The Ultimate 'Build-A-PC' Thread. Complete With Pricings & Recommendations (06/06/10)

[quote name='teknikalei']You were building this for your wife, right? I don't know if she's interested, but some of us CAGers are starting a guild. :)

I clicked in here because I'm going to be building a gaming rig, hopefully save the money and finish it by March. I look forward to your pics if you post them.[/QUOTE]

YES. I was building this for my lovely fiance (we'll be married in May 2011). I took the pictures, but then got waylaid by random dungeons and an awesome-drunken winning streak in Black Ops ... so they never made it online! :cool:
 
[quote name='Stry-ker']I assume this is the place to post this, I am looking to upgrade my CPU cause I cant do both the CPU and MOBO, RAM to get EVERYTHING current. So hoping a CPU will get me a lil closer up to date.

Current mobo
ASUS M2N-SLI Deluxe
http://usa.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=szSFtrap7crpBaQE

Current CPU is
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103191

Please help me find a Faster better COMPATIBLE CPU[/QUOTE]

Budget?

Looking at the compatibility list for your mobo, the absolute best upgrade you can use is going to be this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103656

If you can find a 95W Phenom II 955, that would actually be the best that it will support, but those aren't as readily available right now.
 
AM3 CPUs are backwards compatible with AM2+ motherboards. Many AM2+ motherboards(like yours) only require a BIOS update to use them. The main difference in the CPUs is support for DDR3 memory. AM3 processors support both DDR2 and DDR3 memory, while AM2+ only supports DDR2. So an AM3 processor can be used with an AM2+ motherboard, but AM2+ CPUs can't be used with an AM3 motherboard.
 
[quote name='Stry-ker']http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...808&cm_re=phenom_ii_x4-_-19-103-808-_-Product
Phenom II X4 955 as suggested. I assume this will work.

Also none of the numbers on new egg site match the compatibility list. Its like all the digits are the same except last four for example HDZ955FBGMBOX, is that something to do with retail box vs oem?[/QUOTE]

I don't think that one is going to work. The compatibility list specifies a 95W 955 and the one on Newegg is the 125W version. I don't see any processors on that list that draw more than 95W, so I would seriously question putting in anything that will draw more than that. That's why I recommended the 925 instead. Its rated for 95W and was readily available on Newegg. The 95W 955 are a bit harder to find these days. Looking around a bit more, I did find one here though: http://www.superbiiz.com/detail.php...AMD-Phenom-II-X4-Processor-955-3-2GHz-AM3-OEM

Keep in mind that if you order the 955 there, it will be an OEM part so you would have to get a cooler for it.
 
There is a sale going on right now on this motherboard:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131647 ($100, reg $110)

I've been looking at this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128435 ($135, reg $140)

I'm not familiar with who is the "best" when it comes to motherboards, but it really seems like the ASUS board for $100 has most of the same features of Gigabyte model. For what it's worth I have plans to buy this chip (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103727)

Thoughts?
 
Quality/reliability wise Asus and Gigabyte are probably about even. The main difference with those boards is going to be how they handle multiple graphics cards. The Gigabyte is going to be better when you're running 2 AMD video cards in Crossfire. If you're only going to use 1 video card or are going with an Nvidia card, then you'd be fine with the Asus.
 
[quote name='Mid Boss']Quality/reliability wise Asus and Gigabyte are probably about even. The main difference with those boards is going to be how they handle multiple graphics cards. The Gigabyte is going to be better when you're running 2 AMD video cards in Crossfire. If you're only going to use 1 video card or are going with an Nvidia card, then you'd be fine with the Asus.[/QUOTE]

I haven't made a decision on a video card, but I think it is safe to say I won't be buying two. What do you think of that AMD chip? Would you pair it with that ASUS board if it was your computer?
 
[quote name='ZForce915']I haven't made a decision on a video card, but I think it is safe to say I won't be buying two. What do you think of that AMD chip? Would you pair it with that ASUS board if it was your computer?[/QUOTE]

high clock speed (3.4 GHz), quad core, phenom II, pretty good processor. I don't know if there's a better value processor out there, but AMD always has very good bang for your buck.

I would pair the ASUS board with that CPU. I don't see any immediate problems or issues
 
Any video card suggestions for that chip/motherboard combo? (I guess for either of them) I'm not a PC gamer, but I'd like to have the option to play some of the games out there on Steam, but will almost never play a FPS on a PC.
 
[quote name='ZForce915']Any video card suggestions for that chip/motherboard combo? (I guess for either of them) I'm not a PC gamer, but I'd like to have the option to play some of the games out there on Steam, but will almost never play a FPS on a PC.[/QUOTE]

Really depends on your budget. I've always been a fan of the 5770 as a strong mid range and mid priced card something like http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161338&cm_re=5770-_-14-161-338-_-Product

If you're looking for super budget, limited usage... maybe http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102855
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102829
but i'm unfamiliar with those cards' performances.
 
So I am torn between a 570 and a 6950. I plan on pairing it up with an i5 760 or an i7 and 8 gigs of ram.

Is going with an i5 going to bite me in the ass if I do go this route, and is it worth spending the extra dough on the 570?
 
Generally, you want to spend as much on your video card as you spend on your processor. Most modern multi core processors are all really good and unless you're some kind of power user that really utilizes the processor to its capacity often, you're not going to be bottlenecked by either processor. I would say go for the latest socket (1366) for upgrade potential, but intel is somewhat fickle about it and seems to change sockets more often than AMD.

The 570 will outperform the 6850 in most cases, but it's like ~1-5 fps better. So the questions to ask is whether or not you think the extra money is worth that performance increase and whether or not you value having an nvidia over an AMD card.
 
Yeah I am going to wait for the Sandy's to come out to see what they do to the processor market. Just kind of feeling out my options. Been buying things here and there for my new build and it is getting close to the time where I got to start looking at the big shit.

Edit: That 90 dollar deal on a 460 took a hold of me and made me bite. I figure for that price I can wait and find a pair to SLI with it down the road. Now that I started building I am wanting shit like a new monitor, etc. and it is getting deep into my pockets.
 
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[quote name='mramazing']sup brahs

need some advice..i got this MOBO

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128445

now I'm thinking I should return it because I can't crossfire or sli with it, which would save me money down the road...........right?

this is the CPU I have.. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103808[/QUOTE]

If you plan on having two cards in your computer, yes, you should return it for a crossfire/sli compatible motherboard.

If you're going to stick to one card and this microATX board fits your case and your components fit, nothing wrong with keeping it.
 
Hi I am trying to build a PC.
-My Budget is Under $550 After Tax, the budget must include 1 20" monitor
-I am only going to use this computer for MS Office, Photoshop, Some Video Editing, Mostly Watch Movies, Day Trading Stuff, & Maybe Some L4D2(not important)
-I want to run Dual Monitors Eventually( I am only going to buy 1 20" monitor to start for my budget)
-I have chosen the following items but I am unsure of what to match them with.
-I might want to get a Good Video Card in the future, but i dont really care right now.
-I do not plan on Overclocking
-Assume I have no wires or anything, i am currently using a Compaq Laptop

This is what i have decided on so far.

1) CPU - Amd Athlon II X4 640 (99.99+tax) vs AMD Phenom X2 925 (106 no tax)
a)http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ..._-na-_-na-_- na&AID=10440897&PID=3067296&SID=
b)http://www.amazon.com/Phenom-925-45..._m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1Y2K3NCCSKJ0ZSCADWC5
2) RAM - Corsair XMS3 6GB(3X2GB) (65.99)(Already Bought)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145222
3) Case - Cooler Master 360 (39.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...a-_-na&AID=10440897&PID=3332167&SID=u00000626
4) Optical Drive - Asus 24X DVD burner ( 19.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10440897&PID=3067296&SID=

I am unsure of what Mobo/HDD/PSU to Get
Which CPU is better of the above two? According to a benchmark site i used the first is better?
500GB HDD would be fine, but im not sure what is compatable and what mobo to get...
Would it be smarter to get a Mobo with a built on Video Card then upgrading my Card Later if i wanted?
Would I have to get a separate video card to run 2 Monitors?

Please help.
 
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Alright I have gotten a little further with my build and started ordering some parts:

Bought this board:
http://www.frys.com/product/6453562?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

Going to order another 4 gigs of this ram:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146740

Leaning towards this monitor:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003UT2C4U/ref=ord_cart_shr?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Right now I have a 460 coming to the house to tide me over until I find a deal on a better card, but I also ordered a 4850 this morning and might just return the 460 until I find something better.

My main issue right now is that I am torn between a 965 and a 1090T. Thinking about going with the 965 and putting that money towards a SSD.

I already have an Antec 900 that I am going to reuse, so the only other piece I need is a PSU.
 
so do you guys think it would be possible to build a pc that could play starcraft 2 with 800 dollars? if so do you have any reccomendations
 
[quote name='Furashu']Hi I am trying to build a PC.
-My Budget is Under $550 After Tax, the budget must include 1 20" monitor
-I am only going to use this computer for MS Office, Photoshop, Some Video Editing, Mostly Watch Movies, Day Trading Stuff, & Maybe Some L4D2(not important)
-I want to run Dual Monitors Eventually( I am only going to buy 1 20" monitor to start for my budget)
-I have chosen the following items but I am unsure of what to match them with.
-I might want to get a Good Video Card in the future, but i dont really care right now.
-I do not plan on Overclocking
-Assume I have no wires or anything, i am currently using a Compaq Laptop

This is what i have decided on so far.

1) CPU - Amd Athlon II X4 640 (99.99+tax) vs AMD Phenom X2 925 (106 no tax)
a)http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ..._-na-_-na-_- na&AID=10440897&PID=3067296&SID=
b)http://www.amazon.com/Phenom-925-45..._m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1Y2K3NCCSKJ0ZSCADWC5
2) RAM - Corsair XMS3 6GB(3X2GB) (65.99)(Already Bought)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145222
3) Case - Cooler Master 360 (39.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...a-_-na&AID=10440897&PID=3332167&SID=u00000626
4) Optical Drive - Asus 24X DVD burner ( 19.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10440897&PID=3067296&SID=

I am unsure of what Mobo/HDD/PSU to Get
Which CPU is better of the above two? According to a benchmark site i used the first is better?
500GB HDD would be fine, but im not sure what is compatable and what mobo to get...
Would it be smarter to get a Mobo with a built on Video Card then upgrading my Card Later if i wanted?
Would I have to get a separate video card to run 2 Monitors?

Please help.[/QUOTE]

the CPU id go with the phenom, thats a good price on amazon.

http://www.tomshardware.com/charts/...compare,2416.html?prod[4444]=on&prod[4446]=on

for HDD, virtually any one will be compatible with your motherboard. just go on newegg and order a reasonably priced HDD from seagate and you'll be fine.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148395 - $50

mobo with built in video.... it really depends on what youre going to do. almost definitely not going to let you play L4D2 well. im not sure what you plan on doing with photoshop, but i believe newer builds of photoshop utilize the GPU as well as the CPU, so that might hamper you too. you can get a decent video card (ie better than something that would be built in) for $100 or less.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161315 - $65. something like this will almost certainly be better than built in video, and you should be able to have a dual monitor set up using that card. you dont need two video cards to use two monitors.



[quote name='bredbu']so do you guys think it would be possible to build a pc that could play starcraft 2 with 800 dollars? if so do you have any reccomendations[/QUOTE]

that should be more than doable. check out some of the builds on the main page, most of them will run it. some prices may be different now or items out of stock, but they are easily replaceable.
 
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[quote name='bredbu']so do you guys think it would be possible to build a pc that could play starcraft 2 with 800 dollars? if so do you have any reccomendations[/QUOTE]

easily.
 
I'm looking to get a new computer, , but I pretty much don't know where to start. The most advanced thing I've ever done is change the RAM out of my computer... is there a good site to learn about what all I need including tools,know-how etc?

Thanks
 
[quote name='RAMSTORIA']

that should be more than doable. check out some of the builds on the main page, most of them will run it. some prices may be different now or items out of stock, but they are easily replaceable.[/QUOTE]

That part of the op with the sample builds is awesome the only problem is every single build i click on has parts unavailable or out of stock @ newegg. how do i know what to substitute for the missing stuff ?
 
has anyone in here recently built a pc? if so what did you get? im trying to make a gaming build but i dont really know what im doing i have like 700 bucks to spend and wanna get the most bang for my buck. the more power the better! It seems like amd is cheaper then intel is amd not as good? I looked at those builds in the op but most of the stuff is out of stock because it hasnt been updated in like 6 months. any help would be appreciated. im gonna try to learn more about this stuff by reading through the thread and searching the web. It just seems like i can get a lot more for a lot less if i build my own.
 
Anyone have a tips for transitioning into a Crossfire set up? Granted i have only had my rig about 4 months now, but I'm itching to upgrade again. Even under a i7 950 and 12 gb of ddr3, my 5830 still isnt super smooth for SC2. I could get the same one i have for 140, but i would need to upgrade to a new psu( i have a corsair 650). Should i just save up and buy a nicer card or get a 750/850w psu now?

Edit: Further research shows my psu is Crossfire ready, i may bite on another card.
 
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Just got my first SSD a few weeks ago (128GB Intel), it makes a world of difference in everyday tasks. I put it on my notebook which I don't use for gaming, but the next gaming PC will for sure have an SSD. I know the small amount of space will cause some head aches since games can run between 10-15 GBs, but the performance jump is so big I'm going to sacrifice. I'm hoping by the time I build my next gaming PC (in about six months) the 256 GB will have dropped between $150-200. I would go as high as $250 though. Mainly because it makes a huge difference.

While I appreciate saving money, I would argue a big part of building a PC is know where to drop your cash. If you have a budget of at least $1000 I would urge you to consider an SSD as a worthy splurge.
 
[quote name='Moltres423']I'm looking to get a new computer, , but I pretty much don't know where to start. The most advanced thing I've ever done is change the RAM out of my computer... is there a good site to learn about what all I need including tools,know-how etc?

Thanks[/QUOTE]

Only tool you really need is a screw driver, here's a good general link

http://www.tested.com/news/video-how-to-build-the-best-1500-gaming-pc-step-by-step/152/
 
[quote name='52club']Just got my first SSD a few weeks ago (128GB Intel), it makes a world of difference in everyday tasks. I put it on my notebook which I don't use for gaming, but the next gaming PC will for sure have an SSD. I know the small amount of space will cause some head aches since games can run between 10-15 GBs, but the performance jump is so big I'm going to sacrifice. I'm hoping by the time I build my next gaming PC (in about six months) the 256 GB will have dropped between $150-200. I would go as high as $250 though. Mainly because it makes a huge difference.

While I appreciate saving money, I would argue a big part of building a PC is know where to drop your cash. If you have a budget of at least $1000 I would urge you to consider an SSD as a worthy splurge.[/QUOTE]

use the ssd for os and apps. get a fast mechanical drive for games. the performance increase in games isn t nearly as significant as it is for your os.
 
How does this look guys? does it all look compatible? especially the ssd i dont know how to tell if those are compatible? also will this play current games with this setup? and what else will i need to buy to put it together is there like glue or gel or screws or something? if so where would i buy those?

Oh and do i need extra fans or anything it says this case only has 1 is that enough


SAMSUNG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner Black IDE Model SH-S222L LightScribe Support - OEM
COOLER MASTER RC-P100-RKR1 Red / Black Steel / Plastic / mesh ATX Mid Tower Computer Case with eXtreme Power Plus 550W Power ...
ASUS M4A87TD EVO AM3 AMD 870 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard
GIGABYTE GV-N460OC-1GI GeForce GTX 460 (Fermi) 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBRL
AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition Deneb 3.4GHz Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor HDZ965FBGMBOX
COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus RR-B10-212P-G1 "Heatpipe Direct Contact" Long Life Sleeve 120mm CPU Cooler Compatible Intel ...
Crucial RealSSD C300 CTFDDAC064MAG-1G1 2.5" 64GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
 
[quote name='ZForce915']https://secure.newegg.com/WishList/MySavedWishDetail.aspx?ID=14338332

I'm still deciding between the two motherboards on this list and already have a case/power supply. I'm bummed that I can't seem to find a way to come down in price. I can hold off on the monitor for a while, but I don't even have a video card selected yet. Building a computer is hard. :)[/QUOTE]

Here is a proper link to your wishlist.

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=14338332

no videocard?
 
[quote name='bredbu']How does this look guys? does it all look compatible? especially the ssd i dont know how to tell if those are compatible? also will this play current games with this setup? and what else will i need to buy to put it together is there like glue or gel or screws or something? if so where would i buy those?

Oh and do i need extra fans or anything it says this case only has 1 is that enough


SAMSUNG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner Black IDE Model SH-S222L LightScribe Support - OEM
COOLER MASTER RC-P100-RKR1 Red / Black Steel / Plastic / mesh ATX Mid Tower Computer Case with eXtreme Power Plus 550W Power ...
ASUS M4A87TD EVO AM3 AMD 870 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard
GIGABYTE GV-N460OC-1GI GeForce GTX 460 (Fermi) 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBRL
AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition Deneb 3.4GHz Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor HDZ965FBGMBOX
COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus RR-B10-212P-G1 "Heatpipe Direct Contact" Long Life Sleeve 120mm CPU Cooler Compatible Intel ...
Crucial RealSSD C300 CTFDDAC064MAG-1G1 2.5" 64GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)[/QUOTE]

Add a hard drive to it, a 64gb ssd isn't enough for everything, especially if you're gonna game. The case should be ok, I have a friend running a similar setup with an even crappier case. You can also add more fans if you want. If you're not gonna overclock your cpu you can skip the cpu cooler if you like, the stock one should be fine. And all you need is a screwdriver, everything else should be included.
 
So my PC has started to show its age the last year or so and I have had to run more and more games on lower settings. A few like Civ V are even really chugging my system. I have been planning on building a new PC for awhile, but really Diablo 3 will be my next big PC purchase so I have been trying to hold out as long as possible to get my new PC. I figure the longer I wait the more prices come down on current tech and the more new tech is available to buy, and if I am not going to be playing any big PC releases till D3 then I really do not need the added power that badly right now.

So my two questions.

1. What do you guys think the odds are that D3 makes its quarter 3/4 targeted release? Usually id bet against it...but Blizzard seems to be getting better at getting their games out in a reasonable time frame.

2. When is the ideal time to upgrade? I know I want to wait till just a few months before the release of D3, but did not know if maybe there is a major graphics card/CPU or something else coming out at a specific time this year that will drive prices down. As I said I want to wait as long as possible, but want to make sure to get it a few months before D3 comes out and if possible at a time where I can get a solid price.
 
[quote name='mramazing']Can't you just upgrade what you have now?[/QUOTE]

No its about a 4-6 year old PC and was bought retail not built myself. The CPU, motherboard and case are all limiting me on upgrades at this point and even if they were not when you think about that I basically need to upgrade my CPU, hard drive, graphics card...and then at that point id need a new power supply and case...well at that point you essentially have built a new PC.
 
I have a Microcenter about 40 minutes away. I am a total newb, would it be a good idea to go there and expect a good answer for help on what works with what? I mean I don't know what is considered reliable or junk PC parts wise.
 
[quote name='Viva Las Vegas']I have a Microcenter about 40 minutes away. I am a total newb, would it be a good idea to go there and expect a good answer for help on what works with what? I mean I don't know what is considered reliable or junk PC parts wise.[/QUOTE]

why not ask here?
 
[quote name='MSI Magus']2. When is the ideal time to upgrade? I know I want to wait till just a few months before the release of D3, but did not know if maybe there is a major graphics card/CPU or something else coming out at a specific time this year that will drive prices down. As I said I want to wait as long as possible, but want to make sure to get it a few months before D3 comes out and if possible at a time where I can get a solid price.[/QUOTE]

I'm afraid I can't really help that much with the first question, as I don't follow release dates until they shorten to weeks instead of months/quarters. However, a valuable resource that I recommend to non-technical friends in regards to video/cpu/system upgrades is the monthly "Best xxx For the Money" guides that Toms Hardware come out with. Currently the two most valuable ones are the Best Video Card and Best CPU guides. Essentially, each month they rate hardware at certain price ranges for their performance, and offer recommendations for the best valued hardware at that range for the month.

Best Graphics Cards For The Money: December 2010
Best Gaming CPUs For The Money: December 2010

While it's doubtful that their picks will match any tech-savvy person's personal picks, I find that they offer a reasonable idea of what's good and what's happening in the markets each month. They will offer tied results if different offerings have significant differences that make them appealing (example: for a period of time, ATI was the only one producing DX11 compatible GPUs so they offered two cards at each range with DX11 differentiating), and they will also speculate about future price drops if the market shows signs of a price change in the short term.

Also, since you're mostly committed to a full build, I would also recommend the Tom's Hardware System Builder Marathon's. While not as frequently updated as the CPU/Graphics guides, the SBM's offer very reasonable gaming computers at the $500/$1000/$2000 price points. Again, their picks won't coincide with tech-savvy people's picks, but they give a good idea and I find that they offer some interesting value-for-the-money combinations of equipment, especially at the $500 range. They wrap up their SBM's with a value/performance comparison between the 3 price ranges, which also gives you a good idea of what to expect from gaming on them.

System Builder Marathon, December 2010: Value, Compared
 
[quote name='paz9x']why not ask here?[/QUOTE]
I meant more of once I have a list of what I should get expecting good advice in case I'm forgetting something or general help with alternative ideas. Yeah people's advice here for sure but also wanted to know if places like Microcenter are usually helpful or full of idiots like music shops.
 
Haven't upgraded in a long time, so I'm a little out of the loop.

Can I get away with 2GB of ram for gaming anymore, or do I need to start out with 4 after the move up to Windows 7?
 
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