Need help building that computer? Look no more.

kk, thanks. ill sell the FX for around £50-60 as i got it for £95 3 months ago, and seeing as it will be second hand. btw, does anyone have a recommedation as to where i can sell my card (in the uk lol). thought twice about ati as ive heard alot of bad things about them. anyway, ill get the 9600xt for £99 on the web. thanx for the help m8 :)...by the way, your computer setup looks amazing Pobz
 
lol kk, cclcomputers.biz is £10 cheaper so ill buy from there. thx for the help m8, i think i know sum1 who is clueless, or ill sell it in a market (shush) through a contact of mine ;)
 
Another good place to get stuff in the UK is

www.scan.co.uk

Its usually cheaper than dabs and they're a lot more helpful if you're nice ;)
 
Should also mention that when you install the mobo you MUST have the spacers that came with the case or mobo in first....also should mention formfactors, if you buy an atx case you can use about any MOBO, but there are some rare oddities out there (mini systems for example) that can only accept certain motherboard formfactors....and the here is a tip on what order to install drivers once windows is installed....FIRST get Service Pack 1 for windows installed, then chipset drivers, then everything else....it is the best way to assure stability.
 
This might sound noobish but since im also new to computer building/upgrades maybe not. What is the difference between AMD and intel?
 
i love canadacomputers.. I don't know any other stores that beats it's prices..
 
B.Calhoun said:
This might sound noobish but since im also new to computer building/upgrades maybe not. What is the difference between AMD and intel?
Click to expand...
Intel CPU's have a high 'GHz' but a low 'operations per second'.
AMD' CPU's don't have as high of 'GHz' but do more 'operations per second'.
They are about the same performance depending on what you do and what prgorams you use.

AMD has designed their CPUs with a shorter list of steps (pipelines), Intel has a longer list. Though when the CPU guesses what it needs for the steps wrong, it has to start all over. This gives an advatage to AMD when doing interactive tasks (Gaming and Desktop applications).
Intel uses HyperThreading and it's high clockspeed as its advantage in tasks that require little interaction like Workstation 3D Rendering and Audio/Video applications.

Overall, they perform similar but it really depends what type of applications you use. It can even come down to the specific application. E.G. AMD does win in some 3D Rendering and Audio/Video applications.

Athlon 64 is AMD's newest CPU that is a real solid performer across the board and excels in games. It does have 64bit but will only be used when installed with a 64bit OS (Windows XP 64Bit Edition).
Pentium 4 'E' Prescott (1MB L2 Cache) is Intel's newest CPU that is pushing new technology such as DDR2 and PCI-Express. Like 64Bit, it isn't something that makes a difference yet. Generally those that do not crave these 'new tech' parts now are waiting til that platform matures and choose to look at Intel's steady performer, Pentium 4 'C' Northwood (512KB L2 Cache).

You can look up benchmarks from places like:
Anandtech
Tom's Hardware
Tech Report
Xbit Labs
Just look for CPU articles or reviews.

I generally perfer AMD though. ;)
 
I too am looking for a new computer. My father got into a deal with Dell about 2 years ago. He pays around 110$ every month (drawn from his salary) for it for 24 months. The contract expires next month (september) so I'm looking for a new computer. Obviously, I've noticed that buying components separately is much cheaper than renting one from Dell etc.

My current specs are:
1.8 Ghz
1024 (4x256) gb RDRAM
120gb hdd
Radeon 9800pro 128mb (I bought this myself. Dell's card was a GeForce 3).

The thing is, Dell either wants the machine back or we'll have to buy it for around 650+$. That's what I would like as I can then take certain parts from to the new machine, therefore saving some money when I get the new one :E Sneaky.

The things I plan to keep is:
17" flat screen
Stereo + sub
Mouse
Keyboard
Radeon 9800pro (obviously)
HDD
DVD-RW + Floppy drive

The biggest problem is that I do not know what components to get ;( Things I need is a PCU, processor, processor fan, mobo, ram, a case & probably a new hdd (more is better). It stands between a Athlon64 (3500+) or a Northwood 3.4 Ghz atm. Also, there are so many different mobo's out there. I would prefer to have access to S-ATA & perhaps an integrated LAN. RAM should be at least 512mb (DDR I guess). Stands between either Kingston or Corsair right now. I already know what kind of a case I'd like (TT Xaser III non-lanfire/skull). HDD = Western Digital.

I've constructed one of these on a Swedish computer site (since that's probably where I'll order it from) called www.datorbutiken.se & the price tag got up to around ~1400$ (plus the price for buying the Dell-PC which my father pays). Seems like a good deal to me. Especially if you compare the specs & prices :thumbs: Biggest problem is, where do I find the money ;)

Edit: DDR2 & PCI-E/X would be nice for the future too. Is that Pentium-only thing?
 
Well, I'd reccomend corsair, simply because they oc alot better then kingston. And I wouldn't buy that dell, i'd just buy totally new components.
 
Yeah I've considered putting that money on the new comp instead but I fear a new screen (I prefer flats) costs more than what Dell wants for it. They only want ~60$ for it. A new one is far more expensive AFAIK. I'm considering buying a new mouse though so that adds to the "not buying the Dell computer" thingie :)
 
Sgt.Igneri said:
So heres that thread most of you new to PC hardware would love.

What you need:

1. Motherboard
2. CPU- If you buy a OEM CPU, it will not come with a HSF. A heatsink and fan is NEEDED. Retail CPU's include an HSF that will be fine. They also have a thermal pad ont he bottom so you will not need to purchase thermal compound.
3. RAM
4. Vid card
5. PSU (If case doesnt come with it)
6. Case
7. Hard drive
8. CD/DVD/CDRW etc drive

Specifically, Im only going to name one single place to buy from (for people in US, I dont know any international retailers so maybe someone could add on to this with UK and CDN stores) and this is Newegg. There is no ifs, ands and buts about it. Newegg is #1 for PC hardware.

Guide for building:

Alright, so you have all the stuff. A desk will be fine to work on. Just dont build on carpet, or near the god damned cat. You shouldnt need an anti static strap, but its pretty nifty and makes things easier for when you get up and come back. Besides that, just touch the case before touching the hardware and your fine.

Get out the mobo. You need to look at the diagram in your manual so you get familiar with important things. Know: CMOS, battery, dimms, CPU socket, AGP slot and PCI slots. Before starting, get your case out. Take the mobo and place it in the case. Match each mounting hole to the case. Mark each slot on the case with a sharpie (DONT MARK THE MOBO, lol) Place the mobo on the flat surface resting on the anti static bag it came in. Get out the CPU, lift the socket lever and insert the CPU (there is an arrow at the top right corner of the socket, which needs to match the arrow on the CPU so it goes in correctly. It will only fit one way, and it DOES NOT need ANY force. If your forcing it, your doing it wrong. Once its in close the lever. Get the heatsink, and a flathead screwdriver. Mount it as the diagram shows. Get the RAM and put it in the dimms. To enable dual channel (all new mobos include this feature) insert the RAM into either dimm #1 and #3 OR dimm #2 and dimm #4. Either will be fine.

Ok, get your I/O shield included with the mobo and exchange it with the one on the rear of the case. Mount your mobo in the case. Mount the Hard drive and CD drives, and set the jumpers on each (self explanatory) There should be a label on both things that show a diagram of how to set the jumpers corectly.

Run the jumpers from the case to the pins on your mobo (this is very tricky, they have to be in an exact order, your mobo manual shows this)

Get the vid card and insert it in the AGP slot. Insert any PCI cards you have.

Mount the PSU (if case didnt come wtih one)

Plug in all the power cables to:

Each fan
The 2 mobo power connectors
Your vid card, if needed
Hard drive
and any other things- lights, controllers, etc.

Get 2 IDE cables. Run one to the CD drive and the other to the hard drive (only if it isnt SATA or SCSI)

If its SATA get the SATA cable and run it from the mobo to the HDD.

Power her up!

Configure BIOS options (most likely keep default until you know more about these settings) Check the temperature in BIOS and make sure it is reasonable. Set the shut down temp to 60*C and CPUFAN failure setting to enabled.

Get the windows CD and install windows (self explanatory)

Thats about it.


eTailers(UK)

www.dabs.com
www.cclcomputers.biz
www.komplett.co.uk
www.overclockers.co.uk
www.overclock.co.uk

eTailers (US)

www.newegg.com

eTailers (pretty much anywhere)

www.ebuyer.com
Click to expand...


Could you add simply komplett.com to that list? It only shows the co.uk one but there's one for Sweden, Norway and a number of other european companies to buy from, and komplett is the "allaround" cheapest.
 
Asus said:
Athlon 64 is AMD's newest CPU that is a real solid performer across the board and excels in games. It does have 64bit but will only be used when installed with a 64bit OS (Windows XP 64Bit Edition).
Click to expand...
If I'm understanding correctly will the half-life 2 64bit client take advantage of the athlon 64 on its own? Or would you need windows64 as well as the 64bit hl2?
 
You would need Windows XP 64Bit Edition. They currently have a 1year long beta trial version of Windows XP 64Bit but drivers are hard to find.

It should be out as an OEM version late this year.
 
can u buy parts from canada but on a US web site like pricewatch.com

and they convert the money to CDN and take it off ur credit card?
 
marty905 said:
can u buy parts from canada but on a US web site like pricewatch.com

and they convert the money to CDN and take it off ur credit card?
Click to expand...

That depends on the site and their policies, so whatever site you had in mind, contact them and ask.
 
speaking as a us buyer. definitely pricewatch and resellerratings. but newegg is my old dependable. i've spent over 3 grand there, never got a bad part, never got the wrong item, shipping was always a day faster than they said it would be... v. nice place. of course that's just my experience. if someplace else seems to be reputable, well rated, have good policy i'll go there instead...
 
What is a good heatsink/fan for this?
AMD Athlon 64 3500+ socket 939
ASUS A8V Deluxe VIA K8T800 Pro Chipset socket 939
 
Thanks for the reply, the last time I built a computer was 2 years ago so I wasnt sure... Some people are complaining about the stock ones (such as getting 70+ degrees celcius), I dont want to fry my processor so I think it might be better to get an aftermarket one.
 
Can someone inform me what are good stable mobos for gamers with an A64 3000+ - 2800+ System?
 
IK have a question about that mobo is ...via better than nforce? Or are they about the same
 
Performance is about the same. VIA now released their new chipsets which allow PCI/AGP locking which is a must for OCing, Nvidia has had this for a while now.

The main differences between VIA and Nvidia boards would be stability and/or features. I perfer Nvidia boards but VIA does an awesome job as well.
 
Nvidia has made great motherboards for a while now, but VIA's K8T800 Chipset for A64 is awesome.
 
Witch 1 of these hard drives is better:

Hitachi 160GB 7200RPM Serial ATA 150 8MB Cache

MAXTOR 250GB 7200 RPM Serial ATA 150 8MB CACHE HARD DRIVE

Western Digital Raptor 36.7GB 10,000RPM Serial ATA 150 8MB Cache WD360GD

Western Digital Raptor 74GB 10,000RPM Serial ATA 150 8MB Cache WD740GD
 
If you want pure speed, go with the Western Digital Raptor 74GB 10,000RPM Serial ATA 150 8MB Cache WD740GD, they're the fastest hard drives, if you want a lot of storage but still good speed get the MAXTOR 250GB 7200 RPM Serial ATA 150 8MB CACHE HARD DRIVE.
 
For gaming, the Western Digital Raptor 74GB 10,000RPM Serial ATA 150 8MB Cache WD740GD. Actually, even faster and cheaper would be to get two Western Digital Raptor 36.7GB 10,000RPM Serial ATA 150 8MB Cache WD360GD and run them in RAID 0.
 
I'm not too sure what RAID 1 is for, but in your case you wouldn't be using RAID 1. RAID 0 is pretty much where you have 2 SATA hdd's and it makes them act as one hdd. The result means much faster speeds.
 
Actually the Hitachi is an extremely fast drive. The 74GB Raptor is the fastest out of the bunch while the 36GB is next.
 
But isn't it faster not to mention cheaper at least to run two 36gb WD Raptors in RAID 0?
 
and 1 more thing is there i site i could goto that would show me how to build a computer.
 
bosox188 said:
But isn't it faster not to mention cheaper at least to run two 36gb WD Raptors in RAID 0?
Click to expand...
Link
If you did RAID 0, I would highly recommend buying a PCI controller RAID card as they perform much better than onboard solutions.

Also, the 74GB is much quieter. ;)
RAID 0 is a great way to combine 2 drives that cost much less than one fast drive, like the Hitachi, Seagate, or Maxtor drives. Two raptors is a little overkill though. :)

That's what RAID is anyway, Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks. :E
 
i just built my first comp..its not that hard

i thoght it would be hard b/c of all the wires but it wasn't

now i got to go do bios and raid and other stuff, sounds hard :O
 
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