Thinking of Building a PC.

ScrewU2 · Post by **ScrewU2** » Wed Nov 19, 2003 6:40 pm

it would be my first but I have installed everything except for fans, power supply, and mobo before. One question does the case need fans or just ventalation? It is definately going to be an AMD Athalon XP system with ATI AGP 8x graphics but other than that I am not sure whats going in. I will post the hardware I think I will get and if you will tell me if it will work right or not. I sort of know what I am doing and I sort of don't.

mwkirchner · Post by **mwkirchner** » Wed Nov 19, 2003 6:59 pm

It is HIGHLY recommended that you use fans in the case. You need exhaust fans and intake fans.

You can do the 'google' search to find articles about building PCs.

You can also ask questions here ... you have some of the best help available on the internet at your finger tips.

Here is your first link ... How To Build A PC

ScrewU2 · Post by **ScrewU2** » Wed Nov 19, 2003 7:02 pm

Ok so what could happen if I don't have fans?

Also all mobos come with a BIOS right I don't see one mentioned on the mobo I am looking at.

ScrewU2 · Post by **ScrewU2** » Wed Nov 19, 2003 7:20 pm

Also is the hard disc usually SCSI or EIDE?

Mark · Post by **Mark** » Wed Nov 19, 2003 7:26 pm

Originally posted by ScrewU2
Ok so what could happen if I don't have fans?

Also all mobos come with a BIOS right I don't see one mentioned on the mobo I am looking at.

if you don't put at least a few fans it will run hot, all mobos come with a bios chip, most people flash to the latest bios version soon after they install the mobo.

YARDofSTUF · Post by **YARDofSTUF** » Wed Nov 19, 2003 7:27 pm

All mobos have a bios.

EIDE or IDE hard drives are the way to go as a home user. SCSI stuff is just gonna run up the bills, make sure to get 8meg cache drives that are 7200RPMs

ScrewU2 · Post by **ScrewU2** » Wed Nov 19, 2003 7:46 pm

Here is what I have so far:

FOXCONN SUPER CASE MID TOWER CASE PC-115 w/ 350W PSU
Ideal for Pentium III/4 and AMD system. Switching Power Supply 350W
Specifications:
Material: Steel
Form Factor: ATX Micro ATX
Bays: 7 Full Size
Expansion Slots:4x 5.25", 3x 3.5" and 4 3.5" Internal
Fans:0 Included
Power Supply: 350W Power Supply
Dimensions: DxWxH 18.75x7.25x16"

MATSONIC MS8188E Motherboard for AMD Socket A 462 processors
Specifications:
Form Factor: Micro ATX
CPU: Socket A for AMD® Athlon / Athlon XP / Duron processor
FSB: 200/266/333 MHz
Chipset: VIA UniChrome KM400 (VT8378 / VT8235CE)
RAM: 2x 184-pin DIMM DDR333/266 2GB Max
IDE: 2x IDE ATA 100/133
Expansion Slots: 1x AGP 3.0 (8x/4x), 2x PCI 2.2 32-bit, 1x CNR
I/O Ports: 2x PS/2, 6x USB 2.0/1.1 ports, 1x RJ45 ports, 1x COM ports, 1x LPT
Onboard Video: Integrated UniChrome™ 2D/3D graphics
Onboard LAN: 10/100Mbps Fast Ethernet LAN
Onboard Audio: built-in AC97 Digital Audio
Model: MS8188C

BUFFALO TECHNOLOGY 184 Pin 512MB DDR PC-2100 Memory X2
Specification
Manufacturer: Buffalo
Model: PC210032X8-512M
Speed: DDR266(PC2100)
Type: 184 Pin DDR SDRAM
Error Checking: Non-ECC
Registered/Unbuffered: Unbuffered $156.00
Cas Latency: 2.5
Support Voltage: 2.5V
Bandwidth: 2.1GB/s
Organization: 64M x 64-Bit

ASUS RADEON 9600SE 128MB DDR DVI/TV-out RETAIL
Specifications:
Chipset: RADEON 9600 SE
Memory:128MB DDR
Bus: AGP 8X
SMARTSHADER™ provides the programmable shader abilities for visual realism
FULLSTREAM™ removes blocky artifacts from streaming Internet video
Microsoft® DirectX 9 and OpenGL 2.0 support
Ports: VGA + DVI + S-Video Out

AMD ATHLON XP 2800 "Barton" 333 FSB PROCESSOR CPU- RETAIL
Specifications:
CPU: 2.08 GHz
Type: XP 2800 Barton Core
Cache: 512K L2, 128K L1, Total 640KB
BUS: 333MHz
Socket A
Retail Box (Comes with Heatsink and Fan)

WD WESTERN DIGITAL "SPECIAL EDITION" 120GB 7200RPM EIDE HARD DRIVE MODEL # WD1200JB - OEM, DRIVE ONLY
Specifications:
Size: 120 Gigabytes
Interface: IDE ULTRA ATA100
Seek time: 8.9ms
RPM: 7200
Cache 8MB

PANASONIC 1.44 MB 3.5 INCH HIGH DENSITY FLOPPY DISK DRIVE, MODEL # JU-256A798P - OEM, DRIVE ONLY High reliability with aluminium diecast base. Long life with direct drive spindle motor
Specifications:
Color: WHITE Bezel -
Connectors: 34 Pin Standard Floppy Connector
Maximum Formated Media 1.44 MB HD

20-Inch, Floppy drive cable. FLAT, 2-Connector

AOPEN CD-RW DRIVE 52x32x52 - MODEL CRW5232 - Retail
Specifications:
Interface: E-IDE/ATAPI
Write CD-R: 52X,40X,32X,24X(CAV), 16X,12X,8X(CLV)
Write CD-RW: 32X 24X,16X(P-CAV,Ultra Speed),12X,10X,4X(CAV,High Speed),4X(CLV,Normal Speed
Average Access Time: 120ms
Data Buffer Memory: 2MB

Is there anything else you guys would reccomend getting?

Would this be a good gaming PC? BTW I don't care about sound and I already have mouse keyboard, speakers, & all of that junk.

What sorts of fans should I get?

Is there any cheaper Geforce FXs that will do the same job as the ATI?

YARDofSTUF · Post by **YARDofSTUF** » Wed Nov 19, 2003 8:03 pm

What is your budget and did you already purchase those items?

ScrewU2 · Post by **ScrewU2** » Wed Nov 19, 2003 8:11 pm

It depends I am trying to go as cheap as I can for a high preformance PC. I have not bought the items yet but so far they come to $634.00. I already have Windows XP: Home full version so I don't need that.

aagiants · Post by **aagiants** » Wed Nov 19, 2003 9:25 pm

well the PSU will provide some circulation, but not enough...

why are you so against the fans, they cost only 2-3 dollars...

SICMF · Post by **SICMF** » Wed Nov 19, 2003 9:29 pm

Get a different Mobo.

Brk · Post by **Brk** » Wed Nov 19, 2003 9:31 pm

Originally posted by PãradØxDêit¥™
Get a different Mobo.

Yeah, get an ABIT or ASUS. Matsonic sounds like some place that makes sub-standard power tools.

mwkirchner · Post by **mwkirchner** » Wed Nov 19, 2003 9:32 pm

I did some research on your mobo and it says this ...

System BIOS
2MB Flash ROM on board, provides complete ACPI and Legacy PMU, Multi-boot
Fully compliant to PC'97 and PC'98 Spec

If you do not mind suggestions ... I would opt for a Lite-On CD-RW (under $40.00 at newegg) as they are VERY reliable and can be had in the same speed you mentioned. I would also lean more towards Mushkin (Basic Green 512MB PC-3200 Model 991093 ... $85.00 at newegg) as far as RAM goes. You may also want to look at Epox (8RDA3+ ... $86.00 at newegg) for an AMD mobo.

Not picking your choices apart .. just making some suggestions.

SICMF · Post by **SICMF** » Wed Nov 19, 2003 9:38 pm

Originally posted by mwkirchner
I did some research on your mobo and it says this ...

System BIOS
2MB Flash ROM on board, provides complete ACPI and Legacy PMU, Multi-boot
Fully compliant to PC'97 and PC'98 Spec

If you do not mind suggestions ... I would opt for a Lite-On CD-RW (under $40.00 at newegg) as they are VERY reliable and can be had in the same speed you mentioned. I would also lean more towards Mushkin (Basic Green 512MB PC-3200 Model 991093 ... $85.00 at newegg) as far as RAM goes. You may also want to look at Epox (8RDA3+ ... $86.00 at newegg) for an AMD mobo.

Not picking your choices apart .. just making some suggestions.

Good suggestions, I didn't notice the Ram. Get good ram it's important. And to put it the easiest way Buffalo=Sh*t

ScrewU2 · Post by **ScrewU2** » Wed Nov 19, 2003 9:41 pm

Well I am not against fans its just I have never hooked one up except for one time when the one on top of my processor went out is it the same?

How about this for RAM?

CRUCIAL 184 Pin 512MB DDR PC-2100, 64M x 64 - OEM
Specification
Manufacturer: Crucial
Model: CT6464Z265
Speed: DDR266(PC2100)
Type: 184 Pin DDR SDRAM
Error Checking: Non-ECC
Registered/Unbuffered: Unbuffered
Cas Latency: 2.5
Support Voltage: 2.5V
Bandwidth: 2.1GB/s
Organization: 64M x 64-Bit

I may change the mobo but the one I seen seem aight except for it only having 2 PCI ports.

mwkirchner · Post by **mwkirchner** » Wed Nov 19, 2003 9:49 pm

Why do you want to go with PC2100 RAM? You say you are trying to build a fast computer ... so you would be better off with something like PC3200 RAM.

Just a suggestion ...

ScrewU2 · Post by **ScrewU2** » Wed Nov 19, 2003 9:52 pm

PC 3200 is just really expensive all I want is something that can play games like Doom 3 and stuff. Can I really suffer that much with PC 2100 RAM?

Mark · Post by **Mark** » Wed Nov 19, 2003 10:10 pm

ya need at least 2700 ram to run a XP2500 without overclocking the memory.

2100 ram=133 fsb
2700 ram=166fsb
3200 ram=200fsb
the XP2500 runs on a 166fsb, look into a Biostar M7NCD pro mobo if ya are on a budget, i would get an n-force 2 chipset instead of a VIA chipset.

ScrewU2 · Post by **ScrewU2** » Wed Nov 19, 2003 10:12 pm

Um the processor I wanted to get has a 333Mhz FSB. They have to make RAM for it so would I have to get 3200 ram?

mwkirchner · Post by **mwkirchner** » Wed Nov 19, 2003 10:20 pm

Originally posted by ScrewU2
PC 3200 is just really expensive all I want is something that can play games like Doom 3 and stuff. Can I really suffer that much with PC 2100 RAM?

The PC2100 you listed in your original post cost $156.00 and the PC3200 Mushkin that I listed is only $85.00

Am I missing something here?

Faust · Post by **Faust** » Wed Nov 19, 2003 10:22 pm

Originally posted by ScrewU2
Um the processor I wanted to get has a 333Mhz FSB. They have to make RAM for it so would I have to get 3200 ram?

Mark's talking DDR in that list (double data rate SDRAM...... can communicate on the clock upcycle and the downcycle...... two conversattion periods per clock cycle). PC2700 DDR is FSB 166*2 .... or, 333MHz DDR.

ScrewU2 · Post by **ScrewU2** » Wed Nov 19, 2003 10:24 pm

That was for two stix of ram

You guys are saying that the only RAM that will work is PC3200 with the processor I may get?

mwkirchner · Post by **mwkirchner** » Wed Nov 19, 2003 10:33 pm

Originally posted by ScrewU2
That was for two stix of ram

My bad!

I overlooked the x2 at the end there. I still would think hard about getting either 2700 or 3200 instead of the 2100

Here is a LINK to a computer that I put together a while back. I ... like you ... wanted to put together a nice machine ... something nicer then I could just walk in and buy. I did spend more then you want to (cost me $1432.00) but I wanted something I would not have to upgrade too soon. The computer in my sig is the same computer ... but as you can see ... I have upgraded it considerably. Keep in mind that the computer in the link was put together about 1 1/2 years ago.

It is best to NOT cut corners when it comes to RAM and a good mobo. You do not necessarily have to have all the bells and whistles ... but if you cut corners now ... you will end up spending more in the long run to get it to where you REALLY want to be.

RoundEye · Post by **RoundEye** » Wed Nov 19, 2003 10:50 pm

Some of the hardware I like,

Mobo- Gigabyte, I'm really liking the one that I have, and the ones that I have installed for other people.

Ram - Crucial, there is other ram that is cheaper, but Crucial is very hard to beat for performance.

Harddrive - I bought a set of Western Digital Raptor's and set them up in raid 0, these drive rock and roll. They get hot, so a good case fan is needed.

YARDofSTUF · Post by **YARDofSTUF** » Thu Nov 20, 2003 6:04 am

P4 2.6 ghz 180.00
Abit IS7- M 100.00
Geil 256meg 3200 ram golden dragon 60.00 ea.
ATI 9600 155.00 or pro for 185.00

The HDD you picked is good and case is fine.

try and start with 256 megs of ram, then upgrade when you have the cash. for about 650 bucks its hard to build a full gaming rig, sorry. I'd say you'd need about 800-900 bucks for a well based gamming box.

BaLa · Post by **BaLa** » Thu Nov 20, 2003 6:30 am

looks like you guys got it covered

and quit being so mean to the guy

maroon · Post by **maroon** » Thu Nov 20, 2003 10:51 am

Looks fine except for mobo and ram. If you're gonna get a Barton (333 FSB) you need to get at least PC 2700 ram.

How about:

Epox 8RDA3G $77
KingMax 512MB PC 3200 $82

It would also be a good idea to have at least one fan in your case (two would be better) for airflow.

ScrewU2 · Post by **ScrewU2** » Thu Nov 20, 2003 4:50 pm

Next August I will be able to afford an Alienware laptop and I may just get that instead. I like gaming but a giand super duper gba with the internet sounds better.

Brent · Post by **Brent** » Thu Nov 20, 2003 5:04 pm

you aren't going to play doom 3 with a 9600SE, heh

ScrewU2 · Post by **ScrewU2** » Thu Nov 20, 2003 5:04 pm

I take that back i am still going to build a PC just a lot different. I am searching for all top end parts on newegg and that is how will go. Maybe the parts will go down by the time I have the money. I know they will not be top end at the time I get it but I will go with whatever they got then.

SICMF · Post by **SICMF** » Thu Nov 20, 2003 5:14 pm

This thread is confusing. So your window shopping for HQ parts? The PC you listed before about building would be fine with the exception of a better Mobo, Ram and Vid card. Won't be much more than the System you listed.???? Alienware builds nice rigs but for the money you can build a bad moFo. Everybody here will help with parts to buy, you just have to listen.

ScrewU2 · Post by **ScrewU2** » Thu Nov 20, 2003 5:23 pm

K but what should I go with here
Intel or AMD
ATI or Nvidia

AMD seems to be more reliable but that may be becasue I am now using a Celeron.

I like Nvidia but I hear great things about ATI.

ANd i know i said it would definately be AMd and ATI but I change my mind a lot.

SICMF · Post by **SICMF** » Thu Nov 20, 2003 5:31 pm

Originally posted by ScrewU2
K but what should I go with here
Intel or AMD
ATI or Nvidia

AMD seems to be more reliable but that may be becasue I am now using a Celeron.

I like Nvidia but I hear great things about ATI.

Now the AMD/Intel is really a matter of preference. Why don't you post how much you can spend on a rig and we will help. The price difference between AMD and Intel are not to much of a factor any more. You can put together a nice Intel rig for a real good price. Post a money limit and we can help.

ScrewU2 · Post by **ScrewU2** » Thu Nov 20, 2003 5:36 pm

$1000-$1200

ScrewU2 · Post by **ScrewU2** » Thu Nov 20, 2003 6:00 pm

Here are some changes I could make to the original

In Win Black Mid-Tower ATX Case w/ 300W Power Supply, Model IW-J523G.300BFU2D - Retail
Specifications:
Material: Best Performed SECC Japanese Steel 0.8 mm thick
Form Factor: ATX 12”x9.6” P4; Micro-ATX P4 Form Factor M/B (with Socket 423 CPU mounting holes)
Drive Bays: External 4 x 5.25", 2 x 3.5" Internal 3 x 3.5"
USB/IO: Front USB (see pics)
Power Supply: 300W
Approx. Dimensions: 16 3/4" x 8 2/3" x 19" (HxWxD)

$57.00

Intel Pentium 4 (800 FSB) Micro ATX Motherboard Model D865GLCL - OEM
Specifications:
CPU:Supports Intel Pentium 4 processor with a 400/533/800MHz (mPGA478-pin)Supports Hyper-threading
Chipset: Intel 865G
IDE:2x IDE
RAM: 4x184-pin DIMM,support for DDR 400/333/266 up to 4GB
Slots:1x AGP 8X, and 3x PCI
Ports:2xPS2,8xUSB2.0,1xLPT,1xCOM and Audio ports(see pics)
Onboard SATA:2
Onboard Video: Intel Extreme Graphics 2
Onboard LAN: 10/100 Integrated
Onboard Audio: AD1985 codec 6-ch Audio
Form Factor: MicroATX

$96.00

Intel Pentium 4 / 2.6CGHz 512k socket 478 Hyper Threading Technology 800 MHz FSB - RETAIL
Specifications:
CPU: 2.6GHz
Type: Pentium 4 Northwood
Cache: 512K
BUS: 800 Mhz
Socket: 478
Retail box (with Heatsink and Fan)

$175.00

EVGA GeForce FX 5600XT 256MB DDR TV-Out, Model 256-A8-N317-TX - Retail
Specifications:
Chipset: GeForce FX 5600XT
Memory: 256MB 5ns 128-bit DDR Memory (250MHz clock - 500MHz effective)
Bus: AGP 8X/AGP 4X Compatibility
PC 99 DB-15 analog connector (VESA DDC2B + DPMS)
DVI Connector for Analog/Digital Display
Integrated NVIDIA TV Encoder for TV-Out
Ports: VGA + DVI + S-Video out

$119.75

CORSAIR MEMORY Kit 512MBx2 PC2700 VALUE SELECT. DDR RAM - OEM
Specifications
This Kit Contains 2 Matched 512MB Modules, for 1GB Total Memory

$166.00

I definately want that black case.

Or we could end this madness and someone could post the perfect budget gaming system.

Brent · Post by **Brent** » Thu Nov 20, 2003 6:07 pm

Here is what i'm building my step-brother for $1000

A+GPB CA-AP107 (Silver) Mid ATX Tower Case has a 400W PSU

ABIT IS7-E ,Intel 865PE chipset Springdale

P4 2.4C gonna OC it to 3Ghz/1Ghz FSB

512MB Corsair XMS PC3500 C2

Seagate 80GB SATA 7200rpm 8MB cache HDD

Sapphire Radeon 9800Pro 128MB

16XDVD, 52X CDRW

WinXP Pro

all being purchased from newegg

its an enthusiast level computer that will play all the latest games well

Cypher · Post by **Cypher** » Thu Nov 20, 2003 6:21 pm

Definatly go with ATI for the video card. Also consider a larger PSU. The system Brent speced lools pretty good.

ScrewU2 · Post by **ScrewU2** » Thu Nov 20, 2003 7:11 pm

Are they making any games on DVD format for PC so I know wether to get a DVD drive or not? Also what is the differance between windows XP home and XP Pro other than better network support ect.? Any pluses that make it worth $100 extra bux?

Brent · Post by **Brent** » Thu Nov 20, 2003 7:21 pm

Originally posted by ScrewU2
Are they making any games on DVD format for PC so I know wether to get a DVD drive or not? Also what is the differance between windows XP home and XP Pro?

with the price difference between CDROM's and DVDROM's you might as well get a DVDROM

at newegg a Liteon 16X DVDROM costs only $32, it reads CD's at 48X and reads DVD's at 16X

Jeremy · Post by **Jeremy** » Thu Nov 20, 2003 7:29 pm

Originally posted by ScrewU2
Are they making any games on DVD format for PC so I know wether to get a DVD drive or not? Also what is the differance between windows XP home and XP Pro?

the only dvd software i've seen is encarta. most games will ship on cds because not many people actually have dvd-rom, and therefore would be a losing cause for the developers.

you need well over 300 watts of power. my desktop below is running on 320 watts and is barely hanging on because adding anything incl. a faster chip or vid card creates problems.

consider a standard atx board. it is amazing how quickly you can use up slots.

getting 1GB is not really necessary. get a single stick of 512 and if you need more later, then get it.

don't get any nvidia stuff for awhile (even though i'm an nvidia fan). the fx's are rather bad.

get intel

. for the systems i've heard, it's like comparing a dirt devil to a ceiling fan.