First time build (1000ish)

mtnorris

mtnorris

mtnorris

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Joined
20 Jul 2010
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216
Hello all, new here and so far really liking the site and forum! It's been masses of help along with a friend, so much so I am confident enough to try my first build.

The reason for a new pc is going into my 3rd year of uni in September studying architecture and I need a system that will run autocad and more specifically autodesk's Revit program as efficiently as possibly (my laptop currently will work slower than me which is a massive problem time wise) and obviously faster rendering is the aim (currently 1 image takes me an hour up to 12 depending on light settings in the program).

However I am a student so sticking to my budget is important. I have 1000 which I need to include a monitor and keyboard with.

I am going with AMD (6 core) because of the superior ability to cope with the rendering software at my price (although other thoughts here would be handy). Also 8GB of good quality RAM will be needed. The only other thing I am determined to get is a mobo with crossfireX so that when i can afford to upgrade in the future I can.

Here's what I have come up with so far...would love some thoughts!

http://a.imagehost.org/view/0375/compsetup2
 
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Well I was planning on taking the CPU up to 3.40 Ghz perhaps 3.60 as well as clocking up the GPU to match the XXX version of the same card (so from 4800Mhz to 5200Mhz). Which is why I figured investing in a good CPU cooler would be wise. Although looking at that link the price/reviews will get me thinking!
 
I shall go investigate about that mobo on the Asus site me thinks and if there isnt Xfire i shall find a replacement!

Also I didn't think about a overclocked bundle, which might be the better option for a first time builder.

Thanks for the input guys. Lots for me to think about!
 
Small update on where I am at.

hmmmm1.jpg


The remainder of the budget is for the little things really, a better keyboard than is in the image along with a 2nd 120mm fan for the case etc.

Anything else people would/could suggest??
 
Ye i saw that thread about the keyboard just before i posted that last image of my basket, hense saying it was a mistake lol.

Having used laptops for the last 8 years now (yes i even played wow/cs1.6 on them, please dont hate me) a 22 inch but slightly higher quality screen will be more than big enough for me.

The two least articled parts of a computer seem to be about the PSU's and cases, the later in particular. So I shall rethink my case choice (know any good guides about cases?) since a lot of the idea of this computer is that it will last me for 3-4 years with only a few upgrades and see me through to the end of my time at university.
 
honosuseri said:
Quite a nice selection of parts you are pondering on there!

The antec 300 is a nice case. It may be wise to get a more powerful PSU now if you are considering running two cards at a later date. The 5770 is a good budget card and if run in xfire is equal to (a pips in somecases) the 5870.

Just wanted to add, you do realise you need a 64bit version of windows to utilise 8gig of ram dont you?

Good luck with your build
Click to expand...

A 64 bit machine is probably the main reason I am upgrading, its minimal cost compared to a 32 bit gives soooooo much better rendering speeds its unreal. A 5770 I feel is a good compromise for myself between price and ability along with the future upgrade to xfire (likely I will be able to afford a 2nd card at Christmas).

Still the only things I am confused about is the PSU and case, although the cases seem to be a personal preference thing looks wise (Not into LED's etc myself, more of a minimalist!) I guess its finding that compromise between performance and cost at my sort of budget. Although I think I will be putting a bit more into the case budget!

The PSU I am still unsure about, obviously I would want it ready and able to run 5770's in xfire and be reliable. I am doing some research into as we speak but as always tips/ideas and even short elaborate stories are very well received, they have all been a massive help so far!
 
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Yes plenty of ways for me to go about this. I also thought that not going for a x-fire board (will save a bit) and get a GPU that will last about a year and upgrade to a 6000 series then...

Its tricky trying to build a pc for a specific task and a set price as well as attempting to future proof it the best way possible. Getting the balance of the quality and performance I would like/require but not going over budget is tricky.

Just found out however I can get windows 7 pro for free as a student at my uni...which is nice :)

Speaking of the XFX 650w XXX PSU, i find it odd Ocuk dont stock it as theres a pic of the 850W on the front page (the latest deals bit on the right)

On the subject of 20 pound for 2 drinks, you need to find a new bar. Big tip...follow the students lol. I do totally understand the whole budgeting side of things, I cycle places and will be raiding the massive whiskey jar I have full of change for those few extra pounds hehe
 
Well trying to stick to the 1000 still really. However I can go over a bit, although not sure exactly how much more, hense the 1000 limit. I guess I would have to make it worth going over for though and not just for the sake of it. I have realised quite quickly it would be easy to spend 5000+ on some quite stupidly good machine (i am sure most people on here could!)
 
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