Good Starting Off Pc

Discussion in 'PC hardware help' started by BlakBelt, May 1, 2009.

  1. BlakBelt

    BlakBelt Member

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    hi- i was wondering if these were good desktop for its cost...

    1..http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4545136&sku=A180-1793

    2..http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4630627&CatId=333

    3..Or something u might recommend within the same price range...

    if i get number 1,,i could save up and in no time i could get a much better graphics card..i want 2 play games like-crysis,call of duty,unreal 3,etc..
     
  2. Shamb1es

    Shamb1es Regular member

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    The pentium D is the only one even worth starting to look at. It at least has a PSU rated high enough to run a decent video card (although all these pre-built system PSU's have absolutely brutal reliability and efficiency), a Mid-tower case that will fit a GPU in it, and a motherboard with two x16 PCI-E lane where you'll be able to plug a couple GPU's into (The PSU may have trouble with 2). The existing motherboard is also compatible with all intel CPU's up through the Core2 series, although with a pre-built system they will likely lock you out of trying any sort of overclocking.

    That being said these systems are built out of out-dated discontinued parts, what you're paying the most for is the monitor. I would highly recommend building your own. Here is one article of a 625$ build from toms hardware. Prices for some product have changed since then and you could take 60$ off by going from a 4870 to a 4850, and save another 25$ on it by sticking with the stock CPU cooler. There are many in these forums who can help with build suggestions as well.

    Here's an link to someones AMD build for 500$ from back in January. If you have old DVD drives, keyboard/mouse, or monitor laying around it goes quite a ways to shaving off build costs as well. His links to parts may no longer work but it gives you an idea what people are putting into these machines. Even at the 120$-ish price point you can get a great GPU and upgrade it to a beast farther down the line. For that price the 110$ ATI 4770 or nVidia GTS 250 (130$) are great cards.
     
    Last edited: May 1, 2009
  3. BlakBelt

    BlakBelt Member

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    well this is my desktop i have now...

    TFT LCD Monitor-HD-Ready with DCDi by Faroudja video,Integrated powered 4-port USB 2.0 HUB,,,VGA,S-VIDEO and composite video inputs,,
    1680x1050 resolution,,DVI-D with HDCP Input,,By Gateway


    -----------------------------------
    Motherboard specifications table

    CPU/Processor

    * Socket: 775
    * Supports the following processors:
    o Intel Pentium D 800 series Smithfield core up to 3.2 GHz
    o Pentium 4 6xx series up to 670 Prescott core
    o Pentium 4 5xx series up to 580 Prescott core

    Front-side bus (FSB)

    * 533 MHz, 800 MHz, 1066 MHz (processor dependent)

    Chipset

    * Intel 945G

    BIOS features

    * System BIOS core brand: Award
    * Keyboard combination to used to enter BIOS: F1

    Form factor

    * Micro-ATX: 9.6 in X 9.6 in

    Memory

    * Four 240-pin DDR2 DIMM sockets
    * Supports PC2 3200 (400 MHz), PC 4200 (533 MHz) and PC2 5300 (667 MHz) DDR2 DIMMs
    * non-ECC memory only, unbuffered
    * Maximum HP/Compaq approved memory is 4 GB*

    Expansion slots

    * Three PCI
    * One PCI Express x16 graphics

    Video graphics

    * Integrated

    Serial ATA

    * 4 SATA connectors
    * Each connector supports 1 serial ATA-150 disk drive

    Onboard audio

    *
    Built-in High Definition 8 channel audio
    *
    Realtek ALC888 8-channel High Definition Audio CODEC

    Onboard LAN

    * Intel 82562GT
    * 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet

    Back panel I/0

    * One PS/2 mouse port (green)
    * One PS/2 keyboard port (purple)
    * One coaxial SPDIF output
    * One coaxial SPDIF input
    * One VGA port
    * One parallel port
    * One IEEE 1394a
    * Four USB 2.0
    * One RJ-45 networking port
    * Audio ports:
    o Line-in (light blue)
    o Line-out (lime)
    o Microphone-in (pink)
    o Side speaker out (gray)
    o Rear speaker out (black)
    o Center/subwoofer (yellow orange)

    Internal connectors

    * One 24-pin ATX power connector
    * One PATA connectors
    * Four SATA connectors
    * One floppy drive connector
    * One 12v fan connector for PC fan
    * One 9-pin header for power button, reset button, power LED, and HDD LED
    * One SPDIF-Audio output connector
    * One line input connector
    * One audio header for headphone-out and microphone-in
    * Two USB 2.0 connectors supporting 4 additional USB 2.0 ports
    * One IEEE 1394 header
    --------------------------------------------------------
    Hardware
    Base processor
    PentiumD 925 (P) DC 3.0 GHz

    *
    800 MHz front side bus
    *
    Socket 775

    Chipset
    Intel 945G

    Memory
    Component Attributes
    Memory Installed 1 GB
    Maximum allowed 4 GB* (4 x 1 GB)

    *Actual available memory may be less
    Speed supported PC2-4200 MB/sec
    Type 240 pin, DDR2 SDRAM
    Hard drive

    *
    250 GB SATA 3G (3.0 Gb/sec)
    *
    7200 rpm

    16X DVD(+/-)R/RW RAM (+/-)R DL LightScribe drive

    * Must use Double-Layer media discs in order to take advantage of the DL technology
    * Must use LightScribe-enabled media discs and supporting software in order to take advantage of the LightScribe technology

    Function Maximum speed
    DVD-RAM Up to 5X
    DVD-R DL Write Once Up to 4X
    DVD+R DL Write Once Up to 8X
    DVD+R Write Once Up to 16X
    DVD+RW Rewritable Up to 8X
    DVD-R Write Once Up to 16X
    DVD-RW Rewritable Up to 6X
    DVD ROM Read Up to 16X
    CD-R Write Once Up to 40X
    CD-RW Rewritable Up to 32X
    CD-ROM Read Up to 40X
    Modem
    56K bps data/fax modem
    Video Graphics
    Integrated graphics
    Sound/Audio
    Integrated High Definition audio

    * Realtek ALC 888 chipset
    * Supports up to 8 audio channels
    * Dolby Pro Logic II compatible

    Network (LAN)
    Integrated 10/100 Base-T networking interface
    Memory card reader

    * USB interface

    * Supports the following cards:
    o Compact Flash I
    o Compact Flash II
    o SmartMedia
    o Memory Stick
    o Memory Stick Pro
    o MultiMediaCard
    o Secure Digital (SD)
    o Micro Drive
    o XD Picture Card (xd = extreme digital)

    External I/O ports
    I/O ports on the front panel
    Port type Quantity
    9-in-1 (4 slot) + 1 USB One
    1394 One
    USB Two
    Headphone One
    Line-in One
    Microphone One
    I/O ports on the back panel
    Port type Quantity
    PS2 (keyboard, mouse) Two (one each)
    Parallel One
    VGA One
    USB Four
    1394a One
    LAN One
    SPDIF out (coaxial) One
    SPDIF in One
    Audio (side speaker out, rear speaker out, center speaker out, line-in, line-out, microphone) One Each
    Expansion slots
    Slot type Quantity
    PCI Three (Two available)
    PCI Express x16 One (One available)
    Drive bays
    Bay type Quantity
    5.25" external Two (One available)
    3.5" external Two (One available)
    3.5" internal One (None available)
    Technologies

    * Viiv
    * Vista Capable

    Keyboard and mouse

    *
    HP multimedia keyboard
    *
    Quebec Keyboard Kit (French Canada only)
    *
    HP PS/2 scroller mouse...

    u think i should stick with this and upgrade the RAM and buy a CARD..

    my Motherboard..
    http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf-JAVA/Doc/images/c00783671.jpg
     
  4. BlakBelt

    BlakBelt Member

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    thats the household desktop for every1-but we all have are laptops-i just sold mine 2 my brother but anyway only me mostly use the desktop but if you could help me build up one that would be even better..

    1.i would need someone 2 pick out a motherboard/one that supports intel core dua an above...if your going 2 help me all the way -i can start ordering the parts..

    also-is it hard to put them all together ,,i seen a few U-tube Vids on installing and it look [ready 2 go 4 me]..easy
     
  5. redZoneOS

    redZoneOS Regular member

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    well I would get:

    motherboard: 135.00 USD


    cpu:270.00 USD


    ram: 50.00 USD


    video card: 140.00 USD



    Power supply: 50.00 after rebate


    Case: your choice, 50-150.00 ???

    grand total: 650.00 plus case cost.

    HDD, DVDRW, keyboard and mouse recycled from your other desktop... if you need to keep the other computer functional you can buy all of these items for an additional 150.00 max.

    also if cost is a limiting factor you can change the CPU to an E8400 and save around 100.00... change ram to corsair XMS2 and save 20 or 30 dollars...
     
  6. BlakBelt

    BlakBelt Member

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    i spent a few hours working on this,,so i just checked the thread --but i'll post what i put together..

    1.http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3574211&sku=CP1-DUO-E8400

    2.http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4459418&sku=B69-2038

    3.http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3404049&sku=O261-8038

    4.http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2937363&sku=TSD-160AS5

    5.http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3424759&sku=A107-1094

    6.http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4621083&sku=TC3J-2534

    7.http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-Details.asp?EdpNo=4398386
     
  7. redZoneOS

    redZoneOS Regular member

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    do you intend to shop at tigerdirect? just wondering because newegg is cheaper for most if not all of those items...

    anyway, I have no idea about your motherboard/video card choice, I'm pretty impartial to ati/intel... I don't think the 9600 GSO is a "great" vid card though, but should be good enough depending on what games you play...

    the E8400 is fine, but cheaper by about 20 dollars at newegg.com

    either case is fine, but why are you choosing such a large, expensive case????

    I dunno about the NZXT power supply brand, but I will never ever buy or recommend xion for cases OR power supplies...

    Get any corsair power supply and i can guarantee it will be leagues better then the xion.


     
  8. BlakBelt

    BlakBelt Member

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    1.i'll take a look at the website.newegg

    2.your saying u perfer [Ati Readon/with intel]?and the card was coming with Motherboard so i said ,,i'll settle..

    3.yeah i see it's cheaper but if i cant find all the stuff there then i stick with TDirect..u have nothing against them right,,your only pointing out whats cheaper..

    4.the motherboard recommend a full tower...

    5.what brand tower u would go for,,i dont mind following Mr.Cheaper as long as its good quality..could u link me with some newegg stuff..i'am also going 2 look up some now...trying 2 get this together by monday so i an start ordering...
     
  9. redZoneOS

    redZoneOS Regular member

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    1.i'll take a look at the website.newegg

    --- yea try to find everything you want to get on newegg, that way you can at least read the some product reviews, whether you purchase from there or not.

    2.your saying u perfer [Ati Readon/with intel]?and the card was coming with Motherboard so i said ,,i'll settle..

    --- yea i am an ati fanboy, not saying nvidia is a bad choice :) I think you're better off buying a good video card and a good motherboard separately though... you'll be able to choose better items, instead of "settling" for a combo bundle... and cost won't be that much more.

    3.yeah i see it's cheaper but if i cant find all the stuff there then i stick with TDirect..u have nothing against them right,,your only pointing out whats cheaper..

    --- I've only shopped once at tigerdirect... bought a pretty cheap barebones kit from there... case came dinged up, and psu died in 2 weeks..exchange policy was outrageous, even for damaged goods... just too much of a hassle for me so I went out and just bought replacements from a local microcenter... I've spend well over 5k dollars at newegg, only had to return items twice (bad motherboard, and bad ram stick)... both times I had my replacement parts in hand within a week... I personally will never shop anywhere but newegg unless the savings are substantial by shopping somewhere else. everyone has different opinions about stores, but I don't think anyone on any forum will ever say newegg is a bad choice :p

    4.the motherboard recommend a full tower...

    ---based on the link you provided earlier any mid to full tower will serve you well as long as it supports ATX motherboards, which most do.

    5.what brand tower u would go for,,i dont mind following Mr.Cheaper as long as its good quality..could u link me with some newegg stuff..i'am also going 2 look up some now...trying 2 get this together by monday so i an start ordering...

    ---i currently have a cooler master CM690... my friend has an antec 900, and if you want to go bigger, an antec 1200 is incredible... I think any antec, or thermaltake case will serve you very well... antec 900, 1200 or thermaltake armor series are awesome cases IMO...

    in any event you should choose the case based on your needs... if you really intend to significantly expand, by adding multiple HDDs etc, then get a large full tower (1200, armor)... if your current set up is gonna be pretty much it, then antec 900 will be MORE then enough, and maybe you can go a little smaller
     
  10. BlakBelt

    BlakBelt Member

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    1.MOBO...http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4316647&sku=P450-9122

    2.CPU...http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3574211&sku=CP1-DUO-E8400

    These guys are a few dollars more-...http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115036
    I just didn't feel up to shopping at to different stores//so i might stick with the E8400 or decide 2 go for the E8500..

    3.RAM...http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3228139&sku=C13-6082
    If theres a better RAM out there than these guys,,Do tell

    4.PSU...http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2522440&sku=A107-1088
    Will it support my motherboard ? Supports ATX Intel and AMD systems
    I like the idea of it /like it would be a great added part for my case.

    this is higher watt but cheaper price-...http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4559575&CatId=2533

    5.Case...http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1446794&sku=A107-1050

    6.HDD...http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2937363&sku=TSD-160AS5

    Now as for the motherboard and graphics card--
    1.Motherboard,,When upgrading in the future,i'll only be switching 2 the quad series,,i have no interest in going higher...
    2.It has its 8Gb which is as far as i would ever go,,and other features just like any other good board and i thought the price wasn't bad for a included start me off graphics card at a -so,so/not bad level card..do intend to upgrade shortly to a better card....

    I just came cross this,,so i'll be getting this as my Motherboard...http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4410107&CatId=1533
     
  11. Shamb1es

    Shamb1es Regular member

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    Sorry for going AWOL on your thread. Your MB looks like it's no longer carried. The CPU looks good, the E8400 is HUGELY popular due to how well it overclocks. The 8500 isn't much different performance wise but people have said it doesn't quite overclock as well. The RAM looks good, same chips I use. However if you plan on overclocking it would be wise to pick up some 1066Mhz memory. The PSU is a company I've never heard of and I don't trust, I would recommend this model instead. Don't read too much into the "rated" wattage for power supplies. You don't want to cheap out on a PSU as it can destroy your entire system. As far as PSU's go quality components from a reliable brand are more important than the wattage it's listed at. Cases aren't really a big deal. Mid-tower case size is good for you, but you could cheap out on it if you wanted to without many problems. I wouldn't recommend the Antec 300 as it has issues with interference on the front audio ports. Something like this cooler master would do fine.

    The HDD is a model that is two generations old. You can get more for less with the 7200.11 (Make sure the firmware is up to date on these puppies), or the 7200.12 which is likely out of your price range.

    I just looked at the last MB you listed. It looks like you listed an mATX board which are typically used in very small cases. You'll be better off with a full size ATX motherboard. Also integrated GPU's are generally worthless and you'd be better off picking up a budget MB like this and plopping a cheap dedicated GPU on it for now, something like the 4650.

    When picking out a motherboard you'll also have to decide if you're wanting to be putting GPU's in SLI or crossfire down the line. If you do want to go multi-GPU later on you'll need a board with more than one PCIEx16 slot, as well as support for specifically SLI or crossfire. If you're only going single GPU than the smaller PSU will be more than enough, if not though you'll want something a little more beefier.

    As you finalize your components I would also recommend pricing against newegg.com, or even using neweggs customer reviews as research tools to determine which components are good or not. I already know the case and GPU I listed are both 5$ cheaper on newegg so it can be worth splitting your order if you so choose.

    (If you've already ordered your parts before you've read my post don't be afraid to contact the vendor to cancel your order if you want to revise it, it takes them a couple days for the parts to actually get sent out.)
     
    Last edited: May 4, 2009
  12. redZoneOS

    redZoneOS Regular member

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    shamb1es gave very good suggestions for parts... I do have a few additional comments though.

    The corsair ram you chose is fine, but make sure you get the ones with timings that are 4-4-4-12... . the 1066 ram sticks are pretty useless for the added cost and I personally don't recommend them... odds are you'll never clock beyond 400-450 fsb anyway, and good ddr2-800 will easily get to those speeds... also the ram you chose is almost always available for 20-25 dollars, so make sure you don't pay 50.00 for it unless there's a rebate!!

    i agree with shamb1es choice of PSU... don't waste money on higher wattage... if you get a generic PSU with a 1000 watt rating, odds are based on true "scoring" they'll never reach that much output... buy a respectable brand, and we have both recommended a version of CORSAIR PSUs... Apevia is a very hit or miss brand, you can get lucky, but if you don't want to gamble with your 100.00 spend it on a corsair...for your system 550-700 watts will be WAY more then enough.

    you've changed your mobo/vid card plans significantly... what are your intentions? if you plan to do any semi-modern or better gaming you really should get a stand alone graphics card... you can get a ATI HD4850 for less then 100.00... pair that with a motherboard for around 100-130 dollars and you will have a fantastic system.

    Lastly, I still would go with the system I provided links to in my original post... change the cpu to your E8400, and ram to the corsair you chose to save some money... pick your own choice of case, and everything should work out beautifully for you. :p

    no worries if you have already ordered your items, ultimately it will all work just fine
     
    Last edited: May 5, 2009

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