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| Thread ID: 99484 | 2009-05-03 23:50:00 | Building a custom PC | felix56 (12425) | PC World Chat |
| Post ID | Timestamp | Content | User | ||
| 770769 | 2009-05-03 23:50:00 | hi guys, i want to build my first PC. My requirements are these: altho I'm not a gamer, per se, i would still like to have that option. So what do i want exactly? i want a PC i can update, as new & better components are made available. I want to be able to play games like 'crysis', etc & i want it to be a media centre, which i can load & access all my music, movies & photos. So naturally i want quality gear, but not necessarily the most expensive. As a 'media centre/gaming/general purposes PC I don't want extraneous components that are merely gimmicky. TV access capability is a given. So a quality, no frills but AWESOME rig!!!! Above all I'd like a good, easy to follow instruction manual &/or a 'how to' video or DVD which offers much the same as a manual, but in a visual format. I have a PDF manual i got off the net & a video, but they are rather basic & possibly outdated somewhat. Any suggestions would be more than welcome. Cheers. |
felix56 (12425) | ||
| 770770 | 2009-05-04 00:13:00 | I know you say Crysis but really mean just the latest games. Crysis was just a badly optimised game. The king card out at the moment is the ATi HD4870 512MB suitable for anything really up to 24" or 1920x1200 resolution with high AA/AF settings. Now depending on the resolution/screen you'll be using there is also the now much more affordable ATi HD4770 which is slower but still a good card to use. If you feel a bit greener then nVidia's line consist of the GTX260 216 which is easily a direct comparison to the ATi HD4870 1GB. It costs more but produces less heat and uses less power, but the initial cost doesn't really make it a great buy at the moment. There is also the GTS 250 which is a direct comparison to the ATi HD4850 but poorly built so uses far too much power so ATi's line is more favourable if you go with the lower end. TV wise you have a few options. Are you wanting Freeview? If so you can choose High Definition (DVB-T signal using a UHT aerial) or Standard Definition (DVB-S signal using a satellite). Now if you have a LCD/Plasma that does anything over 720P then the obvious choice is HD. To make things easier make sure your TV set has HDMI so conversion from the PC to the TV is almost child's play. Media center wise there are a few programs to play with. In my honest opinion Windows 7's MC is the best MC I have really played with. In a close second is MediaPortal which I've used a lot in the pass to sync Freeview/music/videos/photos yada yada to my PC and other TV's. If you don't feel like using Windows 7 then MediaPortal is the obvious choice, its free and feature packed. If you need a video guide on building there is always http://www.pcityourself.com or try YouTube. Something to note that is missing on pcityourself is they don't mention plugging in the P4 4-pin at the very end, this is crucial if you want your PC to turn on :)! |
trinsic (6945) | ||
| 770771 | 2009-05-04 00:15:00 | Ahh what happened it posted twice! | trinsic (6945) | ||
| 770772 | 2009-05-04 00:32:00 | Well firstly, what is your budget? You've got a choice to make-the i7, which will cost around 2500 for a decent rig, or the Core 2 series. Or AMD. From your needs a 4870+E8400 overclocked+4gb DDR2-800 should be enough Have a look at the sugegstions here: www.gpforums.co.nz Blam |
Blam (54) | ||
| 770773 | 2009-05-04 00:51:00 | I have a system which is probably like what you are after. For video card I have an Asus EN9600GT Black Pearl which runs Crysis fine at mid settings, however it is a bit loud for my liking, but when playing music and games it is not so noticable. No lag from my AMD Phenom X4 9550 except when saving. The Phenom did overheat when playing Crysis with the stock cooler. I've got 2GB of DDR2 1066 RAM, which is running well. Make sure you get a good power supply though, I am having some problems with my Raidmax. Motherboard is an ASUS m3a32 deluxe, lots of USB ports, an eSATA, and two firewire ports. Also has digital audio out and Wi-Fi onboard.Whole system around a thousand dollars. | sammo450 (13626) | ||
| 770774 | 2009-05-04 12:32:00 | Thanks guys - but keep the suggestions coming. 'Blam6' asked what my budget for this build might run to. Well, obviously i would rather spend less rather than more. But on the other hand, i see working to a relatively generous budget will deliver a superior PC. Even so, i have been keeping my eye on the prices i have in mind for my build. I notice quite often there is a wide price differentiation depending on where you source your equipment. I'll check out the limks supplied by 'blam6' & 'trinsic. Anyone who would like to recommend PC component suppliers who offer excellent after sale advice & service, would also be appreciated. Cheers fellas. P.S: I anticipate approx $4,000-$5,000 on this build. |
felix56 (12425) | ||
| 770775 | 2009-05-04 12:56:00 | Sorry, I know this isnt related to your main q. But 4-5k for a build...you'll definitely be able to get top of the line compon and with damn good quality. Avg 3k will be more than suffice system for a hardcore gamer pc / HTPC :) | CCF (6760) | ||
| 770776 | 2009-05-04 19:41:00 | P.S: I anticipate approx $4,000-$5,000 on this build. A real budget to work with, my kind of budget. You will build a good i7 machine for that money. Asus or Gigabyte board |
Bantu (52) | ||
| 770777 | 2009-05-04 19:47:00 | Ascent, QMB, Computer lounge are three online shops to check out so far. Ascent have service second to none and are highly recommended on this forum. Computer lounge are in Auckland I think as well as online. I live on the South Island so don't know the Auckland shops | gary67 (56) | ||
| 770778 | 2009-05-04 19:54:00 | x2 on Ascent, QMB, Computer lounge Also PB Tech, Elive and Playtech. Modster PC in Taranaki I have also found to be fast service and a good range, and free shipping. |
Bantu (52) | ||
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