Im going to build my first computer

[123456]

My old dell is slowing down and its getting hard to play the new flight sim X so i have decided to make a gaming desktop. I only have about $1,200 to spend so im keeping some things at the low end until i can get more money together.

It will be some time to save up before i can get parts ordered but when i do ill have a nice setup.

heres the buy list:

Processor:
Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 Conroe 2.13GHz - $225

Graphics Card:
XFX GeForce 7900 GS Video Card - $185 (get this first)
------------------------------------------------------------
GeForce 8800 GTS - $430
(newegg item #: N82E16814121034)

RAM:
GeIL Ultra 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM - $220

PSU (Power supply):
FSP600-80GLC ATX12V/ EPS12V 600W - $114

Hard drive:
Seagate 7200.10 320Gb - $95

DVD-RW Drive:
LiteOn 16x DL - $40

Mother board:
DFI Infinity 975X - $165

Fans
2 - Antec 77095 120mm Blue LED Case Fan - $26

Case:
Silverstone TJ04

computer board member:
"I suggest Antec fans. Not tricool, just normal fans. At any given RPM, they are quieter than the stock fan in my OCZ PSU, the evercool fans I have, and the thermaltake fans I have.. they really are amazing fans."

newegg didn't have any normal ones so I got two blue lighted ones in 120mm for the case.

At first I'll be using the XFX GeForce 7900 GS graphics card but after I get some more money together ill be getting a 20" LCD monitor and the GeForce 8800 GTS.

[Phantom]

This is my area of expertise ;)

I suggest getting an AMD proc for games.
Don't buy such an expensive processor they are not needed NEARLY as much for games as a video card. So my suggestion is buy a less expensive processor and put that extra money into a video card. The gains will be much bigger.

You also would probably want a better brand of PSU. Brand in PSU's are extremely important. Or else they might not have the quality and could fail causing a power surge frieing your components! Here is a good one http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817341001

Also you might want more fans to cool your components.

DFI motherboard is good but brands are also important in motherboard selection (Asus and gigabyte are the best)

Now I am not sure where you are ordering this stuff from but I would suggest either www.newegg.com or www.tigerdirect.com for the best deals

O yeah one last thing.
Could you put links to each of the parts you are getting so we can check them out

EDIT: Almost forgot, if you do go AMD make sure to get a motherboard with AM2 socket.

EDIT2: lol ok last one. SOUND CARD. Don't forget one of those.
They will greatly enhance gamplay, especially if you are playing flight sims. If you insist on not getting one make SURE the motherboard has onboard sound!

Here are some guides that will help you build it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1NxsHpaL_s

http://www.tomshardware.com/2002/09/04/building_your_own_pc/index.html

[123456]

thanks for the info

ill follow this post up with links to each item on my list and ill swap out for the power supply you suggested

BTW, what motherboard, processor, and graphics card do you suggest to replace the ones I'm thinking of ordering?

I chose the listed processor as its suggested in the games manual and by a few members at the computer board, (http://www.dfi-street.com/forum/index.php)

also, any suggestions on cases?, I want something light and quiet with fans. I have no problem taking out stock fans in a case and putting in better, quiet ones.

DVD-RW drive:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16827106055

Hard Drive:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16822148139

Graphics Card:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16814150202

Power Supply:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16817341001

RAM:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16820144028

Mother Board:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16813136168

Processor:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16819115004

Case Fans - X2
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1089094&CatId=802

CPU Cooler:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1432339&Tab=0&NoMapp=0

Sound card:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829102188

I'm planning on getting Windows Vista when it comes out. Flight Sim. X is made for it as well so I want everything compatible.

Really lay it out for me on what to get, I've never even thought about making a gaming computer before. My younger brothers a wiz at making them though...

Yes newegg is a great site, I'll take a look at tigerdirect as well


Thanks for the help

[Hyper]

Talk to your brother then.. And it isnt smart getting Vista for now.. I would wait atleast 6 months more and then get Vista, it's dependant read up on it and see if it would be the best for your build..

[123456]

Talk to your brother then.. And it isn't smart getting Vista for now.. I would wait at least 6 months more and then get Vista, it's dependant read up on it and see if it would be the best for your build..

my brothers the type that hates helping people who don't know as much as him..its the reason why he does have a computer repair job....

he knows a lot so its like hes no help to anyone around the house most of the time lol

anyways i have the message boards and all that on the net to help me pick out the parts...that's the hard part.

we may wait a while on Vista, its my brothers call on when we get it.



Its easy to build the computer itself...just plug in cables and make it look nice. The hard parts getting all the right parts for a fast running machine.

[Hyper]

The thing is most kids there on msg boards are realy idiots.. I dont realy know almost anything about hardware but there are a few bright ones

[Elscire]

i would get vista after a year later if i were you because the first official version will have some bugs

[Phantom]

123456 thanks for the info

ill follow this post up with links to each item on my list and ill swap out for the power supply you suggested
BTW, what motherboard, processor, and graphics card do you suggest to replace the ones I'm thinking of ordering? Well first of all you need a mobo thats compatible with your AMD or Intell proc, has PCI express and supports decent RAM.

Just a note. The following items are just MY personal opinion.

I chose the listed processor as its suggested in the games manual and by a few members at the computer board, (http://www.dfi-street.com/forum/index.php) Well I am sure thats a good processor. But I would buy one thats AMD (less hot and supposedly better for games at least when I bought mine)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103747
That is a GREAT processor for the money. Don't worry about the low ghrz. AMDs operate like that. Its just the same as an Intel 4.4

also, any suggestions on cases?, I want something light and quiet with fans. I have no problem taking out stock fans in a case and putting in better, quiet ones. Pick whatever what you want :) as long as its ATX form factor

DVD-RW drive:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16827106055

Hard Drive:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16822148139 These look fine

Graphics Card:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16814150202 With the extra money we saved getting a less expensive processor, you would defiantly want something better.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130071
This beast would own. But if its too expensive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814150189

Power Supply:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16817341001Thats a great PSU

RAM:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16820144028 RAM looks fine. You might want a more well known brand but Im sure it won't matter.

Mother Board:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16813136168 If you do decide to go AMD you would need an AMD compatible board. Here
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131593
That one is kinda expensive though.
If you want another one just search AMD compatible motherboards AM2 socket 2 PCI express slots.

Processor:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16819115004Well I am sure thats a good processor. But I would buy one thats AMD (less hot and supposedly better for games at least when I bought mine)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103747
That is a GREAT processor for the money. Don't worry about the low ghrz. AMDs operate like that. Its just the same as an Intel 4.4


Case Fans - X2
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1089094&CatId=802 Get whatever you want for case fans.

CPU Cooler:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1432339&Tab=0&NoMapp=0Get mostly whatever you want for CPU cooler. It might come with the processor anyways.
Just make sure its compatible with your proc

Sound card:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829102188 That looks like a great sound card. :)

I'm planning on getting Windows Vista when it comes out. Flight Sim. X is made for it as well so I want everything compatible. I also recommend not doing that. Wait awhile until prices drop and they work the bugs out.

Really lay it out for me on what to get, I've never even thought about making a gaming computer before. My younger brothers a wiz at making them though...

Yes newegg is a great site, I'll take a look at tigerdirect as well Yep I built my whole comp off newegg :D



Well hope I have been of help :D



EDIT: I found a great deal!
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2235424&Tab=0&NoMapp=0

For just 20 more dollars (the rebate expires today :( ) you could get 100 more WATTS of power. That is a good deal.
You also would want the extra power for future upgrades.

[Elscire]

For just 20 more dollars (the rebate expires today :( ) you could get 100 more WATTS of power. That is a good deal.
You also would want the extra power for future upgrades.
that'll just bring up the power bill

[Phantom]

that'll just bring up the power bill lol no.
Whatever PSU you get takes the same amount of power from the outlet.
The PSU's job is to switch the AC current that comes out of your outlet into DC current your computer can use. The better ones can switch more power.

So short answer no

[Hyper]

Hmm Phantom the Intel proc is more hot but it can take more heat so there's no dif in heat.. The AMD might be better atm but soon it could get owned and a dual core is good.. Better in my opinion

[Phantom]

Hmm Phantom the Intel proc is more hot but it can take more heat so there's no dif in heat.. The AMD might be better atm but soon it could get owned and a dual core is good.. Better in my opinion I am not sure if it can take more heat.
And also they both have dual core!!!
Everybody should know this.

[123456]

thanks for the suggestions on parts

my brother is getting all worked up because he knows my computer will be better than his which is about 3 years old lol

ill post the new list later today

[123456]

The new list

DVD-RW drive:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16827106055

Hard Drive:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16822148139

Motherboard:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16813131593
A little pricy but not too bad. - (Item# N82E16813131593)

Graphics Card:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16814150189

Power Supply:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16817341001

Ram: (switched to a different one with better rating)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16820146057

Processor: (comes with heat sink and fan)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16819103747

Thermal compound: (edited)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16835126003

Case Fans: (edited)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16835220014

Sound Card:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16829102005

That graphics card is a little better, thanks again for the help on that choice.
The Case I'll have to look for around the stores around here.

We plan on waiting for Vista so the bugs can be worked out...for now were sticking with Windows XP Pro.

[Phantom]

The new list

DVD-RW drive:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16827106055

Hard Drive:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16822148139

Motherboard:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16813131593http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16813131593
A little pricy but not too bad.

Graphics Card:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16814150189

Power Supply:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16817341001

Ram:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16820144028

Processor: (comes with heat sink and fan)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16819103747

Thermal compound:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1283739&sku=O261-8004

Case Fans:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1089094&sku=ULT31757

That graphics card is a little better, thanks again for the help on that choice.
The Case I'll have to look for around the stores around here.

We plan on waiting for Vista so the bugs can be worked out...for now were sticking with Windows XP Pro. WOW great build! :D
I was going to look at the mobo to make sure its compatible with your RAM but newegg is having server problems :confused:

For the case here is an amazing one for only 70 bucks
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811144151

[0=]

I'm sorry, but I must disapprove your choice in fans. Buy Silverstone FM121 fans, they are very quiet for their airflow, and move 110cfm. Being dual-ball they last longer too. They have their own fan controllers, but a Vantec Nexus would be nice. At full speed they consume 6 watts rather than 3.6, but I don't really think you're too worried about that, especially since 110cfm is a lot of air, in a regular case like mine it recycles the air almost once a second. This is taking into account back pressure, the processor fan, a cheap fan on intake on the case funneled to the cpu (airflow for that fan accounted for, not the cpu fan, as the case fan has a higher airflow) the tornado, the cheap fan, and the power supply, and the Silverstone; the case fan funneled to the cpu and the Silverstone are on intake, all the rest blow out. It gets a little loud having all my fans on full, but that is because of the tornado (52db), the Silverstone is very quiet. Oh noes, I've gone on a rant.

[123456]

yea I was looking at the case posted but I may get one at the local store to keep shipping low.

Thanks for posting the fans, ill swap out for them. They move a lot more air for about the same noise level.

The item # at newegg.com for the motherboard is N82E16813131593
the ram is item # N82E16820144028

I have a feeling I should get different ram as the current one is rated low
maby item # N82E16820146057

its $2 more but a way better rating

[0=]

Fucking expensive ram 0: Go for the one that doesn't have people bitching about it not working.

[123456]

way ahead of ya, right after posting that i swapped out for the better rated ram.

yea rams expensive but i need at least 2GB to run my flight sim game


edit
Last night I swapped a few links around for better items on the last list