Getting a friend to build a computer

The Black Hunter

I have very little idea about computers, but basically I want something I can game with easily for as long as possible before the damn thing explodes.

I want reliability, but I also want affordability.

I have been warned against using ASUS and AMD stuff and to use intel instead.

Here is the current set-up FYI

Package AMD Master
Motherboard - ASUS M2N-SLI Deluxe - $189 ***
CPU - AMD AM2 6000+ - $194 ***
RAM - 4GB 2x Geil Ultra 4/12 (2x2x1024)
Hard Drive - Segate 500GB 7200.11
Graphics Card - 8800GT 512MB EVGA SuperClocked
Optical Drive - ASUS DL DVD+-RW 20x w/LS
Case - Raidmax Ninja Black - $110
Power Supply - Coolermaster xtreme 550w
Operating System - Vista Home Premium x86 OEM - $133 ***


I will also be getting a gigabyte laser mouse and a logitech G15 keyboard

***- things I'm worried about
Vista is there because I beleive my friend will get shitty non-genuine stuff.

Should I be okay with this set-up, or should I go the more expensive stuff?
If I should swap around, what should I be swapping?

Remember gentlemen, reliability and affordability.

Doc

that case is heck of tacky.

Primesghost

Looks like some quality gear there. If you're already springing for Home Premium then you might want to go ahead and get the 64 bit version instead of the 32 bit one you have listed. The 32 bit version will only allow you to use about 3gb of your memory despite what you have installed, that's just the way 32 bit OS's work. 64 bit would allow you to add more memory in the future and not have to get a new OS.

Not sure what you've heard about Asus but they're the top brand in motherboards on the market.

Edit: Forgot to mention this.

The Black Hunter wrote: »

Remember gentlemen, reliability and affordability.

You realize you could save quite a bit of money by not ordering this case and just running to your nearest Fry's (or other electronics outlet nearby) and getting a basic case for 30$ - 50$.

Edit 2: That case is half as much on NewEgg.com with a mail-in rebate that makes it free.

ViolentChemistry

Make sure you don't flip out at your friend when you break your shit. That kind of thing is why so many people are dead set against building machines for friends or relatives.

Blake T

Doc wrote: »

that case is heck of tacky.

SEE THIS^

The Black Hunter

ViolentChemistry wrote: »

Make sure you don't flip out at your friend when you break your shit. That kind of thing is why so many people are dead set against building machines for friends or relatives.

I'll keep it calm.


And regarding the case, why is it tacky?

I'll do some more research regardless.

Blake T

Because it looks arse end ugly. That is why. Could you tell by looking at it?

I would suggest looking at the Antec range as I am in love with them.

Primesghost

I got to looking at your other prices after I found the case for half of what you listed and here's what I found at NewEgg (NewEgg is one of the best online outfits in the world by the way):

Motherboard = 131.60 including shipping
Processor = 159.00 including shipping
Case = 75.55 including shipping (15.56 after mail-in rebate)

You didn't list any prices on any other stuff so I couldn't check that. but that's a 126$ savings over what you were quoted. You may want to check your source.

Shogun

I suggest ditching that AMD for a Core 2 duo. If the price you got for that processor is serious you could get a lot more power out of a C2D for a similar or better price. Also I'm assuming your version of Vista you're getting is the 64 bit version or that extra 2GB of memory is worthless.

Earthenrock

I have that motherboard and processor combo, and its running strong. In fact only difference between my system and that is that I have a 8800 gts 640mb 2gbs of ram and a heftier power supply, as far as innards go.

I actually built a system for one of my closest friends, which had a whopping 2500 dollar spending limit. I usually would always suggest not building a system for friends because they might flip out if something has to be RMA'd or if theres a problem that needs troubleshooting. In this case though he was building it and I just helped him pick parts and watched over his shoulder while he did it.

Make sure everything is compatible with Vista, especially if you're going the 64 bit route.

If you can also, really shop around for a damn good power supply. It's something thats ignored a lot during a system build, and a good one will keep your system running healthy.

tsmvengy

Yes, the AMD XP 6000+ is not worth it. If you're going to spend that kind of money you are better off going C2D. The benefit of AMD is that it's cheaper - so it's worth it if you're going for something around the 4400+, but the 6000+ is too expensive for what it is.

Also as suggested I would ditch that case (because it's tacky and expensive) and get a better Case/PSU. Antec Sonata III FTW.

Nitsuj82

Yeah, if you haven't checked Newegg, just start over. I've built probably 5 or 6 machines using parts sourced from that site. It's the best worst kept secret on the 'net (it used to be Egghead Computers).

TychoCelchuuu

I would second the Core2Duo recommendation. My current case is a Sonata III and it serves me well. If I felt like spending slightly more money, an Antec P180B would probably be my next choice. The Sonata III PSU powers my 8800/E6700/2 gigs of RAM fine, btw.

Edit: And yes buy it all off of Newegg. It works great.

Shogun

I third the Antec Sonata III case. Very nice deal. Fuck Newegg though. I only say that because I have to pay tax with them.

The Black Hunter

What about an Antec 900?

And this is in Australian dollary-doos.

The C2D and intel motherboard replacement ups the price by $400

Primesghost

Antec = Quality, so find one you like and it should be fine.

And there's nothing wrong with the processor/motherboard combo you picked out. I've built more than a hundred AMD computers for customers and never had a problem with them. The processor you picked out is mid/upper range and the motherboard allows for major memory/CPU upgrades in the future without having to be replaced. When trying to balance the performance over affordability equation, AMD is the way to go.

Xaquin

Cautioned against Asus?

I've never known anyone who had a problem with Asus .... heck, I've used Asus mobos in all the 20+/- computers I've built and have never had a single problem.

blincoln

There's nothing wrong with Asus or AMD as such, but you'll probably get more for your money with a Core 2 Duo. Intel really stomped on AMD when they released that processor series - I was convinced Intel was stuck in the past with the P4 line, and bought AMD for years, but the C2D is a seriously bad-ass design.
I'm going to buck the trend here and say that that case isn't terrible-looking. It's kind of over the top, but I've seen a lot worse.
Since you are interested in gaming, I would recommend staying away from Vista for now. It is a huge resource hog, even if it looks pretty. XP will give you much better performance. There's also no reason to go 64-bit. The driver support is still not very good, and I can't imagine there are any games that really take advantage of it at this time.

Doc

Also, if you get the Sonata III case, you can use the built-in power supply. It's decent.

wallabeeX

The Black Hunter wrote: »

What about an Antec 900?

And this is in Australian dollary-doos.

The C2D and intel motherboard replacement ups the price by $400

I had the pleasure of recently building a system in an Antec 900 case. I've worked with a myriad of Antecs in the past and this, by FAR, was the best case I've ever had the pleasure of dealing with. I would not hesitate to build another machine with it - great styling, great cooling, and Antec really stepped it up with this. You'd be like "Now what the hell is that supposed to do" and then five minutes later be like "All I need is .. oh, holy shit, THAT'S what that does?"

Serious step up.

(Also, I'm not sure if anyone's dealt with other cases like this, but the 900 made me question why the power button, USB ports, and headphone jack aren't on the top of the case more often)