Computer shopping list

@OP
You are right
If he wants a long term gaming computer he should invest in a good proccessor that will run games good and he will just have to replace GPU when need be..

If he does go AMD its not worth getting the athlon's and the phenom x3.. Just get a phenom x4

Blah, only got about an hour of reading time tonight x_X Stupid mom's computer (ancient) is riddled with Chinese junk (we're azn btw) and I had to troubleshoot why the household printer wouldn't print.

One thing's for sure... unless I absolutely have to, I'm not taking the risk of a water cooling system. Anyone still looking at that for cooling options can forget about it until my next rig. K? K.

Some more questions below. Keep in mind this computer isn't going to be the final deal of my life, far from it.
--CPU, cores, and MOBOs are all separate components, right?
--USB sockets... where do those come from? I would assume they're integrated into some of the hardware components on my shopping list already, but then again I'm the dumb one xD I think I'll be needing at least three of them, but there are so many possible uses for them, who knows. I would like to avoid spending money just for these things if possible, since I imagine that some of the cost can be subsidized.
--I might have jumped the gun a little bit when I said I didn't need quad core. I understand that some amount of processing power is still needed when playing games, such as emulating physics. Still, I probably won't need a quad core, right?


Bed time for me again, bbl tomorrow...

Blah, only got about an hour of reading time tonight x_X Stupid mom's computer (ancient) is riddled with Chinese junk (we're azn btw) and I had to troubleshoot why the household printer wouldn't print.

One thing's for sure... unless I absolutely have to, I'm not taking the risk of a water cooling system. Anyone still looking at that for cooling options can forget about it until my next rig. K? K.

Some more questions below. Keep in mind this computer isn't going to be the final deal of my life, far from it.
--CPU, cores, and MOBOs are all separate components, right?
--USB sockets... where do those come from? I would assume they're integrated into some of the hardware components on my shopping list already, but then again I'm the dumb one xD I think I'll be needing at least three of them, but there are so many possible uses for them, who knows. I would like to avoid spending money just for these things if possible, since I imagine that some of the cost can be subsidized.
--I might have jumped the gun a little bit when I said I didn't need quad core. I understand that some amount of processing power is still needed when playing games, such as emulating physics. Still, I probably won't need a quad core, right?


Bed time for me again, bbl tomorrow...

CPUs are usually seperate from the motherboard. The term core refers to the amount of Logical processors a CPU maker places on a single CPU. The term dual-core and such all refer to the number of logical processors on the single CPU you buy and install. Dual = 2, Triple = 3, Quad = 4, and so on. Basically the more you have the better in some cases.

Motherboards usually come with about 4 to 6 USB ports which will be on the back of the PC itself, although some may be on the front in which a riser unit will be linked to a expansion port on the motherboard itself usually consisting of a Pin style hook up.

You might not need a quad-core but again if the price is right, try to get what you can. By realistic terms you probably could get by with a Dual-Core processor, however a Phenom X4 quad-core will be a bit better and give you more resources to draw from especially if you tend to have multiple programs running at one time. Resources are key especially when you have a modern OS like Windows 7 Ultimate and you are running an Anti-Virus, games, and maybe a web browser all at the same time and don't want any slow-downs.

Prices for good parts are dropping as newer bleeding edge hardware comes on the market. While the Athlon IIs and Phenom IIs are all the rage for industrial strength PCs and hardcore system builders, things like the Athlon X2s and Phenom X3s and X4 are going down in price because they aren't as new, but they are still viable for people wanting a good system for less money. You'll see a lot of good motherboards supporting specifications for example: AM2, AM2+, and AM3 style CPUs all on one board. The reason? Well upgradeability is one, but it's to allow people to have a choice of what kind of CPU they can afford to put in their machine for the right price if it is in their budget. Parts even 3 years old are still used by many builders because it's not only economical for their customer, but the hardware is viable and supports the performance levels they need.

MOBO (Motherboard) is the actual backbone of your system. It is the board where other pieces of hardware get attached to. Different boards support different "type" of CPUs.

CPU is the primary processing unit for your computer. Think of it as the brain. Your main concern is either to get an Intel one or an AMD one. This choice affects the motherboard you're getting, as the "socket"s are different. This somewhat extends to the CPU heatsink as well if you're going to get one. If you're planning to use a stock heatsink (default ones that come with the CPU), then dont worry about heatsink sockets.

A CPU is essentially a chip. Chip takes spaces. Nowaday, they're quite tiny, and you can have 2/4 chips on the same space previously required for 1 chip. This is what they meant by cores. Dual cores generally mean 2 chips in 1 CPU.

That's my understanding of these terms (which is most likely not technically accurate).

USB sockets generally comes built into the motherboard. Nowaday, there're about 6/8 in each MB at least, so you dont need to worry about not having enough USB sockets.

Also, most motherboards has a builtin sound card which should be decent enough if you're not doing any serious sound works. To save money, I'd suggest you just use the on-board (built into the motherboard) sound card. Personally, I do quite a bit of sound-related stuffs, but I still find the on-board sound card to be sufficient.

Budget: $750-$1000 or so? He can fit a GTX460 in there for sure.
Objective: A [SIZE=2]gaming [/SIZE]computer I can use for a long while. Not a hardcore top-line one; don't need Crysis on high specs.
A GTX460 and 5850 will both struggle running crysis completely maxed out on a standard 1080p monitor.
Overclocking may be used later on. Something a Phenom X4 9850 isn't capable of..

Skylit... what part of this did you not read?

Can I ask you the same question? You're the one who wrote an essay on how beneficial a quad core is and then later said it wasn't needed. Make up your mind please.

$750-1000 is way more than enough for build a half way decent gaming rig.

Please, with all due respect just stop. Leave the PC design to a license tech please who listens to the customer and not themselves

Yet you're recommending older and faulty hardware from 2007? Please stop acting full of yourself. You're CLEARLY having a hard time trying to back yourself up.

Honestly? Why would I have the OP waste his money when he could buy much better hardware for a little more or a little less than what you recommended?

I really don't give a crap if you're a licensed tech or not. You seem to know very little about the hardware and or stuff you're recommending.

Ati 4870 is not old
It performs much better than its rival the 5770 which costs a bit more... I have the 4870 as of now and it runs great no worries. But for bang for buck its Ati and their respin should be out faster then nvidia respin..
You're correct, the 4870 is slightly stronger than the 5770, but it also lacks DX 11 support while consuming more power and generating more heat. I didn't mean to offend you by saying the 4870 was outdated, but it's technically last generation hardware. The HD6000 series is around the corner.

FYI GTX 460 470 480 suck a lot more power just like the 280s. The only point when gtx 280s were good was when they were respin into 285s which fixed the power management and boosted performance..
Since the nvidia cards are generally new and Ati had the 5xxx series out for a year already expect a respin for them to out perform these cards..

It's the 465/470/480s(GF100 Cards) that suck power. The 460s (GF104) actually rival the 58xx series in power consumption and heat output.



Watercooling is not a fail but for budget builds like yours it costs 300 dollars alone for the basic stuff so better to put some awesome fans on a nice tower cooler.

This, but I wouldn't recommend it if you're not experienced with PCs.

Post more info later...

Good info from this guy

Also, most motherboards has a builtin sound card which should be decent enough if you're not doing any serious sound works. To save money, I'd suggest you just use the on-board (built into the motherboard) sound card. Personally, I do quite a bit of sound-related stuffs, but I still find the on-board sound card to be sufficient.

Agreed. On board Realtek HD ALC 889 is pretty good, although an add on sound card would sound way less muffled with good monitors. If you plan on running cheap $10-20 USD 3w speakers then it simply isn't worth the extra cost because it's going sound like crap anyway.

hey look I can boost my ego too! I actually have a degree in recording arts ^_^.

Sky I know more than enough to build any level of system including productivity computers, gaming computers, testing computers, enterprise servers, home servers, and even super computers. I also have enough knowledge to diagnose, repair, install, setup, configure, and troubleshoot any operating system from Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP, Vista, 7, Server 2003, Server 2008, as well as Linux, Solaris, and BSD based systems including Mac OS-X. I also know how to set up small business networks and home networks, as well as wireless networks and hotspots. I've built at least 25 different computers for various clients all of which used components the consumer described needing as well as their usage preferences and offered them levels of upgradeability for at least 5 years down the road when they could look into another computer system. I manage at least 50 different machines at my job including 2 servers, one primary and one a testing server. Oh and I have configured enough of these systems software-wise to discredit a few so-called PC techs some of my clients went to who did not have certifications, education, and experience. I've cleaned up viruses, malware, optimized systems, and even had the misfortune of cleanign up one so-called PC tech's usage of illegal and pirated software which not only included the OS itself, but at least 15 different programs in-use on the system totalling nearly 5,000 dollars in software. I even cleaned up one morons mess where he was distributing copies of AntiVirus2009 on several systems thinking it was a legit anti-virus program when it was actually malicious software. I also hold an AS degree in Computer Science as well as have CompTIA A+ 601 and 602 certifications. You think I don't know about hardware, and possibly even software? I know more than enough about hardware and software to recommend what I have for various clients, my job, and anyone I so chose to help. So if you want, let's discuss your credentials, education, and licenses.

And you think I really need to get help backing myself up? I'm still wondering when you're going to say anything about him not having a budget as I clearly pointed out. You said it yourself he didn't have one. Quote's right there... care to explain? Biggest question I've asked and you ignored it.

Stop the nerd fight!

I'll stop... but only if he answers my question, and with all due respect, answer the question. I don't want to hear what you read on Anandtech, Tom's Hardware, or some other biased benchmark promoting website. I don't want to know what you built in your basement, garage, or bedroom. I don't want to give reason after reason to backup anything else you keep droning on about. You said in paraphase, he isn't on a budget, when in the OP he said he was. Why would you say that when he said he was?

Sky I know more than enough to build any level of system including productivity computers, gaming computers, testing computers, enterprise servers, home servers, and even super computers. I also have enough knowledge to diagnose, repair, install, setup, configure, and troubleshoot any operating system from Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP, Vista, 7, Server 2003, Server 2008, as well as Linux, Solaris, and BSD based systems including Mac OS-X. I also know how to set up small business networks and home networks, as well as wireless networks and hotspots. I've built at least 25 different computers for various clients all of which used components the consumer described needing as well as their usage preferences and offered them levels of upgradeability for at least 5 years down the road when they could look into another computer system. I manage at least 50 different machines at my job including 2 servers, one primary and one a testing server. Oh and I have configured enough of these systems software-wise to discredit a few so-called PC techs some of my clients went to who did not have certifications, education, and experience. I've cleaned up viruses, malware, optimized systems, and even had the misfortune of cleanign up one so-called PC tech's usage of illegal and pirated software which not only included the OS itself, but at least 15 different programs in-use on the system totalling nearly 5,000 dollars in software. I even cleaned up one morons mess where he was distributing copies of AntiVirus2009 on several systems thinking it was a legit anti-virus program when it was actually malicious software. I also hold an AS degree in Computer Science as well as have CompTIA A+ 601 and 602 certifications. You think I don't know about hardware, and possibly even software? I know more than enough about hardware and software to recommend what I have for various clients, my job, and anyone I so chose to help. So if you want, let's discuss your credentials, education, and licenses.

And you think I really need to get help backing myself up? I'm still wondering when you're going to say anything about him not having a budget as I clearly pointed out. You said it yourself he didn't have one. Quote's right there... care to explain? Biggest question I've asked and you ignored it.

If you noticed, I stated $750-1000 was way more than enough. I don't consider that being on a real tight budget to be completely honest.

I have no doubt that you probably know and understand software and programs way better than I do, but hardware is a completely different ball game. I honestly don't want to fight with you about stupid crap like this, but I would like to help you and ultimately help the original poster with this build. Lets drop this little nerd fight and work together instead of me pointing out every little problem I see. I could be wrong for all I know so I want your input as to why you suggest the parts and I'll give you my input as to why such and such might be a better product.

deal?<3

.

I'll go with Skylit here and recommend the 5770 since it's really power efficient and quiet.

<3 my Sapphire 5770 Vapor-X

I didn't even recommend that or let alone anything yet.

I was just using it as an example to show the benefits of buying newer and more up to date technology for close or slightly more than what he/she recommended it. I even went as far as to showing the performance gap between products, but Jamie said the benchmarks were/are biased even when many other sites and or communities have and show simular results..

It's no secret that the G92 core of the 9800GT is starting to show it's age.

Sky I know more than enough to build any level of system including productivity computers, gaming computers, testing computers, enterprise servers, home servers, and even super computers. I also have enough knowledge to diagnose, repair, install, setup, configure, and troubleshoot any operating system from Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP, Vista, 7, Server 2003, Server 2008, as well as Linux, Solaris, and BSD based systems including Mac OS-X. Big deal, you can install windows. =o I also know how to set up small business networks and home networks, as well as wireless networks and hotspots.Wow, that sounds hard! I've built at least 25 different computers for various clients all of which used components the consumer described needing as well as their usage preferences and offered them levels of upgradeability for at least 5 years down the road when they could look into another computer system. I manage at least 50 different machines at my job including 2 servers, one primary and one a testing server. Oh and I have configured enough of these systems software-wise to discredit a few so-called PC techs some of my clients went to who did not have certifications, education, and experience. I've cleaned up viruses, malware, optimized systems, and even had the misfortune of cleanign up one so-called PC tech's usage of illegal and pirated software which not only included the OS itself, but at least 15 different programs in-use on the system totalling nearly 5,000 dollars in software.HOLY, WERE YOU OKAY, DID YOU NEED COUNSELLING??? Oh, I really don't get how your stuff with SOFTWARE, has to do with HARDWARE... There is a difference you know. If you're a professional I should hope you know that. I even cleaned up one morons mess where he was distributing copies of AntiVirus2009 on several systems thinking it was a legit anti-virus program when it was actually malicious software. I also hold an AS degree in Computer Science as well as have CompTIA A+ 601 and 602 certifications. You think I don't know about hardware, and possibly even software? I know more than enough about hardware and software to recommend what I have for various clients, my job, and anyone I so chose to help. So if you want, let's discuss your credentials, education, and licenses.You can suck at a job and still have it, as is clear in this case.

And you think I really need to get help backing myself up?Ya, you really do. I'm still wondering when you're going to say anything about him not having a budget as I clearly pointed out. You said it yourself he didn't have one. Quote's right there... care to explain? Biggest question I've asked and you ignored it.

HAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHHHAAAAAAAAAAA...

No, seriously I haven't laughed this hard in a while... There's what Skylit said, but he was being nice and ignoring half the crap you recommended. Oh, where to even start.

Seagate 320GB HD with a price tag of $45... Really? Bad company, low storage, high price.

The monitor... Just wow. 1280x1024. 5ms reponse. 17".... $140... I don't think explanation is needed.

Mouse, for a gaming comp, no. Just get a WMO if you want to be cheap. It's definitely the best you can get in that price range.

The speakers don't even bother. I've heard those and they rape your ears. If it's for gaming anyways use headphones.

Antivirus, wtp? Who uses that even? Don't buy.

The rest I believe were already argued against... But seriously the 9800 is crap. My $1200 laptop would run circles around that computer.

Kingston ValueRAM. I don't buy or recommend anything but Kingston RAM.

You happen to pick some of the most overpriced and weakest DD2 ram with a cas6 rating and all you have to say is you don't recommend anything but kingston? You are aware that you can find much faster and nicer DDR3 ram for around the same price right? While you're at it, you can replace that pos motherboard made out of legos

HAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHHHAAAAAAAAAAA...

No, seriously I haven't laughed this hard in a while... There's what Skylit said, but he was being nice and ignoring half the crap you recommended. Oh, where to even start.

Seagate 320GB HD with a price tag of $45... Really? Bad company, low storage, high price.

The monitor... Just wow. 1280x1024. 5ms reponse. 17".... $140... I don't think explanation is needed.

Mouse, for a gaming comp, no. Just get a WMO if you want to be cheap. It's definitely the best you can get in that price range.

The speakers don't even bother. I've heard those and they rape your ears. If it's for gaming anyways use headphones.

Antivirus, wtp? Who uses that even? Don't buy.

The rest I believe were already argued against... But seriously the 9800 is crap. My $1200 laptop would run circles around that computer.


You happen to pick some of the most overpriced and weakest DD2 ram with a cas6 rating and all you have to say is you don't recommend anything but kingston? You are aware that you can find much faster and nicer DDR3 ram for around the same price right? While you're at it, you can replace that pos motherboard made out of legos

Darn peanut gallery... always trying to be slick... sad...

Actually I have to laugh because recommending to NOT use an antivirus... goodness. *weak laugh*. Yeah and I want to hear from you six months down the road when you have all kinds of pop ups, spam, unknown pr0n, and weird programs running amok on your system. Good luck chump!

Anyway back to reality...

I could redesign the system Sky but I hate to drift out of onboard equipment too far especially the GPU. It's nice to have one as a emergency VGA in case the video card takes an unexpected dive off the deep end. Plus with the way Nvidia and ATI now have their SLI and CrossFire working with any onboard VGA as a helper GPU, you kinda have to pair them up...

I'll look into it a bit tomorrow and see what I can find. PM me with some good motherboards as well especially ones with onboard VGA and the ability to do hybrid SLI or CrossFire.

Darn peanut gallery... always trying to be slick... sad...

Actually I have to laugh because recommending to NOT use an antivirus... goodness. *weak laugh*. Yeah and I want to hear from you six months down the road when you have all kinds of pop ups, spam, unknown pr0n, and weird programs running amok on your system. Good luck chump!

Anyway back to reality...

I could redesign the system Sky but I hate to drift out of onboard equipment too far especially the GPU. It's nice to have one as a emergency VGA in case the video card takes an unexpected dive off the deep end. Plus with the way Nvidia and ATI now have their SLI and CrossFire working with any onboard VGA as a helper GPU, you kinda have to pair them up...

I'll look into it a bit tomorrow and see what I can find. PM me with some good motherboards as well especially ones with onboard VGA and the ability to do hybrid SLI or CrossFire.

I think he was just saying "You dont have to buy antivirus" which is true.. Avast is free and I dont have any issues with it or viruses.

I also hold a CompTIA A+ certificate. I took the courses in my Junior year of High School. I just fix up computers with viruses on my college campus for spare cash... meh

Darn peanut gallery... always trying to be slick... sad...

Actually I have to laugh because recommending to NOT use an antivirus... goodness. *weak laugh*. Yeah and I want to hear from you six months down the road when you have all kinds of pop ups, spam, unknown pr0n, and weird programs running amok on your system. Good luck chump!

Anyway back to reality...

I could redesign the system Sky but I hate to drift out of onboard equipment too far especially the GPU. It's nice to have one as a emergency VGA in case the video card takes an unexpected dive off the deep end. Not really a concern, but if it matters..
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-ATI-Radeon-X1300...5adad31ff6

Plus with the way Nvidia and ATI now have their SLI and CrossFire working with any onboard VGA as a helper GPU, you kinda have to pair them up...

Hybrid SLI and Crossfire only works with lower end cards IIRC. Using a 9800GT or something along the lines won't show any performance increases..

I'll look into it a bit tomorrow and see what I can find. PM me with some good motherboards as well especially ones with onboard VGA and the ability to do hybrid SLI or CrossFire.

I'm more concerned about vrm cooling. It's something that most of the lower end boards lack and is essential if you ever plan on overclocking. ;o

..

Darn peanut gallery... always trying to be slick... sad...

Actually I have to laugh because recommending to NOT use an antivirus... goodness. *weak laugh*. Yeah and I want to hear from you six months down the road when you have all kinds of pop ups, spam, unknown pr0n, and weird programs running amok on your system. Good luck chump!

Anyway back to reality...

I could redesign the system Sky but I hate to drift out of onboard equipment too far especially the GPU. It's nice to have one as a emergency VGA in case the video card takes an unexpected dive off the deep end. Plus with the way Nvidia and ATI now have their SLI and CrossFire working with any onboard VGA as a helper GPU, you kinda have to pair them up...

I'll look into it a bit tomorrow and see what I can find. PM me with some good motherboards as well especially ones with onboard VGA and the ability to do hybrid SLI or CrossFire.

You get viruses by being dumb, not by not having an anti virus program. Explain how my last computer I just retired ended up with 0 after years of use and heavy downloading. They're annoying, and do nothing if you aren't under 10 years old or over 50.

I like how you always ignore the parts which have anything to do with hardware and once again answer the software parts. Please feel free to go back and check everyone else's posts again and reply without just saying I'm right, you're wrong have something to back yourself up with. I doubt you can. And do that to the parts which are relevant to what the OP wants.

Chris you get viruses from anything on the internet. Hijacked websites, random flashware ads, javascript, text files, anything can have a virus and unknowingly infect a system. You don't have to be dumb to get a virus or some other form of malware.

And Chris, you could be a bit more respectful towards someone else. Sky and I did argue but with respect to each other, and now I actually wanting to work with him. You, never.

Chris you get viruses from anything on the internet. Hijacked websites, random flashware ads, javascript, text files, anything can have a virus and unknowingly infect a system. You don't have to be dumb to get a virus or some other form of malware.

And Chris, you could be a bit more respectful towards someone else. Sky and I did argue but with respect to each other, and now I actually wanting to work with him. You, never.

Haha, sure thing.

Let me explain myself through out this build.

Hard drive with decent RPM. I would like to do some pilot testing on Fraps and mass data processing for yet another future computer.

He stated that he likes to use fraps and has tons of data to transfer. The samsung f3's are the fastest and quietest 7200RPM drives you can buy at the moment. Samsung's RMA process is also one of the simplest out there.



WD blacks can't even touch that speed.

I picked a 23.6" Viewsonic TN panel because it's fairly priced among the competition. It also has built in 2w speakers and is something the Realtek HD ALC899 audio codec can drive easily without a problem. Oh btw, did I mention that it's 1080P?

Next we have a zotac GTX460 768mb. Although I would recommend oping for the more expensive 1GB version(faster card, higher bus, more ROPs), the performance, heat and power consumption are all where they should be. This card is also fairly priced at 155 USD with a $15 Mail in rebate. it will outperform a 5770 while closing in on ATI's 5850 in some nvidia optimized games. Oh and lifetime warranty.

The Antec truepower 750w is built off a Seasonic M12D platform. It's a great psu with the performance to back it up, ripple is at a minimum here.

That being said, the True New is once again an outstanding performer. Every last rail is doing better than 25mV of ripple. If this isn't the M12D platform, it's pretty darned close to being just as awesome. I'm doing my Snoopy dance again. Just you try and stop me.

heres the review. http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?nam...4&reid=140 I actually went and bought this unit myself after my CWT built corsair unit failed. CWT also builds thermaltakes toughpower line if you wanted to know a fun fact.

http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?nam...3&reid=172 As you can see, ripple is a problem here.


The Gskill Ecos, sound like an economy kit, but they actually use elpida bbse memory IC's which are capable of very high clocks on the deneb and Thuban IMC's. This memory is some of the best stuff you can get for the AMD platform at the moment. Carries the standard lifetime limited warranty.
http://hwbot.org/community/submission/10...125.42_mhz this record wouldn't be possible without them.

I chose the gigabyte 890FX motherboard because there was a nice combo deal with the phenom II X4 955. The board is probably among the top 3 AMD boards you can buy at the moment rivaling the Asus crosshair iv and the Biostar TA890FXE. IIRC, the GA890FX scored higher than a majority of the other boards in basic rendering and other benchmarks.

Last but not least, I chose the phenom II x4 955 due to its clock speed. if you're not overclocking, the AMD platform is typically better since it will show a smaller bottleneck on your graphics card. Between an i7 and phenom II, they're pretty neck and neck when it comes to max fps. I've had both.


I'm at >$900 After rebates atm. As for keyboard and mouse, those are things you can find anywhere at any time. I did not include a case because what I like might not be what you like. I find a majority of cheap plastic cases to be ugly.


If you want to critique go right ahead, but I would actually like to know why you think the stuff you suggest would be better for him.

Edit: I forgot a CD drive.

It's also possible to save a 100 bucks buy choosing a slower processor and or cheaper board, but you'll loose a good chunk of performance tbh lol

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