I need computer expert help here.

[kewian]

This is not a noob thread rather Im planning on building my next computer and am trying to compile a list of what I need and I have a few things Im looking at  and I need to know if Im in the right direction or not.  Obviously I took this from Newegg.

  newegg
BX80580Q8200 Processors - Desktops
view pic    *  Free Shipping
    * Your Price:$189.99

Rating + 5Rating + 5Rating + 5Rating + 5Rating + 5 [42N82E16819115055]
   
Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 2.33GHz LGA 775 95W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80580Q8200 - Retail

    * Processors Type: Desktop
    * Series: Core 2 Quad
    * FSB: 1333MHz
    * L2 Cache: 4MB
    * Manufacturing Tech: 45 nm
    * 64 bit Support: Yes
    * Voltage: 0.85V - 1.3625V
    * Cooling Device: Heatsink and Fan included
    * Model #: BX80580Q8200
    * Item #: N82E16819115055
    * Return Policy: Processors (CPUs) Return Policy


    * CPU Type: Quad-core / Core 2 Extreme / Core 2 Duo / Pentium
    * FSB: 1600(O.C.)/1333MHz
    * South Bridge: Intel ICH10
    * Number of Memory Slots: 4×240pin
    * Memory Standard: DDR2 1066
    * Maximum Memory Supported: 16GB
    * Channel Supported: Dual Channel
    * PCI Express 2.0 x16: 1
    * Model #: P5QL PRO
    * Item #: N82E16813131329
   


   

    *
    * Your Price:$86.99

ston 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model KVR800D2N5K2/4G - Retail

    * Cas Latency: 5
    * Voltage: 1.8V
    * Heat Spreader: No
    * Parts: Lifetime limited
    * Labor: Lifetime limited
    * Model #: KVR800D2N5K2/4G
    * Item #: N82E16820134582
    * Return Policy: Limited Non-Refundable 30-Day Return Policy

   

    *
    * Your Price:$37.49

COOLMAX CU-500B 500W ATX 12V V2.2/EPS 12V V2.91 Modular Power Supply - Retail

    * Fans: 1
    * Main Connector: 20+4Pin
    * +12V Rails: 3
    * PCI-E Connectors: 1 x 6Pin
    * Over Voltage Protection: Yes
    * Input Voltage: 115/ 230 V
    * Input Frequency Range: 50/60 Hz
    * Input Current: 10 - 5.5A
    * Model #: CU-500B
    * Item #: N82E16817159087
    * Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

   

    *
    * Your Price:$59.99

SIIG IC-710012-S2 7.1 Channels PCI Interface SoundWave - Retail

    * Sample Rate: 96KHz
    * Digital Audio: 24-bit
    * SNR: -92dB
    * Hardware Decode: Dolby Digital EX, DTS ES
    * Operating Systems Supported: Windows 2000 (32-/64-bit) / XP (32-/64-bit) / Server 2003 (32-/64-bit) / Vista (32-/64-bit)
    * System Requirements: Pentium II 366 MHz (PIII 800 MHz recommended) or equivalent computer with an available PCI slot Minimum 128 MB system memory or more (256 MB or greater recommended) CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive
    * Features: Frequency response: 20Hz to 20KHz THD : 0.018% THD+N: -70dB High-definition 7.1 surround sound transforms your PC into a home theater system 8-channel output supports the newest Dolby Digital EX and DTS ES 6.1/7.1CH DVD audio formats Supports the latest in 3D audio technologies, including Sensaura EAX, A3D, & DirectSound Digital
    * Model #: IC-710012-S2
    * Item #: N82E16829270006
    * Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

   

    *
    * Your Price:$34.99

LITE-ON Combo Black IDE Model DH-52C2P-08 - Retail

    * Type: Combo Drive
    * DVD-ROM Access Time: 140ms
    * CD-ROM Access Time: 120ms
    * Cache: 2MB
    * CD-R: 52X
    * CD-RW: 32X
    * DVD-ROM: 16X
    * CD-ROM: 52X
    * Model #: DH-52C2P-08
    * Item #: N82E16827106082
    * Return Policy: Limited 30-Day Return Policy


    * Your Price:$23.99

  newegg
ST3500320AS Internal Hard Drives
view pic

Rating + 4Rating + 4Rating + 4Rating + 4Rating + 4 [1357N82E16822148288]
   
Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST3500320AS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM

    * Cache: 32MB
    * Form Factor: 3.5"
    * Average Latency: 4.16ms
    * Features: Proven second-generation perpendicular recording technology
    * Parts: 5 years limited
    * Labor: 5 years limited
    * Model #: ST3500320AS
    * Item #: N82E16822148288
    * Return Policy: Limited 30-Day Return Policy

   

    * Free Shipping
    * Your Price:$64.99

I realize I still need a case. On that I figure I can go to ebay and bid.  I realize this is subject to sporking but I know a few of you don't mind discussing hardware and such.

[SinfullyLiz]

Can you, instead, give us links to the specific parts in question?

[talysman]

You need video, too. And I would upgrade that DVD drive to a DVD writer; backing up crap from a 500 GB hard drive onto CDs is going to suck. Also, does that motherboard include a network card? How do you connect to the internet? If it's a cable/DSL modem with USB connections instead of network connections, your motherboard probably includes USB (although you should doublecheck.) If the modem uses CAT-5, you'll need a network card if it's not already on-board. If you're on dial-up, you'll need a modem.

[HomeschooledByTards]

I second the idea of getting a DVD+-RW drive. The price isn't that much of a difference. Maybe $20 or so, which you won't even notice when buying a whole new system.

[SpaceDoll]

You might also consider replacing the cooling fan on the processor, or just buying one without and putting on your own, as intel fans are not all that great. 
Also, depending on your graphics card choice, you may need more cooling and/or more power.

Isn't NewEgg beautiful?

ETA:  If you are on a budget (and who isn't?), I recommend the ATI Radeon HD 4670 with 512 MB on-board memory.  You can get one for around $80, and it will easily play Sims 2 on all high settings, and if you later decide to get another and crossfire them, they will be comparable to very high-end graphics cards (not crossfired, obviously) for about half the price.

[kewian]

The DVD player and or writers are confusing me. I want it to be able to play and copy to discs. Ill go look up the specific pages. Im trying to go as reasonable as possible and match up the right parts.  Motherboard link:  http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010200280%204027&name=%2475%20-%20%24100 
cd burners and players. http://www.newegg.com/Store/Category.aspx?Category=10&name=CD-DVD-Burners-Media   Ive been tinkering with my own tower for awhile and now I feel reasonably sure I can put this together if I can get some information on what I need and what goes with what. If someone could list the  items I need, I would greatly appreciate it. I know I must be missing something. Im trying to avoid buying items that won't work together or don't have enough or too much power for the other. I really want to see if this is cheaper to put together on my own. It feels like a real challenge and something fun and rewarding to do.

[SpaceDoll]

It is fun, isn't it?
I am so broke that even buying parts individually is probably too much for me, but I still make a wishlist of all the parts I would need to build a dream computer on a budget every few months.
As for a list, off the top of my head, you need:
power supply
motherboard
processor
hard drive(s)
memory
dvd drive (what you are looking for here is DVD read and write, but I think by the description you have DVD rom, but only CD rw)
graphics card
sound card
cooling devices

Umm, is that it?  Maybe someone else will add to it.

ETA: To decide on compatibility among your parts, you need to choose a motherboard as the plugs are the important bit.  You seem to have narrowed it down to LGA 775, which is what your processor is, so you're cool on that.  Also, what OS are you planning on using?  That will definitely affect your choice of memory, etc.

[BattyCoda]

We just built one for Mr. BattyCoda. Took it pretty much straight off ArsTechnica's Hot Rod Box for Sept. 2008.

http://arstechnica.com/guides/buyer/guide-200809.ars/3

I ended up buying a different power supply and case (http://www.antec.com/usa/productDetails.php?lan=us&id=15900).

Just make sure your power supply can handle all the devices and has enough of the necessary connectors.


ETA: Two parens!

[kewian]

Im definitely going with windowsxp and I plan on 3 gbs of memory.  Im still in the planning stage of this . It will probably be bought piece by piece. Im trying to google fu some advice on computer building.  Why the hell are some of those cases so damn much? I thought they were just shells.

[Solowren]

I just went through the process of doing this. I have all my parts and now I just need to assemble them.

I got my case for $69.99 with a $20 rebate (Newegg), and it's a pretty nice one. It's possible to find reasonably priced cases.

[SpaceDoll]

Firstly, the material it's made of differs widely: plastic, aluminum, steel.  
Then there are all sorts of variables in construction: rolled edges (so you don't cut off your fingers), swing out drive cages (for ease of accessibility), fasteners (clips or screws,etc.).
Those Lian Li boxes are beautiful, simple, and exquisitely made, but damn, they are expensive!

[kewian]

Got 2 more links to bookmark. Thank you.

[Assmitten]

Don't forget your protective plastic bubble, so it doesn't short out, and an extra large keyboard.

[Yecats]

You could always make your own case...  http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,2845,1821103,00.asp

Make a shell out of paper mache & get the kids involved.  All you need is a template the size you want, old newspapers and some flour/water paste.  Then coat it with varnish or waterproof mod podge and assemble.  Cut a hole for the fans and screw the hardware straight into the case.

Make it out of legos (you just need a LOT of them)


I have a Scion XD remote controlled car that I want to turn into a media-pc, I just have to get a motherboard and components small enough to fit in the space.

[SpaceDoll]

I have seen so many original case mods, some fun, some beautiful, and some just... bad.
I would love to make one from wood, but I am not a skilled woodworker.
It would be great to make one from stained glass (which I do have skills with), but the weight and fragility would probably be a problem.  The atrocious led lights so many case-modders throw in randomly would be lovely behind stained glass.

[kewian]

I love that lego case.  Where is Hegelian when you need him?

[J. M. Pescado]

He's dead. Got killed by Reggikko, remember?

[daistarr]

I would get a good brand power box, such as Ocz, Antec ect...500 watts is a touch on the small side I would make it a 700. More times than not this is where problems start. I would look into an AMD Processor Quad Core, AMD is great for gamers. The Intel isn't worth the extra price. The 240-Pin SDRAM DDR2 800 is for Dual Core not for Quad Core.

[Kraken]

I built my pc a few years ago and like you I am looking around to build a new one.

One thing I will mention that can sometimes be overlooked: 

if you are swapping out the fan off a boxed retail processor don't forget to buy a small tube of arctic silver.  Some geeks use liquid metal but being allergic to most metals I stay well away.  There are a few compounds you can use I think V is the newest but can't be sure.  Again if you are buying retail boxed and not OEM Chip then you won't need this unless tinkering with said fan.

I would also second what daistarr said.  Take a look at AMD the older phenoms had problems but with the newer they sorted that out.  Amd are about to release the Phenom II Quad Core (Deneb) this month.  Price has yet to be determined but it just might prove to be worth a look.

Good luck with the build.

[Dark Trepie]

I would pass on the soundcard at the moment if budget is an issue.  Damn near all mobos come with on-board sound nowadays anyway.  You can always get one later when you save up more money.  Or be cheap like me and get an SB Audigy from Wal-Mart for $20.