First Custom Build

[SeaDooSnipe]

So here is my first ever custom computer build, and i want to have some feedback on how well it will perform and if it is worth buying. So, here are all of the components:

Motherboard
Heat Sink
Video Card
Processor
Case
Fans
CD Drive
Hard Drive
Power Supply
RAM
Sound Card

I would also know what i am missing, so i can add it to the wishlist.

[metalmuncher]

Some glaring issues I see straight away:

1) The motherboard has an Intel atom on it permanently, so you couldn't use your C2Q.

2) The Case doesn't support the motherboard form factor - Get an ATX or MicroATX Mobo. Asus boards are usually good, what about this one: http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?inv...CSM-DT&cat=MBB

3) The heatsink you chose can't handle the C2Q that you chose, why not just use the heatsink that comes with the CPU?

4) Why a Quadro GPU? For games you'd be better with
http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?inv...HX1RUV&cat=VCD or
http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?inv...6AT-DT&cat=VCD

5) You've chosen a notebook cd/dvd drive. This wont work in your desktop, you need one that fits in a 5 1/4inch drive bay, it doesn't look like that site has one.

6) For most people, onboard sound is enough. Unless you doing a lot of audio-based work, drop the external sound card.

EDIT: I see your in the US, maybe getting your parts from http://www.newegg.com/ would be a good idea, looks much cheaper, so maybe you can add better parts.

[SeaDooSnipe]

Thank you SO much for the help. I will look at that other sites for other parts. I just love people like you that help noobs like me.
And also i do a lot of sound based work so i would need the sound card. And also just on that site alone, you saved me about $100, thank you.

---------- Post added at 07:28 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:21 AM ----------

One last question: Will they all work together correctly? Will all of the parts be working at their maximum capacity?

EDIT: Just was looking at www.newegg.com, and they are the same price or don't hold that product. So, i have a $600 budget, and it costs about $500 plus all of the wires which i haven't looked for yet. Thanks muncho.

[theneomaster]

Get AMD instead. Intel processors are way overrated and are only technically better than AMD because of its hyper-threading, which gives a 25% performance boost at best... and only noticeable during very heavy multitasking. AMD cost much less (you can get 6 cores for the price of 4 intel cores, and dual cores can be unlocked to quad cores), they are much better for overclocking and the stock cooler is actually a beast and is more than enough for a reasonable overclock.. even if you're not going to overclock, there's no need to buy an aftermarket cooler. I run an AMD 3.0ghz quadcore, I do a lot of blender graphical work and gaming, and not once has it let me down. It's run everything I've thrown at it, not at a billion FPS but more than enough. It's never overheated or failed in any way. It's been hard at work for two years, still working like new to this day and I love it. Especially after intel's sandy bridge crisis which has proved that intel's chips are overrated, overpriced and built down to a price, AMD is definitely the smarter choice right now.

Though if you do insist on buying Intel, you're making a mistake getting a C2Q. Core 2 quads are getting outdated now, I would more suggest an i5. If you can't afford it, I can't tell you how important it is to keep saving. I've been in that same position before, I've been £10 away from buying my dream computer, and I could buy it straight away by selecting a slightly slower CPU or RAM. No. Don't. If you're making a big purchase, get what you WANT. You'll only regret it.

Anyway, I hope this helps. If you need any help, feel free to add me on MSN. (pm me for the email, not giving it out here. spambots)

[SeaDooSnipe]

Well, i personally prefer to use Intel for me.... Is there any compatibility issues with any programs? If there aren't i will look more at AMD.

---------- Post added at 08:51 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:12 AM ----------

Ok, did some more research. Here is what i have so far.

Motherboard
Sound Card
CPU
Case
Power Supply
RAM
Hard Drive


This new list is from info gathered from you guys. So, what about the wires? What wires will i need? I have no idea and i bet i would miss about 2.

[slipknotmaggot]

Well, i personally prefer to use Intel for me.... Is there any compatibility issues with any programs? If there aren't i will look more at AMD.

---------- Post added at 08:51 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:12 AM ----------

Ok, did some more research. Here is what i have so far.

Motherboard
Sound Card
CPU
Case
Power Supply
RAM
Hard Drive


This new list is from info gathered from you guys. So, what about the wires? What wires will i need? I have no idea and i bet i would miss about 2.

Let me help you with this a little bit . The motherboard and the CPU are not compatible, the MB is for Intel and CPU is an AMD. Later, I will edit my post so I can post some components that I think will do you justice.

[Winter]

last post on the page not sure what your looking to spend tho

Help-buying-a-computer

[theneomaster]

Well, i personally prefer to use Intel for me.... Is there any compatibility issues with any programs? If there aren't i will look more at AMD.

No, there are no compatibility issues with programs at all.

[slipknotmaggot]

Ok Fat Cat, I made a list of components that I think would go nicely together. If there is anything I am forgetting or is not needed, will you or someone else speak up so I can change it up for you

P.S. : The motherboard can unlock your CPU's dormant cores, IF you are lucky and if you are able to unlock them or even one, be sure to run a program like Prime95.

The total(rounded up) is about $538.

[SeaDooSnipe]

Ok Fat Cat, I made a list of components that I think would go nicely together. If there is anything I am forgetting or is not needed, will you or someone else speak up so I can change it up for you

P.S. : The motherboard can unlock your CPU's dormant cores, IF you are lucky and if you are able to unlock them or even one, be sure to run a program like Prime95.

The total(rounded up) is about $538.

♥
Thank you so much. I may search other things too, like the hard drive, but god i love you.

---------- Post added at 07:03 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:53 AM ----------

FYI: The total cost is ~$622.

[slipknotmaggot]

♥
Thank you so much. I may search other things too, like the hard drive, but god i love you.

---------- Post added at 07:03 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:53 AM ----------

FYI: The total cost is ~$622.

You are very welcome! and hmm I guess I missed something when adding up lol.

[SeaDooSnipe]

You are very welcome! and hmm I guess I missed something when adding up lol.

Also i changed it from a dual core to a quad. Dual isn't enough for me.

[slipknotmaggot]

Also i changed it from a dual core to a quad. Dual isn't enough for me.

Ok, make sure that the CPU is the same socket as the motherboard is.

[SeaDooSnipe]

Ok, make sure that the CPU is the same socket as the motherboard is.

Well, here is the link to it. And also can you help me out with the wiring? I don't really know what wires to get and what not to get.

[slipknotmaggot]

Well, here is the link to it. And also can you help me out with the wiring? I don't really know what wires to get and what not to get.

That looks like it should work. Um off the top of my head, I think there wouldnt really be any wiring problems. All the wires(I think) are gonna be found with each of the components. But the only thing is that I am not 100% sure as I have not built a computer myself(but would love to).

[Jacknife]

Though if you do insist on buying Intel, you're making a mistake getting a C2Q. Core 2 quads are getting outdated now,)

Excuse me? I have a Core 2 Quad Q8200 and I can run Crysis 2 Demo maxxed all the way out in 1680x1050 resolution with 50+ FPS and all 4 of my cores never jump over 40%. Core 2 quads are NOT outdated. They can very well hold their own for the next few years or more.

@ Fat Cat,
Here's a modified list for you, with MUCH better parts. All of it is under $550
(You don't need to buy Windows 7, you can use whatever operating system you already have in your current PC)

Case - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811147153

Motherboard - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128444

CPU - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103824

Video Card - http://www.buy.com/prod/galaxy-gefor...211406925.html

RAM - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-278-_-Product

CD/DVD - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106289

PSU - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371021

HDD - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136073

All of this together is enough to chew through GTA 4 maxxed out with 50FPS or more. It's complete hax.

Also if you need any help putting it together, I can help you step-by-step through Skype or MSN. Just PM me if you're interested.

Also, you will NOT need an external sound card. You're not building a professional audio PC, you're building a gaming PC. That MB I linked has a PLENTY strong enough integrated sound card for Music or Audio producing.

@ Slipknotmaggot....that motherboard you linked him to is OLD and outdated...it has PS/2 ports for gods sake!

[SeaDooSnipe]

Ok, this is most likely what i will get. I bet i would need help with setting it up, like maybe actually do a video chat so you can see it.
But also remember that this won't be done for a few months, too.

[TheNewGuy]

instead of buying all of your parts new, go on ebay a get them. you wouldnt BELIEVE how much you'd save on all of the parts!! hell, u could even get some new parts for dirt cheap!

[SeaDooSnipe]

instead of buying all of your parts new, go on ebay a get them. you wouldnt BELIEVE how much you'd save on all of the parts!! hell, u could even get some new parts for dirt cheap!

No thanks. I want to know that they will work and also then i will have a 1 year warranty so if anything happens, i get some new parts for free.

[dieselfuelonly]

I would strongly recommend that you go to a good computer shop and have them build you a customer computer. Based on what I have seen in this thread I think you would probably struggle with the process of building a computer, especially when it comes to putting it all together. This isn't meant to be a stab at you, just an honest opinion that will save you money.

I work at a computer place and several times a week I see people come in with a bunch of jumbled up parts that appear to be a computer with a weird look on their face wondering why it won't work.

Don't waste your money on a computer from Best Buy or a big box store, look for a good local computer shop (they do still exist) and you can get a good machine with a warranty and components that you know are going to work together.