Getting ready to build new computer for first time, need advice

M

Martin

Geek Trainee
Hi guys, Hopefully you can help me, Im pretty much a newbie at this kind of stuff except for a few part changes here and there, Graphics cards/power supplys/memory, and ive decided to undertake this, partly for the experience but also because my computer is ticking on now.

Ive been putting together a list of parts from Overclockers UK as im from the uk, and i dont have the luxury of places like newegg the parts are expensive, ive been saving up for 6 months and im just about ready.

This totals in at £758 including VAT, i have £150 left for any alterations, and an operating system, if i cant afford a new OS ill use my old windows xp disc i got.

So here goes

:- Intel Core i5 750 2.66Ghz
:- Gigabyte GA-H55M-UD2H Intel H55 DDR3 microATX Motherboard
:- OCZ Obsidian 6GB (3x2GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C9 1600Mhz
:- Gigabyte GeForce GTX 260 Super Overclock 896MB GDDR3
:- OCZ StealthXStream 500w Silent Power Supply
:- Western Digital Caviar Green 1.5TB SATA-II 64MB Cache
:- LG GH22LS50 22x DVD±RW SATA ReWriter Lightscribe Drive
:- Coolermaster CM-690 Pure Black Windowed Dominator Case - Black
:- Dell IN2010N 20" Widescreen LCD Monitor (1600x900) < will this resolution be a problem for games ?

Is there any other parts im going to need to get this to function ? Or any parts i could get that would work better than what ive chosen ? I have the speakers, sound card, keyboard/mouse, i have internet router and what not, any cables i need to buy ? Also is the power supply enough ? im thinking its not but as i said im no expert.

Any opinions and advice are welcome XD
 
Looks pretty good, though I will make a few suggestions for you.

  • Get a slightly better power supply, 600 watt or better. 500 will be hard pressed to keep up with system load, and therefore won't last as long as it could.
  • 900 pixels just doesn't seem like enough real estate for a lot of apps. I'd go for a monitor with a native res of 1920x1080, or at least 1680x1050 if you can't afford that. For example, the ASUS VW246H 24" is 1080p, 2ms response, and costs about $200/USD brand new. Not a bad value at all.
 
Yeh i thought so the, how about this one - OCZ ModXStream Pro 700w, its only a little bit extra, but it says its sli certified, does that mean its specifically meant for 2 gfx cards or can you use one on its own too ?

Also How about this monitor

BenQ G2420HDBL 24" Widescreen LED Monitor

- Screen Size: 24" Widescreen
- Resolution: 1920x1080
- Contrast Ratio: 5000000:1
- Brightness: 250cd/m²
- Response Time: 5ms
- Viewing Angles (H/V): 170°/160°
- Colours: 16.7 Million
- Inputs: 1x Analogue & 1x DVI-D
- VESA Compliant
- Dimensions: 570.0mm x 412.6mm x 183.9mm
- Weight: 4.4kg
- Warranty: 3 Years On-Site
- Warranty: 3 Years On-Site

Its only a bit more than the other dell one, and besides, nothing like HD or response time really bothers me, ive been using this 15" dell for years, and this has probably got like 50ms response time :P

Thanks for your help, its really appreciated.
 
Martin said:
Yeh i thought so the, how about this one - OCZ ModXStream Pro 700w, its only a little bit extra, but it says its sli certified, does that mean its specifically meant for 2 gfx cards or can you use one on its own too ?
Click to expand...
Sounds good. Yeah, you can use it for just one card. The difference is that it has the connectors and power for 2 cards should you need it.

Martin said:
Also How about this monitor

BenQ G2420HDBL 24" Widescreen LED Monitor
Click to expand...
I think you'll be much happier with that one in every way. Sounds good.

Martin said:
Thanks for your help, its really appreciated.
Click to expand...
Not a problem.
 
Thanks alot, is there any specific OS you recommend over xp ? I havent used windows 7 before but im thinking about it, is it any better than vista, that is if you have used it.

Other than that ill start ordering them now, ill have to print of some tutorials or something, dont wanna mess up, is it really as hard as it looks ?
 
Martin said:
Thanks alot, is there any specific OS you recommend over xp ? I havent used windows 7 before but im thinking about it, is it any better than vista, that is if you have used it.
Click to expand...
I'm a Linux guy who swore off Microsoft products years ago, so not much help there I'm afraid. But I can tell you that Windows 7 is essentially Vista 2nd edition. I understand it fixes some of the more annoying problems in Vista. Some, but not all.
Martin said:
Other than that ill start ordering them now, ill have to print of some tutorials or something, dont wanna mess up, is it really as hard as it looks ?
Click to expand...
Building a system is easy as long as you take your time and do things right. If you have any questions during the build, you can always post here with pictures, etc. We'll be glad to help you out.
 
Yeh i will definitly try not to rush it, im usually patient but i can imagine myself dying to test it out and rushing through it, but ill have to control myself XD

Never personally tried linux, windows has always worked well enough for me, what made you cross over ?

Also, I noticed you use a GTX 260 too, how is it ?
 
as for the PSU - go for the OCZ ModXStream Pro (700W). it's 80+ and gives a nice reserve.
 
Anti-Trend said:
Building a system is easy as long as you take your time and do things right.
Click to expand...
I couldn't put it better myself. DO NOT cut corners! You will only pay for it later. This is from experience... I am still tinkering with and replacing parts for a rig I built years ago.
:doh:

The experience made me decide that I am no longer interested in being PC builder.... 'nuf said....

As for OS - I am with (well, more behind) AT. I have not used Windows for quite a while. Saying that, my use of the PC is quite limited. I do not game or edit videos or images.
 
edjis - Yes i decided on that one in the end when anti said my current one i picked might not be enough.

sabashuali - Im trying not to XD, the only thing im really not taking care with is the motherboard, which only has 2 pci-e slots, and 2 pci slots, but as i dont need more than that its fine, i wont ever use sli, and i only need my ethernet/sound card and its all good.

Im probably going to go with Windows XP, cheaper as i have the disc, and im used to it.

Thanks for everyones replies, ill post some pictures when its done (if its done, knowing me ill fail :chk:)
 
Windows XP you say?

Assuming that you have 32-bit windows - bad (why? read this)

And XP x64 is buggy as hell...

Go for Win7 x64 !
 
Yeh i kinda just looked and its 32-bit :( windows 7 it is then.

Well the parts are ordered, should receive in a few days :D

Changed a few things, mainly the motherboard and RAM, i had triple channel instead of dual which the motherboard doesnt support. So yeah, thanks for all your help guys.

:- Intel Core i5 750 2.66Ghz
:- Gigabyte GA-P55-US3L
:- OCZ Platinum 4GB (2x2GB)
:- Gigabyte GeForce GTX 260 Super Overclock 896MB GDDR3
:- OCZ ModXStream Pro 700w Silent
:- Western Digital Caviar Green 1.5TB SATA-II 64MB Cache
:- LG GH22LS50 22x DVD±RW SATA ReWriter Lightscribe Drive
:- Coolermaster CM-690 Pure Black Windowed Dominator Case - Black
:- BenQ G2420HDBL 24" Widescreen LED Monitor
 
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