Building my PC for first time.. HELP!

iTragedy · Apr 22, 2009

You heard right. I am building a PC for the first time.

I have a laptop and desktop, but the desktop is five or so years old.
I need a new one, and retail is too expensive, but if a built one is even more expensive, I don't care - I make it and can upgrade it.

So, I am running into some problems.
I don't know a lot about hardware, so I need help here.

Some questions:

How do I know what hardware my motherboard supports?

I have seen computer cases with a component at the front that shows the stats (CPU Usage, RAM Usage, Hard Drive Usage, and a lot more) Is it part of the case? If not, where can I get it? What is it?

Where would I go about getting RAM with LED's?

Thats all for now, but I could add more later.
Thanks!

Everlong · Apr 22, 2009

When you look at motherboards to buy, read the technical specs and it should tell you a lot about it, such as the CPU socket type, RAM slot types etc.

The CPU socket type needs to be matched to the processor it's supports i.e. a motherboard with a socket 775 is for socket 775 processors, such as a Core 2 Quad processor. AM2, AM2+ and AM3 are AMD processor sockets, and socket 1366 are Intel's new i7 processor sockets. If you buy a heatsink and fan for a processor, you just need to find one that is compatible with the motherboard socket, but they're easy to find as all modern ones will support current socket types.

RAM slots are simple and are either DDR2 or DDR3. You can't mix and match, so DDR2 slots can only hold DDR2 RAM sticks, same for DDR3.

You will also need to look at the expansion slots, like the PCI slots. Graphic cards run on PCI-E slots, so look for either PCI-E x16 or PCI-E 2.0. PCI-E 2.0 graphic cards can run in PCI-E x16.

Other things will most likely be on the motherboard, such as SATA ports for SATA hard drives and SATA DVD drives, though most websites have each piece of hardware described accuratley. Like if you're looking for a SATA hard drive, it should clearly say SATA in the technical specifications or something.

The components that display CPU usage etc are multi-function panels and fan controllers. You will most likely need to buy this seperatley.

Only RAM I know of with the LEDs are Crucial Ballistic Tracer RAM, but they're only small LEDs to show RAM usage. You'd be better off just buying normal RAM then buying something like OCZ's fan cooler that has blue LED fans on it for a better effect.

Hope this helps. It's a brief explanation about everything, but if you have any more questions then just fire away

iTragedy · Apr 22, 2009

Thanks so much Everlong!

I found my hardware and it all seems compatible.

What do you think of this build:

PC Case
Graphics Card
Hard Drive
CD-ROM Drive
Power Supply
RAM
Motherboard
Processor
Multi-Function Panel

Accessories:
Lighting
Storage
Mouse

Also, could you help me decide which keyboard to get?
#1
#2

By the way, I've seen some awesome fans with lights, but do you think you could point me to some good places where I could get them? I was hoping to get two 120mm fans that both light up.

Potential fans:
120mm
CPU Fan

One last thing: Whats better, water cooling or fan cooling, and which would you recommend?

Thanks so so far and for the future :D

Everlong · Apr 23, 2009

It looks like a nice build

Just a couple of things I'd change is the CPU Fan first, I'd try and get something like a Zalman 9700, and that RAM too, I'd maybe try and get 800MHz instead of 667MHz, but that 667MHz will still be fine if you're happy with it.

I'd stick with fan cooling myself at the moment. It's still adequate for modern processors, and would only really get water cooling if I overclocked a lot.

And both of them keyboards are good, though personally I use a G11 keyboard, which I love. If you're wanting to game then try and get a wired gaming mouse as well, as the two keyboards you've chosen are gaming keyboards. Though these are just a few things I'd choose, but at the end of the day it's your PC

smarteyeball · Apr 23, 2009

Water cooling is superior but seeing as it's your first build, I'd start with air cooling

I have the Cyborg keyboard and overall I'm happy with it. If I had to nitpick, I'd prefer if it had some better anti-ghosting (simultaneous key-presses) and the macro keys could be closer to the regular keys. They certainly do come in useful both in games and at the desktop though.

On the plus side, the drivers are good and once you work out the profile editor, it works well. Plus the keyboard looks good in the dark

For LED case fans, I have 6 Zalman ZF-M3's. They push a decent amount of air, look good and aren't too loud. (more soft whoosh than whine) Avoid Antec Tri-Cools if you can.

If you're going to get a 4870, I'd highly suggest a 1GB model for high res texture settings. 512mb is fine at medium, but performance can suffer signifigantly when high res textures are used in some games.

As Everlong suggested, grab some 800mhz or even 1066hz Ram.

thepizzaman · Apr 23, 2009

hmmm looks like a very nice new build :D..... my one recommendation.... on top of the others.... is try to get the phenom II..... it might be a little more but it is well worth the extra money..... the 940 or the 920 at most is only 100 more.... :D

SMOKKINU · Apr 23, 2009

how much total are you looking to spend?

SMOKKINU · Apr 23, 2009

I can probly build you something much better for around the same money spent on all of that.... if your primary is gaming, i would step away from the AMD, and go with an INTEL.... AMD is not doing too hot these days.

iTragedy · Apr 23, 2009

Everlong: How does this sound?: RAM
Hmm, Maybe I might get the G11, its just a little too pricey in addition to the build.

Smarteyeball: How about this card?: Card

Smokkinu: Sadly, I can't afford Intel right now, and this is a comb. You buy the motherboard and it comes with the AMD Processor. I really wanted a quad, so I couldn't go with Intel because its 100 or so more.

SMOKKINU · Apr 23, 2009

iTragedy said:
Everlong: How does this sound?: RAM
Hmm, Maybe I might get the G11, its just a little too pricey in addition to the build.

Smarteyeball: How about this card?: Card

Smokkinu: Sadly, I can't afford Intel right now, and this is a comb. You buy the motherboard and it comes with the AMD Processor. I really wanted a quad, so I couldn't go with Intel because its 100 or so more.

What is your price range? just give me that and i can help you out...

SMOKKINU · Apr 23, 2009

Also, tell me what you NEED in a new build.... IE: Case, Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse... etc etc...

SMOKKINU · Apr 23, 2009

I just built you a complete core i7 920 system for under $1500 w/out monitor and keyboard...

LG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model GH22NS30 - OEM Item #: N82E16827136152 Return Policy: 30 Day Return Policy Protect Your Investment (expand for options27-136-152|hide options27-136-152)

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Western Digital VelociRaptor WD3000HLFS 300GB 10000 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Hard Drive - OEM Item #: N82E16822136322 Return Policy: 30 Day Return Policy Protect Your Investment (expand for options22-136-322|hide options22-136-322)

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EVGA 896-P3-1255-AR GeForce GTX 260 Core 216 896MB 448-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail Item #: N82E16814130434 Return Policy: Limited Non-Refundable 30-Day Return Policy -$25.00 Instant
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SMOKKINU · Apr 23, 2009

you get a free 8gb flash drive, and a video game too with all that :-)

two diff memory options on there, if you want the flashing LED's get the crucial balistix, if not, get the OCZ Golds... both are decent. I have the balistix. lovem...

SMOKKINU · Apr 23, 2009

Grand Total:$1,279.90

and that is SHIPPED.

smarteyeball · Apr 23, 2009

iTragedy;1026884 [B said:
Smarteyeball:[/b] How about this card?: Card

For decent performance in the ATI range, you'd best be looking at a 4850 or above. I would actually recommend the 4870 512mb over that card because even though that 4650 does have 1GB, the performance difference between a 4650 and 4870 is quite significant and any benefit of the 4650 having 1GB is negated by the lower clock speed

Newegg.com - XFX HD-487A-ZDFC Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards

Newegg.com - XFX HD-489A-ZDFC Radeon HD 4890 1GB 256-bit DDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards

These two are great performers, but do cost quite a bit more. Essentially clock speed is more important than VRAM. But if you can afford both, even better

iTragedy · Apr 23, 2009

Hmm, for the meantime, I cannot afford that card.

Maybe later when I rack up some more money I will get it. Definitely.

SMOKKINU · Apr 23, 2009

iTragedy said:
Hmm, for the meantime, I cannot afford that card.

Maybe later when I rack up some more money I will get it. Definitely.

lol ive been trying to help you past 2 pages, what is your price range??????

iTragedy · Apr 24, 2009

SMOKKINU said:
iTragedy said:

Hmm, for the meantime, I cannot afford that card.

Maybe later when I rack up some more money I will get it. Definitely.

Click to expand...

lol ive been trying to help you past 2 pages, what is your price range??????

Sorry, when I posted that I only had enough time to reply to one post, and to yours It would take me a while xD

My price range is about 1000-1100 or so.

Some necessities: 1 TB Hard drive, 1 GB Graphics (600 MHz), DDR2 240 pin Ram (8GB), and a cd drive that has lightscribe and can burn BluRay.

Deal is, I can't spend a lot on a processor, so I decided to go with a combo with that motherboard and the AMD Processor.

Intel i7 is too expensive, and if I dish out for it, I won't be able to afford some things.

+ I will get the 2 LED Fans, Catholde Kit, PC Case, & a multifunction panel.

iTragedy · Apr 24, 2009

Also, as I understand it - (Being a first timer)

Once I hook up all my software to the motherboard and beyond, (Fans, keyboard, etc) the CD Drive should work, I should put the OS Install CD in, boot it up, Install OS, and then install drivers from CD's?

SMOKKINU · Apr 24, 2009

iTragedy said:
SMOKKINU said:

iTragedy said:

Hmm, for the meantime, I cannot afford that card.

Maybe later when I rack up some more money I will get it. Definitely.

Click to expand...

lol ive been trying to help you past 2 pages, what is your price range??????

Click to expand...

Sorry, when I posted that I only had enough time to reply to one post, and to yours It would take me a while xD

My price range is about 1000-1100 or so.

Some necessities: 1 TB Hard drive, 1 GB Graphics (600 MHz), DDR2 240 pin Ram (8GB), and a cd drive that has lightscribe and can burn BluRay.

Deal is, I can't spend a lot on a processor, so I decided to go with a combo with that motherboard and the AMD Processor.

Intel i7 is too expensive, and if I dish out for it, I won't be able to afford some things.

+ I will get the 2 LED Fans, Catholde Kit, PC Case, & a multifunction panel.

I can build you a Intel i7 setup for $1200 with a better video card, and a 300 GB Velociraptor... a 1TB drive i think would be cheaper so if you want thats fine... let me know i will email you the list and you can buy it

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