gOOd cOmpUtEr!

[Genocidicbunny]

No you arent. They're newer generation low-end quad cores, meant to replace Q6600.
And I don't mean OC on the first time, but come time for upgrading, and OC may be just what is needed.

 

[Fetus4188]

Indeed, I'm overclocking my "old" E6600 now instead of getting a C2D Quad, so I can wait for i7 to mature a bit.

 

[Matthew5117]

CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.4GHz $214.99
(Better yet, get this and buy your own cooling solution.) $189.99

Quad!? I like. Now I won't be guilty when I buy it.

Whoops. Later on, two more suggestions, and I'm not sure if Fetus4188 agreed to change it to the latter, but my understanding is that I have from three to choose from you guys:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115207&Tpk=Q8300
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115017
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115018

The last one, my understanding, is that it requires a lot of work to add it to the computer and it is easily breakable. Is this correct?

GPU: EVGA 896-P3-1260-AR GeForce GTX 260 896MB $189.99

Was one I was considering earlier, so no disagreements.

MOBO: GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3L LGA 775 Intel P45 $93.99

Okay... so it is.

RAM: G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) (performance option) $54.99 ($109.98)
(standard option) $41.99 ($83.98)
double either to go to 8 GB on a 64-bit system

Later on you recommended a 64-bit system, so its two of these RAMs...? If so, the performance or the standard?

HDD: This is pretty much a personal choice, as for me, I'd get a couple 1 TB Seagates and run them in RAID, but that's probably not something you'd want or need. ~$70-200

Okay, I looked around and I found this:

[url]http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136073

Cheaper. I not sure if its cost-efficient but I remembering that I can upgrade, I don't think I need 1TB (I really don't put much stuff on my computer, at least I think so...). Also, it has 7200 RPM which is good (right?).

optical drives: LGA 20x DVD burner $21.99
LG Blu-ray reader (no-write) & DVD burner $99.99
I don't really know anything about optical drivers, I just submit myself to the collective wisdom of Newegg's customers. If you don't really want bluray wait another year or so and they'll be as cheap as DVD drives. Get 1-2 optical drives, I like having a second, but it's not exactly necessary. They're cheap.

I'm going to get the LGA 20x DVD Burner, only because I don't need Blue-Ray, at least not right away. Also, I'm only going to get one, because I don't expect to transfer stuff from one disc to another. Even if I wanted to later, upgrade!

Power Supply: CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V $124.99
I'm a firm believer in getting more than you think you'll need with a power supply, because if it dies it can take everything it's attached to down with it (which is to say, everything). This one isn't modular (can't remove the excess cables) which means you'll have a mess of cables inside your case if you go with it, not for people who like to display their insides

The case I got, it shows the insides... does it really matter though? I don't expect it to bother me too much (if it does, upgrade! Okay, that's getting annoying now isn't it?).

That about covers the "innards." What's left is the case, which is going to be a personal choice, and additional cooling (optional, but recommended). Quick point the case, everything above is of the ATX form-factor, which is the traditional desktop tower, so you want a case of that type. I'm just going to go with the top rated ATX mid-tower: COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 $49.99

So I liked the other one, I'm going to stick to that one, however, I found one without a fan so that I could buy it separately later on. Admittedly it costs $20 more but that's something I willing to sacrifice for this wicked case. Here it is:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1384989&csid=_21

For cooling there's a couple things to look at, additional case fans and CPU heatsink/fans. Case fans have the purpose of moving fresh air from the environment into the case and pushing the hot air inside out of the case. The CPU fan is tasked specifically with moving air over the CPU's heatsink, which is by far the hottest part of the computer. I'd recommend doing everything else first and seeing what temperature your computer is running at and deciding then if you want more fans.

Can you be sure to stay here if I come back here asking for what fan?

Last thing is an operating system, and for gaming you only really have one choice, windows. I'm currently married to a 32-bit system so I haven't kept up on the state of 64-bit drivers but I think they're doing fine now, so I'd recommend Vista Home Premium 64-bit, which you can get ~$100 OEM or ~$180 retail.

Vista Home Premium 64-But, got it.

Altogether this comes out to around $1000, of course it depends which choices you make. Bluray is going to push you up around $1100. IMO this computer would be totally kick butt and a fantastic deal. You could even back off on the CPU and GPU and it will still kick butt.

I'm going to pass on the Blue-Ray and if I really want that, I could always upgrade (remember!?).

Sorry it took so long, Newegg is like a toy store

Don't be sorry, especially since you spending your own time helping me. Admittedly I tried staying up so I could reply back, but boy it was late. I'm assuming your in another time zone.

The Q8300 is a better choice, IMHO. Although a drop to the Q8200 would be fine to save a few bucks.

I think the Q8200 is a better deal. Its 25$ cheaper, but can most likely be overclocked to 2.5ghz with not even a voltage adjustment.

You guys versus Fetus4188... what to choose, what to choose.

Cheaper's nice. Earlier you guys said GHz doesn't matter nowadays, but I see a lot of games that require a higher GHz. I wonder what you guys have to say in response to this...

The Core 2 Duos can be OCed to 3.0 minimum easily, it's a fantastic chip. Not that I think Matt will be doing OC his first time through.

OC seems difficult, but that's what I said about building computers and it looks a tot easier now that I have your help. Is it possible that I might be able to achieve OC?

Q8300 and Q8200 look great, get those over the Q6600, unless I'm missing something.

I'm not sure what you mean when you say "get those over". Do you mean choose the Q8300 or Q8200 instead of the Q6600?

 

[Fetus4188]

Whoops. Later on, two more suggestions, and I'm not sure if Fetus4188 agreed to change it to the latter, but my understanding is that I have from three to choose from you guys:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115207&Tpk=Q8300
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115017
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115018

The last one, my understanding, is that it requires a lot of work to add it to the computer and it is easily breakable. Is this correct?

Get the Q8xxx options, the Q6600 is an older generation of chips. The last one, meaning OEM, is no harder than any of the other chips. It just means you'll be getting the chip, by itself, no manuals or heatsinks or boxes, just the chip. Of course then you'd have to get your own heatsink, but a lot of people do that anyway.

Okay... so it is.

Totally worthwhile to see what other people have to say about motherboards, just saying.

Later on you recommended a 64-bit system, so its two of these RAMs...? If so, the performance or the standard?

If you get 64-bit you can use more than 4GB total memory. If you're using a 32-bit OS 4GB is the maximum memory that can be used across the whole machine.

Okay, I looked around and I found this:

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136073

Cheaper. I not sure if its cost-efficient but I remembering that I can upgrade, I don't think I need 1TB (I really don't put much stuff on my computer, at least I think so...). Also, it has 7200 RPM which is good (right?).

That will do just fine, Western Digital is a major, respected brand. 7200 RPM is the standard, and there's no need to get any different. Also I see that you're browsing Newegg-Canada, so make sure you go through and find everything on that site so you aren't paying for international shipping needlessly.

The case I got, it shows the insides... does it really matter though? I don't expect it to bother me too much (if it does, upgrade! Okay, that's getting annoying now isn't it?).

I was just remarking on the fact that non-modular PSUs will inevitably involve having a lot of cables inside your computer. You could get modular but the ones I saw were another 100 dollars.



So I liked the other one, I'm going to stick to that one, however, I found one without a fan so that I could buy it separately later on. Admittedly it costs $20 more but that's something I willing to sacrifice for this wicked case. Here it is:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1384989&csid=_21
Totally get whatever case you like. Be aware that if this is going to be in a room you sleep in it's going to be a pretty bright case

OC seems difficult, but that's what I said about building computers and it looks a tot easier now that I have your help. Is it possible that I might be able to achieve OC?

Overclocking is something you might want to look at a few years down the road, it's not something you'd have any need for with this rig.

 

[Matthew5117]

Get the Q8xxx options, the Q6600 is an older generation of chips. The last one, meaning OEM, is no harder than any of the other chips. It just means you'll be getting the chip, by itself, no manuals or heatsinks or boxes, just the chip. Of course then you'd have to get your own heatsink, but a lot of people do that anyway.

What's so good about getting a OEM?

Totally worthwhile to see what other people have to say about motherboards, just saying.

Right. Forgot.

If you get 64-bit you can use more than 4GB total memory. If you're using a 32-bit OS 4GB is the maximum memory that can be used across the whole machine.

Ah, I forgot about that too. So, should I get 8GB of memory? I'd rather not because of the cost...

That will do just fine, Western Digital is a major, respected brand. 7200 RPM is the standard, and there's no need to get any different. Also I see that you're browsing Newegg-Canada, so make sure you go through and find everything on that site so you aren't paying for international shipping needlessly.

Also forgot to mention that I live in Canada. So, all of the parts you mentioned, is it available on the Canadian website?

I was just remarking on the fact that non-modular PSUs will inevitably involve having a lot of cables inside your computer. You could get modular but the ones I saw were another 100 dollars.

I'll sacrifice the view for $100.

Totally get whatever case you like. Be aware that if this is going to be in a room you sleep in it's going to be a pretty bright case

It doesn't turn off?

Overclocking is something you might want to look at a few years down the road, it's not something you'd have any need for with this rig.

Okay (but wait for other people's opinions, I learned my lesson).

I also forgot to mention (I'm forgetting so much!) a few games say they're only compatible with certain processors and etc.

Like Mirror's Edge for example:

http://wiki.on-mirrors-edge.com/index.php?title=System_Requirements

It says its only compatible with Pentium 4. Is this something I should be concerned about?

Edit: I'm looking at the list again, I need both the CPU and GPU?

 

[aimeeandbeatles]

Another tip: Unless there's a specific need for a 24x optical drive, I would go with something slower. If you have older discs, they tend to get really noisy. (My mom came in thinking I was running a vacuum cleaner!)

 

[GVBN]

Okay (but wait for other people's opinions, I learned my lesson).

I also forgot to mention (I'm forgetting so much!) a few games say they're only compatible with certain processors and etc.

Like Mirror's Edge for example:

http://wiki.on-mirrors-edge.com/index.php?title=System_Requirements

It says its only compatible with Pentium 4. Is this something I should be concerned about?

They are just rough estimates on minimum requirements, it doesn't mean it only runs on Pentium 4. The game will run on any processor that's roughly as fast as Pentium 4 at 2.4ghz except maybe for Athlon XP which doesn't use SSE2

 

[Matthew5117]

Another tip: Unless there's a specific need for a 24x optical drive, I would go with something slower. If you have older discs, they tend to get really noisy. (My mom came in thinking I was running a vacuum cleaner!)

Its not a 24x optical drive though, its 20x, and by slower do you mean something that has a lower number (like <24x...)? Also, by older discs, how old are you thinking of?

They are just rough estimates on minimum requirements, it doesn't mean it only runs on Pentium 4. The game will run on any processor that's roughly as fast as Pentium 4 at 2.4ghz except maybe for Athlon XP which doesn't use SSE2

This sounds good, but does this apply to most games?

And just in case you didn't see because I edited when you posted, I'm going to ask again, do I need both the CPU and GPU?

 

[aimeeandbeatles]

Its not a 24x optical drive though, its 20x, and by slower do you mean something that has a lower number (like <24x...)? Also, by older discs, how old are you thinking of?

The one I've had most problems with so far is from '03 or '04. (Roller Coaster Tycoon Deluxe.) I'm hoping to get a 16x (or around that) DVD-ROM as a second optical drive, but also other reasons than the noise.

 

[Matthew5117]

The one I've had most problems with so far is from '03 or '04. (Roller Coaster Tycoon Deluxe.) I'm hoping to get a 16x (or around that) DVD-ROM as a second optical drive, but also other reasons than the noise.

I don't have old discs like that. Perhaps maybe some DVDs but that's it.

If it really bothers me, I can get a second optical drive anyways.

I have another issue though, as you may or may have not read above, I live in Canada. So the parts are different (for some of them, not all, in fact I've only found one issue so far). The optical drive selected is not available in Canada. So, going as close as to the preferences, there are four to choose from:

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010100005 50001623&name=LG ELECTRONICS

Also, the prices in Canada are much more. I'll update in a little while showing the difference.

 

[aimeeandbeatles]

I live in Canada too. I have a local Staples nearby, which sells components, and I've heard they're pretty good at pricematching and will order stuff in (if it's on the website but not right in store.)

Depending on where you live, there may be a local computer repair place nearby. Maybe you could try giving them a call and ask if they can order parts in for you. Won't hurt to try, at least.

 

[Matthew5117]

I live in Canada too. I have a local Staples nearby, which sells components, and I've heard they're pretty good at pricematching and will order stuff in (if it's on the website but not right in store.)

Depending on where you live, there may be a local computer repair place nearby. Maybe you could try giving them a call and ask if they can order parts in for you. Won't hurt to try, at least.

I have a local Staples too. I may have so luck, because:

The difference is $156. (954-797) This is excluding the optical drive because I couldn't find one on the Canadian Newegg.

I'm still looking for a monitor...

 

[GVBN]

This sounds good, but does this apply to most games?

And just in case you didn't see because I edited when you posted, I'm going to ask again, do I need both the CPU and GPU?

Same thing with the GPU, if your GPU has the same features as Geforce 6 then it will run. This applies to most games except for some old games that run poorly on newer hardware

 

[Matthew5117]

Same thing with the GPU, if your GPU has the same features as Geforce 6 then it will run. This applies to most games except for some old games that run poorly on newer hardware

The second question was unrelated. Because they're both Processing Units, I was wondering if I need to buy both of them. Sorry for the confusion. Otherwise, I'm understanding what you're saying.

I've cut down my choices for the monitors down to three, any advice on which one to buy?

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236050
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824005991CVF
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009126CVF

 

[aimeeandbeatles]

Before you get a widescreen I'd recommend checking to see if your games support it. If not, it's possible you can get your video card to scale it, or put black bars on either side to make it so people don't look.... solidly built.

 

[GVBN]

The second question was unrelated. Because they're both Processing Units, I was wondering if I need to buy both of them. Sorry for the confusion. Otherwise, I'm understanding what you're saying.

Yes you do as they process different things

 

[Matthew5117]

Before you get a widescreen I'd recommend checking to see if your games support it. If not, it's possible you can get your video card to scale it, or put black bars on either side to make it so people don't look.... solidly built.

Oh shoot I didn't see that. I don't want widescreen. But they had such good resolutions though! Perhaps you can find some? I really can't find non-widescreen, 20-23'' with a good resolution.

Yes you do as they process different things

Thanks so much. I've been asking that for a while.

Btw, I meant to say I'm not understanding...

 

[Aramazd]

Oh shoot I didn't see that. I don't want widescreen. But they had such good resolutions though! Perhaps you can find some? I really can't find non-widescreen, 20-23'' with a good resolution.

Here is a list from newegg of 4:3 monitors. However, I suggest that you go with a widescreen monitor as more games are supporting widescreen, and it gives a wider area, useful if you're want to look at two things at once.

 

[GVBN]

I really can't find non-widescreen, 20-23'' with a good resolution.

There are a few 1600x1200 monitors on Newegg but they cost like $800. Just get a widescreen monitor

Here is a list from newegg of 4:3 monitors.

And most of those are 5:4

 

[Matthew5117]

Here is a list from newegg of 4:3 monitors. However, I suggest that you go with a widescreen monitor as more games are supporting widescreen, and it gives a wider area, useful if you're want to look at two things at once.

There are a few 1600x1200 monitors on Newegg but they cost like $800. Just get a widescreen monitor

Ok, well then the three links remain. Which of those three should I use?