Building a computer

[sawta]

Hello everyone

I'm in the process of buying parts for a computer (Been watching a lot of "Systm" lately, and I got inspired)...and I need to do something with my time, since classes are over for this semester.

Anyway, I've been looking around newegg.com to start on an "okay" rig. I'm planning on using it to just do something simple like folding@home, or possibly resell it, if it preforms better than expected.

Here's what I was thinking on:
Mobo: http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16813131273
PSU: http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16817139003
Processor: http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16819103258
Memory: http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16820208344
HDD: http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16822144122
CD/DVD-ROM: http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16827135156
Video Card: http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16814150257

I can list the case and monitor as well, if people would like, but I'm planning on buying those from B+M stores so I don't have to pay for shipping and handling. The mid ATX tower can handle regular, and micro ATX's.

I've tried to check everything over three or four times to make sure there's no glaring over sights, but I wanted to ask of the forums help as well, since I'm very new to this and could quite possibly be missing something stupidly obvious.

My other question is: What kind of tools am I going to need?
I've read two different manuals on how to assemble computers, and they both mention using a grounding bracelet, but are fairly sketchy on actual tools. Can I do the entire project with just the bracelet and a (manual) screwdriver, or do I need socket wrenches, power tools and other specialty items?

Oh yes, I've also used some online calculators for the PSU and they've both claimed low 200w
http://www.extreme.outervision.com/PSUEngine


Any comments would be very appreciated, as I'm very excited to start this project soon!

On the rare occasions on which I build a computer, I usually use only two Philips screwdrivers (small/large). Sometimes, teeth and a hammer. This is with the proviso that I do choose tool-less cases most of the time.

I do earth myself on something close to hand before I start assembly, and I try not to wear cheap leisurewear. Not solely because of the danger of static build up on man-made fibres but because it pays to always be stylish.

You forgot the case. Personally, I start by determining what processor(s) I need, and the next thing I consider is the case - in terms of how it's going to look, how components have to be sited and what sort of cooling it is capable of providing. For me it's a hugely important component but for many it seems to be the last thing they think about, which probably explains the huge number of really crappy cases out there.

An Athlon X2 isn't so much OK as totally outclassed when compared with an OK Core 2 system. I'd suggest going the Intel way unless you like throwing money away.

[mikec]

If you use any cable ties, to secure cables together or to a point in the case it generally is cleaner looking to cut the extra cable tie off. I find a good pair of diagonal cutters is best. Scissors can be used but they aren't the best.

Since I mentioned cable ties, you may need some of those.

If you are thinking of selling the machine, consider that the machine would be sold with no warranty, less return on your $$. If you do sell it, make sure you include legal software licenses for everything you install. Yes, even if you sell it to your buddy. He might get pissed at you one day. (If you use only open source OS and software, this is less of a problem.)

[shinigami052]

For your CPU i'd suggest you look into an AMD Athlon 64 X2 4800+. It's only .1GHz faster for $10 but the extra L1 cache will be a good benefit to you as well.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103212

Also I'd suggest getting a different video card. I haven't heard anything good about XFX. Going with one of these cards will be far better than the XFX card:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814260057

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814260060

They may be a bit pricyer but I can gaurentee that they're superior cards and you'll enjoy your system a lot more as well as it lasting longer.

Also, if you'd like to try to save a few $$$, get a DVD burner w/o lightscribe. In my experience, 99% of the people who have lightscribe DVD burners never use the lightscribe functionality. It's more of a gimic than anything (plus you'll need to buy special lightscribe DVDs not just any ol' DVD on sale).

Everything else looks good. I'm not used to building midrange systems but this looks like a great system if you make the changes I suggested.

[tokenuser]

If you are looking at an "OK" rig, omit the video card entirely, and just use the onboard graphics. Put the saved $ into extra RAM, or a faster CPU.

I also second the Intel route for the CPU. Was a time when AMD ruled the DIY market, but they aren't at that level any more.

[shinigami052]

Originally Posted by tokenuser

If you are looking at an "OK" rig, omit the video card entirely, and just use the onboard graphics. Put the saved $ into extra RAM, or a faster CPU.

I also second the Intel route for the CPU. Was a time when AMD ruled the DIY market, but they aren't at that level any more.

I think for the midrange PC that he's building, the AMD will work just fine. If he were building a quad core machine, I'd suggest Intel (even tho I love AMD).

[tokenuser]

Originally Posted by Shinigami052

I think for the midrange PC that he's building, the AMD will work just fine. If he were building a quad core machine, I'd suggest Intel (even tho I love AMD).

My biggest problem with the AMD side of things isn't so much the CPU, but the motherboards. The Northbridge/Southbridge chips on Intel motherboards just seem to have less issues with drivers that the AMD / ATi combination, and they appear to have better power (heat) management. And, by going Intel with a Socket 775 you can a.) get a faster FSB speed - which speeds up memeory acces and al sorts of stuff, and b.) drop in a quad core later if it grab him.

I was a rabid AMD fanboy for many many years, but they have lost their luster.

Originally Posted by Shinigami052

I think for the midrange PC that he's building, the AMD will work just fine. If he were building a quad core machine, I'd suggest Intel (even tho I love AMD).

As he said, he wants an 'OK' machine. Not 'already out of date the moment he takes the AM2 out of the box' machine. Tokenuser's suggestion of an IGP is also very sensible - the newest integrated graphics from Intel is fine for all but 'real' gaming. However, if he's building a PC for fun he might want a graphics card.

I have no idea what the OP wants out of the machine, but a decent basic GPU is the ATI HD 2400 Pro. A number of fanless examples are available (leading to less system noise, just like an IGP) but it offers worthwhile upgrades over an IGP in various ways.

Fanless 2400 Pro
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102100

Fanless 2400 XT
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102699

Case - Antec Solo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129018&Tpk=antec%2bsolo

Intel motherboard with integrated Intel Video
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...315&Tpk=dg33tl

Intel motherboard without integrated video
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...314&Tpk=dp35dp

[sawta]

Ah, thanks for the comments everyone.

I had actually ended up proposing this question to a friend after I had made this thread (for some reason, it didn't show up for several hours after I made it *shrug*) and got kind of antsy and went ahead and ordered my first round of parts.

I replaced the XFX video card for the ASUS 8500GT
( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814121094 )

I could have sworn I had mentioned it the first time, but my requirements are fairly simple for this rig. If I can work it out correctly, I'd like to have it as a headless rig and sit quietly (well...maybe not so quietly :P) in the corner, and do something productive like fold@home, or be some kind of snazzy server (I'm sure I could find SOMETHING to put on it).



I'm not looking to do anything crazy with this machine, since it will be my first attempt, and if something should break, I don't want to pay 300$ to replace a single part!

If it runs decently on Ubuntu or some other distro, I'll consider getting a (obviously, legal) copy of Vista and see if I can't find a buyer so I can start the process over again.

Again, I appreciate everyone's comments; I'll try to keep everyone's advice in mind when I get this one up and running and give it another go.


I do have one more question:
(Let's say I know all the dementions for all the parts for a computer, and just haven't gotten a case yet) Is there a "trick" or easy way to figure out how big of a case I would need/How good or bad the air flow would be?

I'll assume that bigger is usually (if not always) better, but I just find it hard to figure out in my head just how much space I would end up with after I put everything in.

[minion4hire]

Forgive me if parts of this post aren't all that clear. It's very late, and I'm quite tired but can't sleep.

Originally Posted by Sawta

I replaced the XFX video card for the ASUS 8500GT

While ANY video card will be better than an IGP, if all this system is going to do is sit in a corner you really should look at a motherboard with integrated video and spend more money on your processor like others have been saying. Switching to Intel would be a good idea as well. Or just saving yourself the $50 bucks, that would be good too.

Originally Posted by Sawta

If it runs decently on Ubuntu or some other distro, I'll consider getting a (obviously, legal) copy of Vista and see if I can't find a buyer so I can start the process over again.

While a video card is a nice enough addition to Vista since its GUI is then offloaded to the GPU, you need to think about who you might be selling this kind of system to. Most people looking to buy a basic budget system aren't going to be interested in gaming (or won't care about its performance) and most people actually looking for discrete graphics are looking for something slightly higher-end than an 8500. These are pretty broad and generic observations, I now, but it just seems like a bit of a hodge-podge from a buyer's perspective is all. Even just including a larger hard drive for an extra $15-20 can help draw people's interest. I suppose with this being your first build, I'm sure you'll be happy with any bit of pocket change you can make off of it.

Originally Posted by Sawta

(Let's say I know all the dementions for all the parts for a computer, and just haven't gotten a case yet) Is there a "trick" or easy way to figure out how big of a case I would need/How good or bad the air flow would be?

I'll assume that bigger is usually (if not always) better, but I just find it hard to figure out in my head just how much space I would end up with after I put everything in.

Well most cases list within its specifications the largest size of motherboard that it supports. Larger cases can make system builds that much smoother and that much easier (assuming all your cables reach their destination) but as far as how easy it is to install your drives, route cables, that is more difficult to determine. The best suggestion I could offer would be to browse around for a case that fits your budget/board size/aesthetic appeal and then search review sites to determine other peoples' experiences with that case. In terms of resale value smaller is usually better (takes up less space), but cheap "bling" (side panel windows, LEDs, cold cathodes, etc) can bump up your selling price without even trying. It's undoubtedly sad, but just as true.