New Pc

[TheCrossMovement]

I'd like to eventually build myself a brand new PC. Not a big gamer or anything like that, just something that will get basic computing accomplished and than some. I've collected some parts from newegg.com that I think look good and affordable. I've already got the Video Card, CD/DVD rom, and XPSP2 Operating system for it. Will mostly use it for internet,e-mail, chatting, music/streaming radio, word processing, MAYBE a few games if I feel up 2 it. I currently have a 4.5 yr old HP Pavilion6630 at 500mhz processor. I just want some input on if the things I have selected will mesh well together and if there's anything cheaper or better I can get. I prefer Newegg's stuff. Building ur own PC is MUCH cheaper than buying it custom from a retail store like bestbuy. I've never built a whole PC before, but I've gathered up SOME knowledge of other hardware installs and de-installs, so how hard can it be?? I'm ready to embark on a new adventure. Remember, I'm looking for budget priced, yet a lot faster that what I currently am running. Let the input start pouring in!!

Thx,
TCM


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Cases (Computer Cases, ATX Form)


POWMAX Black/Silver Mid Tower ATX Case with 400W Power Supply, Side Window & handle, Model "CP0327PL-4" -RETAIL
Item# N82E16811145047

$32.00

Motherboards - Intel


SOYO "SY-P4VTP" PT800 Chipset Motherboard for Intel Socket 478 CPU -RETAIL
Item# N82E16813139134

$54.00


Processors

Intel Celeron D "325" 2.53 GHz, 533MHz FSB, 256K L2 Cache Processor - Retail

$88.00



Memory (System Memory)


Rosewill 184-Pin 512MB DDR PC3200, Model RW400/512 - Retail

$74.00


Hard Drives


Western Digital Special Edition 80GB 7200RPM IDE Hard Drive, Model WD800JB, OEM Drive Only

$63.00


subtotal: $311.00

[DoG]

Looks like you have the basis for a good computer there. Can i offer a word of encouragemnt as you seem to have the basic components sorted? Building your first PC seems like a daunting task if you have little experience of how it all fits together. The pile of parts looks like a mountain when you get all the box's home. Here's the big point of my inane ramblings- it's not hard. The components themselves will only fit in the right places- an AGP Graphics card will not fit into a PCI slot and vice versa, memory will only fit in the slot one way- and don't be scared of applying a little pressure to get the prts in place. I get called out a lot to first time builders/upgraders because the memory doesn't seem to fit of the PCI card won't seat properly

And if all else fails read the manual. I have been building systems for 9 years now, starting with upgrading the P160 system my father left when he died, and every now and again i get caught out by the postion of a single jumper or a change in the BIOS that makes no sense to a rational person :P

Youu havent said what graphics card you are looking at. As a rule of thumb NVIDIA are the most common cards and can usually be found dirt cheap in most stores Just because they are cheap doesnt mean they are crap. Saying that you really do get what you pay for, a cheap NVIDIA card will often perform well enough for the novice gamer, i would reccomend you look at an ATI card from personal preference. They are usually mid price range cards but they are more robust from a driver perspective. I never had a problem with my Radeon 9000 pro, yet the FX5200 i use at the moment seems to only like certain NVIDIA drivers. The ATI took whatever drivers i threw at it and worked fine. I know that i am going to get half a dozen pm's saying that NVIDIA are better than ATI etc but i'm giving my honest opinion- not running for office
Try looking at the 9000 series cards from ATI, you may find one that suits your price range, what ever it is

Will come back after a few hours aleep and hope the thread hasn't resorted to an all out flame fest about GPU's!

[TheCrossMovement]

I've already got a Nvidia GeForceFX 5200 128MB of memory&PCI. So my graphics needs are met unless someone thinks that card sux. Honestly, I had heard one will need at LEAST 128MB of graphics memory when Longhorn comes out in a few years, and I wanted to be sure at had that. I also already have a rosewill CD/RW/DVD 52X32X52X16.

No, I'm not really scared to build my own system. Maybe a little worried that I might plug something in wrong or make a bad hook up somewhere, but other than that I'm sure I can do it. Its much more affordable than buying a pre-built system from Compusa or bestbuy. I have a general idea of where things go, and I can always look inside my old PC to get an idea if I need to. Its not like I'm going to try screw in the harddrive where the motherboard goes. I have a good head on my shoulders when it comes to computers.

I just want a faster computer than what I have now that I can continually upgrade with a part here or part there if I needed to.

[SlickVic78]

Quote:

Originally posted by TheCrossMovement+Aug 9 2004, 08:54 AM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(TheCrossMovement @ Aug 9 2004, 08:54 AM)</div><div class='quotemain'>Maybe a little worried that I might plug something in wrong or make a bad hook up somewhere, but other than that I'm sure I can do it.
[/b]

I don't think you will have many issues at all. Think of it as a puzzle and that the pieces can only fit one way in order to complete it. You'll see how easy it is to put this thing together yourself. I've been doing my family, friends and my computer for quite some time now. There is nothing to it. Just take your time, the first time, and you will see just how easy it really is!

<!--QuoteBegin-TheCrossMovement@Aug 9 2004, 08:54 AM
Its much more affordable than buying a pre-built system from Compusa or bestbuy.
[/quote]
That's for sure. That is why I started developing my own systems. Besides, you can easily upgrade most systems when you put a system together yourself... It's like swapping out a Mobo, Ram, and CPU (what I've done 3 times already) to upgrade my system. Much better this way, than to have to buy a whole brand new system from most of these vendors out there.

Anyway, good luck with everything, and if you have questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

-SlickVic78

[James55]

Sounds like you'll have a nice upgradable machine. I always build my own machines.

[haggus]

I've built two machines so far and the best advice I can give you is be patient read the manuals first to understand what needs to be done it's not terribly complicated but it can be tricky at times. Make sure you have a wrist strap to prevent static electricity shock to components this can happen. From the list of parts you have there should be a good upgrade good luck.

[rikytik]

You sure don't lack replies.

I've built 3 from total ignorance. The last one is in an Antec Sonata box, in my mind the best there is for anybody. The 2nd is in a Lian Li aluminum case, definatley second best. The first one was a $30 poopie case. Really crap.

The best PS is the Antec in the Sonata case. Quiet. Stable. The Sonata has tray mounts for HD's, so you can remove them without unscrewing anything. Nothing is inaccessible.

I put in an Asus Pc4800-E Deluxe mobo. It has shown to be twice as fast as my Asus A7V8X with AMD. But, hey that is personal preference stufff.

Good luck. Building is the only way and a lot of fun.

[TheCrossMovement]

I've collected all the parts I'd like to get from Newegg, now all's I need is the money. Anyone wanna donte to the "TCM I need a new PC" fund? lol. Anyone??

I thought about buying 1 component at a time...a few weeks at a time, but I really would prefer to have all the parts right there in front of me and not have to sit and wait for who knows how long week after week.

I'm so ready to do this its not even funny, I'm just lacking the funds right now and with other bills to pay, it seems as though I'll never get my chance to build a new PC.

Not really serious about anyone helping me with money since noone really knows me round here except the select few who were here back in B1's early days when I used to be a Mod. But I do have a paypal acct if anyone actually is interested

[Dudelive]

To start with you have got several replies from some very great people with experience, so I would go slow and be patient. You can always buy the case now as that price won't change very much and it will give you a storage container for all the other parts.

Good luck and take your time

Thanks
Dudelive