8th Grader's First Build

jakedeez · Feb 26, 2006

GML3G0 said:
Asus Vento? You can do better than that. Look into Cooler Master, Silverstone, Lian Li, and Antec just to name a few.

Meh - Listen, no one is a bigger lian li !!!!!! then I, but he is 14, that asus case was designed for 14 yos - let him enjoy it.

As for your rig man, I would really suggest looking at an Opty 165, they are almost $150 or so cheaper then the 4400 and can usually overclock up to them no problem. That was you can afford to change out one of your drives for a raptor.

Also, like most people are saying, I think you maybe better off non-value series ram.

jackofalltrades · Feb 26, 2006

well I know that everyone thinks ultra power supplies are bad but I have one in my system and I have kept a 600 mhz overclock without changing voltage for a year no problems at all 3.0 ghz at 3.6 ghz w/ht smooth as silk. No problems with the power supply at all.

UltimaParadox · Feb 26, 2006

d0m said:
I have four choices of ram from G.Skill. My motherboard use PC3200 too. I'm also looking for dual channel ram. Heres my options:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...y=147&ATTR3=2010170147+1052107965&Order=price
What do you suggest?

Dual Channel RAM pairing are a gimmick as well, you have about the same amount of luck with buying two seperate sticks, if they are cheaper. The only benefit of getting the matched pairs is usually they are from the same batch, so either you get two great sticks, two mediocore sticks, or two crappy ones. Its not worth the extra money.

As for the PSU debate, I would also suggest a Seasonic or the Antec already suggested. Even though their have been some people advocating the Ultra ones, the fact still remains that they still originate from an older company known for making crap power supplies. A good read is located in the PSU subforums, when researching power supplies.

Besides that fun, the assembly of PCs these days are a cake walk

d0m · Feb 26, 2006

jakedeez said:
Meh - Listen, no one is a bigger lian li !!!!!! then I, but he is 14, that asus case was designed for 14 yos - let him enjoy it.

Lian Li has some nice cases, but they are really expensive to get a good decent one.

jakedeez said:
Also, like most people are saying, I think you maybe better off non-value series ram.

I think I found some better ram, and it has a slight price increase on what I currently want.
OCZ 4002048ELDCPE-K /2GB (2 x 1GB)/DDR 400 (PC 3200)/
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16820227210)

Edit:

UltimaParadoxAs said:
for the PSU debate, I would also suggest a Seasonic or the Antec already suggested. Even though their have been some people advocating the Ultra ones, the fact still remains that they still originate from an older company known for making crap power supplies. A good read is located in the PSU subforums, when researching power supplies.

How does a PC Power and Cooling Turbo-Cool 510 sound?
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817703001)
(http://www.pcpowercooling.com/products/viewproduct.php?show=T51SLI)

gerbiaNem · Feb 26, 2006

coffee33 said:
Good for you man! Finally someone that doesn't depend on parents for money, but what state allows you to work at 13?

Hey hey hey, there are plenty of people that don't use their parent's money. With a little washing dishes, tuning radio filters (don't ask), and a LOT of gambling, I was able to afford this whole setup and make about 1000x more per hour than both my parents combined

Of course that comes mostly from the gambling..

And he must live in South Africa working with those diamond mining kids

ChingChang · Feb 26, 2006

jackofalltrades said:
well I know that everyone thinks ultra power supplies are bad but I have one in my system and I have kept a 600 mhz overclock without changing voltage for a year no problems at all 3.0 ghz at 3.6 ghz w/ht smooth as silk. No problems with the power supply at all.

That doesn't prove that they are good. Some people use generic power supplies with no problems

Mayhs · Feb 26, 2006

serbiaNem said:
coffee33 said:

Good for you man! Finally someone that doesn't depend on parents for money, but what state allows you to work at 13?
QUOTE]

Hey hey hey, there are plenty of people that don't use their parent's money. With a little washing dishes, tuning radio filters (don't ask), and a LOT of gambling, I was able to afford this whole setup and make about 1000x more per hour than both my parents combined Of course that comes mostly from the gambling..

And he must live in South Africa working with those diamond mining kids

Click to expand...

wow...wanna teach me how to gamble?

yeh i was 14 when i built my first rig too...it was great fun

UltimaParadox · Feb 26, 2006

d0m said:
How does a PC Power and Cooling Turbo-Cool 510 sound?
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817703001)
(http://www.pcpowercooling.com/products/viewproduct.php?show=T51SLI)

Of course that is a great PSU and will serve you for many years, but you don't HAVE to spend that kind of money on a PSU. While PCP&C are considered the best PSUs, Seasonics and Antecs are pretty close for about half the price.

Rofl-Mic-Lofl · Feb 26, 2006

Then parents wouldnt help me out on a car because I spent all my money on a computer =\
But who needs to go outside when you got a sweet computer? That sun... it burns.

Tengis · Feb 26, 2006

Rofl-Mic-Lofl said:
Then parents wouldnt help me out on a car because I spent all my money on a computer =\
But who needs to go outside when you got a sweet computer?

Agreed.

My dream is to put a nice computer into a 1968 Firebird though...

. Best of both worlds.

jakedeez · Feb 26, 2006

jackofalltrades said:
well I know that everyone thinks ultra power supplies are bad but I have one in my system and I have kept a 600 mhz overclock without changing voltage for a year no problems at all 3.0 ghz at 3.6 ghz w/ht smooth as silk. No problems with the power supply at all.

The original ultra xconnects are good, but then they outsourced their manuf. to a really shoddy OEM in China for these huge price drops you see now. With that in mind, I wouldn't trust Ultra now...

d0m said:
Lian Li has some nice cases, but they are really expensive to get a good decent one.

I think I found some better ram, and it has a slight price increase on what I currently want.
OCZ 4002048ELDCPE-K /2GB (2 x 1GB)/DDR 400 (PC 3200)/
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16820227210)

Edit:

How does a PC Power and Cooling Turbo-Cool 510 sound?
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817703001)
(http://www.pcpowercooling.com/products/viewproduct.php?show=T51SLI)

I say get the Asus case, you saw it and as you said "were hooked" It doesn't matter what any of use think or say, if you like something you should really use it, don't listen to anyone if you know what you want. I mean for internal componets I would listen to input, but for something external like the case, go with what you like

As for the ram and psu - I don't think you could make a better choice, but thats just imo.

iSkylla · Feb 26, 2006

HighwayAssassins · Feb 26, 2006

jcll2002 said:
im in 9th grade and im 15

I am in college, and im 20.

jakedeez · Feb 26, 2006

iSkylla said:
I will just post the setup that I made for him.

Total Price: 2410.16 w/o Tax and Shipping

Wow, that seems like an awful lot for that setup... I think you could do WAY better in $/performance.

Rofl-Mic-Lofl · Feb 26, 2006

It's good, but theres definet areas he could squeeze a little out of and add more into the gfx card

lesman · Feb 26, 2006

HighwayAssassins said:
I am in college, and im 20.

I am not in college, and I'm 20. Hey...we're both 20.

gerbiaNem · Feb 26, 2006

lesman said:
I am not in college, and I'm 20. Hey...we're both 20.

Join the 20 club. I'm in college though, you're out of that club.

lesman · Feb 26, 2006

serbiaNem said:
Join the 20 club. I'm in college though, you're out of that club.

Dammit...well, umm....I have a full time job! That's an ok club...Not as many parties as the college club...but we get a christmas party....

d0m · Feb 27, 2006

I heard all good reviews from the current Ultra X2 PSU, but I've heard all the old models are shit. I didn't like the Sea Sonics, because the cables can't be removed from the psu. I really would like to get the PCP&C psu, but its out of my price range. I'm going to stick with the Ultra X2 because of the price, cable design, reviews, and the look of it. If it breaks or I mess it up, its my fault and I'll kick my self in the nuts over it.

UltimaParadox · Feb 27, 2006

d0m said:
I heard all good reviews from the current Ultra X2 PSU, but I've heard all the old models are shit. I didn't like the Sea Sonics, because the cables can't be removed from the psu. I really would like to get the PCP&C psu, but its out of my price range. I'm going to stick with the Ultra X2 because of the price, cable design, reviews, and the look of it. If it breaks or I mess it up, its my fault and I'll kick my self in the nuts over it.

That is always a bright way to look at. Modular PSUs are a nice idea, but I still do not think they are practical in the long run. To each their own though, as long as you have all the facts and determine what you think works best with you, it can't be really seen as a bad decision. Since in the end it is your money.

That being said, your PC looks pretty sweet, I wish I could afford a setup like that now myself. Enjoy

ChingChang · Feb 27, 2006

OCZ makes a modular 500+ w PSU for around $100 I think (modstream)
I don't know about the other manufacturers modular PSU's

GeForceX · Feb 27, 2006

The OCZ modular PSU's were known to be either problematic or picky. Not a safe bet.

-J.

mercedes-benz · Feb 27, 2006

Wow, man nice rig.
Where can you get a job in 8th grade?
I am having a hard time looking.
(also in 8th grade.)

Just built my first comp
So I was 13 (almost 14)

milktoast · Feb 27, 2006

If you are going to be doing some gaming and movie watching, I would recommend at least a 5.1 speaker system. Something like the Logitech Z-5500 would be better than the Z-2300 (2.1). I know they cost a lot more, but you might as well put that X-Fi to work.

By the way, what is your budget? I wish I could afford the rig you are building. I don't think I can even afford to have you mow my lawn.

Rofl-Mic-Lofl · Feb 27, 2006

I'm glad I use headsets and save money from not buying $200 speakers

ChingChang · Feb 27, 2006

I'm glad I use $200 speakers and don't wear headsets.

LstBrunnenG · Feb 27, 2006

Antec NeoPower480? Modular, cheap, and even the PSU nazis over at DFI-Street like it. For your rig 480 Watts should be more than enough, it powers the rig in my sig just fine. Does it all quiet as a whisper too. Just don't get a Neo HE and an Asus board, whatever you do. In fact, you may want to steer clear of the Neo HE alltogether

Failing that, if I were to buy a new PSU today, and I couldn't get a NeoPower480, I'd get an Enermax Liberty, probably the 500W version that's arund $100 at the 'egg. That thing's just plain sexy.

lesman · Feb 27, 2006

ChingChang said:
I'm glad I use $200 speakers and don't wear headsets.

I'm glad I use $79 speakers, and don't use $200 dollar speaker OR wear headsets!

iSkylla · Feb 27, 2006

Look what I added, 5.1 Speakers etc...

Deleted member 89137 · Feb 27, 2006

lesman said:
I'm glad I use $79 speakers, and don't use $200 dollar speaker OR wear headsets!

I'm glad I wear $80 headphones AND have $80 speakers

Oh my god, why is ultra in your system???? WTF

m3ta1head · Feb 27, 2006

I've heard Ultra are rebranded Powmax's....I can't confirm this so w/e, take a risk if you want to.

If you want something modular, personally I'd reccomend the Modstream 520.

And I built my first computer when I was 8. Some AMD k3, 96mb ram, 4gb HD...

The first *good* computer I built was a few years later:

AMD T-Bird 1ghz (was the OWNAGE!) @ 1.2ghz
ECS Crapo Socket A board
256mb SDRAM
ATI Rage 128->Matrox Parahelia->MX440->FX5600xt

After the video card upgrades I ditched the cpu/mobo for a Barton 2500+ and....oh god I'm ranting now, w/e

Deleted member 89137 · Feb 27, 2006

m3ta1head said:
I've heard Ultra are rebranded Powmax's....I can't confirm this so w/e, take a risk if you want to.

Even if that's not what they are, they are just in general shitty power supplies. Not even built solidly :/

Spazilton · Feb 27, 2006

Mayhs said:
wow...wanna teach me how to gamble?

yeh i was 14 when i built my first rig too...it was great fun

If you want to learn how to gamble...Buy an Ultra powersupply, and gamble all of your hardware!

InorganicMatter · Feb 27, 2006

Spazilton said:
If you want to learn how to gamble...Buy an Ultra powersupply, and gamble all of your hardware!

ROFL!

d0m, what is your budget? I don't remember seing any solid numbers...

Also, I started college at 17.....>_>

DejaWiz · Feb 27, 2006

d0m said:
Case - ASUS Vento 3600 Black
- I'm not going to change my mind on this case. I saw it in person, inside and out, and was hooked. I know its has limited hard drive(s) spaces and all the other cons. Also, do you think I will need to buy any additional fans with this to prevent overheating?

Processor - AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400+ 2.2GHz

Motherboard - ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe

OS - Microsoft Windows Media Center 2005

Power Supply - Ultra X2 Connect 550-Watt

RAM - OCZ 2GB (2 x 1GB) PC 3200 Dual Channel Platinum System Memory

HD - Western Digital WD1600JS 160GB SATA 3.0Gb/s, Western Digital WD2500KS 250GB SATA 3.0Gb/s

Video Card - eVGA Geforce 7800GT 256MB
- By the time I buy all the parts for my pc, the 7900 GT and GTX will already be out. So I'm hoping that the price of a 7800 GTX drops, or the price of a 7900 GT will be in my range. What is your thoughts?

Sound Card - Creative Labs Sound Blaster X-Fi
- I really love my music, and I want to best set-up possible for my price range. If I'm going to get good speakers, I might as well get a good soundcard. I know I could cut costs by exculding this, but I think I'm going to stick with it.

CD/DVD Burner - NEC DVD Burner ND-3550A

Speakers - Logitech Z-2300

Mouse - Logitech G5 Laser Mouse

Keyboard - Standard Microsoft Black Media Keyboard

Monitor - Dell UltraSharp 2005FPW Widescreen 20" LCD
- Hoping one day to get a 24" 2405FPW Dell Widescreen LCD with some extra cash and graduation money in the future. But I'm still keeping the 20" 2005FPW so I will be able to have a dual monitor system.

Mouse Pad - sUrface1030 Archetype

Headset - Logitech Extreme PC Gaming Headset

+ Anti-Static Band
Revisions are in red.

Also, how old were you when you built your first computer?

I was about the same age when I build my first computer. Upgraded my parents Packard Bell 8088 XT to an AMD 386SX-40, which meant replacing everything except for the floppy drives. That tiny case was hard to work with, but I got it all done in about an two hours.

As for my recommendations for your build:

CASE: I like the Vento. Keep that choice.

CPU: Get an X2 3800+ or an Opteron 165. At those speeds, you won't be able to tell the difference from them or the X2 4400+ as most games are gpu bound.

MOTHERBOARD: Decent choice, but a pricey one that has zero advantage over the standard SLI motherboards, but w/e. Keep an eye on some of the larger e-tailers and get the free eVGA SLI board with the 7800GT. Newegg has this deal going on right now. Can't beat it. Be sure to click the combo purchase option listed below the product pictures. $329 after $20 MIR for both the mobo and 7800GT.

OS: Your choice between MCE, Pro, and Home.

PSU: TPII-550 or Liberty 500. Maybe the S12-600 if you can find it on sale. Keep an eye on the [H]ot|Deals section.

RAM: Get the PC4000 (DDR500) memory. Almost all new motherboard BIOS's support it at full speed without the need to overclock the cpu. Gives you about 18% more bandwidth in real-world use for memory intensive apps, and that's a huge gain.

HDD: Can't go wrong with WD. Keep an eye out for a Seagate deal as well.

GPU: Get the eVGA 7800GT CO SE (part N516-AX, 460 core/1100 memory). About $250-270 with rebates right now. Unless you get the N519-AX (445 core/1070 memory) with the free SLI board.

AUDIO: Save a little cash and use the onboard. If it still isn't up to your muster, then you can always add the X-Fi in later on.

DVD BURNER: Can't go wrong with NEC. About the best drive out there.

SPEAKERS: Get the Logitech X-530 5.1's. They have served me, my girlfriend, and my roommate very well for games, music, and movies and are perfect for a home pc. Keep an eye on the [H]ot|Deals section and buy.com. Got both my gf and roommates sets for under $40 shipped. Unless you are getting Gigaworks or Klipsch to use as the audio staple in a mcpc/home theatre setup, anything more than the X-530's would be overkill for the everyday user, IMHO.

MOUSE: The G5 is nice, but you might want to consider the MX700, MX1000, or MX518 since they have the extra thumb button the G5/G7 lacks. Vital for web surfing (forward/back functions).

KEYBOARD: Keyboard is a keyboard is a keyboard when it comes right down to it....

LCD: Samsung or Dell are good choices you have there.

MOUSE PAD: I personally can not tell a difference with tracking between a $15 "gamers" mouse pad and the $2 classic cloth covered mouse pad. However YRMV.

HEADSET: Can't go wrong with Logitech. Solid performers.

ANTI-STATIC STRAP: Smart man! Kudos to you for getting one.

Enjoy your new system and be sure to come back here if you have any questions or need help with the build! Most of us are more than willing to lend a hand and help out if we can.

Tourke · Feb 27, 2006

d0m said:
I have my own job washing dishes and busing tables and in the summer I mow a lot of grass. I have been saving up for a computer for a very long time and I'm even paying for 100% of this. I'm not having "mommy and daddy" buy everything for me, my parents believe in earning your own possessions. I got bored with my xbox and my psp, so I sold them on ebay to get the money for my computer. After I build this, I'm going to start saving up for a car.

Anyways down to bussiness and enough of my boring life story. Heres all the specs of my dream pc. I'm not really looking to overclock anything. I plan to use this for gaming, homework, and even maybe watch a couple movies on the side. Suggestions and ideas are greatly appreciated!

Case - ASUS Vento 3600 Black
- I'm not going to change my mind on this case. I saw it in person, inside and out, and was hooked. I know its has limited hard drive(s) spaces and all the other cons. Also, do you think I will need to buy any additional fans with this to prevent overheating?
Processor - AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400+ 2.2GHz
Motherboard - ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe
OS - Microsoft Windows Media Center 2005
Power Supply - Ultra X2 Connect 550-Watt
RAM - OCZ 2GB (2 x 1GB) PC 3200 Dual Channel Platinum System Memory
HD - Western Digital WD1600JS 160GB SATA 3.0Gb/s, Western Digital WD2500KS 250GB SATA 3.0Gb/s
Video Card - eVGA Geforce 7800GT 256MB
- By the time I buy all the parts for my pc, the 7900 GT and GTX will already be out. So I'm hoping that the price of a 7800 GTX drops, or the price of a 7900 GT will be in my range. What is your thoughts?
Sound Card - Creative Labs Sound Blaster X-Fi
- I really love my music, and I want to best set-up possible for my price range. If I'm going to get good speakers, I might as well get a good soundcard. I know I could cut costs by exculding this, but I think I'm going to stick with it.
CD/DVD Burner - NEC DVD Burner ND-3550A
Speakers - Logitech Z-2300
Mouse - Logitech G5 Laser Mouse
Keyboard - Standard Microsoft Black Media Keyboard
Monitor - Dell UltraSharp 2005FPW Widescreen 20" LCD
- Hoping one day to get a 24" 2405FPW Dell Widescreen LCD with some extra cash and graduation money in the future. But I'm still keeping the 20" 2005FPW so I will be able to have a dual monitor system.
Mouse Pad - sUrface1030 Archetype
Headset - Logitech Extreme PC Gaming Headset
+ Anti-Static Band
Revisions are in red.

Also, how old were you when you built your first computer?
Thanks in advance!

I have looked at alot of reviews on the Vento, and it doesn't seem that great bud. I suggest changing to a Lian Li. I have the same motherboard you are wanting, and so far it has been perfect for me since I opened the box(July of 05), however you probably wont need the SLI feature, I still don't.
Get a Lian Li, if you LAN you will love me for it, the airflow is perfect, and the heat dissipation via aluminum design is wonderful.

I made my first comp when I was 12(and started playing EQ and UT at 11 hahahha)
AMD XP 2800+
DFI Lanparty NF2 Ultra
ATI 9500 Pro 128mb(best graphics card....ever)
2x 80gb WD IDE on raid 0
1gb of pc2100

I am 16 atm and build all the computers that I come accross including the ones for work(IT job).

Deleted member 89137 · Feb 27, 2006

I was 13 when I built my computer. I'm 14 now

GeForceX · Feb 27, 2006

lesman said:
I'm glad I use $79 speakers, and don't use $200 dollar speaker OR wear headsets!

Are you deaf? Or you like to listen to nature - birds chirping while you watch a Doom movie on your screen?

<3

-J.

Standpoint · Feb 27, 2006

Save some cash by buying an X2 3800 and OC it, get a standard mousepad. Use the savings to buy a game or three

Also, IMO get a cheaper mouse. You won't notice the difference.

I have an older, 'bad' Ultra X-Connect, and it is flawless. Never had an issue. I might be the only one that sticks up for it. Or I might just be the only one that has never had a problem.

lesman · Feb 27, 2006

GeForceX said:
Are you deaf? Or you like to listen to nature - birds chirping while you watch a Doom movie on your screen? <3

-J.

Nah, I save the big screen and 5.1 sound for the livingroom where I play games and watch DVD's at ear-ringing volumes!

8th Grader's First Build

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