NOVICE to computer building...would like some feedback on my possible setup!!

[twinturbovenom]

Hey guys,

Well I am planning to build a new computer for myself. This is the 2nd computer I've built, so I am still pretty new to it.

My budget is $1000 - $1100 shipping not included

Here is what I have so far for $999.37 w.o shipping from various sites (www.newegg wasn't the cheapest for most - so I visited other sites)

• AMD X2 4400+ Winchester Core
• 1 GIG Corsair PC 3200 XMS
• ATI X850XT PE (Or maybe I might get a refubr Nvidia 7800 GT - which one?)
• 160 GIG Western Digital Caviar SE
• 500 Watt Thermaltake PSU
• Sony DVD +/- RW
• ATX Window Case (~50 bucks)

Hopefully want to fit in:

• Sound Blaster Audigy 4 (Is there a gamer variant? Does it cost more?)
• Logitech Wireless Mouse/Keyboard (the laser mouse and whatever decent keyboard - have not figured out htis part yet)

And I will add a 80 Gig HD from my old PC

So how is that for 1000 - 1100 bucks? What should I improve/spend less money on?

Also, I need decent 2.1 or 5.1 speakers for ~50 bucks (preferaably Logitech) and I also need a GOOD recommendation for a very value friendly AMD X2+ Motherboard. I was thinking the Gigabyte which was like 90 bucks, but I don't know how good it is. I have right now in my current system a Gigabyte motherboard and that has never failed me.

I would appreciate any and ALL comments! Thanks.

[project187]

lo m8 this is an english forum i think so what you have just listed was well cheap to me lol,
nice setup though mate,
as for the motherboard the asus 939 series are all good i tihnk so consider thoses

[RavenNight]

Yep I recommend my Asus A8N-SLi Deluxe, is awesome. I'd go for the 7800GT over the ATi. Also I'd go for a Hiper, Tagan or Seasonic over the Thermaltake PSU. Also I would go for an X-FI Xtreme Music soundcard over the Audigy 4. More features and better interface for similair cost.

[merlin2001]

I agree on going for a 7800GT (or X1800XL if you can find them for a similiar price in the US - not sure what the differential is there) even if you have to drop the CPU to the next speed down. would offer a better balance of CPU/GFX performance(imho). however, the biggest question to be answered is: what are you planning to do with your machine? i would spec out a gaming machine built to a budget very differantly to one going to be used for complex physics modelling...

[nvening]

I third the 7800GT, the X850 is previous gen and previous gen ATI which means no Shader Model 3 or HDR

[twinturbovenom]

Well i decided to pig out on this PC!

I have (or my parents) have given me around $1800 to play with so this is what I am getting roughly:

AMD X2+ 4400+
2 GIG Crucial Ballistix
ASUS ATI RADEON X1900XTX 512MB
AUDIGY X-FI SOUND CARD
ASUS A8N-SLI
PLEXTOR DVD BURNER
GIGABYTE 3D AURORA CASE

Anyway, hopefully that is what it is going to be. Its a really big improvement lol. Thanks for all the help guys!

[Nox]

I would get a new HD over the extra sound card

Nox

[herulach]

I wish i lived in america, i want that kind of spec for 1100 quid. I bet it would cost the same to fly there and buy the kit as it would to buy it here.

[RavenNight]

Noooo, don't swap the soundcard! The X-Fi is superb, i love mine, the quality is just fantastic.

[merlin2001]

also don't forget to budget for the little bits and bobs that add up. cables, better cooling etc. (also, you had a PSU in your 1st list and not in your second).
also - what about a new mouse and keyboard? there's no sense having a lightning fast PC if your inputs to control it aren't up for the job...

[NightshadowUK]

Isn't X-Fi only worth it if you have an excellent speaker system / play games (via headphones) that support it?

[Hans Voralberg]

More games start to support it, and the sound enhancement for music is better IMO

[NightshadowUK]

Even through 2.1 speakers?? 'Cause I wouldn't mind enhanced music...

[Silent Shark]

I recommend Logitech X-530 speakers. They provide good qualtiy and volume/bass levels, whilst being reasonably priced.

Gigabyte motherboards also get the thumbs up from me, I have 4 (one from my old PC, not being used anymore).

7800GT gets my thumbs up too.

Keyboard/Mouse i'd recommend the Logitech MX3100 if you can get it. It's a hard thing to track down.

There's a gamers version of the Creative X-Fi card, go for that.

3d Aurora case is fantastic. Highly recommended!

With such a powerful CPU(s), you've only got 1gig of ram. I'd go for 2, otherwise you might run into bottlenecking problems.

If I think of anything else I'll post more.

[twinturbovenom]

I recommend Logitech X-530 speakers. They provide good qualtiy and volume/bass levels, whilst being reasonably priced.

There's a gamers version of the Creative X-Fi card, go for that.

3d Aurora case is fantastic. Highly recommended!

With such a powerful CPU(s), you've only got 1gig of ram. I'd go for 2, otherwise you might run into bottlenecking problems.

Thanks for the advice. I am going definately now with the gamers version X-Fi, but it has no Live Drive on front does it?! At least I didn't see one..

Definately love the case, but I was seriously thinking about the Lian-Li PC V2000. That is one awesome case. (http://www.voyeurmods.com/index.php?...=2&prevstart=0)

Look at that case above, that is my dream. Might get that if I can convince parents watercooling is good and that I have to buy one pre-made because I can't do it myself. It is expensive though...

And I am adding in 2 gigs of Corsair XMS like you said, well 1 gig is Corsair XMS, one gig is Crucial Ballistix.

And as for speakers, going with a refurb set of Logitech Z-680. AWESOME deal (only $105) and great speakers.

I won't be ordering all the products until probably March because we are going on a family ttrip to Saudi Arabia, but I will probably order it then. That gives me time to work for that case..It is amazing.