Building My First Computer

[meece]

So as the topic says: Basically I think it's time to upgrade, I've spent long enough on an NVidea 6800 and at this point might as well just go the whole way and replace the whole comp and get win7 at the same time. I'm pretty confident with computers these days and done a certain amount of reasearch on it - thank you Carey Holzman http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdTTlcdPqTg

Basically the plan is to build a computer which is good now for a maximum of £700 or so - and can be upgraded in ~2-4 years time when the new consoles start rolling out. When that happens I'm thinking of buying a new GPU/a copy of the old one for SLI, new CPU and more RAM. I think I've gotten everything major except a motherboard and the minor parts where the variety just overwhlemed me >_<

What I currently have planned is:
£150 NVidea GeForce GTX 460
£150 Phenom II X4 965
£80 Corsair 4GB 1600MHz
£110 corsair TX850W PSU
£5 Arctic Silver Thermal Paste

Estimated prices taken from amazon. I think I need a case, HD, DVD drive, motherboard probably capable of supporting SLI but an AMD CPU (unless you wanna recommend a different one and parts to go with) and maybe a soundcard if the MD doesn't have an intergrated one. So...if anyone has any advice on these parts I'm all ears. Keep in mind though I'm not after ultra top of the range - good and reliable for the price is the key.

 

[mikecoulter]

That seems pretty good, but I think the quad core Phenom chips aren't performing as well as the competition anymore. I'd look into the 6 core models or an Intel i5 2400/2500/2600.

 

[Antari]

You don't really need an 850watt power source unless you plan on running alot of stuff in that case (multiple drives and video cards). A 750 will do, could save a few coins. Hard Drives, go Western Digital, Seagate is having serious reliability issues these past 2 years. If you get an after market soundcard which wouldn't be a bad plan, just make sure you grab an X-Fi chipset, cheapest card available, unless you absolutely have to have the gold connectors. Avoid the Audigy chipsets like the plague! Motherboards are too varied to get into, but SLI hasn't proved to be that much of a performance booster on budget systems, I wouldn't put that up as a priority. Frontside bus speeds are what you need to pay attention to, and in the cheap boards market compatability with RAM clock speeds. You don't really need to go with Corsair Ram, Kingston does just fine, and is nice and cheap.

Other than those suggestions you look to be on the right path. I have the same quad core myself, it does fine. And I'm running a GTS 250 1gig, still haven't found a game that lags it.

 

[MrTub]

You don't really need an 850watt power source unless you plan on running alot of stuff in that case (multiple drives and video cards). A 750 will do, could save a few coins. Hard Drives, go Western Digital, Seagate is having serious reliability issues these past 2 years. If you get an after market soundcard which wouldn't be a bad plan, just make sure you grab an X-Fi chipset, cheapest card available, unless you absolutely have to have the gold connectors. Avoid the Audigy chipsets like the plague! Motherboards are too varied to get into, but SLI hasn't proved to be that much of a performance booster on budget systems, I wouldn't put that up as a priority. Frontside bus speeds are what you need to pay attention to, and in the cheap boards market compatability with RAM clock speeds. You don't really need to go with Corsair Ram, Kingston does just fine, and is nice and cheap.

Other than those suggestions you look to be on the right path. I have the same quad core myself, it does fine. And I'm running a GTS 250 1gig, still haven't found a game that lags it.

Imo it's better to get a overkill psu so if you want to add another graphic card you dont need to buy a new psu aswell. An example: I bought a tx750w since everyone told me 1kW was so overkill and then 6 month later I decided to buy another gtx 480 so I needed to replace my PSU aswell since it cant handle 2x gtx 480 in sli.

 

[MrTub]

That seems pretty good, but I think the quad core Phenom chips aren't performing as well as the competition anymore. I'd look into the 6 core models or an Intel i5 2400/2500/2600.

I would really not recommend the new sandy bridge atm since it will take untill April before new Mobos for socket 1155 will be sold again.

 

[Antari]

You don't really need an 850watt power source unless you plan on running alot of stuff in that case (multiple drives and video cards). A 750 will do, could save a few coins. Hard Drives, go Western Digital, Seagate is having serious reliability issues these past 2 years. If you get an after market soundcard which wouldn't be a bad plan, just make sure you grab an X-Fi chipset, cheapest card available, unless you absolutely have to have the gold connectors. Avoid the Audigy chipsets like the plague! Motherboards are too varied to get into, but SLI hasn't proved to be that much of a performance booster on budget systems, I wouldn't put that up as a priority. Frontside bus speeds are what you need to pay attention to, and in the cheap boards market compatability with RAM clock speeds. You don't really need to go with Corsair Ram, Kingston does just fine, and is nice and cheap.

Other than those suggestions you look to be on the right path. I have the same quad core myself, it does fine. And I'm running a GTS 250 1gig, still haven't found a game that lags it.

Imo it's better to get a overkill psu so if you want to add another graphic card you dont need to buy a new psu aswell. An example: I bought a tx750w since everyone told me 1kW was so overkill and then 6 month later I decided to buy another gtx 480 so I needed to replace my PSU aswell since it cant handle 2x gtx 480 in sli.

Which is critical overkill. Something he wasn't looking to do.

Why do you need dual video cards? Are you a game developer working on the next generation game? Doing raytracing? .. Seriously you've wasted your money if you just game.

 

[MrTub]

You don't really need an 850watt power source unless you plan on running alot of stuff in that case (multiple drives and video cards). A 750 will do, could save a few coins. Hard Drives, go Western Digital, Seagate is having serious reliability issues these past 2 years. If you get an after market soundcard which wouldn't be a bad plan, just make sure you grab an X-Fi chipset, cheapest card available, unless you absolutely have to have the gold connectors. Avoid the Audigy chipsets like the plague! Motherboards are too varied to get into, but SLI hasn't proved to be that much of a performance booster on budget systems, I wouldn't put that up as a priority. Frontside bus speeds are what you need to pay attention to, and in the cheap boards market compatability with RAM clock speeds. You don't really need to go with Corsair Ram, Kingston does just fine, and is nice and cheap.

Other than those suggestions you look to be on the right path. I have the same quad core myself, it does fine. And I'm running a GTS 250 1gig, still haven't found a game that lags it.

Imo it's better to get a overkill psu so if you want to add another graphic card you dont need to buy a new psu aswell. An example: I bought a tx750w since everyone told me 1kW was so overkill and then 6 month later I decided to buy another gtx 480 so I needed to replace my PSU aswell since it cant handle 2x gtx 480 in sli.

Which is critical overkill. Something he wasn't looking to do.

Why do you need dual video cards? Are you a game developer working on the next generation game? Doing raytracing? .. Seriously you've wasted your money if you just game.

I need two gtx 480 since I will be using Nvidia surround(aka 3 monitors and with resolution 5760x1080) once my Mobo get fixed and a singel gtx 480 only supports two monitors.

Quote from OP: " When that happens I'm thinking of buying a new GPU/a copy of the old one for SLI," and with SLI and if you overclock it, it can use a lot of W.

 

[Antari]

You don't really need an 850watt power source unless you plan on running alot of stuff in that case (multiple drives and video cards). A 750 will do, could save a few coins. Hard Drives, go Western Digital, Seagate is having serious reliability issues these past 2 years. If you get an after market soundcard which wouldn't be a bad plan, just make sure you grab an X-Fi chipset, cheapest card available, unless you absolutely have to have the gold connectors. Avoid the Audigy chipsets like the plague! Motherboards are too varied to get into, but SLI hasn't proved to be that much of a performance booster on budget systems, I wouldn't put that up as a priority. Frontside bus speeds are what you need to pay attention to, and in the cheap boards market compatability with RAM clock speeds. You don't really need to go with Corsair Ram, Kingston does just fine, and is nice and cheap.

Other than those suggestions you look to be on the right path. I have the same quad core myself, it does fine. And I'm running a GTS 250 1gig, still haven't found a game that lags it.

Imo it's better to get a overkill psu so if you want to add another graphic card you dont need to buy a new psu aswell. An example: I bought a tx750w since everyone told me 1kW was so overkill and then 6 month later I decided to buy another gtx 480 so I needed to replace my PSU aswell since it cant handle 2x gtx 480 in sli.

Which is critical overkill. Something he wasn't looking to do.

Why do you need dual video cards? Are you a game developer working on the next generation game? Doing raytracing? .. Seriously you've wasted your money if you just game.

I need two gtx 480 since I will be using Nvidia surround(aka 3 monitors and with resolution 5760x1080) once my Mobo get fixed and a singel gtx 480 only supports two monitors.

Well since hes trying to build the system on a budget. I doubt the 3 screen setup is in his near future.

 

[MrTub]

You don't really need an 850watt power source unless you plan on running alot of stuff in that case (multiple drives and video cards). A 750 will do, could save a few coins. Hard Drives, go Western Digital, Seagate is having serious reliability issues these past 2 years. If you get an after market soundcard which wouldn't be a bad plan, just make sure you grab an X-Fi chipset, cheapest card available, unless you absolutely have to have the gold connectors. Avoid the Audigy chipsets like the plague! Motherboards are too varied to get into, but SLI hasn't proved to be that much of a performance booster on budget systems, I wouldn't put that up as a priority. Frontside bus speeds are what you need to pay attention to, and in the cheap boards market compatability with RAM clock speeds. You don't really need to go with Corsair Ram, Kingston does just fine, and is nice and cheap.

Other than those suggestions you look to be on the right path. I have the same quad core myself, it does fine. And I'm running a GTS 250 1gig, still haven't found a game that lags it.

Imo it's better to get a overkill psu so if you want to add another graphic card you dont need to buy a new psu aswell. An example: I bought a tx750w since everyone told me 1kW was so overkill and then 6 month later I decided to buy another gtx 480 so I needed to replace my PSU aswell since it cant handle 2x gtx 480 in sli.

Which is critical overkill. Something he wasn't looking to do.

Why do you need dual video cards? Are you a game developer working on the next generation game? Doing raytracing? .. Seriously you've wasted your money if you just game.

I need two gtx 480 since I will be using Nvidia surround(aka 3 monitors and with resolution 5760x1080) once my Mobo get fixed and a singel gtx 480 only supports two monitors.

Well since hes trying to build the system on a budget. I doubt the 3 screen setup is in his near future.

You asked why I bought 2x gtx 480 and a overkill PSU and I answered. I never said he needs SLI or going to use nvidia surround or that he needs a 1KW psu

 

[RhombusHatesYou]

Imo it's better to get a overkill psu so if you want to add another graphic card you dont need to buy a new psu aswell.

Yeah, always leave some wiggle room on PSU output. Saving $30 now isn't a saving if a few months down the track you have to buy a new PSU.

Plus meece already said he was looking at running a SLI config at some point so he's likely going to need it. Not to mention the RAM he selected is 1600 which is listed as OC speed on most AM3 socket mobos, so there might be some overclocking in this build's future, meaning even more power draw.

 

[odBilal]

Hey guys!
Im also thinking about building my first PC.
So i just wanted to ask what specs, graphics card e.t.c. I need to have a rig that can play games like Crysis and Metro 2033 on high ( or ultra whatever the highest option is called).
As I said before I've never built my own PC before and need something I can orient myself on because the variety of parts overwhelmed me.

 

[MrTub]

Hey guys!
Im also thinking about building my first PC.
So i just wanted to ask what specs, graphics card e.t.c. I need to have a rig that can play games like Crysis and Metro 2033 on high ( or ultra whatever the highest option is called).
As I said before I've never built my own PC before and need something I can orient myself on because the variety of parts overwhelmed me.

What is your budget? And where are you from?

 

[odBilal]

Hey guys!
Im also thinking about building my first PC.
So i just wanted to ask what specs, graphics card e.t.c. I need to have a rig that can play games like Crysis and Metro 2033 on high ( or ultra whatever the highest option is called).
As I said before I've never built my own PC before and need something I can orient myself on because the variety of parts overwhelmed me.

What is your budget? And where are you from?

I'm from switzerland.
Budget doesnt matter that much as long as it isnt something ridiculously expensive (something around 1000-1500$ is ok)
I'm thinking of a computer that will be good enough to last 1-2 years before I have to upgrade.
EDIT: If someone knows an Internetsite where I can learn more about building my own PC I would be thankful

 

[MrTub]

Hey guys!
Im also thinking about building my first PC.
So i just wanted to ask what specs, graphics card e.t.c. I need to have a rig that can play games like Crysis and Metro 2033 on high ( or ultra whatever the highest option is called).
As I said before I've never built my own PC before and need something I can orient myself on because the variety of parts overwhelmed me.

What is your budget? And where are you from?

I'm from switzerland.
Budget doesnt matter that much as long as it isnt something ridiculously expensive (something around 1000-1500$ is ok)
I'm thinking of a computer that will be good enough to last 1-2 years before I have to upgrade.
EDIT: If someone knows an Internetsite where I can learn more about building my own PC I would be thankful

http://www.buildyourown.org.uk/pc-information/introduction/

That site should help you. When are you going to build the PC? Cause I would highly recommend a Sandy bridge processor but since the motherboards are broken and you wont be able to buy a new one until April.

 

[odBilal]

Im planning to buy this :

Spoiler

Samsung, Syncmaster 2233RZ
22" TFT Monitor 3D Ready , 20'000:1,3ms,300cd/m²,DVI

Microsoft, Windows7 Family Pack
Win7 Home Premium Deutsch , 32/64 Bit Upgrade, DVD

Coolermaster, GX 550W
Power Supply 550W, 80 Plus , ATX 2.3, 2x PCIE, 12cm Fan

Intel, i5 760
Core i5, 4x 2.80GHz , 2.5GT/s, 8MB Cache, 45nm, Box

Samsung, S083F
Slim, DVD±RW 8x/8x/8x/6x , SATA

ASUS, P7P55D-E
Intel P55 Chipset, 1156Pin , PCIE, DDR3, GLAN

ASUS, GTX 570
1280MB DDR5, 3800/742MHz , Nvidia GeForce

Western Digital, Caviar Green
2000GB, 3.5", SATA2 , 5400rpm, 8.9ms, 64MB

Corsair, DDR3 1333MHz 8GB
8GB Kit, PC10666, 240Pin, CL9 , (2x4GB), 1.65V, Dual Channel

Edimax, EW-7612PIN
Wireless PCIE-Card, 300Mbps , 802.11b/g/n, WPA2, WPS

I hope I didnt forget something and everything is compatible
What du you think?

 

[MrTub]

I would go with a 7200 rpm HDD since 5400rpm can be quite slow and I would get atleast a 700w psu so when you want to upgrade ur computer you can simply buy another gtx 570 (I would suggest Corsair HX 750w)

 

[odBilal]

I would go with a 7200 rpm HDD since 5400rpm can be quite slow and I would get atleast a 700w psu so when you want to upgrade ur computer you can simply buy another gtx 570 (I would suggest Corsair HX 750w)

Ok thanks, I'll change the HDD and PSU.
The PC is a bit more expensive than I expected but I guess I wont have to upgrade it anytime soon.

 

[RhombusHatesYou]

I hope I didnt forgt something

You might want a case to put it all in if you haven't already got an ATX form factor case sitting around. Plus your mobo can handle 1600MHz DDR3 so you might want to invest in that instead (or 2000MHz if you plan to get into overclocking).

Also, what Tubez said.

 

[odBilal]

I hope I didnt forgt something

You might want a case to put it all in if you haven't already got an ATX form factor case sitting around. Plus your mobo can handle 1600MHz DDR3 so you might want to invest in that instead (or 2000MHz if you plan to get into overclocking).

Also, what Tubez said.

Well actually I have a ATX form factor case sitting around

Spoiler: case

But what do you mean by invest in the Motherboard that can handle 1600MHz?

 

[MrTub]

I hope I didnt forgt something

You might want a case to put it all in if you haven't already got an ATX form factor case sitting around. Plus your mobo can handle 1600MHz DDR3 so you might want to invest in that instead (or 2000MHz if you plan to get into overclocking).

Also, what Tubez said.

Well actually I have a ATX form factor case sitting around

Spoiler: case

But what do you mean by invest in the Motherboard that can handle 1600MHz?

He means that you should get ram that runs in 1600 mhz or 2000 mhz but that isnt really necessary unless you plan on overclocking and even then timing is more important, and u can overclock the ram if you need it but like I said it's only necessary if you plan on overclocking quite a bit.