Building a computer.

Eastsidecracker

Eastsidecracker

CAGiversary!
Some might remember my ps problem, but I learned it also burned my motherboard. So right now, its either a pos computer or just build my self one.
Is there anything to know other then just plugging pieces together(know some stuff of pcs) but dont know what to buy, from where, ect.
Right now just going to keep it as cheap as possible (use on board graphics and sound), not going to be used for any major gaming or anything, just internet, email, porn, ect. Dont know much about pc parts.

So what I have is:
160gb hd (PATA)
DVD drive
CD "
floppy
An OS (XP pro)

I need:
case
psu
motherboard
cpu
ram

Hows this case? http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...cs_id=1081101&p_id=1437&seq=1&format=2&style=
http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...cs_id=1081101&p_id=1434&seq=1&format=2&style=
(2nd has alot more reviews, but Its not instock and looking to throw a green cathode
http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...cs_id=1082501&p_id=2349&seq=1&format=2&style= )

Now I just need a good mobo, cpu, and ram, thats good but toward the cheaper side.
I was just going to get one of these sets:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813135036

BUMP:

I was extremely close to ordering, but decided to wait till sunday ads, and saw a cheap compaq (or hp) @ compusa, seemed decent for $310, has vista (basic tho). Thanks anyways guys. Right now I think im just going to get a new PS, so I dont get shafted again with a bestek(im guessing the cheapest thats why they put them in it), buy at least 1gb memory and maybe a decent PCIE card.

But im in a situation. I want to get all the files (dls, music, pictures, movies, apps) from my other hd(pata) to a external, then just transfer that to mine or just keep it there, so I can use it on 360. (curently has a sata) WHat can I do to temporarly use my other hd to get my stuff? (I was thinking just unhook or use the slave of the dvd drive, unplug the sata, and hope it boots the pata drive. Dont know if that would work, dont want to mess anything up)
 
i dont know if you wanna go for socket 754... i think 939 is much better and compatible with more recent cpu's


and with mobo's .. you prob shouldn't cheap out tooo much... id go with a "cheap" msi or asus board

whats the budget?
 
[quote name='Eastsidecracker']Have no idea what your saying with the sockets, you pick. Budget is ~$175 for now. (mobo, cpu, ram)[/quote]

allright let me see....

it all depends what this pc is for....


cheapest memory id suggest is:

1gb
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145440

or 512mb
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145026

i had that for a while and it was great... never any probs


maybe you can look into barebone kits if you dont know too much about pc's
 
Is this motherboard/cpu set any good? Looking for some last minute advise.
Can anyone find a better motherboard/set, still at a nice price (if possible,
 
That's a socket 754, which doesn't have much upgradability because AMD uses a new standard called AM2. However there are still some good socket 939 processors. So, something like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131069 probably would be better. There's a combo deal for it too for $94.99, near the mid-left column. It uses the same type of RAM too.

Edit: I forgot you'll need a heat sink too if you don't already have one.
 
S754 and S939 are dead! If you have to get all new ram, cpu and mobo, you might as well go C2duo or AM2 and get ddr2. C2d is the better choice right now. If you live near a frys electronics, they usually have cpu/mobo deals for like $150 for the new e4300 (a hell of a overclocker) or a e6300 for about $180. Granted, the mobo is shit, but sell it and buy something better. Get 2gigs of ddr2 667, which will run you about $200. If you want to go am2, Ive seen x2 3800+s for under $100 shipped (hell of a deal), or the new x2 3600+ 65nm are going for about $120, and you should be able to oc it pretty good.

Dont use the ps that comes with that case (unless you get a antec case/ps). You got burned by a bad ps once, dont make that mistake again. figure about 60-80 for a decent ps (antec, silverstone) with at least 2 12v rails.
 
Though doesn't really matter unless you're going to use the provided ECS board, word of warning about the Fry's e4300 bundle.

The P4M800Pro does not support the E4300 out of the box, the Bios needs to be flashed or the system won't post. Probably none of the boards that Fry's carry are the new batch that has the newest bios.

Some fry's will flash it, while some won't and just offer a refund (fountain valley, Socal is the later case). Though really, sell it and get something better, 120-130 for an OEM E4300 is pretty nice. You need a better HSF than the stock to get it anywhere in OCs anyway.
 
I was extremely close to ordering, but decided to wait till sunday ads, and saw a cheap compaq (or hp) @ compusa, seemed decent for $310, has vista (basic tho). Thanks anyways guys. Right now I think im just going to get a new PS, so I dont get shafted again with a bestek(im guessing the cheapest thats why they put them in it), buy at least 1gb memory and maybe a decent PCIE card.

But im in a situation. I want to get all the files (dls, music, pictures, movies, apps) from my other hd(pata) to a external, then just transfer that to mine or just keep it there, so I can use it on 360. (curently has a sata) WHat can I do to temporarly use my other hd to get my stuff? (I was thinking just unhook or use the slave of the dvd drive, unplug the sata, and hope it boots the pata drive. Dont know if that would work, dont want to mess anything up)
 
[quote name='Eastsidecracker']Some might remember my ps problem, but I learned it also burned my motherboard. So right now, its either a pos computer or just build my self one.
Is there anything to know other then just plugging pieces together(know some stuff of pcs) but dont know what to buy, from where, ect.
Right now just going to keep it as cheap as possible (use on board graphics and sound), not going to be used for any major gaming or anything, just internet, email, porn, ect. Dont know much about pc parts.

So what I have is:
160gb hd (PATA)
DVD drive
CD "
floppy
An OS (XP pro)

I need:
case
psu
motherboard
cpu
ram
[/QUOTE]

Quite honestly, you're better off buying a new computer, let me tell you why.

Your drives [DVDROM and CDRW] are old and will probably have read problems down the line.

Floppy drives are absolutely WORTHLESS, floppy is dead: flash drives, memory cards, CDR, DVDR, and networking are the way of the future.

Are you networking or doing anything more serious than casual surfing? If the answer is no, then you don't need XP PRO

Your hard drive is stock on most cheap systems [160 GB]

So here's my suggestion

Sell your XP Pro with license on eBay [be sure to not use it anymore, meaning back up your hard drive and then format it as a new drive to use on your new PC]

Now buy any new system [from a reliable company, not emachines] in the $300-$500 range with your profit from the windows giving you a nice discount

what will you get?

Windows Vista OEM
DVDRW and maybe a stand alone CDRW/DVDROM if you're lucky
160 GB or bigger hard drive, maybe faster
Probbaly an Athlon 64 running on AM2 or a new Intel chip
At least 512/1 gig of new RAM [DDR2? DDR400?]
USB 2.0, maybe some firewire

In the end, you'll be a lot more satisfied and have less to worry about, plus you won't buy all that for $300

Now, if you were starting from the ground up, with no spare parts and nothing left over, I'd be suggesting to build yourself.
 
How is Vista for playing foreign stuff Sara? I know I had a problem trying to play "Magna Carta: Phantom Of Avalanche" on my XP Pro.
 
[quote name='Sarang01']How is Vista for playing foreign stuff Sara? I know I had a problem trying to play "Magna Carta: Phantom Of Avalanche" on my XP Pro.[/QUOTE]

I'll have to find out, I haven't installed my basic apps so I haven't bothered with any games yet as I barely finished my install today.

Maybe tomorrow or the next day I'll get around to installing some Japanese and Korean programs.

I have to say, I have not made the full transition yet, I am booting off my original hard drive under XP, I should be full Vista by the end of the week.

However, from what I've used, any worries about Vista anyone might have aren't really there, it's a beautiful program and I have a feeling that by the end of the year, it will be more well rounded and functional than XP ever was.

If you're that concerned about "Aero" or whatever the new GUI is called, you can run barebones [and it honestly feels quicker than XP]
 
[quote name='Eastsidecracker']I was extremely close to ordering, but decided to wait till sunday ads, and saw a cheap compaq (or hp) @ compusa, seemed decent for $310, has vista (basic tho). Thanks anyways guys. Right now I think im just going to get a new PS, so I dont get shafted again with a bestek(im guessing the cheapest thats why they put them in it), buy at least 1gb memory and maybe a decent PCIE card.

But im in a situation. I want to get all the files (dls, music, pictures, movies, apps) from my other hd(pata) to a external, then just transfer that to mine or just keep it there, so I can use it on 360. (curently has a sata) WHat can I do to temporarly use my other hd to get my stuff? (I was thinking just unhook or use the slave of the dvd drive, unplug the sata, and hope it boots the pata drive. Dont know if that would work, dont want to mess anything up)[/QUOTE]

Bump.

My bad sara, should have updated OP. ^thats pretty much where im at now.
 
[quote name='sarausagi']I'll have to find out, I haven't installed my basic apps so I haven't bothered with any games yet as I barely finished my install today.

Maybe tomorrow or the next day I'll get around to installing some Japanese and Korean programs.

I have to say, I have not made the full transition yet, I am booting off my original hard drive under XP, I should be full Vista by the end of the week.

However, from what I've used, any worries about Vista anyone might have aren't really there, it's a beautiful program and I have a feeling that by the end of the year, it will be more well rounded and functional than XP ever was.

If you're that concerned about "Aero" or whatever the new GUI is called, you can run barebones [and it honestly feels quicker than XP][/QUOTE]

I may just end up buying a Korean version of this since I don't give a rats ass about what old American PC games it will play pretty much. Also I'm not one of those American PC gamers who dryhump any FPS that comes along.
 
[quote name='Sarang01']I may just end up buying a Korean version of this since I don't give a rats ass about what old American PC games it will play pretty much. Also I'm not one of those American PC gamers who dryhump any FPS that comes along.[/quote]

Instead you dryhump any RPG that comes along?

Hooray for stereotypes.
 
[quote name='SpecTrE3353']Instead you dryhump any RPG that comes along?

Hooray for stereotypes.[/QUOTE]

What? No, he just likes playing different types of games.

Have you ever seriously looked at Japanese or Korean games? There is some stuff that would sell by the millions if it was available on console or English.
 
You know, something similar has happened to me. My computer quit turning on, and I'm guessing it's the power supply or the mobo died on me.

Don't get creeped out when I make a similar thread in a few days, asking for help in either upgrading/fixing that PC or building something completely new. ;)
 
New situation:

If you havent seen my other post, I bought a new pc (might add ram, pcie card, new ps). But, want my stuff from my old HD, and have an external hd to save it to. My new PC has sata, but the old has pata, how can I get the info from the old one?
 
Can you take the HD out of the external case? If not, I would recommend buying an external hard drive case and putting your old PATA drive in there. You should be able to buy one for around $20 or so.
 
[quote name='encendido5']Can you take the HD out of the external case? If not, I would recommend buying an external hard drive case and putting your old PATA drive in there. You should be able to buy one for around $20 or so.[/QUOTE]
Wow, I didnt even think about that. Its a WesternDigital 320gb mybook, ill try, will it still pop up as an usb/ext if its got XP and stuff?
 
Well I don't know how you'd go about replacing the drive on the Winbook. I don't have one, but I doubt it's as easy as just unscrewing the old one out.

If you manage to replace it though, yeah, it just comes up as a regular external usb hard drive. You would look for the folders you need and copy them over.
 
[quote name='sarausagi']Quite honestly, you're better off buying a new computer, let me tell you why.

Your drives [DVDROM and CDRW] are old and will probably have read problems down the line.

Floppy drives are absolutely WORTHLESS, floppy is dead: flash drives, memory cards, CDR, DVDR, and networking are the way of the future.

Are you networking or doing anything more serious than casual surfing? If the answer is no, then you don't need XP PRO

Your hard drive is stock on most cheap systems [160 GB]

So here's my suggestion

Sell your XP Pro with license on eBay [be sure to not use it anymore, meaning back up your hard drive and then format it as a new drive to use on your new PC]

Now buy any new system [from a reliable company, not emachines] in the $300-$500 range with your profit from the windows giving you a nice discount

what will you get?

Windows Vista OEM
DVDRW and maybe a stand alone CDRW/DVDROM if you're lucky
160 GB or bigger hard drive, maybe faster
Probbaly an Athlon 64 running on AM2 or a new Intel chip
At least 512/1 gig of new RAM [DDR2? DDR400?]
USB 2.0, maybe some firewire

In the end, you'll be a lot more satisfied and have less to worry about, plus you won't buy all that for $300

Now, if you were starting from the ground up, with no spare parts and nothing left over, I'd be suggesting to build yourself.[/quote]
This is actually horrible advice imo. How about you just save some more money, buy the parts you need and do it yourself, you get a lot more for the price. A 300-500 dollar computer is complete junk, you cant run vista on a $500 computer either so this person has no idea what hes talking about. a $500 computer will get you 512 ram, onboard junk video card with a useless motherboard, and probably a 160gb hard drive(which you already have). You can't run vista on 512 ram and I wouldnt even recommend running it on 1GB. Stick with your XP pro you already have and wait a couple years till Vista got its bugs out. "160 GB or bigger hard drive, maybe faster" When the hells the last time you saw a 10K raptor on a $500 dollar computer? the answer is never.......Almost all hard drives are the same speed 7200 RPM and your not going to see a 10K RPM hard drive on a shit computer you recommend ever.

Don't listen to people that have no idea what they're talking about.
 
[quote name='Jake77444']This is actually horrible advice imo. How about you just save some more money, buy the parts you need and do it yourself, you get a lot more for the price. A 300-500 dollar computer is complete junk, you cant run vista on a $500 computer either so this person has no idea what hes talking about. a $500 computer will get you 512 ram, onboard junk video card with a useless motherboard, and probably a 160gb hard drive(which you already have). You can't run vista on 512 ram and I wouldnt even recommend running it on 1GB. Stick with your XP pro you already have and wait a couple years till Vista got its bugs out. "160 GB or bigger hard drive, maybe faster" When the hells the last time you saw a 10K raptor on a $500 dollar computer? the answer is never.......Almost all hard drives are the same speed 7200 RPM and your not going to see a 10K RPM hard drive on a shit computer you recommend ever.

Don't listen to people that have no idea what they're talking about.[/QUOTE]

Compaq-Presario-Desktop-PC-SR2170NX at Circuit City

This sub $500 system, even cheaper if you use a 10 percent off or $40 coupon, disagrees with you. 1GB of DDR2 RAM

Please put together a system of the same spec or better for exactly $449.99, you can't skip on the RAM, you have to include a Windows Vista install, and everything has to be new with warranty, no pulls, refurbs, or white boxes.

You only have $349.99 to work with at this point after a legitimate, full install of Basic, even going OEM on the OS won't save you much. So please, prove me wrong, fill in my list

OS: Windows Vista, Home Full Install, $99.99
Processor:
Motherboard:
Memory/RAM:
Hard Drive:
DVD-R/RW Drive: [must be lightscribe enabled]
Media/Memory Card Drive:
56K Modem: [I would never install one but this system comes with one]
Mini Tower Case:
Power Supply:
Case:
 
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