Help me build my computer.

[Eldpollard]

So I've decided to build my own computer, however I want to make sure all my components are compatible before I buy them. So I'm going to need you wonderful forum goers to help me with this.
The motherboard specs
Processor/Socket
Processor: AMD Athlon 64 / AMD Athlon 64 FX / Sempron
Socket Type: 939

Chipset
Chipset: nVidia nForce4 SLI

Memory
Interface: DIMM 184pin (DDR)
Standards: PC3200, PC2700, PC2100
Number of Slots: 4 (2x Dual Channel)
Maximum Capacity: 4GB

Form Factor
ATX Size 305mm*244mm

Expansion
PCI-E x16: 2 (SLI mode: x8/x8)
PCI-E x1: 1

PCI: 3

Audio
Realtek 8-Channel audio

LAN
VIA DUAL 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet

Rear Panel I/O
1x PS/2 Keyboard & PS/2 Mouse Connectors
4x USB 2.0 Ports
2x RJ45 LAN
2x Digital SPDIF (Optical and Coaxial) Out 1x Serial (COM) port
1x Audio Port (Line-In, Line-Out, Mic-In)

Internal I/O
1 x 24-pin ATX Power Supply connector
1 x 4-pin ATX 12V connector
1 x Aux 4-pin +12V connector
1 x Floppy (FDD) connector
2 x IDE connectors
6 x Serial ATA connectors
1 x IrDA for SIR header
3 x USB 2.0 headers support additional 6 USB ports
2 x 1394a headers
1 x Front panel switch/LED header
1 x Front panel audio header
1 x 26-pin LPT header
1x CD in header
CPUFAN/NB_FAN1/CASFAN1~2 connectors

Storage
Supported by nForce4 SLI
-- 4 x Ultra DMA133/100/66 devices
-- 4 x Serial ATA devices
-- RAID0, RAID1, PM, eSATA configuration

System BIOS
Award BIOS with 4Mb Flash ROM
Supports Plug and Play 1.0A, APM 1.2, Multi Boot, DMI
Supports ACPI revision 1.0 specification

Processor
# Athlon 64 X2 6000+ Processor
# Socket AM2
# Dual Core - Windsor
# 3.0GHz Clock Speed
# 90nm Manufacturing
# 64bit Architecture
# 2 x 1024kb L2 Cache
# Processor and Heatsink in One Box
# AMD Enhanced Virus Protection

The graphics card
# NVIDIA GeForce 7300GT Chipset
# 512MB Memory
# PCI-E x16 Interface
# DVI / VGA / HDTV Out
# Microsoft DirectX 9.0 Support
# OpenGL 2.0 Support
Processor fan
# CoolermasterVortex TX LGA775 &AMD Cooler
# Universal Retension Module for Intel P4
# Celeron, Celeron D, AMD K8 and Sempron
# 92x92x25mm Transparent Circular Fan
# PWN4pins Connector with foolproof design
# For general 3-pin & PWN 4PIN Motherboard
The case
Jeantech JNH70 - Phong V2
- ATX /Micro ATX Tower Case
- 4 5.25" Bays
- 7(1 Hidden) 3.5" Bays
- 1 x 140mm 1 x 120mm Case Fan
- Front USB/Audio/Mic Ports
The RAM
# 2GB (2x1GB) Memory Module Kit
# DDR DIMM for Desktops
# 400MHz Bus Clock Rate
# 184 pin configuration
The hard drive
# 500GB Capacity
# SATA II (300Mb/s)
# 3.5" Form Factor (for desktops)
# 7200 RPM
# 16MB Buffer

Also a monitor, a DVD re writer and vista basic.

Thanks for the advice in advance.

[PlatinumJester]

I would go for the NVIDIA G-Force graphics card though I'm clueless about the rest.

What are you going to use the PC for (apart from posting here)?

[Eldpollard]

It'll be for gaming and such. If I become too clueless I'll just buy a ready made one, even though I'd rather not.

[PlatinumJester]

My friend built his own PC so I'll ask him for info and then post it for you.

[Eldpollard]

Thank you! I do need help doing this.

[PlatinumJester]

He says that everything looks very good especially the processor which is very fast. He didn't manage to see the motherboard specs since I talked to him over MSN but considering everything else is in very good the motherboard probably is as well.

As for a monitor - http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/product/seo/774215

My friends website which lists nothing about computers but I said I would link in return for his advice.
http://blog.kotrl.co.uk/

[Archonic Energy]

So I've decided to build my own computer, however I want to make sure all my components are compatible before I buy them. So I'm going to need you wonderful forum goers to help me with this.
The motherboard specs
Processor/Socket
Processor: AMD Athlon 64 / AMD Athlon 64 FX / Sempron
Socket Type: 939

Chipset
Chipset: nVidia nForce4 SLI

Memory
Interface: DIMM 184pin (DDR)
Standards: PC3200, PC2700, PC2100
Number of Slots: 4 (2x Dual Channel)
Maximum Capacity: 4GB

Form Factor
ATX Size 305mm*244mm

Expansion
PCI-E x16: 2 (SLI mode: x8/x8)
PCI-E x1: 1

PCI: 3

Audio
Realtek 8-Channel audio

LAN
VIA DUAL 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet

Rear Panel I/O
1x PS/2 Keyboard & PS/2 Mouse Connectors
4x USB 2.0 Ports
2x RJ45 LAN
2x Digital SPDIF (Optical and Coaxial) Out 1x Serial (COM) port
1x Audio Port (Line-In, Line-Out, Mic-In)

Internal I/O
1 x 24-pin ATX Power Supply connector
1 x 4-pin ATX 12V connector
1 x Aux 4-pin +12V connector
1 x Floppy (FDD) connector
2 x IDE connectors
6 x Serial ATA connectors
1 x IrDA for SIR header
3 x USB 2.0 headers support additional 6 USB ports
2 x 1394a headers
1 x Front panel switch/LED header
1 x Front panel audio header
1 x 26-pin LPT header
1x CD in header
CPUFAN/NB_FAN1/CASFAN1~2 connectors

Storage
Supported by nForce4 SLI
-- 4 x Ultra DMA133/100/66 devices
-- 4 x Serial ATA devices
-- RAID0, RAID1, PM, eSATA configuration

System BIOS
Award BIOS with 4Mb Flash ROM
Supports Plug and Play 1.0A, APM 1.2, Multi Boot, DMI
Supports ACPI revision 1.0 specification

Processor
# Athlon 64 X2 6000+ Processor
# Socket AM2
# Dual Core - Windsor
# 3.0GHz Clock Speed
# 90nm Manufacturing
# 64bit Architecture
# 2 x 1024kb L2 Cache
# Processor and Heatsink in One Box
# AMD Enhanced Virus Protection

The graphics card
# NVIDIA GeForce 7300GT Chipset
# 512MB Memory
# PCI-E x16 Interface
# DVI / VGA / HDTV Out
# Microsoft DirectX 9.0 Support
# OpenGL 2.0 Support
Processor fan
# CoolermasterVortex TX LGA775 &AMD Cooler
# Universal Retension Module for Intel P4
# Celeron, Celeron D, AMD K8 and Sempron
# 92x92x25mm Transparent Circular Fan
# PWN4pins Connector with foolproof design
# For general 3-pin & PWN 4PIN Motherboard
The case
Jeantech JNH70 - Phong V2
- ATX /Micro ATX Tower Case
- 4 5.25" Bays
- 7(1 Hidden) 3.5" Bays
- 1 x 140mm 1 x 120mm Case Fan
- Front USB/Audio/Mic Ports
The RAM
# 2GB (2x1GB) Memory Module Kit
# DDR DIMM for Desktops
# 400MHz Bus Clock Rate
# 184 pin configuration
The hard drive
# 500GB Capacity
# SATA II (300Mb/s)
# 3.5" Form Factor (for desktops)
# 7200 RPM
# 16MB Buffer

Also a monitor, a DVD re writer and vista basic.

Thanks for the advice in advance.

looks OK, though i must ask why the 7300? i'd be looking at the 8000 series.. more precicely the 8600GT(S) or 8800GT(S)
especially if it's for gaming, more so if it's for Vista (DX X native)

[Eldpollard]

looks OK, though i must ask why the 7300? i'd be looking at the 8000 series.. more precicely the 8600GT(S) or 8800GT(S)
especially if it's for gaming, more so if it's for Vista (DX X native)

Thanks, I'll look into it. I don't really know anything about video cards so I just picked one that seemed compatible.

[Archonic Energy]

Thanks, I'll look into it. I don't really know anything about video cards so I just picked one that seemed compatible.

how much are you willing to spend on the graphics card?

[Arang]

Thanks, I'll look into it. I don't really know anything about video cards so I just picked one that seemed compatible.

The higher the number, the better it is. Usually.

The meanest card right now is the NVidia GeForce 8800 GTX, which costs about 550 dollars at Amazon and probably a bit less elsewhere. As a rule, though, it's usually not worth it to get the very best because it won't be in two months' time.

The rest looks good to me.

[Archonic Energy]

The higher the number, the better it is. Usually.

The meanest card right now is the NVidia GeForce 8800 GTX, which costs about 550 dollars at Amazon and probably a bit less elsewhere. As a rule, though, it's usually not worth it to get the very best because it won't be in two months' time.

The rest looks good to me.

not the best price but the 8800GTX (http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/store/pcw_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1419558172.119184140 9@@@@&BV_EngineID=cccdaddmeldlledcflgceggdhhmdfhm.0&page=Product&fm=null&sm=null&tm=null&sku=738890&category_oid=-31463) you'll want 2 of them to fully use the SLI component of your motherboard...

[Arang]

Not that you'll need both at the same time until 2014. If you really have that kind of money to throw around I recommend buying one now, waiting a while and then getting a new and better one for the same price when games are so graphics intensive you're going to need it.

[Archonic Energy]

Not that you'll need both at the same time until 2014. If you really have that kind of money to throw around I recommend buying one now, waiting a while and then getting a new and better one for the same price when games are so graphics intensive you're going to need it.

yeah i'll agree to that... for the record do you know anyone who uses a SLI config?

the increase in frame rates doesn't justify the extra cost... but if i won the lottery i'd get a SLI system... with a quad monitor setup... and a Bugatti Veryon.

*slaps self*

it ain't happening!

[SMEE]

You see... the motherboard you chose doesn't support the processor you listed...
You'll need a motherboard with AM-2 socket type, and not the 939 socket.
Also, get one with DDR2 support and get DDR2 memories. They're faster and are cheaper than the DDR kind nowadays.

And forget about that 7300GT for your video card. Get one from the 8000 series, such as 8300 or 8600.

Also, don't forget to get a good, reliable power supply.

That's all I have to say.

[Archonic Energy]

You see... the motherboard you chose doesn't support the processor you listed...


how the bloody hell did i miss that?
She's right...
*Hangs head in shame*
Good one SMEE.



You'll need a motherboard with AM-2 socket type, and not the 939 socket.
Also, get one with DDR2 support and get DDR2 memories. They're faster and are cheaper than the DDR kind nowadays.
true... *Cough*Maplinmotherboardbundle*Cough*



And forget about that 7300GT for your video card. Get one from the 8000 series, such as 8300 or 8600.
or 8800 series... if you have some spare £



Also, don't forget to get a good, reliable power supply.
about 500W plus...



That's all I have to say.
not me i have plenty to say...

la la la de da da da dooby do do.

[Eldpollard]

You see... the motherboard you chose doesn't support the processor you listed...
You'll need a motherboard with AM-2 socket type, and not the 939 socket.
Also, get one with DDR2 support and get DDR2 memories. They're faster and are cheaper than the DDR kind nowadays.

And forget about that 7300GT for your video card. Get one from the 8000 series, such as 8300 or 8600.

Also, don't forget to get a good, reliable power supply.

That's all I have to say.

Thanks SMEE, glad I know, otherwise I'd have been wasting a lot of money. Thanks.

[Exachix]

USE ATI!

Sorry...

Looking good. Make sure the power supply in the case is ready for what you need to do though.

You may not need vista.

On the Moniter side of things... Samsung ones come with a 3 year guarantee.
And have worked for me for ages.

As for buying.
I'm in the UK. What I advise is ordering off:
http://www.scan.co.uk/
Or go to Bolton (Where they are) And getting the stuff there. It's great.

Outside UK... I don't know.

[Charity]

As for the case

http://seto.org/images/lego.jpg
why spend all that money

[Samiam303]

Who needs a case when you've got a tupperware bucket (http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/5017/p7290163ej2.jpg)? :biggrin:

[Jokes]

The first thing I notices was the 939 mobo and the 940 CPU.

Personally, I would go an Intel C2D (Q6600, but that's my opinion, otherwise a dual core, like a e4400, if you're on a budget). If you are intent on an AM2, then the 6000+ is the way to go. If you are stuck with 939, why not an opteron. If you can, try and find an opteron 185 on ebay.

For the GPU, I'd wait for a couple months (maybe buy a cheap PCI-e in the meantime) for the next Nvidia model to come out. Either the prices on the 8800 series will go down, or the 9800 series will be worth the money. I have a 7300 in my laptop, and it doesn't do that well with newer games. NWN2 has to be played with minimum settings. I would go for at least 7900GS (at least for gaming) or two for SLI. If you aren't gaming much, then maybe a 7600GT.
I would go for a Crossfire system myself though.


but if i won the lottery i'd get a SLI system... with a quad monitor setup... and a Bugatti Veryon.
I'm not 100% sure, but SLI is limited to the number of monitors for a single card (ie two). Any monitor plugged into the second card won't work unless SLI is disabled. And the only game that benefits from multi-monitors is Supreme Commander.

As for the case, it's just as easy to buy a generic case ($20-30) and really make it your own. I'm into case modding myself, and MNPC (http://www.themodnation-forums.com) have some nice forums for it. All it takes is a nice custom window and a paint job and you have a case that is as unique as you are.

And I'd try and get an academic upgrade of windows vista home premium. If you aren't and 'academic' get a friend who is. They hardly ever ask anyway.

Oh, for the love of God, correct me if I'm wrong, so I can redo my efforts at building my next PC.

[Archonic Energy]

I'm not 100% sure, but SLI is limited to the number of monitors for a single card (ie two). Any monitor plugged into the second card won't work unless SLI is disabled. And the only game that benefits from multi-monitors is Supreme Commander.


"Don't tread on my dreams..."


I have a 7300 in my laptop, and it doesn't do that well with newer games. NWN2 has to be played with minimum settings.
I would go for a Crossfire system myself though.

then your problem lies with the "m7300" my old lappie had a "m7700" and NWN2 worked beautifully proving that there's still life in the 7000 series, however i'd go for the 8000 series at the moment if only for DX10, my new lappie has a 8700m* and it too runs NWN2:MotB like excrement off a digging tool

i'm not going to go into Nvida Vs ATI... i personally prefer Nvidia cards but i certainly wouldn't turn down a crossfire system if i was offered it for free

(*strange how they've moved the "m" that denotes that it's a notebook graphics card, you would have though that they would have kept it in the same place)

[Jokes]

Wait, come to think of it, I don't think multiple monitors work at all with SLI. I used to have SLI in my gaming rig (until Nvidia stopped Uli chipsets from supporting SLI) and could only use one monitor while SLI was enabled.

Sorry to further shatter your dreams.

Yeah, there is a big difference between the GO 7700 (http://www.notebookcheck.net/NVIDIA-GeForce-Go-7700.2142.0.html) and the GO 7300 (http://www.notebookcheck.net/NVIDIA-GeForce-Go-7300.2145.0.html) though. I personally wouldn't put any GPU in a PC less than a 7600GT, and even then, it would only be because I wasn't using it for gaming. I agree, the high end 7000s (7800, 7900) still pack quite a punch, even a single 7900GS is capable of running Bioshock on "pretty" settings. If you can afford a decent DX10 GPU, then go for it. Otherwise, like I said in my previous post, wait for a price drop in a couple months time and pick one up then.

[Archonic Energy]

Wait, come to think of it, I don't think multiple monitors work at all with SLI. I used to have SLI in my gaming rig (until Nvidia stopped Uli chipsets from supporting SLI) and could only use one monitor while SLI was enabled.

Sorry to further shatter your dreams.


*puts fingers in ears*

LA-LA-LAAA-LA :smalltongue:

Eldpollard back to my original question how much are you willing to spend?

[Dispozition]

Eldpollard, if you're going to make a serious gaming rig, please get a better mother board than that...one like this (http://www.pccasegear.com/prod5724.htm).

As for GPU, get an ATI HD2900XT 1gb DDR4...Best card out there right now...

Note that both of these things are going into my computer in a few months...

Oh, also..AMD IS TEH SUXXX!!!! Get an intel, they're better right now.

But yeah, most important is to get a motherboard that's actually good, you know,...Not crap like the one you have in the OP...

@Jokes: The 7600GT isn't great unless you're running SLI...I have one in my current box and it doesn't really do well...It can't even run most of the games coming out now.

[Arang]

Supposedly, the ATI 2900XT is actually getting outperformed by the 8800GTX. Getting top-of-the-line is almost never worth it in any case.

[Archonic Energy]

Eldpollard, if you're going to make a serious gaming rig, please get a better mother board than that...one like this (http://www.pccasegear.com/prod5724.htm).

As for GPU, get an ATI HD2900XT 1gb DDR4...Best card out there right now...

Note that both of these things are going into my computer in a few months...

Oh, also..AMD IS TEH SUXXX!!!! Get an intel, they're better right now.

But yeah, most important is to get a motherboard that's actually good, you know,...Not crap like the one you have in the OP...

@Jokes: The 7600GT isn't great unless you're running SLI...I have one in my current box and it doesn't really do well...It can't even run most of the games coming out now.
Emhasis mine,

i'd have agreed with you if it weren't for that one line.

Dis, i thought you knew better than dissin' other people for their choice of components. :smalltongue:

while i'll agree that at the moment Intel chips can out perform AMD chips, and are also currently coming in as cheaper (my lappie runs on an Intel CPU), that does not make AMD "TEH SUXXX!!!!" there are many valid reasons to choose an AMD processor over an equiliant Intel, eg. over-clocking. while Intel chips do run naturally cooler than AMD Chips, AMD chips are easier to over clock (with adequate cooling)

as for the ATI HD2900XT, yes it's a nice card but it may be a little beyond the OP's price range... :smallamused:

[Icewalker]

As for the case

http://seto.org/images/lego.jpg
why spend all that money

You sir, win. Have a cookie.

[Jokes]

@Jokes: The 7600GT isn't great unless you're running SLI...I have one in my current box and it doesn't really do well...It can't even run most of the games coming out now.

That's pretty much what I said-


I personally wouldn't put any GPU in a PC less than a 7600GT, and even then, it would only be because I wasn't using it for gaming.

What I should have said was "Hardcore" gaming. I was merely implying that the 7300 would be nowhere near as effective in running games.