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First custom media PC help required

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  • 06-09-2011 10:00am
    #1
    Registered Users Posts: 734 ✭✭✭


    Hi all,

    I am looking to build a PC for myself. Looking to keep it to the €300 range. Looks aren't important and don't need any peripherals

    Will be used mostly for watching movies and internet stuff via something like xbmc via TV.

    Will be used as a nigthly backup machine for laptop (important for work)

    Gaming, not a huge gamer but something that could handle something well with a big TV would be nice.

    I was looking at upgrading an old Dell PC but on advice receive for people here have decided to just go with a new one.

    Was suggested here that I begin my own thread


«1

Comments

  • Registered Users Posts: 46 ricko187


    Am trying to build myself the same sort of set up have a look at thishttp://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056377459

    May need to upgrade the graphics card if planning on playing any games, also get rid of the ssd to lower the cost!


  • Registered Users Posts: 6,710 ✭✭✭Monotype


    Do you need windows?


  • Registered Users Posts: 734 ✭✭✭sealgaire


    No I can sort the OS out myself handy enough


  • Registered Users Posts: 734 ✭✭✭sealgaire


    Thanks ricko187, i will check out your post


  • Registered Users Posts: 6,710 ✭✭✭Monotype


    Looking through prices and given that you wanted a 1TB HDD, you really need to cut out the graphics card to get around €300. Modern integrated graphics will handle HD videos but only older games. I don't think it's worth scaling the processor back to a dual or single core as you wouldn't save much money.

    Total build cost: €265.99 + €30 shipping
    ASRock 880GM-LE, Sockel AM3, mATX|€53.03
    Xigmatek Asgard, ATX, ohne Netzteil, schwarz|€31.61
    LG GH24NS bare schwarz|€17.06
    Super-Flower Amazon 80Plus 450W|€41.00
    Samsung SpinPoint F3 1000GB, SATA II (HD103SJ)|€46.19
    4GB Corsair Valueselect DDR3-1333 CL9|€17.23
    AMD Athlon II X3 450 "Boxed" 95W, Sockel AM3|€59.87


    IMO, go with something like the above. When you have a bit more money, add in a graphics card. 450W will be enough for mainstream cards up to the 6870.

    If you do this, I would recommend that you spend a little more on the board and get something with SATA 6Gbps, USB 3, four RAM slots and is listed as compatible with AM3+ processors.
    http://www1.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=42047


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  • Registered Users Posts: 734 ✭✭✭sealgaire


    Thanks for that.

    If I were to take your advice with the
    http://www1.hardwareversand.de/artic....jsp?aid=42047
    motherboard (which is only a little bit more expensive) it would prob be for the best as it would be more future proof.

    Re the graphics card, I would like something decent, even if that pushed me over the 300 mark. Really want proper playback for movies and wouldn't mind playing COD etc with xbox quality.

    Would there be much noise out of that machine?


  • Registered Users Posts: 734 ✭✭✭sealgaire




  • Registered Users Posts: 6,710 ✭✭✭Monotype


    That's clearance stock and a 6770 would be cheaper + better.
    http://www3.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=49393

    It should enable you to run anything at 720p and less intensive games at 1080p.
    Definitely better than console quality.


  • Registered Users Posts: 734 ✭✭✭sealgaire


    Cool, will add that to my list and see where that leaves me


  • Registered Users Posts: 734 ✭✭✭sealgaire


    How would the system above be noise wise?

    The dimension 4600 i've rigged up at the moment is a pig!


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  • Registered Users Posts: 6,710 ✭✭✭Monotype


    You can adjust the speed of the fan at the back. The one at the front is noisier. You could replace them later if you wanted something quieter.
    The CPU and graphics card fans will adjust themselves according to temperature (you'll have to tell it to do it in the BIOS settings for the CPU one). These are usually noisy at full load but should be quiet for just idling and browsing.


  • Registered Users Posts: 734 ✭✭✭sealgaire


    Is there any advantage to an AMD chip to an Intel?

    Should I invest more in a better motherboard?
    I was looking at this - MSI 880GMA-E55 Sockel AM3, mATX, PCIe
    (doesn't seem to be on site anymore)


    I am going to add this:

    http://www1.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=49393&agid=1004

    what you think?
    Gonna up the budget to 400


  • Registered Users Posts: 6,710 ✭✭✭Monotype


    How much did that board cost? Was it seventy something? HWV seems to be very much out of stock in motherboards at the moment. This is a good board for €81.59 although a bit over your needs. http://www1.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=48516

    Graphics card is fine. You could go with intel if you want but I think AMD is better for the tight budget. They will also be releasing new processors soon (rumours are this month or next) so you have an upgrade path.


  • Registered Users Posts: 734 ✭✭✭sealgaire


    It was costing €76.49

    Is there much of a benifit between that one you are suggesting there and the orignal ASRock board you mentioned at the beginning.

    There is not much point in me building this yoke if it will not be much good at the end of the day.


  • Registered Users Posts: 6,710 ✭✭✭Monotype


    Here's an alternative board, I don't think it was in stock earlier and it's a bit cheaper than the MSI.
    http://www2.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=48268
    http://uk.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3908

    It's compatible with the new processors as well as the extras such as usb 3 & SATA 6Gbps. No integrated graphics, but you don't need it.

    USB 3 is becoming more important now - mainly for use in hard drive docks but USB 3 sticks are more widely available. SATA 6Gbps is nearly essential if you want an SSD in the future. You could always get PCI-E cards to add these features later but you would need a board with enough slots.
    I think compatibility with the next processor line-up is very important. Not all boards are compatible and you should try to keep options open.

    Edit: 4 RAM slots instead of 2 is also a big advantage!


  • Registered Users Posts: 6,710 ✭✭✭Monotype


    You don't have a CPU in there!

    You can get 8GB RAM if you want. It's doubtful that you'd need that much. 4GB is enough for any regular programs or games. The only reason would be in case it goes up as it is so cheap now. If you do get 8GB, buy a 2x4GB kit.


  • Registered Users Posts: 734 ✭✭✭sealgaire


    sorry, had spotted that and tried to delete thread.

    I will look at this again tonight.

    Might forget the ram so

    Thanks for help BTW


  • Registered Users Posts: 734 ✭✭✭sealgaire


    Ok, here goes (again)

    Training up a new guy at work and he was driving me mad! :-)

    Total build cost: €379.10 + €30 shipping
    Samsung SpinPoint F3 1000GB, SATA II (HD103SJ) €46.19
    AMD Athlon II X3 450 "Boxed" 95W, Sockel AM3 €59.87
    4GB Corsair Valueselect DDR3-1333 CL9 €17.23
    Super-Flower Amazon 80Plus 450W €41.00
    LG GH24NS bare schwarz €17.06
    Xigmatek Asgard, ATX, ohne Netzteil, schwarz €31.61
    ASRock 970 Extreme4, AM3+, ATX €81.59
    Club 3D Radeon 6770 1024MB, AMD Radeon 6770, PCI-Express €84.55

    This is what I'm thinking.
    How would this compare against, say a 360, graphics wise? That's all i'm able to benchmark against.


  • Registered Users Posts: 6,710 ✭✭✭Monotype


    It would be more powerful in every way. The 360 is more optimised for games but even so, it runs just about every game at 720p with details and framerates low. 720p should give you very nice details and frames. You should also be able to go up to 1080p in most games but you'll have to scale back some detail in the more demanding ones.

    Scroll down to have a look at resolutions and Anti Aliasing levels of the various games. Most are at 720p. A good few below but very few above. 1080p is double the number of pixels to work with so it's a big step.
    http://forum.beyond3d.com/showthread.php?t=46241


  • Registered Users Posts: 734 ✭✭✭sealgaire


    Excellent, thanks Monotype for all the help.

    I will read the llink you provided


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  • Registered Users Posts: 734 ✭✭✭sealgaire


    HELP NEEDED

    OK, got everything yesterday but in my haste I screwed the MB directly onto the case, not by using the little stands,

    I fired it up and aftre a few mins smoke started to come from the ATX Power Connector.

    I also hadn't the seperate 12v power connector connected.

    Knocked it off, took it apart and put it back properly.

    Now when I turn it on it fires up for a second and then dies. . .

    Which part is causing the problem?


  • Registered Users Posts: 6,710 ✭✭✭Monotype


    :(

    Have a look at the PSU and motherboard connectors to inspect for electrical damage.

    Have you got any parts that you could substitute to eliminate possibilities?


  • Registered Users Posts: 734 ✭✭✭sealgaire


    ok very strange,

    When I disconnect the ATX 12V Power connector it boots. Well it fires up at any rate.

    I didnt have this connected last night when i had my cockup


  • Registered Users Posts: 734 ✭✭✭sealgaire


    ok read this might be issue

    OK, if you're getting it to flash on/off again, there are a few things that can cause it:

    (1) The thermal sensor detects the CPU fan is not plugged in or seated properly.
    (2) The CPU is not seated properly.
    (3) A video card is not in the primary #1 PCI-E slot, or has insufficient power if it requires a PCI-E power connector attached.
    (4) You have a grounding issue, where the board is grounded to the case.
    (5) If you're using any of these cards, you need this PSU or HIGHER.


  • Registered Users Posts: 734 ✭✭✭sealgaire


    ok, when i take it out its runs fine. it must be shorting out on something on the case.


    THe standoffs, do they have to be insulated? Maybe i shoul put some insulating tape on them ? and sit the mobo on that?


  • Registered Users Posts: 734 ✭✭✭sealgaire


    ok its back to its old tricks, have it sitting on a cardboard box and back to the old problem.

    so guess its not a grounding issue

    only happening when 12v cpu connection is plugged in.

    mobo burned?


  • Registered Users Posts: 734 ✭✭✭sealgaire


    I cleared the CMOS and it was working again.

    I knocked it off and on again and not working again.

    ARGH


  • Registered Users Posts: 734 ✭✭✭sealgaire


    Tried a PS from an old Dell inspiron. same issue. guess that rules out the PS. Gonna try return the mobo. Hopefully I'll get a replacement. Its either that or the CPU


  • Registered Users Posts: 6,710 ✭✭✭Monotype


    I haven't heard of that problem before; usually, it's the opposite.

    I was going to suggest a multimeter to test the PSU but if the other one has the same problems, then it sounds like the motherboard.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 734 ✭✭✭sealgaire


    How has this nearly gotten so expensive since??

    Samsung SpinPoint F3 1000GB, SATA II (HD103SJ) €46.19
    now €109


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