My Computer Build
 

Since everyone else has posted their builds I figure its my turn.

CPU:
Intel Core i7 920 - 2.66 GHZ
$199

Motherboard:
Foxconn Flaming Blade X58
$158

RAM:
6GB Triple Channel DDR3-1600mhz
$159

HDD:
WD Blue 500GB SATA
$52

Video Card:
PNY GeForce GT 220 -week i know but its good enough for now
1GB DDR2 GRAM HDMI OUT
$50

Case:
Thermaltake V3 Black Edition
$35

PSU:
CoolerMaster 500W Extreme Power Plus
$35

Windows 7 Pro X64
$65
(will be dual-booting with Linux)
TOTAL: $753 Before Tax

Monitor that I bought for X-mas:
Hannspree 25.1" with HDMI
$200

$953 w/ Monitor

I think I did pretty good - I plan to upgrade the Graphics card eventually and Overclock at some point - but I'm leaving it stock for now


Windows 7 is all setup but now its time to setup LinuxMint 8

a few pix:

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos...6_739606_n.jpg
http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs175...._6517696_n.jpg
http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs195...._1789501_n.jpg

Windows 7 Pro x64 was that cheap? Or was it an upgrade?

It was the Upgrade version

Linux is already installed

I'm DONE


http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos..._3949706_n.jpg

Sounds like a heluuva deal.:thumb:

Looks friggin sweet!

Thanks

Check out the Bios boot screen

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos..._7975733_n.jpg

you are such a geek LMAO

But on the other hand this weekend I'll spend a lot of my weekend installing Windows 2008 R2 server on a box and then putting VMware's Vsphere 4.0 on it then installing a bunch of linux OS flavors in the VM's. My Linux skills suck and I need to improve that part of my skill set.

sweet rig
under a grand with 25" nice job

Thanks guys.

I haven't had/build me a top of the line machine since 1998 when Pentium II MMX were the bad ass thing :D

My desktop had been a Pentium 4 2ghz with 1gb ram and onboard video that is now retiring to be my ampache / torrentflux server
so needless to say i was over due for an upgrade esp. since I am a huge nerd.


I added 3 more case fans with blue LEDs just for shits and giggles and i'm not sure what to do next.

@BRC

let me know if you have any linux questions id do my best to help ya out if you needed it.

Decided to go with a SUSE and Ubuntu builds to start with. Join a domain, set up a webserver, patching, mount some "stuff" etc on each.

Well my $50 Video card crapped out on me

Last 2 years so I guess I got my Money worth

Ordered an XFX Double D Radeon 6790 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814150534

1GB GDDR5 - all the bells and whistles etc

Should last for a while

Well the new 6790 - brought out the pure suck that is my current PSU
The Coolermaster 500W was a dud... thats what I get for cheeping out to start with

I did it right this time -
Ordered a Corsair Professional Series 650HX - 650W Modular Powersupply.. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139012 - 106 shipped with the sale and promo code - and there is a $10 rebate on it too

Hey guys, I don't know much how building a computer and I am trying to change that. I want to build it mainly for photoshop and aftereffects. Is this a good start? Does everything match up? Any help will be much appreciated

Processor---Intel Core i3 3220 Dual-Core + Hyper-Threading 3.3GHz- 119---Amazon

Motherboard---ASRock B75M-DGS LGA1155 SATA 6Gb/s USB3 Micro-ATX – 63---Newegg

Memory--- Crucial 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Desktop Memory Model CT2KIT51264BA1339– 49 Newegg

Video Card--- ASUS ENGTX560 DCII OC/2DI/1GD5 GeForce GTX 560 (Fermi) 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card -170 Newegg

Hard Drive--- Seagate Barracuda ST31000524AS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive – 82---Newegg

DVD Burner--- ASUS DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS Black SATA 24X DVD Burner - Bulk - OEM – 21---Newegg

Power Supply--- CORSAIR Builder Series CX430 430W ATX12V v2.3 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply – 46 ---Newegg

Case---Rosewill R5 3x120mm USB 3.0 Fan Controller – 80---Newegg

Fan---Included with Processor

Monitor-- Asus Vs247 HP 24" – 180- Walmart

Printer-- HP Deskjet 3526 Smartphone and Tablet Wireless All-in-One Printer w/ Bonus 4GB USB Flash Drive Value Bundle –60---Walmart

Rosewill RCR-IC001 40-in-1 USB 2.0 3.5" Internal Card Reader w/ USB Port / Extra Silver Face Plate -11—Newegg

Windows 7 – 70--snaggsuff.com

Total $881.00 plus tax

Edit: I have a mouse and keyboard already

Get a bigger power supply.

I'd forget about getting a i3 CPU... I'd go with a i5 at minimum. I'll link you to a good one that matches the socket type of your motherboard.
I'd also suggest looking at another case and dishing out some extra money for a SSD -- you can get a 128GB SSD for just over $100 now. Your operating system and apps (photoshop) will thank you. Still get a sata HDD for storage though.

Here's a good CPU - i5 2500k is a fantastic processor.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115072

I'd also look at getting another heatsink that what is provided --- The Cooler Master 212 Plus is a BEAST and a fantastic value.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835103065

Thank you

What kind of case?

Yep, don't skimp on the PSU.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119233

You're welcome.

Yeah, that's a good case. I've put together a build with that case before.

Indeed. I use this case with my main rig. Absolutely love it. Stylish, good features you want with a modern chassis, and a unbeatable value.

Thank you.......Okay what about the updated list?

Processor--- Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 3000 BX80623I52500K ---225 Newegg

Motherboard---ASRock B75M-DGS LGA1155 SATA 6Gb/s USB3 Micro-ATX – 63---Newegg

Memory--- Crucial 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Desktop Memory Model CT2KIT51264BA1339– 49 Newegg

Video Card--- ASUS ENGTX560 DCII OC/2DI/1GD5 GeForce GTX 560 (Fermi) 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card -170 Newegg

Hard Drive--- Seagate Barracuda ST31000524AS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive – 82---Newegg

SAMSUNG 840 Series MZ-7TD120BW 2.5" 120GB SATA III Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) – 99 ---Newegg

DVD Burner--- ASUS DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS Black SATA 24X DVD Burner - Bulk - OEM – 21---Newegg

Power Supply-- SeaSonic M12II 620 Bronze 620W ATX12V V2.3 / EPS 12V V2.91 SLI Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular Active PFC– 80 Newegg

Case--- COOLER MASTER HAF 912 RC-912-KKN1 Black SECC/ ABS Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case Controller – 50---Newegg

COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus RR-B10-212P-G1 "Heatpipe Direct Contact" Long Life Sleeve 120mm CPU Cooler Compatible with Intel 1366/1155/775 and AMD FM1/FM2/AM3+ 30--Newegg

Monitor-- Asus Vs247 HP – 180- Walmart

Printer-- HP Deskjet 3526 Smartphone and Tablet Wireless All-in-One Printer w/ Bonus 4GB USB Flash Drive Value Bundle –60---Walmart

Rosewill RCR-IC001 40-in-1 USB 2.0 3.5" Internal Card Reader w/ USB Port / Extra Silver Face Plate -11—Newegg

Windows 7 – 70--snaggsuff.com

Total $1190.00 plus tax

wonder how much it would cost to build, or buy, a computer strictly for gaming.

I love MS Flight Simulator, but my laptop just doesn't cut it anymore.
I would love to set up a nice big monitor and get throttole, yoke, electrical mounted etc.

Looks good -- quality build. You can also get $10 off your newegg order today if you're a new customer. Enter promo code "NEWCUSTOMER" at checkout.
Also, when it comes time to put this thing together - there are plenty of videos online (newegg and youtube) showing you how to assemble (that heatsink will throw you at first).

You might want to add some thermal paste to your shopping cart as well -- apply to your CPU before setting the heatsink.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835100014

You put it directly on the unit?

Most of the new CPU fans you buy these days have a layer of thermal paste already on the heatsink. But yeah, get thermal paste otherwise. That's a very important step....

you apply the paste to the top of the CPU after you set it in the motherboard. You then set the heatsink on top of the cpu -- the paste sits between CPU and heatsink.

Again, there are PLENTY of videos on youtube and newegg that will help you with this.

Yeah, a lot of them come with a thin layer of thermal compound already applied.

If you end up having to use your own, BE CAREFUL.

You need to make sure the surface is completely and evenly covered. But you absolutely do not want to use too much.

Thank you guys for your help. I'll be back with more questions and updates as time passes.

What is the difference between building the machine I posted and buying this one from Dell?
Customizable XPS 8500

Dell Wireless 1703 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth v4.0+LE
Integrated 7.1 with WAVE MAXXAudio 4
Dell Laser Mouse
Dell KB213 Wired Multimedia Keyboard, US-English
16X CD/DVD burner
AMD Radeon™ HD 7770 2GB GDDR5
2TB 7200 RPM SATA Hard Drive 6.0 Gb/s
Memory 12GB Dual Channel DD.
Windows 8, 64-bit, English
3rd Generation Intel® Core™ i7-3770 processor (up to 3.90 GHz)

Price 949.00

Cheaper quality parts. Very little room for upgrading or adding additional components. Less fun...

No room for future upgrades and you'll be getting much lower quality parts.

edit: no learning experience.

Okay, thank you

I have the HAF 912 case and it was over $100 when I bought it in 2010.

Its a really great case.

Agreed on the CPU, at least a i5, but really, if you can afford it, get an i7. Especially for you are wanting to do.

Just my kind of questions~

What you have is a good budget build, right now that I-5 2500k is still THE dominating budget CPU, especially with a nice big fat overclock. The rest looks ok, but definitely wont be top tier and will grow obsolete sooner than later.

Please, please do not buy OEM. The OEM parts are trash, plain and simple.

I'm using the HAF X and its great. Gigantic, but a great case.

Have the case and the heat sink that you recommended in this thread.

Both great, great values.

And I'm a ****ing liar.

I have a HAF 922 and it's still $100.

Sorry.

:thumb:

I started with an 800 budget for a store bought computer. Now I'm at 1200 for a build. At this point I'm really not trying to go higher, but thank you for the tip on the i7

Here is another question, it was suggested that I get a SSD, is that for ALL of my apps or just a couple?

That's up to you and what size SSD you get.
I'd say it's only necessary for your operating system and whatever applications you plan on using the most (adobe photoshop and aftereffects).

Thank you

If you get large enough to fit your adobe products on it, they will benefit from it. Stuff like word and excel can do without.

The nice thing is that 1TB drives are so cheap now, you can add them as you need them down the road at a minimal cost.

Did you mean to quote me?

Hey, I noticed that my motherboard says "micro Atx" but my case just says "ATX" is that a problem

No.

Just read the instructions supplied to make sure you are using the correct mounting points on your case.

cool, thanks

Does this include windows 7? I found a copy of it for 70bucks but it is OEM, does that matter?

I'm referring to hardware, windows 7 oem is probably a system builders copy without the fancy case and stuff. Perfect for you.

Thank you

Could someone look this over once more to make sure it's right? I'm pulling the trigger today. Any feedback is much appreciated.

COOLER MASTER HAF 912 RC-912-KKN1 Black SECC/ ABS Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

LG 24X DVD Burner - Bare Drive Black SATA Model GH24NS95 - OEM

Seagate Barracuda ST31000524AS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

EVGA 01G-P4-2650-KR GeForce GTX 650 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card

SeaSonic M12II 620 Bronze 620W ATX12V V2.3 / EPS 12V V2.91 SLI Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply

Logitech MK120 Black USB Wired Slim Desktop

Arctic Silver Arctic Alumina 1.75g Premium Ceramic, Polysynthetic thermal compound AA-1.75G

Crucial 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Desktop Memory Model CT2KIT51264BA1339


COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus RR-B10-212P-G1 "Heatpipe Direct Contact" Long Life Sleeve 120mm CPU Cooler Compatible with Intel 1366/1155/775 and AMD FM1/FM2/AM3+

SAMSUNG 840 Series MZ-7TD120BW 2.5" 120GB SATA III Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)

ASUS P8Z77-V LK LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard with UEFI BIOS


Intel Core i5-3570K Ivy Bridge 3.4GHz (3.8GHz Turbo) LGA 1155 77W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 4000 BX80637I53570K

You're going to want to up that PSU to at least 650 to push that video card - See my earlier posts ;-)

His 620 PSU will be fine....

That GPU would run on a 400 watt PSU

Yea, PSU will be fine. Fortunately todays CPUs and GPUs pretty much run on no power at all unless under load, so that saves on total consumption~

That 650 paired with your ivy core will do great. The ivy core has a built in GPU to the chip which will run in conjunction with your standalone GPU, and in certain cases has seen enormous increase in some situations, and at least some gains no matter what you are doing. I'm a little bit jealous of ivy cores~

I was looking at old specs I guess- I thought i saw a 400 PSU

Thanks guys I got everything with the exception of Windows (that should be in tomorrow), but I have another question. The case comes with two fans one do I need another on top. I don't plan to do any gaming so is it necessary. There will be a total of four fans inside: the two that come with the case, one on the gpu and one on the cpu, is the top fan necessary?

you need as much cooling as you can get. Look up some different options, you can run negative or positive airflow. More cooling = longer life

I see a lot of people here are going with an Intel type processor. Has AMD fallen that far behind? I thought their 8 core was supposed to be decent. Or instead of cores should I be looking at processing speed? Currently have a 4 core Phenom II 955 sitting at 3.2 MHZ

AMD sucks donkey balls for high intensity processing, like gaming, when compared to the Intel Sandy and Ivy core processors. Even going back to the Q series they where starting to get way behind Intel.

They are definitely cheaper though, and do fine in office/grandma/teenage girl type use~

Nope. You'll be fine with the two fans and heat sink. I have the same case and over clock -- our cooling is identical. My system runs cool.
No need for more with what you're using it for.

Well I took your advice and went and got a new motherboard and CPU. Intel I5 gen 3 2500k processor. Seems to be running a lot better already then the Phenom II. Looking forward to learning more about overclocking and stuff for this chip.

Thanks again for the help.

I5-2500k is a great processor. Best performance value in some time.

You made a good choice, even though the i5 2500k has been out for some time, its still an extremely powerful processor and the best value gaming processor out there. Not to mention it overclocks like a beast and can handle massive temps. They are easy to OC (have you ever tried to OC an old AMD thunderbird? LOL!) and with the right setup you can easily get a stable oc in the low/mid 4s if you want. Depending on the Mobo you went with, there may be an automatic OC feature in the BIOS that you can use if you want, or even use and then tweak from there while you are learning.

Your goal is biggest OC, with lowest voltages while still being stable.

I had alot more typed out but decided not to give an overclocking seminar just yet. You should be able to figure it out with a little patience and google~

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/artic...Review/1163/16

THE BUILD IS COMPLETE AND THE COMPUTER IS A MUTHA****IN BEAST!!!

Thank you very much to everyone that helped along the way. You guys ****ing rock!!!

Right on!
How's your cable management inside that HAF? :)

Awesome. I like being able to put all of the cable behind everything. Thanks for your help.

For a while, I was in the MSI user community HoF with my overclock of an X2 6000+. :D

AMD is a bitch to overclock.