Building a New Rig Created 16 years ago2008-09-21 00:03:17 UTC by satchmo satchmo

Created 16 years ago2008-09-21 00:03:17 UTC by satchmo satchmo

Posted 16 years ago2008-09-21 00:03:17 UTC Post #255822
I need help fast!

My mom's computer died suddenly yesterday. I went to her place to fix it this afternoon, but I found that either the mobo or the HDD is fried (most likely the HDD). It's a piece of shit computer that's seven years old anyway, so I figure I'll buy her a new one.

So I went to BestBuy (only about five minutes away) and got her another piece of shit eMachine computer for $299.

The problem is that when I got back, she found out it runs Vista (all the new computers run Vista now), and she declared that she cannot learn how to use this piece of shit OS.

So, I have to return this Vista eMachine, and I have to give her my current Windows XP machine.

That gives me exactly one week to buy and build a computer for myself.

Any suggestion for specs? I am thinking a Core2Duo with 2GB of RAM with an ATI graphics card. I am sick and tired of nVidia display driver crashing my games.

Thanks in advance.
satchmo satchmo“Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better. -- Samuel Beckett”
Posted 16 years ago2008-09-21 00:19:48 UTC Post #255823
A $299 eMachine computer for your mom? If I ever did that to my mother, I would be executed. Anyway, if you can, try getting your computer parts from Newegg.com or Tigerdirect.com, because the thing is, Best Buy is somewhat expensive for getting your PC stuff there, not to mention their selection of parts is no where as good as Newegg or Tigerdirect. Now, if you really want to save money and go for maximum deals, I then suggest: http://www.pacificgeek.com/index.asp

By the way satchmo, that was really nice of you giving your PC to your mom, way to go.
Posted 16 years ago2008-09-21 00:27:39 UTC Post #255824
My mom just called. She managed to find a similar eMachine at WalMart for $298 that has Windows XP installed. So she bought it.

Which means that I won't be upgrading for some time.

I know I could do better if I build my own, but for an extreme budget PC, I am not sure the saving is worth the trouble of building something.

Thanks anyway.
satchmo satchmo“Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better. -- Samuel Beckett”
Posted 16 years ago2008-09-21 00:34:40 UTC Post #255826
Satchmo swore! That's a first for me.
Luke LukeLuke
Posted 16 years ago2008-09-21 11:55:45 UTC Post #255876
Satchmo swore! That's a first for me.
I think you must have missed it before. I swear sometimes. Not often.

But I don't really consider that swearing.

Calling someone a Republican is far worse.
satchmo satchmo“Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better. -- Samuel Beckett”
Posted 16 years ago2008-09-21 12:10:52 UTC Post #255877
Why didn't you just install XP on the first eMachine?
Posted 16 years ago2008-09-21 12:20:55 UTC Post #255879
Gl with your new so called "Rig"

P.s: why did you let you'r mum buy you a new pc?
Skals SkalsLevel Designer
Posted 16 years ago2008-09-21 23:54:26 UTC Post #255910
Because getting the drivers and such for XP would be a pain in the butt.

Plus, my wife insists on buying Windows XP. She's a software engineer, and she doesn't want me to pirate.

It doesn't make sense to buy XP while she already has Vista pre-installed. It's like paying for the OS twice.
satchmo satchmo“Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better. -- Samuel Beckett”
Posted 16 years ago2008-09-22 00:08:34 UTC Post #255911
.<
Vista isn't bad.
Ever check out that mojave experiment site?
Anyway i'm looking to build a new pc as well..
i want to start with a REALLY good motherboard that'll be upgradable for a few years. and just add parts as i have money.
Any suggestions?
/end thread hijack
Tetsu0 Tetsu0Positive Chaos
Posted 16 years ago2008-09-22 02:45:57 UTC Post #255914
satchmo, i taught u were talking about your mom not your wife
Skals SkalsLevel Designer
Posted 16 years ago2008-09-22 06:51:19 UTC Post #255922
she declared that she cannot learn how to use this piece of shit OS.
She said that literally? :D
Posted 16 years ago2008-09-22 08:11:38 UTC Post #255924
Ever check out that mojave experiment site?
Yes. It's the gayest shit evar. Those idiots surely got a few bucks for participating in this "experiment". Vista IS slower (unless you have a top of the range PC) and still has compatibility issues up the ass.
Taylor TaylorJohn Romero's Bitch
Posted 16 years ago2008-09-22 08:40:08 UTC Post #255925
That site is bullshit.
Posted 16 years ago2008-09-22 11:04:28 UTC Post #255929
I just downloaded and installed SP1 for Vista on my PC, and to my surprise my computer seems to be a little faster now, and a tad more stable. But still, Vista needs more work on it, it is still far from perfect.

Hey, since we are on the subject of Vista, I am sure some of you know this, Microsoft has already been at work for some time now on the next version of Windows that will replace Vista, code name "Windows 7" (formerly codenamed Blackcomb and later Vienna). Anyway, there is so much on this for me to put it all here, it's better to just go here for the full details: http://windows7news.com/

Also, check out this nifty video on Window 7's touch screen capabilities: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqDQ0wUcSPQ
Posted 16 years ago2008-09-23 23:28:46 UTC Post #256001
Windows 7 introduction plus some nostalgia back down history lane.

Watch

I actually used Windows 2.0 back in the 1980s.
satchmo satchmo“Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better. -- Samuel Beckett”
Posted 16 years ago2008-09-24 00:51:54 UTC Post #256003
Windows 7 introduction plus some nostalgia back down history lane.
Wow,....That was a real history lane treat, nice find satchmo. Man, did you get the part about the source code size difference between Vista and Windows 7? Vista's is like 4 Gigs and Windows 7's is only 25 MB!!! Holy cow, that's a huge strip down from one OS to it's future upgrade!

If Windows 7 is going to be that lean, it should boot up like lightning and run it's built in programs on warp speed, especially on the vastly more powerful future PC's that will be on the market when it finally comes out. Yo satchmo....tell me if I really heard that video right.....
Posted 16 years ago2008-09-26 00:40:11 UTC Post #256151
25 MB is only for MinWin, which is a very basic OS core without a graphics engine.

Notice that the Windows Logo at startup is even text-based for MinWin.
satchmo satchmo“Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better. -- Samuel Beckett”
Posted 16 years ago2008-11-18 01:07:38 UTC Post #258681
Okay, I am thinking about building a new rig again, even though I bought my mom a new computer already.

So, my questions are:

1. Dual-Core vs. Quad-Core?
2. DDR2 vs. DDR3 mobo and memory?
3. ATI vs. nVidia?
satchmo satchmo“Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better. -- Samuel Beckett”
Posted 16 years ago2008-11-18 01:29:23 UTC Post #258682
1. Dual Core
2. DDR2
3. Nvidia
Penguinboy PenguinboyHaha, I died again!
Posted 16 years ago2008-11-18 01:36:20 UTC Post #258683
Quad-cores are better then Duals, as they have double the cores of Duals (4). Assuming your rig will be for gaming, get a quad. If it isn't, best not to blow the money and settle for a dual. Many games are starting to put alot of demand on CPU's, and a quad would probably get you set for the future onslaught of new games.

DDR3 is superior over DDR2 (DDR3 is DDR 3rd generation). They are superior in all areas (energy consumption, speed etc etc...) So yeh. Your choice will depend on the needs of your computer.

nVidia I always find to be better. But thats my personal choice. I don't know a huge amount about the differences between ATI and nVidia.

Just my few words on it, my opinion.
38_98 38_98Lord
Posted 16 years ago2008-11-18 01:40:26 UTC Post #258684
Assuming you are not fabulously wealthy, I suggest you first set up a ceiling budget, a max limit on how much money you are willing to spend on this. Work your way from there by adding your needed components for the build list, always making sure it stays within budget. This way, you don't run in to a potential cash crunch that could cause delays determining on how soon you can get your new PC done. Of course, if money is no object to you, ignore this post and by all means go all out on a no-limit-shopping-spree. Just make sure you get me one too, hehe.
Posted 16 years ago2008-11-18 03:27:37 UTC Post #258685
I am willing to spend US$3,000.

And of course I am going to build it for gaming. Why else would anyone use a computer?

Wouldn't DDR2 mobo become obsolete in two to three years?

But there aren't too many DDR3 mobos out there.
satchmo satchmo“Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better. -- Samuel Beckett”
Posted 16 years ago2008-11-18 03:49:21 UTC Post #258686
And of course I am going to build it for gaming. Why else would anyone use a computer?
Porn? Who knows.

DDR3's are rather expensive at the moment, whilst DDR2 will become obsolete. Its probably best that you get DDR2 now, and switch it in about a years time when DDR3 is much cheaper.

Quad core is a must. Dual's won't last long against games 2-3 years from now. Shit, it won't even last very well against some games out today.

If you have the money left over, get something fancy from the nVidia 9 series.
38_98 38_98Lord
Posted 16 years ago2008-11-18 03:51:56 UTC Post #258687
Quad core is a must. Dual's won't last long against games 2-3 years from now. Shit, it won't even last very well against some games out today.
Mine handled Crysis fine.

Although if you're willing to spend $3,000 on it, why not?
Posted 16 years ago2008-11-18 03:59:39 UTC Post #258688
Posted 16 years ago2008-11-18 04:32:35 UTC Post #258689
Goddamned motherboards! Always forget how they limit upgrades.
Mine handled Crysis fine.
Try playing a simple skirmish match with bots of 2v2, or even just a 3 player match in Supreme Commander. See how far you get before your CPU chokes on the demand.
38_98 38_98Lord
Posted 16 years ago2008-11-18 07:27:07 UTC Post #258690
Looks good satch, except use DDR2 RAM and spend the extra cash on a 9800GTX (or better).
Penguinboy PenguinboyHaha, I died again!
Posted 16 years ago2008-11-18 07:31:47 UTC Post #258691
Isn't ATI better at the moment? Please correct me if I'm wrong.

For gaming it's better to get a dual core CPU than a quad core. Today's games aren't made to make full use of four cores. If you would use your computer for anything else than gaming, like running servers or creating videos a quad core would be better.
Posted 16 years ago2008-11-18 07:33:58 UTC Post #258692
Nvidia is better for cost/performance ratio for mid-range cards, which basically means that they're winning atm. The real competition isn't at the super high-end $1000+ cards.
Penguinboy PenguinboyHaha, I died again!
Posted 16 years ago2008-11-18 07:39:27 UTC Post #258693
I bought one of those E8400 processors myself, but I payed more because of taxes.
I would get a better PSU.
Posted 16 years ago2008-11-18 10:47:45 UTC Post #258694
Heh, everyone is buying new pcs these days ( the prices are quite low and the modern pc parts are accessible to a wide range of social classes).
Even I upgraded my pc, but I won't buy a new one until after I finish high-school :)
Striker StrikerI forgot to check the oil pressure
Posted 16 years ago2008-11-18 13:08:20 UTC Post #258696
Nvidia is better for cost/performance ratio for mid-range cards, which basically means that they're winning atm. The real competition isn't at the super high-end $1000+ cards.
uhh.. no.

you have it the wrong way round.

Nvidea have the most powerful card (GTX 280) but ATI have the performance/cost in their favour.
Archie ArchieGoodbye Moonmen
Posted 16 years ago2008-11-18 14:03:27 UTC Post #258704
True.

I have an ATi card in my laptop and desktop rig as well. All I can tell you is that they deliver nice performance for a low-mid budget card, but have unstable drivers lately.
Taylor TaylorJohn Romero's Bitch
Posted 16 years ago2008-11-18 14:49:00 UTC Post #258705
Isn't the ATI Radeon 4800 series of cards powered by AMD's Cinema 2.0 still the most powerful on the market yet? I know the cheapest card start at $199.00 for the 512 MB version. For more on this, refer to this thread: http://www.news.com.au/technology/story/0,25642,24211764-5014239,00.html
Posted 16 years ago2008-11-18 15:44:10 UTC Post #258706
One thing I don't get is people who say 'Don't bother with a Quad-Core because most games don't make use of the technology yet.'

How about getting a Quad-Core now rather than waiting for games to become more demanding? Doesn't that make more sense from a financial standpoint?
monster_urby monster_urbyGoldsourcerer
Posted 16 years ago2008-11-18 18:48:24 UTC Post #258707
Thanks for all the suggestions.

I have made some modifications. Here is the updated list:
GIGABYTE GA-EP45-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Model #:GA-EP45-DS3L
Item #:N82E16813128345
Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy
In Stock
$102.99 $102.99

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor Model HH80562PH0568M - OEM
Model #:HH80562PH0568M
Item #:N82E16819115018
Return Policy:Processors (CPUs) Return Policy
In Stock
$179.99 $179.99

EVGA 896-P3-1260-AR GeForce GTX 260 896MB 448-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
Model #:896-P3-1260-AR
Item #:N82E16814130370
Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy
In Stock
$279.99 -$40.00 Instant $239.99

CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Retail
Model #:CMPSU-650TX
Item #:N82E16817139005
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
$159.99 -$50.00 Instant $109.99

CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X2048-6400C4DHX - Retail
Model #:TWIN2X2048-6400C4DHX
Item #:N82E16820145177
Return Policy:Limited Non-Refundable 30-Day Return Policy
In Stock
$54.99 -$5.00 Instant $49.99

Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
Model #:Nine Hundred
Item #:N82E16811129021
Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy
In Stock
$139.99 -$30.00 Instant $109.99

Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST31000340AS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
Model #:ST31000340AS
Item #:N82E16822148274
Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy
In Stock
$119.99 -$10.00 Instant $109.99

Pioneer 20X DVD?R DVD Burner Black IDE Model DVR-116DBK - OEM
Model #:DVR-116DBK
Item #:N82E16827129023
Return Policy:Limited Non-Refundable 30-Day Return Policy
In Stock
$29.99 $29.99

ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler - Retail
Model #:ACFZ7-PRO
Item #:N82E16835186134
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
$36.99 -$10.00 Instant $26.99
Subtotal: $959.91

What do you think? Which OS should I get? XP or Vista? Vista is more costly with usurping resources when it comes to gaming, at least that's my understanding.
satchmo satchmo“Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better. -- Samuel Beckett”
Posted 16 years ago2008-11-18 20:39:50 UTC Post #258712
I'd suggest XP.

Hunter: I'm not completely up-to-date with top range cards, but last I heard the top-end ATI card is better than the GTX280, but the Nvidia mid-range cards are still dominating the market.
Penguinboy PenguinboyHaha, I died again!
Posted 16 years ago2008-11-20 13:01:27 UTC Post #258785
I am finalizing my build. Here are the specs:
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition SP3 English for System Builders 1 Pack CD - OEM
Model #:N09-02215
Item #:N82E16832116511
Return Policy:Software Return Policy
In Stock
Note (Add)
$89.99 $89.99

Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
Model #:Nine Hundred
Item #:N82E16811129021
Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy
In Stock
Note (Add)
$139.99 -$30.00 Instant $109.99

GIGABYTE GA-EP45-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Model #:GA-EP45-DS3L
Item #:N82E16813128345
Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy
In Stock
Mail-in Rebate
Note (Add)
$102.99 $102.99

EVGA 896-P3-1260-AR GeForce GTX 260 896MB 448-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
Model #:896-P3-1260-AR
Item #:N82E16814130370
Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy
In Stock
Note (Add)
$264.99 -$45.00 Instant $219.99

CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Retail
Model #:CMPSU-650TX
Item #:N82E16817139005
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
Mail-in Rebate
Note (Add)
$159.99 -$50.00 Instant $109.99

Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale 3.16GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8500 - Retail
Model #:BX80570E8500
Item #:N82E16819115036
Return Policy:Processors (CPUs) Return Policy
In Stock
Note (Add)
$188.99 $188.99

G.SKILL PI Black 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-6400CL4D-4GBPI-B - Retail
Model #:F2-6400CL4D-4GBPI-B
Item #:N82E16820231209
Return Policy:Limited Non-Refundable 30-Day Return Policy
In Stock
Note (Add)
$54.99 -$5.00 Instant $49.99

Seagate ST3640323AS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
Model #:ST3640323AS
Item #:N82E16822148335
Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy
In Stock
Note (Add)
$79.99 $79.99

SAMSUNG 22X DVD?R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model SH-S223Q - OEM
Model #:SH-S223Q
Item #:N82E16827151173
Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy
In Stock
Note (Add)
$27.99 $27.99

ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler - Retail
Model #:ACFZ7-PRO
Item #:N82E16835186134
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
Note (Add)
$36.99 -$10.00 Instant $26.99
Subtotal: $1,006.90

So this is it. No more changes if everything looks good.
satchmo satchmo“Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better. -- Samuel Beckett”
Posted 16 years ago2008-11-20 13:08:09 UTC Post #258786
:gak: :pwned:
Nice.

Wish i can afford that.
Tetsu0 Tetsu0Positive Chaos
Posted 16 years ago2008-11-20 13:18:18 UTC Post #258789
Pretty damn powerful for a 1,000-buck rig.
Some great choices there, enjoy it. :>
Daubster DaubsterVault Dweller
Posted 16 years ago2008-11-20 13:32:58 UTC Post #258792
Hey satchmo, everything looks good so far. Just make sure you read the overview's "cons" and "other thoughts" sections on the tower case. It might not be no big deal on what it says there, but at least you will be better informed.
Posted 16 years ago2008-11-20 17:10:33 UTC Post #258795
I read all the 1 and 2 star reviews at Newegg on the 900 Antec case, and I could live with that. I'll try not to mess with the top fan.

It cools well and it's quiet. Those are the most important things in a case for me.
satchmo satchmo“Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better. -- Samuel Beckett”
Posted 16 years ago2008-11-20 17:40:26 UTC Post #258796
Hey, you know what satchmo, since you said your max budget was $3,000 for this build, and your current list of parts add up to just a little over $1000, I was thinking........instead of buying parts for one system, why don't you buy parts for two systems. This way you can list the second PC on eBay and make an extra buck on the side. I suppose you can put the buy now price at about $1,300 to $1,500 or so. Or you can start the bidding at $1,000 as an auction listing and see how high the bidding gets. With the help of a couple of friends of mine, I have sold several custom PC's this way on eBay over the past few years and made myself a nice amount of money.
Posted 16 years ago2008-11-20 18:11:18 UTC Post #258798
If you have extra cash, get better speakers, graphics card, second monitor, more memory, RAM ect. (people still use Graphics cards, right? mine's a few years old, and my brother built it.)
Notewell NotewellGIASFELFEBREHBER
Posted 16 years ago2008-11-23 01:05:21 UTC Post #258930
Your brother built your graphics card?
Posted 16 years ago2008-11-23 01:15:44 UTC Post #258931
It's the Nvidia 8600 GT Bro Edition

Why on earth would people not use graphics cards?
Posted 16 years ago2008-11-23 01:17:33 UTC Post #258932
Last I checked, graphics cards were an essential computer component.

And lol, Bro edition.
Posted 16 years ago2008-11-23 01:54:42 UTC Post #258937
Hey, since we are in the subject of powerful graphics cards, I need to show this: Just when I thought I have seen or heard everything on what a supposed top of the line graphics card is and how it pretty much stays in or around at the very most $1,000 to $1,500 mark, well after seeing on what I came across on Tigerdirect.com, I was a little shocked. The graphics card in question: The "PNY QUADRO FX 5600 1.5GB With the G-SYNC II OPTION CARD"
User posted image
The price for this graphics cars is so ridiculously high, well here, see it for your self's................ http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4210667&CatId=28
Posted 16 years ago2008-11-23 02:02:49 UTC Post #258939
I was not expecting that price!

Jeeze, my jaw dropped!
Posted 16 years ago2008-11-23 02:08:16 UTC Post #258942
Tito that's a workstation graphics card, that's a pretty average price for a good one. Drop one in a gaming rig though and it'll seem like you're playing on three year old equipment. They're built for the high-end 3D modeling in movies and such, they're not built to the same specs as the average consumer card.
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