First time build and going in blind :P

[TerrXL]

Hi everyone. First time building a PC. It's a gift for my fiancee who plays Aion Online. I'd like for her to be able to run this game on max setting on her 19" screen. Game runs at max of 1920x1080, not sure what her monitor's max settings are but it isn't a particularly good monitor so it won't be too high.

Since it's a gift I'm trying not to be too stingey but at the same time I don't want to go overkill.

Thinking about buying a cheaper mobo as Aion doesn't particularly need Xfire to but was just thinking of the future. What's a decent mobo with x1 PCI-e 16 for a basic gaming build? Doesn't have to OC well, she's not techy literate. Just want something that'll play well.

Thanks everyone in advance for helpful comments.

 

[Grimley]

Already got the operating system?
You may want to get a 3rd party CPU cooler. AMD stock coolers are notoriously noisy.

 

[TerrXL]

Haven't bought it yet but it'll be running on Windows 7 Prof 64-bit. I haven't included OS in the budget because she's going to take care of it herself with a student discount.

I'm bidding on a Corsair H50 as we speak!

How does this mobo look for my build? I'm thinking about trying to save some cash by not bothering with a xfire compatible mobo.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-373-AS

 

[Big.Wayne]

Hello TerrXL,

Welcome to OcUK forums, please read the forum rules and enjoy your stay!

You have selected DDR2 memory instead of DDR3 . . . apart from that it looks like a decent build . . . possibly a bit OTT if the Aion Online Recommended System Requirements are accurate!

• Dual Core CPU 2.0GHz or equivalent
• 2GB RAM
• NVIDIA® 6800 with 256MB
• ATI Radeon™ x800 with 256MB

 

[TerrXL]

Hello TerrXL,

Welcome to OcUK forums, please read the forum rules and enjoy your stay!

You have selected DDR2 memory instead of DDR3 . . . apart from that it looks like a decent build . . . possibly a bit OTT if the Aion Online Recommended System Requirements are accurate!

• Dual Core CPU 2.0GHz or equivalent
• 2GB RAM
• NVIDIA® 6800 with 256MB
• ATI Radeon™ x800 with 256MB

Thanks for the heads up about the rules!

I was trying to stick to budget with that DDR2 since I'm not sure how much better DDR3 would be. But if it the build is overkill then maybe I can change some of the other things and make go for DDR3?

Reason I'm going quad is future proofing. I play the game with 4gb RAM Intel Core 2 quad 2.33 with my integrated 7100 card and it's kind of rubbish.

 

[Judgeneo]

Haven't bought it yet but it'll be running on Windows 7 Prof 64-bit. I haven't included OS in the budget because she's going to take care of it herself with a student discount.

Are you able to buy the full version of windows using the student discount scheme, I've only seen it advertised as an upgrade version :s

 

[manbearpig]

Thanks for the heads up about the rules!

I was trying to stick to budget with that DDR2 since I'm not sure how much better DDR3 would be. But if it the build is overkill then maybe I can change some of the other things and make go for DDR3?

Hi,

You wont be able to use DDR2 on a DDR3 motherboard, and with the current prices of RAM, DDR3 isnt that much more expensive.

 

[TerrXL]

Hi,

You wont be able to use DDR2 on a DDR3 motherboard, and with the current prices of RAM, DDR3 isnt that much more expensive.

OK, will go for DDR3. Thanks!

Are you able to buy the full version of windows using the student discount scheme, I've only seen it advertised as an upgrade version :s

I myself just got an upgrade with my student discount. She lives in the States and her college has some sort of program going on and full install discs also go for discount prices.

A few more newbie questions here and I think I'll have this thing ordered pretty soon.

How does this mobo look? OC isn't going to be happening, at least not anytime soon and by the time we move in together and I also have use of this build technology will no doubt have moved on and I'll be swapping out parts.

I'll be switching out the CM Storm Scout for the Thermaltake M9 to save some cash and installing an Arctic Freeze Pro in there along with front & side intake plus back exhaust plus maybe one or two cold cathodes inside (she likes the idea) Would 400W do for this without xfire or should I stick to 500W.