nOOb 1st build..spec me

stu8975

stu8975

stu8975

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Joined
23 Oct 2009
Posts
21
Location
Sunderland
Good morning peoples, nOOb here, looking do do my first built soon but i'm a bit confuzzled on what to spec for it, been scouring the forum/Oc website for a few weeks but im still none the wiser. So hopefully someone can spec me. I've only got a budget of £600 inc o/s (win 7) due to being made redundant recently (did plan on spending £1k on a full system). So can you fine peoples give me some pointers/advice. Looking at base unit only (monitor etc will have to wait for now).
Useage - general internet stuff, browsing/email, just starting to have a go at photo editing (cs4/coreldraw x4) and video editing/encoding (dvdlab pro) but still very very amateur. No gaming whatsoever. Huge music nut so will be used as my jukebox, but dedicated soundcard can wait as mobo's seem to have decent on board sound?
Cpu's - Do i really need a quad? I'm still on a single core
Mobo - too many to choose from, would like DDR3 capable, AM3 if AMD cpu used.
Ram - DDR3 but not sure on speeds.
Psu - ? as to power needed.
For the time being i will be running stock speeds so dont know if i need an aftermarket cooler yet, but it will be o/c'd at some point and I can upgrade when needed - but suggestions are welcome.
Case -too many to choose, Midi simple design.
Hdd - only for O/S and programs, already have a F3 1Tb and 500gb ext drive for storage, so doesnt need to have huge capacity.
Also do O/C do customer builds? if so how much do they charge? still dubious about doing it myself, but ive read the sticky etc and i 'looks' fairly straight forward, ive swapped out most stuff in current pc except mobo,cpu,psu, but never started from bare components.#
Any help appreciated.
Cheers
Stu.
 
basket2-1.jpg


Included an aftermarket cooler as it easily fits within the budget and should make the system run quieter, only included basic case but its pretty good for the price, obviously you can up this to a better case if you like as you still have spare cash. This just uses onboard gfx but the onboard is very good and as youre not gaming will be more than adequate
 
The above spec looks good.

Build it yourself 95th. The trickiest part is actually buying the right parts. When assembling just take your time and ground yourself from time to time.

Its really just like putting together a simple jigsaw with only 5 or so pieces.
 
Thanks for the spec, i have question regarding the ram though, would it be overkill using it (2000mhz) as the mobo specc'd states 1333mhz (std) and 1600/1800 mhz (o/c) which i doubt i'll ever use to full potential. Will be running it at 1333mhz for a while and 1600mhz max if i overclock it.
Cheers
Stu
 
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Hi again, just checked the G.skill website and the ram isn't listed as being compatible with AMD boards? Simliar query regarding the cpu cooler, Sunbeam website doesnt list AM3 socket in compatability list?

Cheers
Stu
 
hi,

If i was you I would change the memory for a 4gig kit of corsair xms2 or Kingston. Then as for a cooler i would go for an Akasa Nero as this supports the cpu type and is very good value. I would change the power supply for a corsair VX 550W power supply as this is rated higher and is roughly the same price.
 
Thanks for the advice, did a bit more digging around and it seems theres plenty people using the G.skill ram with AM3 setups, but ive opted for the 1600mhz over the 2000mhz, corsair was on my list but its out of stock.Sunbeam Cpu cooler would have worked aswell but it now out of stock so will going with the Akasa nero instead, and Elite 330 case over the 335 as thats now out of stock aswell. Checkout button time.
 
Mmmmm, wasnt sure on the patriot as it doesn't seemed to be used much and gets mixed reviews. Any other suggestions before i hit the button?
 
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