"Another 'Build me a computer' Thread"

[Karrrrrrrrrrrresche]

Okay, here's the deal. My Birthday is in August, on the 5th specifically. and I've gotten the go ahead to build a computer. The problem being I know next to nothing about computer hardware.

Right now I've got a Nvidia GeForce 8800 GS, a 1600x1200 monitor, and a G5 mouse. So I don't need any of those I guess. (Though apparently according to some the card is outdated, so if an upgrade you know of is available, I'd appreciate the input.)

At a guess, I think I'll have upwards of 600 bucks for this thing.

Obviously I'd want a good computer for games, and a hard drive bigger than 90 gigs would be a plus. So, any suggestions?

[Nikose Tyris]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16856101082R

? Maybe? this is more of a guess for me, I've never used anything like this little thing, but I know you pretty well, and I don't think you'd be too mad at me if I guessed wrong. Also it's shiny and portable so if you make any local friends you can just lug the little thing anywhere you need.

[MasterOfMagic]

Would that thing even fit an 8800 GS? It looks tiny (which, I understand, is the whole point)

[Nikose Tyris]

I... I think? I honestly can't tell. I see the standard version comes with an SLI item, so I think it should?

[MasterOfMagic]

Well, I only ask because the dimensions suggest it might, but then you look at this pic (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ShowImage.aspx?CurImage=56-101-082-11.jpg&Image=56-101-082-02.jpg%2c56-101-082-03.jpg%2c56-101-082-04.jpg%2c56-101-082-05.jpg%2c56-101-082-06.jpg%2c56-101-082-07.jpg%2c56-101-082-08.jpg%2c56-101-082-09.jpg%2c56-101-082-10.jpg%2c56-101-082-11.jpg%2c56-101-082-12.jpg&S7ImageFlag=0&WaterMark=1&Item=N82E16856101082R&Depa=99&Description=Shuttle%20SX58H7%20Barebone), and it doesn't really seem to be the case.

[Nikose Tyris]

Okay so after some thought- Two questions for you, Karesh.

1) Do you plan to keep your old computer, or jack most of it's parts for this upgrade?

2) If the answer to #1 is "Jack parts" then can you post a DxDiag and I'll see about building a light, cheap, PC using your old parts and new things?

[Karrrrrrrrrrrresche]

Jack parts and then use the Case as a makeshift weapon.

[Nikose Tyris]

Okay, so I know you pretty well as a person, and I know that you have some money saved up from working in that hell-pit known as subway.

New Hard Drive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136149 $57.99

Processor+Ram bundle: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4673841&CatId=4534 $369.99

Heatsink: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4434989&CatId=493 $49.99

BANKBREAKING MOTHERBOARD HOLY FUCK: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4633206&Sku=E145-2058 $399.99

This comes to a back-breaking $1010 after Taxes, way higher then you originally wanted- however, if you get your parents to chip in that $600 and cover the rest yourself, I believe this board should serve you well. Otherwise, you can downgrade the motherboard, to this:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4481571&CatId=4068 $199

and drop your overall price.

[NMR]

You Graphics card should be fine for another few years Grth, unless you wanna play on the biggest resolutions with the highest graphics. Your card is built for gaming. All the nVidia X800 cards are.

But I agree with Nikose on hes setup. That selection of parts will put you in good gaming territory for years to come, until you need a new video card. Though, I'm sure you are gonna go with the $200 motherboard instead of the bank breaker. But it's cool.

Nikose, do you think that you need to include the extra heatsink? The processor comes with one built for it, and I'm sure Grth will not need to overclcok. That would save him an extra few dollars to put somewhere else.

[Nikose Tyris]

I think Gareth will break the first heat sink to be honest, and if he is getting a big fancy case like we are talking about on MSN, there's always the style aspect to look at too.

So he doesn't REALLY, but I think it'd be a nice addition.

[synkr0nized]

I run with the heatsinks that came with my processors. :(
I don't overclock, though, and instead make sure I have decent airflow through my cases. If it's going to get cramped inside or overclocking is involved, rock it out with the 3rd party accessories.