D4\/!d Posted February 9, 2008 Report Share Posted February 9, 2008 I need some help please. :) Number three PC is dead. The motherboard died. The dead PC's been lying there since before Christmas.I cannot throw it away, so I think I shall have a go at building a new one. My first time. Never done it before. Following advice here, I shall have a hardware friend to guide my fumbling fingers.I shall be running XP Pro.I'm gonna go for a bundle of Mobo+Processor+RAM, and get a new graphics card and a SATA drive.I have plenty of spare drives but none are SATA, so I think I need a modest sized 80-120 for this new kit.I don't do gaming so the graphics no need to be extra special, but what do I go for.I use the PC for the usual word processing, spreadsheets, and Internet with a bit if photo tweaking thrown in.Where do I go to get my bundle?I read here that Novatech are worthwhile and using a nominal £200 budget I found this AMD bundleIf I want Intel, they start at £210 Intel Motherboard BundleWhat do you think, what alternatives should I consider. Do I go AMD or pay a little more for Intel.I've also been told to go for an Asus motherboard (is that the right name?) yet these bundles do not say they are Asus.One criticism I've heard about home made PCs is they are/can be noisy. Quiet PC has been mentioned before and I am wondering what essential parts I should get from them.I will carefully consider your comments and listen to what you have to say.... ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-pops- Posted February 9, 2008 Report Share Posted February 9, 2008 I tend to use ASUS or ABIT boards. The one in your reference is ASUS. Note it only has two PCI slots so if you want to install a load of PCI peripherals, you're going to be a bit stuck (perhaps it's only me but, I like to have loads of them). Note also there is one IDE connector and several SATAPersonally, I feel there is a lot of hype in this AMD vs INTEL battle. Choose the one which suits you at the price you want to pay.Bundles are excellent for a first timer but, when you have gained experience, I'm sure you will want do do your own bespoke machine with the parts that you decide should go into it.Regarding noise, bundles will most likely come with a standard heatsink/fan system which may or may not be noisy. Again, a bespoke system on your second build can have all the quiet components (e.g. Zalman H/S, extra large fans etc.) that you want.Is there someone you could build for? My idea being to build a first machine from a bundle to gain experience, sell it and build a made to measure one which really suits you.The first thing I would do, though, is strip down an old machine, give it a clean and re-assemble. Don't expect it to work but it will show you where bits go and a "feel" for them.Final bit of advice is DON'T use old parts in a new machine. By all means use old drives as add-ons but the heart of the machine should be all new. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlanHo Posted February 9, 2008 Report Share Posted February 9, 2008 I have recently built my first computer - there is a thread on the forum about it.My specCase - Antec P182 cost £77 - Lambda TechPSU - Antec Neopower 650W cost £62 - Lambda TechMobo - ASUS P5KC cost £75 - EbuyerCPU - Intel Q6600 cost £160 - EbuyerCooler - Zalman CNPS9500 cost £24 - EbuyerRAM - OCZ 2GB DDR2 800 MHz cost £35 - EbuyerGraphics - ASUS GF8600 GT 256 MB cost £63 - Lambda techHard drives - Two Seagate SAT 250 GB cost for two £97 - Lambda TechDVD Drives - Two LG GSA H55NRBL cost for two £40 - EbuyerCard reader - Enlight 26 in 1 internal cost £9 - EbuyerOS - Windows Vista Ultimate OEM cost £102 - EbuyerTotal cost £767Time to build - about 8 hours - I took it really slow and carefully. It was quite straightforward and the manuals that came with the Antec case and ASUS motherboard were excellent.I went Intel - in my case the quad Q6600 - and I went for the ASUS P5KC motherboard to be able to upgrade to DDR3 memory at a later date when prices are more reasonable.Looking on EBuyer - the bundle you detailed bought as separate components costs £194 (Quick link items 130485, 91124, 138575.)If it were me - I would pay the £13 extra and go for the ASUS mobo.Edit - My computer is almost silent - the Antec case fans and Zalman cooler are excellent in this respect and my CPU core temperatures are hardly ever above 40C.Best of luck - and enjoy it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catgate Posted February 9, 2008 Report Share Posted February 9, 2008 Where do I go to get my bundle?Do I go AMD or pay a little more for Intel.http://www.cclonline.com/ is very good, very very quick and their site is very informative.I would question if there is any meaningful difference between AMD and Intel. I have used them both.Make sure your power unit is adequate if you use your old box. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rong Posted February 9, 2008 Report Share Posted February 9, 2008 You could get better from Ebuyer (and probably cheaper if you look around) for less and put it together yourself, the processor and ram are the easy bits as you do them outside the case Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-pops- Posted February 9, 2008 Report Share Posted February 9, 2008 A tip for you - hold screws on the end of the screwdriver with a bit of BluTak (or used chewing gum). Prevents them falling inside the case and potentially expensive consequences if not found. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Belatucadrus Posted February 9, 2008 Report Share Posted February 9, 2008 Regarding the AMD Intel question, at the moment Intel have a definite performance edge. But having said that, your list of applications contains nothing that could tax any chip on the market today, so practically speaking I can't see that it'll make a difference you can detect. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D4\/!d Posted February 9, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 9, 2008 Thanks all. Good advice a unusual You are all most helpful with comments about bluetack ha ha , eBuyer, leaving the noise issue till later, the Intel/AMD difference. My PSU is Ok thanksI have actually come down a peg or two as I think I'll try and get as much as I can for my £200.I am now looking at AMD X2 4200 AM2, 1024MB DDR2 667 RAM, MSI 570 SLi MotherboardAthlon 64 4200, Heatsink and Fan, 2Gb DDR2 667 RAM, AM2 nVidia MotherboardI think one's got an on board graphics card the hasn't.Do these things come with all the leads and cables I need?Then I shall need a modest SATA drive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boris Posted February 9, 2008 Report Share Posted February 9, 2008 For only another £7 you can get this one :-http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/specpage.html?MBB-AM462M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D4\/!d Posted February 10, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 10, 2008 Thanks Boris, yeah you can keep adding the odd seven quid here and there and before you know it you've doubled yer budget.However, your selection looks jolly good.What was it that attracted you and made you show it to me... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boris Posted February 10, 2008 Report Share Posted February 10, 2008 IMHO best VFM at the moment from the "budget" Novatech bundles. I've two friends who wanted a cheap upgrade whilst retaining all their drives etc. who have ordered these on my recommendation :) Their needs seem to mirror yours exactly.Both seem very happy with their acquisitions.Novatech's customer service in the event of any problems is also excellent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D4\/!d Posted February 10, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 10, 2008 Their needs seem to mirror yours exactly.Looks like we are all at it B) Many thanks Boris As it seems to have onboard graphics I just need a modest SATA drive now... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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