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Thread ID: 97918 2009-03-04 07:01:00 Lets Build a PC March 2009 Metla (12) PC World Chat
Post ID Timestamp Content User
753352 2009-06-10 23:38:00 Thanks Brooko, that list is great. I'm just looking through everything at the moment, though I must say I kinda like the look of the AMD X2 7750 (same speed but the box looks cooler, and is only $2 dearer).

Thanks for pointing out that mother board too, but I have a question regarding it: C.L. (computerlounge?) says it has DDR2 1066 support, but the RAM you picked is DDR2 800. Does 1066 automatically qualify support for 800? Or do they operate exclusively of one another?
Ancient Engine (14673)
753353 2009-06-11 00:00:00 Also, can I get a video-card that is able to recording streaming video? Example: if I get a TV tuner for the PC, can I record onto the hard drive or something like that? Ancient Engine (14673)
753354 2009-06-11 00:18:00 TV tuners may have video in on them. But it'll be a separate card from a videocard. It may come with a program, so you can record from external sources. Speedy Gonzales (78)
753355 2009-06-11 00:41:00 Oh, I see. Well, that would be extra anyway.

Do you have any recommendations on monitor brands?
Ancient Engine (14673)
753356 2009-06-11 00:52:00 Viewsonic, LG, Samsung, Asus. wratterus (105)
753357 2009-06-11 01:00:00 Cheers wratterus, and thanks Speedy, and Tunez and Brooko for your help too. I definitely feel better about buying components and whatnots now. Ancient Engine (14673)
753358 2009-06-11 01:02:00 Depends on how much you want to spend on a monitor. And how big it is

And whats on it (VGA, DVI or HDMI, or all 3). And whether you want an HD compat monitor. The monitor I'm using here, is a 22' viewsonic with all 3 on it.

Which is a good thing to have, since I can connect the Xbox to it with HDMI (and use the DVI connection for the computer). All I have to do, is press a button to switch between the 2. The only other monitor I've got here is an AOC (but its a CRT, not an LCD). I havent really tried any other brand of monitor (well I had a dick smith one, but its dead, and gone). That doesnt count :p
Speedy Gonzales (78)
753359 2009-06-11 10:58:00 AE
The Mobo I listed will support 1 DIMM at 1066 - but not 2. Although ASUS make really good boards, it's still very much a budget mobo. 2 x 2Gb sticks of DDR2 800 will definitely work though - but if you do decide to go with it, check with CL re the compatibility before you buy (that way you have a comeback - just in case).

The 5200+ I listed for you is a 65W, with 128Kb L1 cache, and 512Kb L2 cache

The AMD2 7750 you mentioned - is a 95W with 128Kb L1 cache, 512Kb L2 cache, and 2048Kb L3 cache. It's also a 'black' edition with unlocked multiplier - so easier to o/clock - but with the mobo you have, I don't think you'd be doing a lot of oc'ing anyway.

Yes - it's a better performing CPU for a $2 difference - but will use more power and generate a little more heat. Probably worth it for a bit better performance though.

Of all the components I listed for you, I was actually a bit 'torn'. It would give you a medium gaming experience - but with your budget, you won't get higher unless you trade-off quality - or up the budget. You could go a cheaper case - but the Antec 300 is a really sturdy case, good airflow, and can be used for your next build down the track. If you do end up stepping up a notch in the next 3-5 years, chances are you'll be doing mobo, cpu, ram, psu and vid card all at once again.

If you were planning on upgrading existing components in the next 1-2 years though, I'd save, outlay more $$ on a better mobo, and psu now. I'd go to 520-550w on the PSU (because that then covers you for a 4870 or GTX260 in the future). I'd also get a mid range board with 4 Ram dimms & decent scalability. It all adds up though - and only you can make the choice.

To give you an idea - the rig in my sig was about $2800 to build. But it runs like a dream. And my next upgrade will be the whole system - hopefully in about 4-5 years.
Brooko (8444)
753360 2009-06-13 05:17:00 Cheers, I'll keep that in mind. Maybe I will look for a more flexible mobo. I have to say though, all I really wanted is a simple pc, cos the one I have now is heading to five years old and it's practically dead. My mouse and keyboard are almost 10 years old too. However, what you've said certainly has given me a bit more insight into what is practical, and what would actually be a good investment. I did have some intent to purchase a more 'hardcore' rig at some stage, possibly next year.If I can reuse parts that would be seem to me the best idea. Ancient Engine (14673)
753361 2009-06-13 07:08:00 Depends what the parts are, you can re-use floppies / hdd's and maybe ram (if the new mobo supports the same kind of ram). The only thing you may not be able to re-use is the CPU. Speedy Gonzales (78)
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