New Computer Build

[vortex2450]

$1400? Is this with or without an OS/Display?

It it's without then $1400 is a lot to play with.

i5 750: Newegg.com - Intel Core i5-750 Lynnfield 2.66GHz 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor - Processors - Desktops

Asus P7P55D Deluxe: Newegg.com - ASUS P7P55D Deluxe LGA 1156 Intel P55 ATX Intel Motherboard - Intel Motherboards

4GB Corsair PC3 12800: Newegg.com - CORSAIR DOMINATOR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CMD4GX3M2A1600C8 - Desktop Memory

XFX HD5850: Newegg.com - XFX HD-585A-ZNDC Radeon HD 5850 (Cypress Pro) XXX Edition 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards
(the base model isn't in stock)

Corsair 750HX: Newegg.com - CORSAIR CMPSU-750HX 750W ATX12V 2.3 / EPS12V 2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS SILVER Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply - Power Supplies

WD Caviar Black 640GB: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319

DVD Drive : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106335

That tallies @ ~ $1,150 which gives you a little more than $250 to play with for a case and hopefully a decent heat sink.

Personal preferences vary but I'd go with :

HAF 932 : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119160
or
Antec P183: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129061


( I know it's already been addressed but it seems most new builders make the mistake of thinking performance is largely based on the amount of RAM when the truth is you'll only have RAM issues when you running anything under 2GB).

You can surely fit an i7 build under $1400 but I was aiming more for well rounded than all out CPU brute in this one.

 

[saxnerd]

Sorry I wasn't specific enough. I meant what features do you get if you pay an extra $100 dollars for a motherboard. And what does triple channel mean, clock speed, timings and voltage. And what are you looking for in a good piece of ram? Also sorry for asking so many questions at once, but does the os matter at all? And what is a good moniter to buy I have about 200 to spend and last thing where is the best place to buy the parts? Thank you all so much it's been really helpful.

 

[vortex2450]

Well it varies, but in general the higher dollar motherboards are more so packed with overclocker and enthusiasts friendly features.

Triple channel in generalized terms means that you have 3 lanes (channels) to run programs, commands, etc through versus the common 2, there is large debate over 2 channel vs. triple channel but in the end you'll be just fine with a dual channel motherboard.

Clock speed is how fast as piece of hardware is running, compare it top a car, if your going 15 mph it'll take you 4 minutes to go a mile, if your going 60 mph it'll take you 1/4 the time to go the same distance. Generally speaking faster is better.

RAM timings are complex but just know that a lower timing leans for better speed.

With RAM first you want to decide how much you need 4GB (2x2GB kits are the norm), most importantly you want dependable RAM from a reputable company (Corsair, OCZ, and G-Skill are all great). As far as performance goes you want the higher speed with the lowest timings at a price that's right for you.

OS does matter, it the interface, it's what makes your computer a computer.
You'll want to go with Windows 7.

As with everything else computer related your options are next to limitless.

You'll want a monitor with a low response time, good colors, a wide contrast ratio, and a decent resolution.

Here are some suggestions:
Newegg.com - Hanns·G HH-231HPB Black 23" 5ms HDMI Widescreen Full HD LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 DCR 15000:1 (1000:1) Built-in Speakers - LCD Monitors

Newegg.com - SAMSUNG 22" 5ms Height &Pivot Adjustable Stand Black Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 DC 8000:1(1000:1) - LCD Monitors

Newegg.com - ASUS VH232H Glossy Black 23" 5ms Widescreen Full HD 1080p LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 ASCR 20000:1 w/Speakers & HDMI - LCD Monitors

And if you haven't caught it yet I think everyone here well anonymously agree that NewEgg.com is the best place for computer hardware.

 

[Muffin Man]

generally speaking, the extra money could get you things like more ram slots, a newer socket, newer chipset, more expansion slots, more i/o connections and things like sata 6gb/s, usb 3.0 and support for crossfire and sli. it's also not uncommon for people to want to spend more on a mobo from a certain brand, and some brands capitalize on this and charge a bit more because they know that there are people who will spend more for that asus or evga branded mobo.

triple channel
Triple-channel architecture - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

place to buy parts? as you've probably already noticed, we usually link to parts from newegg for U.S. people, but there are other good places to shop from. you can take a look here http://www.techist.com/forums/f75/hardware-shopping-megathread-212899/

 

[saxnerd]

LITE-ON 4X DVD Writer Black SATA Model iHAS424-98 $31.99

Western Digital 750GB SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Hard Drive $69.99

ASUS VH232H 23" 5ms Widescreen Full HD 1080p LCD Monitor w/Speakers & HDMIl $189.99

Antec P183 Black Aluminum Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail &
Antec EarthWatts EA650 650W Continuous Power $204.98

XFX HD 5850 XXX Edition 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 &
OCZ Gold 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 1600 $449.98

Intel Core i7-930 2.8GHz LGA 1366 Quad-Core Desktop Processor Model &
GIGABYTE GA-X58A-UD3R LGA 1366 Intel X58 $479.98
Total $1,426.91

I was thinking about getting as my computer. Is it a good choice? Also is there any way to make the computer less noisy? I know the case i got is supposed to lower sound.

 

[Muffin Man]

looks good.

if it turns out to be too load, you could replace the fans, but the 2 fans that the case comes with already can have their speed controlled with a switch located on the back of the case. higher speed will cool better but be a bit louder, lower speed won't cool as much but it will be quieter.

 

[saxnerd]

I need to cut about $300 from my build. I think I will use a 5770 instead of a 5850 because I don't play any really graphical intensive games. Do you have any other ideas for cutting cost? Maybe a cheaper case?

 

[Muffin Man]

maybe you'd like this?
Newegg.com - Antec Sonata III 500 Black 0.8mm cold rolled steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 500W Power Supply - Computer Cases

comes already with a good psu.

 

[saxnerd]

That sounds like good deal but I have one question. For my computer build how many watts does my psu need to be?

 

[orihS ‪‪‪Shiro]

That sounds like good deal but I have one question. For my computer build how many watts does my psu need to be?

500w+ from a good brand would be sufficient