for right now if you aren't going to overclock: Crossfire/SLI support, PCI-E speed (16x/16x or 8x/8x), USB 3.0, and SATA III. Very few motherboards offered at Best Buy have USB 3.0 or SATA III. You wouldn't see an immediate benefit from either, but the peripherals and solid state disks of the future will perform much better with them.



Short answer, nothing will ever be good enough for everything forever. Even the most powerful graphics cards of today can be challenged by some games at the most demanding resolutions and quality settings.

You can look at the benchmarks here to judge for yourself:

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/158?vs=165
 
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RetiredChief

RetiredChief

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Great work weilander:
You have provided very good suggestions.
"Short answer, nothing will ever be good enough for everything forever. "
And his comment about dated MB, USB3 and SATA6. Try to build a system that, although will be outdated in a Year, that you will be happy with for tree years. Building a system that is already very dated (DDR2) just does not make much sense.

These comments should give you some "Good food for thought"
I know you are limited in your budget and where you are buying from. you do NOT want to buy/build a system that within a year, you may regret.

USB3 and Sata 6. Not a big issue, TODAY, for you - But will be down stream. USB3 thumb drives are starting to appear and will probably be mainstream in a year to a year and a half. USB3 will also provide a Big boost for any external HDD (Note about the same as esata). SATA III (6) - NOT an issue as None of the current HDDs (even ones currently billed as SATA 6) will really benifit from SATA. BUT in a year - two. SSDs will start to come down in price, and they are SO MUCH faster than mechanical HDD. Remember the HDD is the biggest bottleneck on day-to-day usage. With SATA 6 SSD coming out, that should drop the price of SATA II SSDs

ON GPU/CPU. Since your emphasis is on gaming, bear in mind the CPU is much less important than the GPU. important than your GPU. I would think that you would benifit using your GTX 250 and downstream get a new single GPU (ie 5770, or nvidia equivalant), then still later you could sli/xfire that card.
Here is a link to GPU performance, does not show the dated GTX 250 (which is less than the 5770. Does the 250 support DX 11 - not to important today???
 
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