Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

New to PC building & need some advice

Jul 10, 2007 5:57AM PDT

ok so i compiled a wishlist at newegg
https://secure.newegg.com/NewVersion/Wishlist/PublicWishDetail.asp?WishListNumber=6828348&WishListTitle=minor+upgrades

need it looked over to see if everything is compatible...

the graphics card i already have but its nvidia geforce 6800xt .
http://www.xfxforce.com/web/product/listConfigurationDetails.jspa?productConfigurationId=141227

also installing 5.1 soundcard already have.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-Details.asp?EdpNo=1111756&sku=M501-1042

appreciate any info
thank you

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
pc build advice
Jul 10, 2007 9:42AM PDT

those are 2 very loud fans and certainly not needed for the components you're using. here's a quieter and cheaper alternative: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103023

do you really need 1394b (firewire 800)? if not, this gigabyte mobo has 1394a and the same chipset: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128014
after its $30 rebate, this ocz ram will be cheaper as well as faster (5-5-5-12 vs 5-5-5-1Cool: http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=85236

the on-board sound on either mobo is as good as (if not better than) the $10 sabrent card you mentioned. if you want better sound, step up to an audigy se: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102002

this 200gb wd drive is only $5 more: http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=101213-11

i assume you already have cd/dvd drive.

- Collapse -
reply
Jul 10, 2007 10:19PM PDT

i read that the ball bearing type would outlast sleeves, so i picked the 2 ball bearings
what type of fans would u recommend that are the ball bearing type?

the 1394b is for my 500GB WB mybook pro XHDD, would like to see how that is.

will re-look the RAM and sound card

yes i have an external Disk/disc drive. i will prolly get that later though along with GPU.

don't want anything too extreme as this is an upgrade/practice build. don't want to mess anything up.
thanks for lookin it over.

- Collapse -
fans and firewire
Jul 11, 2007 12:14AM PDT

your original fans run at 50db so they'll be annoying. here's a cheaper bb fan: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811999069
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=633558&CatId=494

if want to stick with firewire 800, then i suggest you get a mobo with it built-in. your original biostar mobo plus the firewire controller adds up to $135. this evga board is $130 with a $30 rebate: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813188016

also price check at zipzoomfly since their prices always include shipping. newegg's shipping cost can sometimes jack up the overall total (such as a $4 fan and $5 shipping cost per fan).

- Collapse -
thank u
Jul 11, 2007 12:29AM PDT

i'll prolly switch the fans out.

and look around on the mobo & FW800.

as for zipzoomfly, unfortunately they don't ship to APO addresses, but sounds like a good deal!

thank you for your help!

- Collapse -
Items you might consider . . .
Jul 11, 2007 12:55AM PDT

if you can order from multiple vendors:

Ultra Wizard Black ATX Mid-Tower Case with Front USB and Firewire Ports and Ultra 500-Watt Power Supply $39.97 (Sale item)

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-Details.asp?EdpNo=1187021&sku=ULT31795

Ultra Black/Titanium 80mm Ball Bearing Fan 3-Pak $6.97

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-Details.asp?EdpNo=1089089&sku=ULT31753

2. Here are a couple of things I do not like about Newegg since I find they are somewhat stringent on certain items -- be sure to read all their warranty and return blogs:

a. For Retail AMD processor, please call 408 749-3060 for service after first 30 days. For OEM AMD processor, we will service for 30 days only. Please verify the Processor matches your order Prior To installation. IMPORTANT: Always pack your CPU well for return. We will refuse your RMA if we received it as DAMAGED!

b. Special ordered items are not refundable. All refunds require a 15% restocking fee. No refunds given after 30 days, NO CPU REFUNDS AFTER 7 DAYS, no exceptions. Unless otherwise specified, all products carry Newegg.com's standard warranty (1 year). Open Box products do NOT carry any Newegg.com warranty policy and cannot be refunded or exchanged. Do not remove any labels from parts or your Newegg.com warranty will be voided. Any damaged items must be reported within 7 days of delivery.

c. PLEASE NOTE:
- If you need to return an item to Newegg, please obtain an RMA by contacting Customer Service at (800) 390-1119 or clicking "My Account" on our web page.
- Please save all packaging and accessories. All original equipment, components, manuals, cables, documents and packaging must be returned with your item in order for Newegg.com to process your RMA.

- Collapse -
reply
Jul 11, 2007 2:29AM PDT

will look more into those options.

thanks for the tips on newegg@

- Collapse -
results, please reply
Jul 11, 2007 6:09AM PDT

i have considered everyone's suggestions along with customer/product support from different sites and manufacturers.

so here are the results:
changed mobo, fans, firewire card, & HDD
added tool kit, static strap [whole house is carpetted], super multi burner

ordering from both sites.
https://secure.newegg.com/NewVersion/Wishlist/PublicWishDetail.asp?WishListNumber=6828348&WishListTitle=minor+upgrades

http://www.tigerdirect.com/sectors/wishlist/wishlist.asp?WishId=6CCADB15-6BA3-4C13-B4E2-4A5196030634&SRCCODE=WEBWISH

items to transfer from current PC to Upgrade PC:
NVIDIA GeForce 6800 XT 256MB DDR3 PCIe16
http://www.xfxforce.com/web/product/listConfigurationDetails.jspa?productConfigurationId=141227

Sabrent 6-Channel 5.1 3D Surround Sound PCI Card
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-Details.asp?EdpNo=1111756&sku=M501-1042

Ultra / V-Series / 500-Watt / ATX / 120mm Fan / 20/24-Pin / SATA Ready / Power Supply
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-Details.asp?EdpNo=2974305&sku=ULT31841%20K
[specs seems the same as one that comes with case] [which 1 would be better to use?]

this is a first time build, so nothing too extreme yet.
don't want to mess things up [a little nervous].

notes: upgrade GPU and sound later, as i'm content with these at the moment.

uses: Sims2, Empire Earth, Age of Empires/Mythology & the like. web pages, graphics [paint shop pro 11, logo, animation.]

!! please check compatibility !!
give a 1-10 [10=high] rating as to the functionality of what it's being used for.

any building tips would be greatly appreciated.

thank u to all who have responded and will give a reply back.