Help with choosing hardware for first build!

[saunt]

Hey everyone.

I am looking to build myself a decent gaming computer, without spending thousands of pounds. I understand that you get what you pay for, and I am willing to spend a fair amount of money, but not absolutely loads!

I have done some research, and so far I am looking at:

AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200
http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/91328

Asus A8N-SLI SE Socket 939
http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/101701

But after that I cannot decide on RAM, and Graphics cards. I simply don't know what good.

In terms of RAM I’ve heard the Corsair is a very reliable and good make, but there is so much choice I don't really know where to start. Is it worth getting 2 GB or should I just stick with one? And I haven't got a clue about graphics cards.

I want a machine that is capable of running new games really well, so please can some one advise me! Thanx! I really appreciate any help!

[Psymon]

I think you would be better off with the AMD X2 4400+ because its got 1MB L2 cache per core instead of 512KB, really makes a difference.
That mobo should do.
I think atm the 7900GT 256MB is the best buy. really good graphics and a fair price. We've still got like 4-5 months before vista is out so no point waiting for a DX 10 card.
I have Corsair, very reliable. All I can say is, don't get value. That stuff is made for people who the most intense task is word processing.
I would suggest finding an online guide that explains RAM timings and stuff or maybe even a magazine/website that's reviewd a whole bunch of different RAM sticks. However much RAM you want, I suggest you get 2 sticks that total that much. Dual channel RAM is pretty important in gaming. Just make sure you dont buy DDR2 by accident
weird, on the site i use for quickly getting fact and figures on hardware, its put 2GB of value RAM more expensive than 2GB of quality RAM!!!!!

[saunt]

Thanx for the advice!

Can u send me a link to a specific graphics card your talking about, cos when i search 7900GT 256MB i get dozens of results, or could u explain the difference? Cheers.

Also, in terms of the processor, i have looked up the 4400+ u have recommended, but i was wondering what the difference is between the 4400 and the 4400+ ??? The 4400+ seems to be cheaper, which to me seems a little strange!

And Quickly, in terms of RAM, are these in the right ball park?

http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/85958

http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/66393

Thanx again for your help!!!

[Psymon]

lol, theres a 4400 and a 4400+ ??
I think removing the + is a mistake by whatever website you are looking at. If you look at the AMD website (I'd link you but the URL html thing doesn't like the ^ symbol), all the CPUs have a plus at the end. The only thing I guess could be different is one without a + at the end comes without the fan. If you were looking at ebuyer I've noticed the 4400 has no plus on the end. I'd try and ask ebuyer if this one is fanless or not if I were you. Of course, if you're getting water cooling then no worries.
Both those RAM sticks are good. I would recomend the cheaper of the 2 unless you are intending to do some heavy overclocking. should do the job very nicely.
In terms of all the different 7900GTs, the only differences are the name on the card (eg. BFG, XFX, MSI, Leadtek, etc.) and the default clock speed. Some manufactuers will overclock the card a little for you. This isn't worth it as you can download a tool that lets you overclock the card yourself and its free and very easy to use as well as safe.
Seeing as how is the cheapest 7900GT that ebuyer do, and MSI are known for doing good GPUs, I'd go with that. As you can see, the has been overclocked already. I would hope that means it's got better cooling but hard to tell without a review. Up to you, the price difference is only £3.
Hope that helped

[freelobotomy]

XFX is a great graphics card and I'm running their 7900 GT in this machine. Take a look at eVGA...On my other rig, I'm running 2 eVGA 7900's in SLi & that thing is a rocketship. They have a great upgrade opportunity (in case you change your mind, they'll pay you full retail back towards another, faster card) and a lifetime warranty. Just my 2 cents.

[saunt]

Right, i'm getting there. I (provisionally) have the processor, motherboard, RAM, hard drive, graphics card, CPU fan, and power supply that i am looking to buy. If i give u the links could u just check that it is all compatible?

Processor

Motherboard

RAM

Graphics Card

Hard Drive

Power Supply

CPU Fan


I was also going to use an old case, but having looked at it, i don't think either the looks or the functionality will do any computer justice. (when i say old, i mean old )
So what do i need to look for in a case, other than the look of it?

Thanx for all your time and help i really do appreciate it!!

[freelobotomy]

I like this style of case because there is plenty of room for ventilation, and no sharp edges. Easy to mount hardware and toolless design. I have 2 of these.
http://www.directron.com/ult31824.html

Here's another nice case with some neat mods;
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6811144128

I would also suggest a larger Power supply, in case you want to go SLi with your video cards. Get one that's SLi certified from here;
http://www.slizone.com/object/slizone2_build.html
Scroll down to Power Supplies...

I have 2 of these and they work great;
http://aspireusa.net/product.php?pid=18 ... 9de8a99531

I've never used Zalman for CPU cooling but the reviews look good. Here's what I use;
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6835185125

The link to your Motherboard is the same as your ram link. Can you re-send the Motherboard link? Oops, there it is up top. Everything looks compatible.

Good Luck!