Desktop help

[ichitaka05]

Originally Posted by Giccin

I made one. But theres a few mail in rebates you can use.

I didn't include keyboard+Mouse or speakers since I'm just assuming you have those on the current one you can strip. As for a monitor, you can hook that giant TV of yours and make it a monitor. :P Or Stick it in as your DVI. Current monitor is your VGA.

HDD: Western Digital 500GB 7200 rpm
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136073


CPU: Intel i5 processor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115067


GFX Card: EVGA GeForce 9800 GT HDMI [Mail in Rebate -$30]
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130535


PS: Corsair 650w [Mail in rebate -$10]
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139005


RAM/Memory: 6GB (3x2)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145220


CD drive: Asus Black 24x dvd drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827135204


CPU Case: Thermaltake Midtower [Mail in Rebate -$5]
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811133094


Total: $667.92

And with the mail in rebates...
Total $622.92
With Utah Tax (Google 6.95%) Total: $666.21


I kind of went through it very quickly. If someone who won't mind checking if I calculated the voltage correctly... :P

And if everything works correctly. :P


Edit:
Also if you're REALLY patient and check up on this monitor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824236059
you can get a really really good deal. I have 3 of these monitors and I got them for $100 when newegg had a sale. So if you really want a new monitor you'll have to camp their website for it. :P

Edit #2:
I was also assuming you were going to use your PS3 as a blueray player. :P

Yeah, I'll be using PS3 as blueray player and 5.1 home theater system as dvd... so it's not a problem. I DL some epi or movie and want to watch it on TV instead of small laptop screen.

Thanks, I'll look and check of the deal on that site.

[xantonin]

Originally Posted by ichitaka05

I've always wonder the processor's GHz thing. Some may have high memory (like you listed 4gb), but they have low GHz (yours was 2.93GHz). Is it really matter to have high/low GHz?

GHz ususally refers to the speed of the processor. Typically higher used to mean better but there's other technologies used in a processor that can make it faster.

For example a dual core 1.5 GHz processor would likely be faster than a single 2 GHz processor.

GB will usually refer to RAM which is the memory. This is usually the factor in using photoshop with huge images and having multiple programs open at the same time.

[ichitaka05]

Originally Posted by xantonin

GHz ususally refers to the speed of the processor. Typically higher used to mean better but there's other technologies used in a processor that can make it faster.

For example a dual core 1.5 GHz processor would likely be faster than a single 2 GHz processor.

GB will usually refer to RAM which is the memory. This is usually the factor in using photoshop with huge images and having multiple programs open at the same time.

Hey I learn something about pc today~ thanks :happy0180:

[iff2mastamatt]

Try to get a core i7 processor if you can, it's worth the extra money. After all, you can upgrade RAM, hard drives, and video cards easily in desktops, but it's very hard to upgrade a processor after you have purchased the proprietary one.

[ichitaka05]

Core i7? hm... it's pretty expensive, but thanks for the advice

[Snaps]

^ I actually don't think it's neccessary to get a core i7... Not for the extra price anyway (This is just an opinion, I've not done any tests). Some of the core i5's (700 series) are 4-core, and you really don't need any more than that - there are very few programs designed/optimised to run on more than 4 cores at the moment. This is even more important if you're trying to do it on a budget

Then the only other thing I would do when choosing a proccessor (i5) is make sure it has Intel's Turbo-Boost tech (I think there are some i5's that come with this? not sure if it's the 700 series though....). Once again, I think the Hyper-threading won't make much of a difference for what you plan to use the computer for.

Obviously, this is all up for discussion, by no means is my opinion the 'best' way to do it, but I think that if you are on a budget, there really isn't much reason for you to go for an i7, because they ARE a lot more expensive than equivalent i5's....

[Want.FR-S]

Hmm... one thing that was overlooked: The Wireless modem. I do not think that function comes with the motherboard. If you do not have that card handy, you still need to buy a PCI wireless modem.

Ichi, do you need to connect this desktop wirelessly to your router? or you have sufficient Ethernet cable to connect it wirely? If you need the wireless connection, or you have that already on your existing desktop, if it exists, then it is not a big deal. A brand new wireless card would not cost too much, I would think.

Well, a computer ony contains these key parts: CPU (GHz), Memory (GB), Hard disk (HDD ~ GB to TB), Video Card (sometimes built in on motherboard), Motherboard, and Case. So when you need to compare the boxes, checks the criteria based on CPU, Memory, Hard disk, and Video Card and that should give you a good handle. For CPU, faster and more cores are better, also newer technology is better (although pricy). For both Memory and Hard disk, more is better, but you also need to factor in how much you are willing to spend. A dedicated Video Card is a must for computer gaming and 3D animation. However, based on your requirement on video (watch HD movies), I wonder if a on-board card would suffice.

As iff2mastamatt said, The cpu is very important and hard to upgrade in the future so buying a good one up-front is important. The motherboard goes hand in hand with CPU so once you choose the CPU, the motherboard is limited to certain types. Coming from a single core old fashion way, I would say that if you give each core a 2 GB of RAM you should be fine. (ie. Dual core ==> 4 GB RAM, and Quad Core 8 GB of RAM). Although I think going above 6 to 8 GB is probably over-kill for now or the next 3 years. I had a quad core box with 3 GB of ram based on a similar requirement (webbing, watch video and things), and I have not problem with shortage of memory or whatsoever. Hence I think 4 to 6 GB should be sufficient for now.

As to hard disk and video card, they can be easily upgraded in the future so you can get something that can satisfy you for now. I would suggest to get the followings first:

1. Get a list of CPU, Motherboard, Case, Memory and that wireless modem if you need.
2. Get a decent 500 GB or 750 GB 3.5" hard disk
3. See if you really a dedicate video card. I would suggest not to buy it first and try it out with the on-board one first. If that sucks, buy a dedicated Video card and plug in later.

You should probably get a DVD/CD drive just in case you are goind to load some DVD's to your PC. That is a cheap item but it is indeed handy to have on a PC.

It was 1995 when I last time custom-built a PC so I maybe out of the touch for a while. One recommendation I can say is: when you look at the list, and see if you can find a ready-made box from Best Buy or other electronic stores, you can see if you are really saving some money. Apples to apples and just compare the boxes. Again, if you compare it based on those criteria I listed, I do not think it is too difficult to determine if you are saving money or not. Bear in mind that shipping could also cost you some dollars, depends on the way you buy things.

I was really close of going to use the car analogy with the computer but then I thought I may confuse you with the Computer terms with mis-guided Car terms so I withheld that thought....

Hope it helps.

[Want.FR-S]

Originally Posted by Snaps

....
Then the only other thing I would do when choosing a proccessor (i5) is make sure it has Intel's Turbo-Boost tech (I think there are some i5's that come with this? not sure if it's the 700 series though....). Once again, I think the Hyper-threading won't make much of a difference for what you plan to use the computer for....

Correct me if I am wrong: Turbo-Boost is just like KERS where you can overclock the CPU for a period of time to make it run faster. (I could not help it...)

And I can't think of anything in cars similar to Hyper-Threading....

And I concur on Sanps' idea. It is probably over-kill to get i7 based on what you plan to do.

[ichitaka05]

Snaps & Want thanks for the advice.

Snaps - I was looking to i4 or higher processor so I'll look into the i5 700 series

Want - Sadly, I need wireless. My router is pretty far away, so I need wireless to connect to internet. 6gb ram or higher is I was thinking too.

Again thanks for the info!

[Snaps]

Originally Posted by Want.FR-S

As iff2mastamatt said, The cpu is very important and hard to upgrade in the future so buying a good one up-front is important. The motherboard goes hand in hand with CPU so once you choose the CPU, the motherboard is limited to certain types. Coming from a single core old fashion way, I would say that if you give each core a 2 GB of RAM you should be fine. (ie. Dual core ==> 4 GB RAM, and Quad Core 8 GB of RAM). Although I think going above 6 to 8 GB is probably over-kill for now or the next 3 years. I had a quad core box with 3 GB of ram based on a similar requirement (webbing, watch video and things), and I have not problem with shortage of memory or whatsoever. Hence I think 4 to 6 GB should be sufficient for now.

I really think anything over 4GB is overkill... I've yet to max out my 4GB (and only DDR2 667 MHz) of RAM, and that's playing games like Oblivion/Fallout 3 on Full graphics with Music running in the background. Or running multiple programs... Photoshop CS5, IE, WMP, Minecraft, etc. all at the same time... I think the closest I've ever been (while actually looking at it) is about 3.5GB of RAM USED. I think if I was to upgrade to a DDR3-RAM motherboard I would run 3 x 2GB sticks in triple-channel mode, just for future-proofing, but I really don't see the need for any more than that unless you're doing some pretty serious video-rendering type stuff.

Edit: that way, you can always add more RAM later on if you find it's slowing down when you're running multiple programs.

Again thanks for the info!

You're more than welcome.

[Siriusly.Andrew]

Originally Posted by Snaps

I really think anything over 4GB is overkill... I've yet to max out my 4GB (and only DDR2 667 MHz) of RAM, and that's playing games like Oblivion/Fallout 3 on Full graphics with Music running in the background. Or running multiple programs... Photoshop CS5, IE, WMP, Minecraft, etc. all at the same time...

This -- My usage is very similar. At the moment though I am CPU limited, but my RAM is plentiful. Honestly, 4GB is more than I can think many users would ever need. Unless, as Snaps mentioned, you're doing major video rendering / editing type stuff more will benefit. So will having a strong CPU.

My current rig setup is as follows;
AMD 5000+ (dual core) OC'd from 2.6ghz to 3.2ghz With a Gemini II CPU Cooler
4GB Patriot Extreme DDR2 800mhz (PC-6400) OC'd to 900mhz (5-5-5-12 2T)
Nvidia Geforce GTS 250 (runs great, I'm surprised)
NZXT Zero Chassis, not Zero II. Thats crap. Zero I is amazing.

I was seriously contemplating upgrading to a DDR3 based system for future proofing, but because money is tight I was thinking of getting an AM2+ Phenom X3 8850 (significant upgrade) for only 100$ instead of doing a full mobo, set of ram and CPU. Its still all up in the air, but I really am tired of my system bogging down while playing games online with a video call going to my girlfriend who I play with.

[Want.FR-S]

Originally Posted by ichitaka05

...

Want - Sadly, I need wireless. My router is pretty far away, so I need wireless to connect to internet. 6gb ram or higher is I was thinking too.

Yup, better be careful when looking at the list. I am wondering: do you have a wireless card on your existing desktop? or do you have an existing desktop? The reason I asked is that it seems you need to place this new desktop far away from the router so connecting an Ethernet cable is out of the question. So do you have a desktop in this new desire location? If not, or you simply do not have a desktop whatsoever, then you also need to consider the pricings of keyboard and mouse (very cheap, but still cost $$$).

Most of the laptop nowadays comes with wireless connection. Keep in mind that many of the desktop do not come with that functionality.

Just my 0.02.

[Snaps]

Originally Posted by Siriusly.Andrew

My current rig setup is as follows;
AMD 5000+ (dual core) OC'd from 2.6ghz to 3.2ghz With a Gemini II CPU Cooler
4GB Patriot Extreme DDR2 800mhz (PC-6400) OC'd to 900mhz (5-5-5-12 2T)
Nvidia Geforce GTS 250 (runs great, I'm surprised)
NZXT Zero Chassis, not Zero II. Thats crap. Zero I is amazing.

Wow, you and I have pretty similar setups, I'm running:

Antec 300 Case
Intel Core2Duo E6500 (2.93GHz) O/C'ed to 3.3GHz, stock cooler (which is not bad at all)
4GB OCZ DDR2 667MHz, O/C'ed automatically using BIOS to match CPU O/C (currently at about 765MHz, I think)
Galaxy GTX260 1GB
500GB WD Green HDD

Runs most games great, can run Crysis on full....sometimes... when there is not too much going on... Otherwise the framerate drops a bit. I prefer playing on lower graphics because it makes it much smoother, and smooth gameplay>graphics every time.

Edit: At the moment I'm also restricted by CPU in most games, and by HDD (the data transfer rates of the WD Green series is pretty shocking compared to more expensive drives, but they're sooo cheap I couldn't turn it down XD)

I'm thinking of upgrading Mobo, CPU and RAM for when TESV: Skyrim comes out, but not sure if I should upgrade my Vid. card too. I would definitely go to something with DX11 if I did, and I've always been an Nvidia guy... Maybe a GTX 460 or 560? Not sure....

Would also love to get an SSD for installing Win 7 onto, but they're also big $$$. Cant wait till they come down in price!

[ichitaka05]

Originally Posted by Want.FR-S

Yup, better be careful when looking at the list. I am wondering: do you have a wireless card on your existing desktop? or do you have an existing desktop? The reason I asked is that it seems you need to place this new desktop far away from the router so connecting an Ethernet cable is out of the question. So do you have a desktop in this new desire location? If not, or you simply do not have a desktop whatsoever, then you also need to consider the pricings of keyboard and mouse (very cheap, but still cost $$$).

Most of the laptop nowadays comes with wireless connection. Keep in mind that many of the desktop do not come with that functionality.

Just my 0.02.

I currently don't have desktop, I have laptop. My current laptop can only watch up to 720p movie and not 1080p movie so I wanna buy desktop & hook it up to my tv to watch it, listen to music at the same time Photoshop while I'm downloading some episodes. As for keyboard & mouse, that's not a problem I have wireless keyboard & mouse from my friend (which currently I'm using for my PS3). speaker isn't a concern either cuz I have surround sound home theater system I can connect to.

I hope that explain lil bit more