Should I build, or buy a built CPU?

Eric the Ricer · 08-18-2008, 04:21 PM

Well everybody, my tower I have now, was new in 2003. I have been looking for something new for a while now, and cant decide if I should build myself, or buy a prebuilt one. I don't do too much gaming, well actually, none. I pretty much use it to surf the net, run a few messaging apps, and do some photo-work. I think if I had the ability to game on my CPU, I would.

Should I just hold off on a deal on a dell or something and just replace the graphics card? I run dual 22" monitors.

Thanks!

jubes · 08-18-2008, 04:55 PM

don't get dell.. they are crappy..

I say build it yourself... atleast you know what's in it, and you can build it at your cost and to your desire...

jeffie7 · 08-18-2008, 04:56 PM

+1 for building.

RrBb2004 · 08-18-2008, 05:06 PM

Yeah building is the way to go. I have a tower I built in 2000 and with a new graphics card it would still be better than most of the stuff you can buy in a store. Even without the card it is competitive.

You can start small and add on later if you decide there is a game you have to have.

Eric the Ricer · 08-18-2008, 05:06 PM

Thats what I was leaning towards, who wants to help me build? I'm looking to spend like 800...

vnarang · 08-18-2008, 07:32 PM

I've built like 4 of my computers. Way better, more fun, etc. First time I built my own computer, it took me a whole day, haha, now it takes me 30 minutes.

The only drawback that I find in building a computer, is what happened to me. I received four motherboards, all DoA from XFX and EVGA. It was horrible. So it took me a long muthafukin time, waiting for shipments and returning etc.

Have fun.

Eric the Ricer · 08-18-2008, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vnarang

I've built like 4 of my computers. Way better, more fun, etc. First time I built my own computer, it took me a whole day, haha, now it takes me 30 minutes.

The only drawback that I find in building a computer, is what happened to me. I received four motherboards, all DoA from XFX and EVGA. It was horrible. So it took me a long muthafukin time, waiting for shipments and returning etc.

Have fun.

Thanks! So where should I start (parts wise)?

zettahertz · 08-18-2008, 08:04 PM

+1 on building, never bought a desktop since 1999.
Can be cheaper, full control over parts and customization to likes/needs.
And if you're really into it, you can get more bang for the buck by overclocking your processor so it's performance equals one that's 2X the cost.

I'd suggest looking for an intel core 2 duo or core 2 quad (screw AMD until they get their act together!), Asus motherboard, 2GB of PC6400 Corsair XMS2 or XMS3 RAM. I dunno, really depends on how much you want to spend.

check out newegg.com for your parts, might not be the best prices but they are awesome. For better prices, look on fatwallet/slickdealz/pricegrabber.

If this is your first build... these are the basic parts you would most likely need:
Case
Power Supply - something 600W+
Motherboard - Asus is a personal preference, Gigabyte etc are ok. do some research on reviews, each board is different, various architectures, DDR2/DDR3
CPU processor - Core 2 Duo/Quad
Graphics card - geforce 9800GT, u'd have no problems with games with this 150-200 buck graphics card, or 9600GT if u prefer something cheaper
RAM - 2GB Corsair
Hard drive
CD/DVD drives

psunner · 08-18-2008, 08:30 PM

Hi guys, I'm in the same boat thinking about either building a new computer or just buying one, especially since I found this one http://www.buy.com/prod/hp-media-cen...208893560.html. If I build my own it will probably cost me more to get these same components, I know this one is refurbished, but does that really make a big difference? What do you guys think, would building one be better or just getting something like this?

Thanks.

RrBb2004 · 08-18-2008, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zettahertz

+1 on building, never bought a desktop since 1999.
Can be cheaper, full control over parts and customization to likes/needs.
And if you're really into it, you can get more bang for the buck by overclocking your processor so it's performance equals one that's 2X the cost.

I'd suggest looking for an intel core 2 duo or core 2 quad (screw AMD until they get their act together!), Asus motherboard, 2GB of PC6400 Corsair XMS2 or XMS3 RAM. I dunno, really depends on how much you want to spend.

check out newegg.com for your parts, might not be the best prices but they are awesome. For better prices, look on fatwallet/slickdealz/pricegrabber.

If this is your first build... these are the basic parts you would most likely need:
Case
Power Supply - something 600W+
Motherboard - Asus is a personal preference, Gigabyte etc are ok. do some research on reviews, each board is different, various architectures, DDR2/DDR3
CPU processor - Core 2 Duo/Quad
Graphics card - geforce 9800GT, u'd have no problems with games with this 150-200 buck graphics card, or 9600GT if u prefer something cheaper
RAM - 2GB Corsair
Hard drive
CD/DVD drives

I am an AMD fan and I too am saddened by the current state of their offerings, BUT with a $800 limit, AMD would be the best choice. It does limit his expansion in the future, but I think a black series processor would still give him all the power he needs and more (once he gets into overclocking), for a lot less that Core2Duo...

Eric,

Does the $800 include the cost of the operating system? Do you have access to old windows XP software or something?

P.S. I like Epox for a motherboard, mainly cause of the on-board LED diagnostic readout...

zettahertz · 08-18-2008, 08:46 PM

^ that one's alright for normal usage. The graphics card is kinda weak though. So if you don't play games it's a good buy. Or you can just upgrade it. I've never bought a refurbished computer before though.

I personally prefer building my own computer because i get the flexibility to get more performance out of my computer by overclocking; had my Q6600 running at 3.6GHz. And if something craps out, i have the ability to replace it w/ ease. And I tend to play some computer games too, so I try to squeeze the max performance outta my components. I guess i like to customize everything, from my computer to my car... haha

The computer u posted is good enough for most tasks minus graphics intensive gaming.

psunner · 08-18-2008, 08:58 PM

I won't be playing games at all, the only thing I will use it for is HD movies. According to the video card specs it should support HD movies if not I guess I can just upgrade the video card.

zettahertz · 08-18-2008, 08:59 PM

yeah the 8500GT is good enough for HD movies.

Eric the Ricer · 08-18-2008, 10:35 PM

I need to buy fans and stuff with a case correct?

Eric the Ricer · 08-18-2008, 11:24 PM

Case-

Power Supply- Thermaltake W0116RU 750W Complies with ATX 12V 2.2 & EPS 12V version Power Supply 100 - 240 V CE, CB, TUV, FCC, UL, CUL, and BSMI certified

Processor - AMD Phenom 9850 BLACK EDITION 2.5GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 2MB L3 Cache Socket AM2+ 125W Quad-Core Processor (Power Supply and Processor, $325 together)

Motherboard - BIOSTAR TForce TF720 A2+ AM2+/AM2 NVIDIA nForce 720a ATX AMD Motherboard $70

Card - XFX PVT96GYDDU GeForce 9600 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card $140 - $110 w/ MIR

RAM - CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory $67 after MIR, $87 before

HD - Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive $80

Drives - LITE-ON Black 20X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 20X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 20X DVD±R DVD Burner$24, I only need one drive, correct? I only ask because my current CPU has two...

I really want a Capture Card also, but I'm not sure if I can record video from my xbox, while I'm playing it in HD. Does anybody have experience with that? Only reason I want it is because (I'm a geek, I know) I'm on a top COD4 team, and love making montages/recording matches vs other top teams.

This is just something I've been doing to stay awake here, let me know what you think!

Kirk Lazarus · 08-18-2008, 11:55 PM

All sourced from Newegg

Case - Tell me what you're looking for and I'll recommend something
Power Supply - Thermaltake Purepower W0129RU 600 W ATX12V Power Supply $104.99 ($69.99 after $35.00 Mail-In Rebate)
Motherboard - GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard $84.99
Processor - Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz 2 x 4MB L2 Cache LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor $189.99
Memory - OCZ Titanium XTC 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel $95.99 ($65.99 after $30.00 Mail-In Rebate)
Graphics Card - MSI N9600GT-T2D512E GeForce 9600 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card $114.99 ($94.99 after $20.00 Mail-In Rebate)
Hard Drive - Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST3500320AS 500GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive $79.99
Drive - SAMSUNG Black 22X DVD+R 22X DVD-R 16X DVD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 22X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe - OEM $28.99

If you need anything else just say so.

Eric the Ricer · 08-18-2008, 11:57 PM

I have no idea on the case, I'm not sure what to look for. Any suggestions?

jubes · 08-19-2008, 12:14 AM

try pricegrabber. com to look for parts... all detailed down to specifics per every part... best prices that I've seen.

Kirk Lazarus · 08-19-2008, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric the Ricer

I have no idea on the case, I'm not sure what to look for. Any suggestions?

Do you mind a black case?
Do you want led fans or any other lighting of the sort?
Do you want a clear side window?

Eric the Ricer · 08-19-2008, 12:21 AM

Hmmm...LED Fans and a Side Window sound pretty ricer, I'd definitely go with that. I'll check out pricegrabber once I find the parts I want

How did my build look?

08-18-2008, 04:21 PM	#1
Eric the Ricer Banned Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 6,237 iTrader: (49)	Should I build, or buy a built CPU? Well everybody, my tower I have now, was new in 2003. I have been looking for something new for a while now, and cant decide if I should build myself, or buy a prebuilt one. I don't do too much gaming, well actually, none. I pretty much use it to surf the net, run a few messaging apps, and do some photo-work. I think if I had the ability to game on my CPU, I would. Should I just hold off on a deal on a dell or something and just replace the graphics card? I run dual 22" monitors. Thanks!

08-18-2008, 04:55 PM	#2
jubes Z > G Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: In the hills of the 818 valley Posts: 997 iTrader: (11)	don't get dell.. they are crappy.. I say build it yourself... atleast you know what's in it, and you can build it at your cost and to your desire... __________________ 03 Chrome Silver Touring Model AND NO I'M NOT THE CHICK IN MY AVATAR!That's my wifey Ally..

08-18-2008, 04:56 PM	#3
jeffie7 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Maryland Posts: 6,179 iTrader: (4)	+1 for building. __________________ DNF fUzZyBuNnYbAlLz iny0mouf

08-18-2008, 08:04 PM	#8
zettahertz Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: San Mateo Posts: 114 iTrader: (0)	+1 on building, never bought a desktop since 1999. Can be cheaper, full control over parts and customization to likes/needs. And if you're really into it, you can get more bang for the buck by overclocking your processor so it's performance equals one that's 2X the cost. I'd suggest looking for an intel core 2 duo or core 2 quad (screw AMD until they get their act together!), Asus motherboard, 2GB of PC6400 Corsair XMS2 or XMS3 RAM. I dunno, really depends on how much you want to spend. check out newegg.com for your parts, might not be the best prices but they are awesome. For better prices, look on fatwallet/slickdealz/pricegrabber. If this is your first build... these are the basic parts you would most likely need: Case Power Supply - something 600W+ Motherboard - Asus is a personal preference, Gigabyte etc are ok. do some research on reviews, each board is different, various architectures, DDR2/DDR3 CPU processor - Core 2 Duo/Quad Graphics card - geforce 9800GT, u'd have no problems with games with this 150-200 buck graphics card, or 9600GT if u prefer something cheaper RAM - 2GB Corsair Hard drive CD/DVD drives __________________ '07 Magnetic Black Grand Touring 6MT, BASSANI Xhaust, Kenwood DDX512, Alpine 10" type-R sub, Alpine MRD-605 amp Last edited by zettahertz; 08-18-2008 at 08:12 PM.

08-18-2008, 08:46 PM	#11
zettahertz Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: San Mateo Posts: 114 iTrader: (0)	^ that one's alright for normal usage. The graphics card is kinda weak though. So if you don't play games it's a good buy. Or you can just upgrade it. I've never bought a refurbished computer before though. I personally prefer building my own computer because i get the flexibility to get more performance out of my computer by overclocking; had my Q6600 running at 3.6GHz. And if something craps out, i have the ability to replace it w/ ease. And I tend to play some computer games too, so I try to squeeze the max performance outta my components. I guess i like to customize everything, from my computer to my car... haha The computer u posted is good enough for most tasks minus graphics intensive gaming. __________________ '07 Magnetic Black Grand Touring 6MT, BASSANI Xhaust, Kenwood DDX512, Alpine 10" type-R sub, Alpine MRD-605 amp

08-18-2008, 05:06 PM	#4
RrBb2004 Newbie Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 210 iTrader: (2)	Yeah building is the way to go. I have a tower I built in 2000 and with a new graphics card it would still be better than most of the stuff you can buy in a store. Even without the card it is competitive. You can start small and add on later if you decide there is a game you have to have.

08-18-2008, 07:32 PM	#6
vnarang Master Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: CA Posts: 2,206 iTrader: (3)	I've built like 4 of my computers. Way better, more fun, etc. First time I built my own computer, it took me a whole day, haha, now it takes me 30 minutes. The only drawback that I find in building a computer, is what happened to me. I received four motherboards, all DoA from XFX and EVGA. It was horrible. So it took me a long muthafukin time, waiting for shipments and returning etc. Have fun.

08-18-2008, 08:30 PM	#9
psunner Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Bakesfield, CA Posts: 218 iTrader: (4)	Hi guys, I'm in the same boat thinking about either building a new computer or just buying one, especially since I found this one http://www.buy.com/prod/hp-media-cen...208893560.html. If I build my own it will probably cost me more to get these same components, I know this one is refurbished, but does that really make a big difference? What do you guys think, would building one be better or just getting something like this? Thanks.

08-18-2008, 08:58 PM	#12
psunner Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Bakesfield, CA Posts: 218 iTrader: (4)	I won't be playing games at all, the only thing I will use it for is HD movies. According to the video card specs it should support HD movies if not I guess I can just upgrade the video card.

08-18-2008, 08:59 PM	#13
zettahertz Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: San Mateo Posts: 114 iTrader: (0)	yeah the 8500GT is good enough for HD movies. __________________ '07 Magnetic Black Grand Touring 6MT, BASSANI Xhaust, Kenwood DDX512, Alpine 10" type-R sub, Alpine MRD-605 amp

08-18-2008, 10:35 PM	#14
Eric the Ricer Banned Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 6,237 iTrader: (49)	I need to buy fans and stuff with a case correct?

08-18-2008, 11:24 PM	#15
Eric the Ricer Banned Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 6,237 iTrader: (49)	Case- Power Supply- Thermaltake W0116RU 750W Complies with ATX 12V 2.2 & EPS 12V version Power Supply 100 - 240 V CE, CB, TUV, FCC, UL, CUL, and BSMI certified Processor - AMD Phenom 9850 BLACK EDITION 2.5GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 2MB L3 Cache Socket AM2+ 125W Quad-Core Processor (Power Supply and Processor, $325 together) Motherboard - BIOSTAR TForce TF720 A2+ AM2+/AM2 NVIDIA nForce 720a ATX AMD Motherboard $70 Card - XFX PVT96GYDDU GeForce 9600 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card $140 - $110 w/ MIR RAM - CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory $67 after MIR, $87 before HD - Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive $80 Drives - LITE-ON Black 20X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 20X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 20X DVD±R DVD Burner$24, I only need one drive, correct? I only ask because my current CPU has two... I really want a Capture Card also, but I'm not sure if I can record video from my xbox, while I'm playing it in HD. Does anybody have experience with that? Only reason I want it is because (I'm a geek, I know) I'm on a top COD4 team, and love making montages/recording matches vs other top teams. This is just something I've been doing to stay awake here, let me know what you think!

08-18-2008, 11:57 PM	#17
Eric the Ricer Banned Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 6,237 iTrader: (49)	I have no idea on the case, I'm not sure what to look for. Any suggestions?

08-19-2008, 12:14 AM	#18
jubes Z > G Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: In the hills of the 818 valley Posts: 997 iTrader: (11)	try pricegrabber. com to look for parts... all detailed down to specifics per every part... best prices that I've seen. __________________ 03 Chrome Silver Touring Model AND NO I'M NOT THE CHICK IN MY AVATAR!That's my wifey Ally..

08-19-2008, 12:21 AM	#20
Eric the Ricer Banned Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 6,237 iTrader: (49)	Hmmm...LED Fans and a Side Window sound pretty ricer, I'd definitely go with that. I'll check out pricegrabber once I find the parts I want How did my build look?