Hardware: The PC Build Thread

Pinoy · 05-13-2009, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by railven

Hey, where is that link?

It's in post #17... or right here: http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/Pu...umber=10093425

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mase

Wow this was definitely the right place to ask questions, I have more answers than I know what to do with.. I feel kinda lost, I just want to play a few PC games here and there and burn some CDs perhaps DL some adult content and thats about it, oh and surf the web... Hahahaha, Pinoy I think I may just go with your shopping cart, only question I would have left is I prefer XP for now, is there a way to transfer my current liscense to the PC I will be building? I really dont wanna pay for an old OS I already own..

I'm sure there is a way to do it, but I don't know it. That's part of the PITA factor when you buy a pre-made system, often they're even keyed to the motherboard of that system. Owning your own copy is the way to go, that way no matter what you have your own and it's perfectly legit to install on whatever pc you want to as long as it's one at a time (well... excepting Vista...)

Mattie_B · 05-13-2009, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mase

Wow this was definitely the right place to ask questions, I have more answers than I know what to do with.. I feel kinda lost, I just want to play a few PC games here and there and burn some CDs perhaps DL some adult content and thats about it, oh and surf the web... Hahahaha, Pinoy I think I may just go with your shopping cart, only question I would have left is I prefer XP for now, is there a way to transfer my current liscense to the PC I will be building? I really dont wanna pay for an old OS I already own..

Just re-use the key you have with your current XP machine. Worst case scenario is you would have to call the number to activate it. Just tell them that you got a virus and had to reformat.

railven · 05-13-2009, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mase

Wow this was definitely the right place to ask questions, I have more answers than I know what to do with.. I feel kinda lost, I just want to play a few PC games here and there and burn some CDs perhaps DL some adult content and thats about it, oh and surf the web... Hahahaha, Pinoy I think I may just go with your shopping cart, only question I would have left is I prefer XP for now, is there a way to transfer my current liscense to the PC I will be building? I really dont wanna pay for an old OS I already own..

There are two ways for you to keep your current Windows XP License.

You can use the Transfer Wizard on your new hard drive, it should setup properly, but I've personally never tried. I always opt for a fresh install.

If your computer is OEM (Dell, HP, Compaq, store bought) it should have the Windows License Key sticker on it. The most common places are the back, right above, or near the Power Supply, the sides front-top corner, or the top.

Just look around your case for a Windows Product Key sticker. Write that number down and save it. It will work with any CD of the same License (for example if it is XP Home, you can use any XP Home CD to install, and so forth.)

I've gotten a few Windows XP Licenses from my job, they'd throw out the PCs and I'd get the keys, then screw the sticker off. One man's trash is another's treasure.

Mase · 05-13-2009, 10:19 PM

ok I no longer can find my cd key and all that good stuff, but there is a number I can call because my copy is legit and all but I lose stuff all the time..

Hmmmm, thanks guys.. I think im gonna pull the trigger tonight. I am a little nervous about building it and I am sure I will fry something but I guess thats part of the fun..

Pinoy · 05-13-2009, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by railven

There are two ways for you to keep your current Windows XP License.

You can use the Transfer Wizard on your new hard drive, it should setup properly, but I've personally never tried. I always opt for a fresh install.

If your computer is OEM (Dell, HP, Compaq, store bought) it should have the Windows License Key sticker on it. The most common places are the back, right above, or near the Power Supply, the sides front-top corner, or the top.

Just look around your case for a Windows Product Key sticker. Write that number down and save it. It will work with any CD of the same License (for example if it is XP Home, you can use any XP Home CD to install, and so forth.)

I've gotten a few Windows XP Licenses from my job, they'd throw out the PCs and I'd get the keys, then screw the sticker off. One man's trash is another's treasure.

I thought some OEM's actually lock the windows installation to the motherboard in the system? Correct me if I'm wrong. If not that would work for sure, all he'd need is a windows disc (easy enough to come by).

I was gonna offer a student release xp pro key if needed

Pinoy · 05-13-2009, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mase

ok I no longer can find my cd key and all that good stuff, but there is a number I can call because my copy is legit and all but I lose stuff all the time..

Hmmmm, thanks guys.. I think im gonna pull the trigger tonight. I am a little nervous about building it and I am sure I will fry something but I guess thats part of the fun..

I'd let Railven take a gander at the parts list first, he'll probably catch anything I didn't think of or forgot.

And don't worry, it's actually pretty easy to put together and all. Hardest part is installing your OS and setting BIOS stuff.

Mase · 05-13-2009, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pinoy

I thought some OEM's actually lock the windows installation to the motherboard in the system? Correct me if I'm wrong. If not that would work for sure, all he'd need is a windows disc (easy enough to come by).

I was gonna offer a student release xp pro key if needed

If this doesnt work I may need that student release xp pro

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pinoy

I'd let Railven take a gander at the parts list first, he'll probably catch anything I didn't think of or forgot.

And don't worry, it's actually pretty easy to put together and all. Hardest part is installing your OS and setting BIOS stuff.

Ok I will wait, I am in no real rush but I would like to kill some zombies with you guys asap

railven · 05-13-2009, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pinoy

It's in post #17... or right here: http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/Pu...umber=10093425

Hey Pinoy, looking over the list, I'd strongly recommend you upping your Motherboard to include PCIE 16x 2.0. The Bandwidth gains are higher (roughly 35-40% depending on the card) and it will give it a little more lasting power. I've built a system using the MSI P45 board [Edit: the second board]:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813130185
Only handicap on this board, to get to the 1066 FSB for the processor and chip the board would OC itself. It is safe, and is done often, but I know this sometimes makes people not want to bother, they prefer 1:1 settings.
So I found this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813130181
$5 more than my first suggestion and about $15 more than yours after rebate. Nice board with 1066 stock and PCIE 16x v2.0.

I recommend this since I noticed the card you picked is PCIE 16x V2.0.

Everything else looks solid, but I'd recommend upping the RAM to 1066 stock. The 800's you picked will have to either be OC'ed to match your FSB of the CPU (1066) or stay stock with a ratio (probably 3:2) It is best to get a 1:1 ratio. If you have no intentions of OCing than 1066 RAM is what I'd recommend.

here are two good ones, since you first picked Mushkin here is a Mushkin kit, a bit more than your set about $10 after rebate:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820146785
Only downside is volts are tad high (2.1v ouch) and CAS is up there. But like I said, if you aren't OCing this shouldn't be an issue.

Here is some RAM I have running in my girlfriend's rig:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820227289
Same comments as above, but I know they are solid (no issues yet, almost a year running, but she has the 800 flavor.) Only complaint I have is their slick design includes gothic like spikes that can hurt your thumb as your press them. Leave them for last if you buy them I cut my knuckle on them haha.
[EDIT: Nevermind, looking closer at the images, they got rid of the gothic spikes. Must have been tons of complains or the spikes are exclusive to the 800 version ahah. These seem rounded, which is a plus. Corsair Dominator RAM has a similar spike pattern, not sure how spikes make things cooler better)

Again, everything else seems solid. I'm actually surprised that case went back to $60. I remember it being at $30 (after rebates) for the longest time. I was thinking about buying it as a back up case (looks slick, I've seen it in person, really like the design, good build quality too.)

PSU is great, single Rail with 35Amps on the +12v. Perfect.

railven · 05-13-2009, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pinoy

I thought some OEM's actually lock the windows installation to the motherboard in the system? Correct me if I'm wrong. If not that would work for sure, all he'd need is a windows disc (easy enough to come by).

I was gonna offer a student release xp pro key if needed

I think that turned out to be illegal. Imagine if you wanted to upgrade your motherboard?

I do know Windows when it installs it locks itself to your motherboard's ID. So if you change motherboards it will BSOD until re-installed or properly transferred.

Pinoy · 05-13-2009, 11:08 PM

Oh it's not for me Rail, it's a test list for Mase

Good catch on the motherboard, I hadn't even thought of the 2.0 thing. I always forget about these darn new fangled cpu's with 1066fsb's

I've updated the list: http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/Pu...umber=10093425

Total is now at $595.89 before tax/shipping. The bundle deal for the vid card/cpu knocks $15 dollars off and there's $30 in MIR... so $550.89 not including tax/shipping. Not bad. Keep in mind it still does not have an optical drive in the list but those are cheap or you might already have one.

I guess that system could easily get by with only 2gb of ram to cut cost a little bit more (I'm trying to stay within his budget)

Pinoy · 05-13-2009, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by railven

I think that turned out to be illegal. Imagine if you wanted to upgrade your motherboard?

I do know Windows when it installs it locks itself to your motherboard's ID. So if you change motherboards it will BSOD until re-installed or properly transferred.

Yeah Microsoft considers the motherboard to be 'The' computer, I guess that's why OEM's tie it to that. I don't recall ever hearing anything about it becoming illegal though, I'd have a hard time imagining it happening (big business and all)

I think I'm gonna go take a poke at configuring an AMD system for kicks.

**kamspy** · 05-13-2009, 11:24 PM

Hey Mase, download the Windows 7 release candidate if you can't get your XP license right.

If you're building a gaming PC, you'll want DirectX10.

**kamspy** · 05-14-2009, 02:32 AM

Here's a little guy I just put together for anyone who wants it:

CPU: $58
AMD Athlon 64 X2 5200 Brisbane 2.7GHz

Intel is just too expensive when you can get this for $57. This is all the CPU any game needs pending you have a capable video card.

GPU $135,
ASUS EAH4870 DK TOP/HTDI/512MD5 Radeon HD 4870

512MB of GDDR5, quality maker.

Motherboard $53
ASUS M4A78

RAM $47
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB)

4GB. Do just fine.

Power Supply $69
OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ600MXSP 600W

Hard Drive $89
Western Digital Caviar Green WD10EADS 1TB

A terabyte should do ya.

I'm sure all of you already have a case and a DVD drive...

Pinoy · 05-14-2009, 04:17 AM

I'd spend the extra $11 and go with the 7850 Black Edition instead Kam, at least get the unlocked multiplier for some easy overclocking. Yeah if you can't tell I have a hard time resisting just spending a few more dollars

**kamspy** · 05-14-2009, 04:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pinoy

I'd spend the extra $11 and go with the 7850 Black Edition instead Kam, at least get the unlocked multiplier for some easy overclocking. Yeah if you can't tell I have a hard time resisting just spending a few more dollars

Where?

05-13-2009, 10:19 PM	#34
Mase Way of the Samurai Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Tempe,Az Posts: 2,566	ok I no longer can find my cd key and all that good stuff, but there is a number I can call because my copy is legit and all but I lose stuff all the time.. Hmmmm, thanks guys.. I think im gonna pull the trigger tonight. I am a little nervous about building it and I am sure I will fry something but I guess thats part of the fun.. __________________ PlayStation 3 : legnd Killer Xbox 360: Legnd K1ller Steam ID: Legnd_Killer Currently playing Uncharted 2(PS3) Borderlands (360) NBA2k10 (360) COD4/WaW (360)

05-13-2009, 11:08 PM	#40
Pinoy I'm here for the lulz Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 3,630	Oh it's not for me Rail, it's a test list for Mase Good catch on the motherboard, I hadn't even thought of the 2.0 thing. I always forget about these darn new fangled cpu's with 1066fsb's I've updated the list: http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/Pu...umber=10093425 Total is now at $595.89 before tax/shipping. The bundle deal for the vid card/cpu knocks $15 dollars off and there's $30 in MIR... so $550.89 not including tax/shipping. Not bad. Keep in mind it still does not have an optical drive in the list but those are cheap or you might already have one. I guess that system could easily get by with only 2gb of ram to cut cost a little bit more (I'm trying to stay within his budget) __________________ SteamID: Pin0y_b0y Speed up your PS3 Network Connection

05-14-2009, 04:17 AM	#44
Pinoy I'm here for the lulz Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 3,630	I'd spend the extra $11 and go with the 7850 Black Edition instead Kam, at least get the unlocked multiplier for some easy overclocking. Yeah if you can't tell I have a hard time resisting just spending a few more dollars __________________ SteamID: Pin0y_b0y Speed up your PS3 Network Connection

05-13-2009, 11:24 PM	#42
kamspy Esteban Moderatoro Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Cincinnati,OH Good Posts: 12 Posts: 13,048	Hey Mase, download the Windows 7 release candidate if you can't get your XP license right. If you're building a gaming PC, you'll want DirectX10.

05-14-2009, 02:32 AM	#43
kamspy Esteban Moderatoro Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Cincinnati,OH Good Posts: 12 Posts: 13,048	Here's a little guy I just put together for anyone who wants it: CPU: $58 AMD Athlon 64 X2 5200 Brisbane 2.7GHz Intel is just too expensive when you can get this for $57. This is all the CPU any game needs pending you have a capable video card. GPU $135, ASUS EAH4870 DK TOP/HTDI/512MD5 Radeon HD 4870 512MB of GDDR5, quality maker. Motherboard $53 ASUS M4A78 RAM $47 G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 4GB. Do just fine. Power Supply $69 OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ600MXSP 600W Hard Drive $89 Western Digital Caviar Green WD10EADS 1TB A terabyte should do ya. I'm sure all of you already have a case and a DVD drive...