Need help configuring store-bought system

[Gigi]

After great indecision about building my own vs. purchasing a Dell/HP, I've decided the best option for me would be to configure my own system at a reputable store. I've narrowed my choices down to two stores, Eskynet and CTY, but am totally overwhelmed by the case, mobo and video card options. :o I'm looking for a powerful system (Core 2 Duo 2.4Ghz) for video and photoediting. I'm not a gamer but would like a video card good enough for occasional online gaming. For my case, I would like something that is quiet and lightweight with front access to USB ports, audio/video jacks, etc. (I cannot access anything from the top of my tower.) I would also prefer something without a large, main door.

Eskynet (http://www.theonlinecomputerstore.com/customizesystem.php?sid=34)

CTY (http://www.cty.ca/system_customize.asp?105)

Any tips or suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated. Also, it is necessary to get a cooling fan if I'm not going to overclock? Thanks a bunch!

[ppl4golf]

There is no reason to get the ASRock Dual unless you are reusing some DDR rams or an old AGP graphic card even though it is cheapest.

It is probably a good idea to get a decent PSU to separate your system from OEMs :~)

The Antec P180 is a very popular case but it is expensive. Most cases come with a few fans already unlike the very low budget/noname ones.

Front ports for audio/usb/1394 etc are pretty standard now even in the cheaper cases.

[Gigi]

There is no reason to get the ASRock Dual unless you are reusing some DDR rams or an old AGP graphic card even though it is cheapest.

It is probably a good idea to get a decent PSU to separate your system from OEMs :~)

The Antec P180 is a very popular case but it is expensive. Most cases come with a few fans already unlike the very low budget/noname ones.

Front ports for audio/usb/1394 etc are pretty standard now even in the cheaper cases.

Thanks for the tips. So apart from the ASRock mobo, any Asus will do?

[ppl4golf]

You can't go wrong with one of the Asus P5Bs. Since you are starting from scratch and will go with a mid-tower, you probably don't want a micro-ATX mobo. I reread you comments from the first post and you actually preferred not to have a front case door (I hate it too lol), I like the Antec P150 even more (comes with PSU but only in silver/white). As for video card, get one with passive heatsink if you don't want another potential source of noise.

[Cafe_333]

I think the first post is too long to read. Just give us a dollar amount for your budget (state before or after taxes) and we'll recommend something. Just off the top of my head I configured the following system for $1220 after taxes:

E6300 - $220
Asus P5B - $147
OCZ PC2-6400 Gold XTC 2GB - $240(MIR)
Asus X1950pro - $200
Seagate 320GB - $118
DVD Burner - $37
Antec Sonata II - $109

$1071 + taxes
(prices all from CanadaComputers)

[Gigi]

Sorry if my first post was too long. I just wanted to post the options since those are the ones to choose from at those particular stores. Anyway, I've removed them so hopefully it won't be as overwhelming to read.

So it looks like Asus P5B is the mobo of choice. However, there seems to be a regular version and a deluxe one. Is it worth paying more for the deluxe one?

Re: Asus X1950pro - Unfortunately, this is not one of my options. Any other recommendations for my needs (video/photo editing and occasional online gamer)? These are my options:

ATI (OEM) RADEON X300SE PCI-E 128MB HM256MB DDR DVI TV-OUT [subtract $55.00]
ATI (OEM) RADEON X700 PCI-E 256MB DDR DVI TV-OUT [subtract $1.00]
ATI (OEM) RADEON X800 GTO PCI-E 256MB DDR3 DVI TV-OUT [add $10.00]
ATI (OEM) RADEON X800 GTO2 PCI-E 256MB DDR3 DVI TV-OUT [add $75.00]
ATI Sapphire Radeon X1300 256MB DDR2 PCI-E DVI TVOUT [subtract $32.00]
ATI Sapphire Radeon X1300 PRO 256MB DDR2 PCI-E DVI TVOUT [subtract $22.00]
ATI (OEM) X1600PRO 256MB DDR2 TVOUT DVI PCI-E [subtract $5.00]
ATI (OEM) X1600PRO 512MB DDR2 TVOUT DVI PCI-E [add $20.00]
ATI-Sapphire Radeon X1600XT PCI-E 256MB DDR2 TV-Out DVI-I LE [add $25.00]
ATI-Sapphire RADEON X1650 PRO PCI-E 256MB DDR3 TV-Out Box [add $40.00]
ATI-Sapphire Radeon X1900 GT PCI-E 256MB DDR3 2DVI VIVO LE [add $125.00]
ATI-Sapphire Radeon X1950 XT PCI-E 256MB DDR3 2DVI VIVO LE [add $180.00]
ATI-Sapphire Radeon X1950 XTX PCI-E GDDR4 512MB 2DVI TVOUT [add $379.00]
ASUS EN6200 TURBO CACHE PCI-E256MB DDR 64BIT TV-OUT DVI [subtract $60.00]
ASUS EN6200 TURBO CACHE PCI-E256MB (TO 512MB) DDR2 TVOUT DVI [subtract $50.00]
ASUS EN7300GS/HTD/256M PCI-E 256MB TV-OUT DVI [subtract $18.00]
ASUS EN7300GT/HTD/256M PCI-E 256MB TV-OUT DVI [add $0.00]
ASUS EN7600GS/SILENT/HDT 256MB PCI-E 7600GS DDR2 TV-OUT DVI [add $15.00]
ASUS EN7600GT/2DHT/256M PCI-E 7600GT 256MB DDR3 TV-OUT DVI [add $75.00]
ASUS EN7900GS/2HTD/256M PCI-E 256MB DDR3 HDTV-OUT 2DVI [add $140.00]
ASUS EN7950GT/HTDP/512M PCI-E 512MB DDR3 HDTV-OUT 2DVI [add $220.00]
LEADTEK PX6600GT 128MB PCI-E HDTV-OUT DVI (BOX) [add $10.00]
LEADTEK PX7600GS GF7600GS EXTREME 256DDR PCIX [add $30.00]
GIGABYTE NVIDIA NX7600GT PCI-E DDR3 256MB 128BIT TV-OUT [add $65.00]
FORSA NVIDIA GF6600GT PCIE 256MB DDR2 TVOUT DVI [add $10.00]
MSI NVIDIA PX7600GS PCIE 256MB DDR2 TVOUT DVI [add $20.00]
FORSA NVIDIA PX7600GS PCI-E 256MB DDR2 TVOUT DVI [Standard]
FORSA NVIDIA PX7600GT PCI-E 256MB DDR3 TVOUT DVI [add $39.00]
FORSA NVIDIA PX7900GS PCI-E 256MB DDR3 TVOUT DVI [add $120.00]
BFG GEFORCE 7300 GT OC PCI-E 256MB DDR2 PCI-E DVI TVO [subtract $5.00]
3DFUZION GEFORCE 7600GS PCI-E 256MB PCI-E DVI TVO (BFG) [add $20.00]
BFG GEFORCE PX7600GT OC PCI-E 256MB PCI-E DUAL DVI S-VIDEO [add $130.00]
BFG GEFORCE 7900 GT OC 256MB PCI-E DUAL DVI HDTV [add $210.00]
BFG PX7950 GT 512MB DD3 PCI-E TV + DVI #BFGR7950512GTOCE [add $249.00]
BFG GEFORCE 7950 GX2 OC 1GB PCI-E DUAL DVI #BFGR7950GX1GOCE [add $550.00]

My budget is about $200 (before taxes) but I don't want to pay for something that would be extreme overkill. Thanks again.

[Cafe_333]

The system I configured will already be good enough for your needs. You could opt for a faster cpu if you like though. As for the videocard, just subtract it from the system purchase and buy it seperately elsewhere. X1950pro is probably the best midrange videocard you can get for occasional gaming. As for the motherboard, you don't need the deluxe unless it has features you would need. I'm assuming you won't be overclocking either so the P5B should be good enough.

[Gigi]

The system I configured will already be good enough for your needs. You could opt for a faster cpu if you like though. As for the videocard, just subtract it from the system purchase and buy it seperately elsewhere. X1950pro is probably the best midrange videocard you can get for occasional gaming. As for the motherboard, you don't need the deluxe unless it has features you would need. I'm assuming you won't be overclocking either so the P5B should be good enough.

Thanks again. The problem is that the store is building the system, so I don't know if it's possible to buy a different video card from another store and have them install it. Is there something on the list that is similar to the X1950PRO I could use instead?

[ahson]

For CTY, I know you can bring your own stuff (let's say your own video card, your own hard drive, etc) to them. Then you might buy some other compoents from them (CPU?) and they'll put everything in for you.

By the way, I know CTY can custom order some parts for customer. Just tell them what you need, and they'll tell you if they can get it or not. Go and ask.

[MrDisco]

E6300 - $220
Asus P5B - $147
OCZ PC2-6400 Gold XTC 2GB - $240(MIR)
Asus X1950pro - $200
Seagate 320GB - $118
DVD Burner - $37
Antec Sonata II - $109

$1071 + taxes
(prices all from CanadaComputers)

op: its too bad you're not building it yourself as you could take these parts and buy them from direct canada and save yourself quite a few pennies.

eskynet is pretty good..couple of friends bought systems from there. you should email them and tell them if you want a certain part as i'm sure they would be happy to swap it in for you.

[Gigi]

Thanks ahson and MrDisco for the suggestion to contact the stores re: swapping parts, etc. I will definitely do that.

As for building my own, I actually REALLY want to try but a couple of things are holding me back:

1) lack of ability :o (although I have upgraded HDD and DVD burner before)
2) The free VISTA upgrade with new systems - I did notice that Eskynet sells Windows with the upgrade so maybe I could just buy it with a case or something, then get the rest of the parts at a cheaper store.

[MrDisco]

1) lack of ability :o (although I have upgraded HDD and DVD burner before)
2) The free VISTA upgrade with new systems - I did notice that Eskynet sells Windows with the upgrade so maybe I could just buy it with a case or something, then get the rest of the parts at a cheaper store.

1) if you know how to use screws and can read then you're more than half-way towards being able to install a PC. its not overly difficult - the hardest part i would say is installing the cpu and heatsink. there are guides on the net on how to do it, plus people here can help.
nothing wrong with store bought, but saving money and having the satisfaction of building it yourself is fun

2) you can get a free upgrade coupon to Vista when you buy XP from places like ncix.

[Cafe_333]

Thanks again. The problem is that the store is building the system, so I don't know if it's possible to buy a different video card from another store and have them install it. Is there something on the list that is similar to the X1950PRO I could use instead?As others have said, if they can't order the card for you, or install one that you bring, you can still get it elsewhere and install it yourself. It's as simple as plugging it into the top-most slot on the mobo, and plug in the power, screw it down - done. I'm just keen on the X1950pro because it's the best bang for the buck videocard out there right now at the $200 dollar price point. Nothing too high end and it's powerful enough for occasional gaming.

[Gigi]

OK, because of everyone's encouragement, I've decided that I'm going to give building my own computer a shot! :D Using Cafe_333's suggested configuration as a start, I've started looking for all the parts from Direct Canada. Problem is that I'm not able to find an exact match (while cross-referencing with Canada Computers) for the mobo (Asus P5B - $147 @ CC) and the RAM (OCZ PC2-6400 Gold XTC 2GB - $240(MIR) @ CC). Could someone please take a look on Direct Canada and find me the links, if they do carry it? Also, I just wanted to verify that the suggested video card is this one:

http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=10530BD2118&vpn=EAX1950PRO%20CF/HTDP/256M/A&manufacture=ASUS

Is there something good in the $150 price range as well?

Also, when looking for a case, should I get one with a built-in power supply? If the power supply is separate, which brands would you guys recommend? (I'm not going to go with the suggested Antec Sonata II because I would prefer something without a large front door.)

Thanks to everyone who has been so patient and helpful so far! :)

[Cafe_333]

Intel Core2Duo E6300 - $222.56
http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=12200BD1282&vpn=BX80557E6300&manufacture=INTEL
Asus P5B Motherboard - $156.60
http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=10530BD2259&vpn=90-MBB4E5-G0UAYZ&manufacture=ASUS
OCZ Gold XTC PC26400 - $272.00*
http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=13220BD7505&vpn=OCZ2G8002GK&manufacture=SMARTDISK
Asus Radeon X1950pro - $199.99**
http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=10530BD2118&vpn=EAX1950PRO%20CF/HTDP/256M/A&manufacture=ASUS
Seagate 7200.10 320GB - $116.64
http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=14120DR0184&vpn=ST3320620A&manufacture=SEAGATE
Samsung DVD Burner - $37.29
http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=14040DR4407&vpn=SH-S182D/BEBN&manufacture=SAMSUNG
Antec Sonata 2 case/psu - $108.99***
http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=10370AC8007&vpn=SONATA%20II&manufacture=ANTEC

1114.07 +GST+FreeShipping
= $1180.91

* After $25 Mail In Rebate
** After PriceMatch with CanadaComputers
*** After PriceMatch with CanadaComputers

EDIT: Just noticed the part about the Sonata2. IMO, having a front door actually helps filter out much of the noise from inside the case and if you're looking for a silent case as you stated, this actually helps, but your call on that... otherwise you can choose something else. As for the powersupply, it's better to get one that is seperate, unless it is an Antec, those are decent enough. Otherwise if you have to purchase the psu seperately, anything from Seasonic will be the best choice here (http://www.directcanada.com/search/?kw=seasonic). The 430W model should be good enough to power your setup. For a videocard in the $150 dollar price range, the 7600GT here (http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=10720BD6568&vpn=BFGR76256GTOCE&manufacture=BFG). Finally, if you want to dump more money on your system, you can upgrade the cpu to a faster one, or buy some aftermarket cooling for the cpu.

[ahson]

ASUS P5B Motherboard - $148.99 (CTY)
http://cty.ca/details.asp?pid=1668


*Some of the parts in CTY are not as cheap as other places. However, I'm so sure their price is negotiable when you're buying like everything for a system. Just tell them what other computer store is selling, and they'll try to price match it. I have friends did that before in CTY.

[Gigi]

Thanks, guys. The links were very helpful. I'm now going to go check prices at DirectCanada, Canada Computers and CTY to see where I can get the best price for each component. I'd prefer shopping at a local place that accepts credit cards (CC is the only option) but DC and CTY have better reputations...:(

Anyway, a few more questions:

1. Do I need to buy any "parts" for the installation? From what I have read, all the cables should be supplied, but what about stuff like thermal paste? Does it come with the CPU?

2. Does anyone have any advice on choosing small parts such as modems (I often use my PC as an emergency fax) and card readers? Are they pretty much all about the same?

Thanks.

[MrDisco]

** After PriceMatch with CanadaComputers
*** After PriceMatch with CanadaComputers


should point out that DC does not do price matching; ncix does however they do not offer free shipping.
OP: when shopping around also remember that at DC/ncix you only pay for the GST vs GST+PST if you buy locally (and free shipping if you buy over $300 worth at DC).

1. Do I need to buy any "parts" for the installation? From what I have read, all the cables should be supplied, but what about stuff like thermal paste? Does it come with the CPU?

The retail CPU comes with a stock heatsink and will have its own thermal interface material (most likely already pre-applied). if you are going to buy a 3rd party heatsink then you might as well pick up a tub of Arctic Silver 5.

The only other parts you'll need are screwdrivers and maybe wire ties/velcro straps (etc) if you want to make your cables neat and tidy.


2. Does anyone have any advice on choosing small parts such as modems (I often use my PC as an emergency fax) and card readers? Are they pretty much all about the same?

wow a modem..umm..are those still built-in with the motherboard? :confused:
anyway you can get a 'hardware' modem:
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=111112043&vpn=USR2973A-OEM&manufacture=3Com
or a windows based one:
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=111110355&vpn=USR263093-OEM&manufacture=3Com

A windows-based modem will rely on drivers and the OS to get it up and running; a hardware one will have its functionality all on the card. this may or may not be an issue with regards to driver support and/or Vista support. Also note that it uses a PCI slot and your sound card uses a PCI slot so make sure you have enough free PCI slots on which motherboard you pick.

card readers are pretty much the same. just pickup one on sale (or you can get the mitsui combo card reader+floppy drive).

[Gigi]

Thanks, MrDisco. I forgot about the tax thing so will definitely look more into DirectCanada. The only thing that concerns me about getting parts online is the possibility of RMA. Which parts are more likely to be defective and require RMA?

I've been looking a bit more into videocards. From what I have read, the better cards use more power and create more heat. Would the recommended Antec cases (e.g., Sonata II) with the integrated powersupplies be sufficient? If not, what would be the minimum that I should get to maintain a safe and cool system?

[ppl4golf]

Thanks, MrDisco. I forgot about the tax thing so will definitely look more into DirectCanada. The only thing that concerns me about getting parts online is the possibility of RMA. Which parts are more likely to be defective and require RMA?

I've been looking a bit more into videocards. From what I have read, the better cards use more power and create more heat. Would the recommended Antec cases (e.g., Sonata II) with the integrated powersupplies be sufficient? If not, what would be the minimum that I should get to maintain a safe and cool system?

There is occasionally advantage buying everything local and from one store. Sometimes it is just easier to present your case when they know you got most stuff from them. I had trouble with the Asus M2NPV-VM mobo and had tried 4 sets of ram. I was able to RMA without restocking fee because of 'incompatibility'. The last time I did, the dude asked me if I bought the mobo <30days and see if I wanted to RMA it also (but I didn't).

As for case and video card, it is very unlikely you'll have any problem unless you're going for small form factor case. The included PSU in the Sonata is more than adequate.

You'll have fun building your own, it's a great experience.