Building a PC, help needed
<div class="IPBDescription">on the cheap</div>Ok guys I've decided I'm going to build a new PC since the current one dates back to the prehistoric.
but(theres always a but) I'm a little overwhelmed and have somewhat limited funds.
what parts do you guys recommend.
<b>PS: I am not picky about brand and if at all possible could prices be in Canadian.</b>
but(theres always a but) I'm a little overwhelmed and have somewhat limited funds.
what parts do you guys recommend.
<b>PS: I am not picky about brand and if at all possible could prices be in Canadian.</b>
Comments
Ok guys I've decided I'm going to build a new PC since the current one dates back to the prehistoric.
but(theres always a but) I'm a little overwhelmed and have somewhat limited funds.
what parts do you guys recommend.
<b>PS: I am not picky about brand and if at all possible could prices be in Canadian.</b>
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
How limited are your funds and what do you want to do with your PC?
Example: 800$, mainly gaming.
In general though.. you'll want a dual core cpu, at least a gig of ram, ~500w psu, then your drives, cards, etc depending on motherboard.
Then there's the case of what parts do you have at the moment that you could convert/salvage to shove into new box. That really helps keep price down, unless you have old junky hardware.. then don't bother.
the only thing I'd consider putting into the new computer is my video card (geforce fx 5600 ultra) as a placeholder for a better one and possibly a stick of 512 ram.
as for the dual core processor (I have only looked at the intel core duo so far), looking at various web retailers (popping by a local computer store tomorrow to check out prices there) there seem quite expensive (eating up a large chunk of my budget).
Luckily guy at my work sold me an old PCX 5900 (PCI-E version of the FX 5900) for 20 bucks <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile-fix.gif" />
Dual core intels do seem to cost a bit more compared to amd.. I still went with AMD and the cpu runs and fulfills my needs so eh. Even so, my cpu still cost the most out of all my parts. As it should, since it is the main.. brain.. thing..
I'm guessing your FX is AGP though, I was planning on trying to salvage video card too, but the way to go these days with video is PCI-E.. so my Radeon 9600 was out of the question :|
Luckily guy at my work sold me an old PCX 5900 (PCI-E version of the FX 5900) for 20 bucks <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile-fix.gif" />
Dual core intels do seem to cost a bit more compared to amd.. I still went with AMD and the cpu runs and fulfills my needs so eh. Even so, my cpu still cost the most out of all my parts. As it should, since it is the main.. brain.. thing..
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
There aren't any backwards compatable mobos with AGP and PCI-E?
That kinda sucks, but I suppose it's expected.
On a side note since I don't want to make yet ANOTHER computer thread - Is it easy to take your current processor and put it into a new mother board? The only thing I don't like about my current rig is that my video card is lacking. I've got a 3.2 Ghz HT p4, a gig of ram, a 600 watt power supply, audigy 2, etc but it's using an only AGP slot mobo. If I wanted to upgrade JUST the mobo and graphics card would that be likely? I'd probably buy a new case while I'm at it.
I suppose the only thing I'd need to take into consideration would be if the mobo had the right pin number or something? tips anyone?
Is it even worth my while - Is that still a decent processor (It's like 4 years old)
Is it worth shelling out cash for a dual core - because I don't really need multi-ap functioning it's mostly just for games. I assume that my limiting factor is graphics capability.
Sorry if this is a thread jack - hopefully you'll get some information out of this too.
Is it easy to take your current processor and put it into a new mother board?
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Easy, yes. Nerve racking, yes.
Moving the cpu itself is wicked easy, just make sure it's the same socket type on your new motherboard. Putting the fan on usually makes me nervous because you're usually forcing down a clip with a screwdriver that could easily come off the side of the clip and tear up bits of your mobo.
But I do need to do some retrofitting.
_
My CPU fan is going at about 6250rpm
I'd like to reduce that to make it quieter.
_
Short of removing the giant copper heatsink/fan, or anything too expensive, whats a good way to do that?
<a href="http://www.pcconnection.com/ProductDetail?Sku=6483242" target="_blank">http://www.pcconnection.com/ProductDetail?Sku=6483242</a>
He's really picky about how good the pixelization is on flatscreen monitors.
So I found him the best price, for one of the best monitors like that <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tounge.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":p" border="0" alt="tounge.gif" />
$180, 19'' NEC OptiClear
Was something like $330 if we bought it in the store.
<a href="http://shop1.outpost.com/product/4649868?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG" target="_blank">http://shop1.outpost.com/product/4649868?s...CH:MAIN_RSLT_PG</a>
I just got a Sceptre Widescreen 20.1" off newegg for $~190. Hopefully it shall satisfy me!