Help I want to build a PC for £500/$1000

[xoddsx]

Right first thing is I am brand new (well once added a strip of ram successfully ) and really need help.
I don't want to buy a monitor but want to connect my pc to my flat screen TV via DVI to HDMI, is this realistic? will it break my TV? will it look good?

secondly quite stumped by the motherboard havent got a clue so will say the parts I have considered in the hope someone can recommend me a suitable board.

What I think i'd like is the E6600 processor, a 8600 GTS graphics card (will this be good enough for my TV display?)
2 GB of ram don't know about the speeds 667 or 800 (is there a noticeable difference between the two?) seem ok depending on the price.

when it comes to the case keeping it cool with fans and heatsinks and the right PSU once again stumped

I have read other posts and am happy to attempt low level easy overclocking but nothing too advanced as you can probably tell from this post

Really hope someone can help, really don't want to buy from a manufacturer

 

[prof_chaos]

You should check out www.newegg.com to buy stuff. It's one of the biggest online retailers.

As for processor, the E6600 is a good choice. For video card i'd go with the 8800GTS if I wanted DX10 (8600 isn't that great). Gigabyte 965P DS3 is definetly a top choice for mobo I even have one in my system now and it's only $130. 2GB of PC2 6400 memory is definetly the most popular choice now days and a good one at that. Seasonic, OCZ, & Corsair PSU's are all top notch, 600W or 700W will do fine.

If you want advice on the case, I think the Antec P180 is great (sound proofing, style, accessories) although I think that is a personal decision.

 

[gpippas]

Are you in the UK or states?

 

[zenmaster]

Motherboard: I would look at the new P35 motherboards that were just released. They should provide excellent upgradability. In particular they will have support for the 45nm CPUs. The cost is not much higher than the older 965p motherboards. It may take a week or so for the prices to settle a little on some of the motherboards.

CPU/Memory: If you get a E4300/E4400 you can use DDR2-667 Memory and still achieve good OCs because the default FSB is only 400FSB and when increased to DDR2667 speeds you CPU will now be running at 3.0Ghz or more.

With the 6xxx series of cards you likely want DDR2-800 since the default FSB is 533 and you would like the faster ram to achieve good OC's.

My preference is to skimp on Memory/CPU at this point in time since an E4300 w/ DDR2667 can be OC'd to 3.0Ghz rather easily and this is more than enough power for most people. Beyond 3.0 is also usually attainable w/o much of an issue but may lead to more cooling noise which could be less desirable in a living room setting.

Graphics - The 8800GTS w/ 320mb is an excellent card at the moment for gamers if you can squeeze it into your budget.

 

[xoddsx]

I am in the uk,

I have looked at the 8800 and i think its out of my price range, also I generally play strategy and rpgs which I think don't need as good a gpu (I could definitely be wrong).

other than the 8600 is there any other mid level gpu's you'd recommend

and thanks for the quick replys

 

[zenmaster]

See ...................

http://www.tomshardware.com/2007/05/01/the_best_gaming_video_cards_for_the_money/

Just figure out what you can afford and look here.
Normally you can do a little better on price than what is shown in the article since the article does not use sale prices.

If budget is a concern, then definately go for the E4300 CPU.
Use any saved money for a GPU.
If the price is close, go for the DDR2-800 but DDR2-667 will work fine with that CPU.

 

[xoddsx]

right i have looked and found this p35 mother board -

Gigabyte GA P35-S3, iP35 Express, S 775, PCI-E (x16), DDR2 1066/800/667/533, SATA II, SATA RAID, ATX

it costs £70/$140 is this good value.

think I will go for the E4300 and try to overclock it (is it complicated to get it to 3.0 Ghz will it involve special fans and cooling?) will it be stable as normal?

Intel Core 2 Duo E4300, Socket 775, 1.80 GHz, 800MHz FSB, Allendale Core, 2MB Cache, Retail

it costs £72/$144

do these look ok, thanks for your help sorry about all the q's just quite excited

 

[elbert]

Due to the price drop Intel plans next month I suggest you wait on buying anything but the lowest price C2D. For OCing its best to buy cheap as most can OC right up to some of the better C2D's. The E6320 is a good choice for OCing as it has the 4m cache like the E6600 and should OC near the max of the E6600.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115015

The 8600GTS is over priced due to the 8600GT is near the FPS on almost all test at a good 50 to $75 savings. If you go with the cheap C2D get a 8800GTS 320 which is the best bang for the buck. Heres the 8800GTS I would suggest.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130082
Heres the 8600GT I would suggest but you should get the 8800GTS.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130085


If you get the 8800GTS 320 youll need atleast a 26amp Power supply. Heres a 30amp Power supply which for OCing you will need.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182017

DDR2 800 is the best choice as the small extra cost now will reverse as a savings come upgrade time. This will give a little more room for OCing. Make sure your RAM supports 1.8v as thats JEDEC standard for ddr2. 1.8v however shouldnt be the only voltage 2.0v for OCing maybe need. This RAM works from 1.8v to 2.0v and has a nice price.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231098

I would suggest a cheap case because many come with a side door fan vent. Mine has a side door fan vent over the CPU and the PCI-E slots. Note you may have to remove an air tunnel from over the CPU of the side door.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147064
Check out the 80 and 120mm fan vents.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ShowImage.aspx?Image=11-147-064-19.jpg%2c11-147-064-20.jpg%2c11-147-064-21.jpg%2c11-147-064-22.jpg%2c11-147-064-23.jpg%2c11-147-064-24.jpg%2c11-147-064-25.jpg%2c11-147-064-26.jpg%2c11-147-064-27.jpg%2c11-147-064-28.jpg%2c11-147-064-29.jpg%2c11-147-064-15.jpg%2c11-147-064-16.jpg%2c11-147-064-17.jpg%2c11-147-064-12.jpg%2c11-147-064-13.jpg%2c11-147-064-14.jpg%2c11-147-064-30.jpg%2c11-147-064-31.jpg&CurImage=11-147-064-28.jpg&Depa=1&Description=Rosewill+R6422-P+BK+Black+SGCC+Steel+ATX+Mid+Tower+Computer+Case+-+Retail

Your mobo is very important for OCing and I suggest you take a good look at the P35 review on Toms. Any 1 of these but the foxconn, I dont like the 4x, should work fine.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010200280+107172277&Subcategory=280&description=&Ntk=&srchInDesc=

 

[xoddsx]

hey thanks for that will definitely look into this further, your advice about waiting seems to be well placed and is killing me, my brain says wait but the child in me is dying to just go ahead now

is the E6320 easily overclocked?

any ideas about linking my pc to my TV?

 

[chiptouz]

I would go with an AMD AM2 3600+ processor and a good AM2 board if you are on a tight budget. Also, a coolermaster centurion 5 with a side window is like $50. The 3600+ have been getting some major overclocks and the prices is almost half as much as a c2d processor. If you play your cards right and get a good AM2 mobo all you will need is a bios change and insert a quad core AM2+ in the future. I would go with corsair XMS 6400c4 ram 2 gb right now for $100. All at newegg.

Processor - $70
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103046

Mobo - $140 Asus m2n sli deluxe
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131013

Ram - $100 corsair xms2 6400c4
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16820145034

GFX $269 EVGA 8800GTS 320
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130082

Case $49 Coolermaster Centurion 5
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119077

HD - $79 Western Digital 320gb

OS - $79 XP home

Sound - $0 Onboard

dvd rom - $18

PSU - $120

CPU cooler - $40

Total $924 + shipping

I do not think that you can build a core 2 duo for this price. Maybe but it will be more expensive. Ok, I know C2D is faster, but he stated $1000 you have to stay with the price.

 

[elbert]

hey thanks for that will definitely look into this further, your advice about waiting seems to be well placed and is killing me, my brain says wait but the child in me is dying to just go ahead now

is the E6320 easily overclocked?

any ideas about linking my pc to my TV?

E4300 is a nice OCer but I hear some get stuck at 2.8GHz. Dont get me wrong thats a good OC for that lower price point. The E6320 should hit about the same OC as the E6600 but you will have more stress on your mobo. The E6320 may need special cooling at a lower clock as the stock E6600 may have a better cooler. Most any after market heatsink/fan with AS5 will beat stock cooling. Either of these 2 heatsink/fan should give you about a 3 to 3.2GHz C2D. This depends on the CPU mostly as it is possible the CPU could be a lemon.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118115
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118223

Maybe the child in you needs reminded the Q6600 will be about the price of the current E6600.

The 8800's DVI to HDMI isnt something ive done but here are the connectors. The AMC's have the best rating but looks to be for PS3 only. Looks like the SYBA 6 ft. DVI-D Male to HDMI Male Cable is your best bet.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2000010001+1177523169&name=HDMI+to+DVI

 

[zenmaster]

Actually the E4300 should OC easier than the E6320.
(Less FSB Issues)
I don't think I've seen a single post with anyone running under 3.0Ghz and most can clock higher if they so choose.

Most of the issues may have been bad MB combos.

In fact most I've seen can run at 3.0ghz as well as under voltage to keep it really cool.

Also if you read the poster, he is doubting he can afford the 8800GTS.
This means that he needs to spend as little on the CPU as possible to put more into the GPU.

The E4300 will also allow for cheaper ram (not by much) will again allow for a few more dollars for that GPU.

We are talking $50 difference between the E4300 and the E6420.
This is enough to take the GPU between levels which will be key for his performance.

If getting the P35 and the 8800GTS seemed to fall in his budget, I would start looking to upgrade the CPU but for his uses, the CPU is going to be far less important and it should not be upgraded beyond minimum specs until his GPU is where it needs to be.

 

[elbert]

The OP stated a desire for the E6600 and a 8600GTS. The price of the E6320 and the 8800GTS 320 is about the same. Your correct E4300 will save and is a good OC but Ive heard Intel has been using cheaper materials for the E4000's. The bad combo is another issue we cant be sure the P35's have fixed.

As you stated the GPU is the most important for games and if the OP must get the cheapest CPU then the E4300 will due fine.

The case and PSU I suggested will save him $90 over your suggestion. I do like your case tho but I would like it better if it had door fan vents as well. Maybe the 550w I suggest could get him upto the 8800GTS 640. Thats a big screen the OP has and will need the best possible GPU.

 

[xoddsx]

Wow guys I appreciate all this help,
I think from what I've read I pretty much have to have the 8800 GTS
like the sound of the E4300 O'Ced.

But parts seem alot more expensive here in the UK the 8800 on newegg.com is about $289 dollars, the cheapest i can find in uk is £200/$400 which is a huge difference. it is a similar story for psu's

any suggestions/recommendations?

 

[jamesgoddard]

8800gts for £164.94** (inc vat and deliverd) http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/125114

**(use google checkout to get £10 off)

 

[foxrocks]

If you work for a company that uses computers and you're friendly with your boss, you could buy it through them and save the VAT. Other than that you'll just have to suck up them taxes, son.

 

[robmurphy]

Be aware that the prices in the UK do not matchup with the prices in the states. 12 months or so back the price of a component in US Dollars was the same as the price in the UK in Pounds. The dollar has dropped against the pound, but something in the US that cost 100 USD will cost ~75 pounds here.

These are some of the suppliers I have dealt with:

Ebuyer in the UK can be cheap, but often are not.

Overclockers.co.uk have some good deals sometimes

After speaking to dabs.co.uk I would be very wary of them.

Eclipse Computers in Coventry, eclipsecomputers.com have some
good deals, and often they are cheaper than ebuyer.

Eclipse have some good ready made systems, and they do not bundle the OS if you do not want it.

You will need to check if the video card has the HDMI connection to connect to your TV.

What resolution is your TV?

If you intend to watch any HD movies on disk you will need a graphics card with HDCP.

The TV may be great for games and watching videos, but it will be a total PITA for any kind of text based work. If you will be doing text based work then rekon on using a monitor for that.

 

[xoddsx]

right in answer I don't have a clue as to what the definition of my TV is but it is 32" screen will try to find out and post.

so far for my system I have decided upon

Gigabyte GA P35-S3, iP35 Express motherboard

Intel Core 2 Duo E4300

8800gts for £164.94** (inc vat and deliverd) http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/125114

these total £307 pounds. leaving me around £200 maybe a little more if im nice to the girlfriend.

does anybody have any recommendations or favourite parts available in the uk to go with?

Read an article that PSU is vitally important especially with a 8800 GPU.
Also I want to oc the processor to around 3Ghz will i need extra cooling or will it come with a stock cooler good enough to do this?

anybody know any cheap cases really dont care what it looks like as long as it all fits

thanks for the help and recommendations so far

 

[Sheepish]

Firstly is your 32" TV LCD or CRT? If its CRT 99% probability its standard definition which means 480 horizontal lines (ie a screen res of 640x480 = ancient in computer terms!). LCD it will be 768 which in my opinion is still too little for PC use. 1080P would be the minimum but as far as i know there are no tv's littler than 40" featuring 1080P.

As for your PC it can easily be done under £500!

£70 - E4300 cpu
£70 - Gigabyte DS3 motherboard
£72 - 2gb Geil 800mhz ram
£100 - x1950pro or 7900gs gfx card
£20-50 - case
£30-50 - psu
£20 - dvd drive
£20 - KB & Mouse
------
£402-452 (priced from Scan.com & overclockers.co.uk)
Stay away from eclipse computers, they dont keep anything in stock and order in each part which can take weeks!

Maybe step up the cpu to E6320 or treat yourself to a sexy case. The performance gain of the 8800GTS 320 over x1950pro/7900gs in dx9 games for me just isnt worth the extra £80.

 

[xoddsx]

Hey guys seen these both on scan.com the latter was recommended to me (and is the one i think i'll get) but can anyone explain to me why the first is not suitable, and why it is not good enough

LN8039
550W EZcool Silent pPFC Power Supply AMD & P4 Ready 12cm Silent Fan 24Pin 6xPCI SATA £16.49 £19.38

LN15216
520W Corsair HX Series Modular PSU, ATX, EPS12V, whisper quiet, 5 year warranty £57.89 £68.02

 

[xoddsx]

I am coming closer to the end now have a list to show -

2m Newlink HDMI v1.1 Male to DVI Male Cable (HDDV-002) £4.99 £5.86

Gigabyte GA P35-S3, iP35 Express, S 775, PCI-E (x16), DDR2 1066/800/667/533, SATA II, SATA RAID, ATX £59.59 £70.02

Intel Core 2 Duo E4300, Socket 775, 1.80 GHz, 800MHz FSB, Allendale Core, 2MB Cache, Retail £61.89 £72.72

2Gb (2X1GB) Corsair TwinX XMS2, DDR2 PC5400 (667), 240 Pin, Non-ECC Unbuffered, CAS 4-4-4-12 £39.54 £46.46

Samsung SH-S182M/BEBN 18x DVD±R, 8x DVD±DL, DVD+RW x8/-RW x6, DVD-RAM x12, IDE, Black, OEM, LS £15.99 £18.79

520W Corsair HX Series Modular PSU, ATX, EPS12V, whisper quiet, 5 year warranty £57.89 £68.02

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic 32Bit 1Pk OEM (DVD) £45.99 £54.04

Logitech White Wireless Desktop PRO Keyboard & Mouse £7.99 £9.39

250 Gb Seagate ST3250620AS Barracuda 7200.9, SATA300, 7200 rpm, 16MB Cache, 8.5 ms, NCQ £38.99 £45.81

This all come to £400 pounds leaves me without a case and a graphics card.

What else do i need when i buy components do i need any leads or wires?

do i need any glue or paste?

Do i need a new heat sink to oc the CPU?

 

[Sheepish]

Good deal on the ram you selected there.

I forgot the hdd on my price list i drew up above, oops. I think your £50 for a 320gb now.

The one thing id scrap from your list is £70 Corsair PSU. Yes, it comes recommended, if you have the money, but would be better spent on the gfx card.
Save £20-30 with a Hiper.
Nothing wrong with them, apparently a British company so im not sure if the US knows about them.

Scan also do a pretty good selection of budget cases, probably cheap and nasty but hey, its a good place to save money.

With a x1950pro or 7900gs it should come in at £500 or therabouts, £520 maybe inc shipping.

 

[elbert]

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic 32Bit 1Pk OEM (DVD) £45.99 £54.04

Please dont buy this junk. Go with XP or Vista Premium 64Bit. What will happen is Vista 32bit will give you problems for some time then at some point youll need more RAM and have to upgrade to 64Bit. Vista 32Bit anything is Microsoft ME all over again. At best your limited to 3.3GB's of RAM and and worst 2.5GB.

I would suggest XP Digital Millenium Edition as Vista will make for some major headaches with new hardware. Not knowing if its the hardware or the OS could lead to weeks of your system not working correctly.

 

[xoddsx]

advice noted on the psu and i have changed that to the hiper recommended.

in terms of the OS how long will vista need? I am gonna hold off ordering until the end of the month because of what everyone is saying about the price falls. how long does it take for a new OS to bed in?

the price of my setup isn't sitting too well with the missus. probably could spend £600 but has to be worth the ear ache i'll get

sheepish your the only one really recommending a lesser card than the 8800 gts. will the cards you recommend be ok with my TV?

cheers

 

[elbert]

advice noted on the psu and i have changed that to the hiper recommended.

in terms of the OS how long will vista need? I am gonna hold off ordering until the end of the month because of what everyone is saying about the price falls. how long does it take for a new OS to bed in?

the price of my setup isn't sitting too well with the missus. probably could spend £600 but has to be worth the ear ache i'll get

sheepish your the only one really recommending a lesser card than the 8800 gts. will the cards you recommend be ok with my TV?

cheers

Many wait a year for the OS so M$ has time for first service pack. If you must go Vista get the 64bit version that way you atleast have some years of use after the service pack. Find 2 buddies and get the 3pack 64bit OEM.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116205
Not the best as it costs $314 for a 3 pack but its a better deal that $220 for 1 retail.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116142
If you find the 64bit OEM's sold in 1 packs please PM me.