Ok, I'm building a computer, or at least looking into it, but I've never done this before so I could really use some help. I want it to be a gaming computer, not extremely high-end, but pretty good. I've compiled a list of what I want to put in it below, and I need to know if it's all compatible and if I'm missing anything.

Case Choices

These are ordered from seemingly best to worst, but I want a more experienced opinion.

• Smilodon Extreme Black ATX Mid Tower
• NZXT Guardian ATX Mid Tower
• XCLIO A380BK Computer Case

Other Items

• Biostar TForce AMD Motherboard
  
• AMD Athlon 64 x2 Dual-Core Processor
  
• PC Power and Cooling S75QB
  
• G.Skill 4GB RAM
  
• Hanns-G Hi-221DPB 22" Widescreen LCD Monitor
  
• NVidea 9800 GT 512MB Video Card
  
• Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio Sound Card
  
• Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB Hard Drive
  
• LG Black DVD Burner

I'm mainly looking for confirmation that there are no compatibility issues there, but suggestions, tips, etc. are also very much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

This post has been edited by BassDeluxe: Jan 29 2009, 01:22 PM

BassDeluxe,

Troy will come by to assist you as he is our star system builder. In the meantime, here is Troys pinned topic from our sister forum.

You could alway check compatibility by visiting a family IT shop near where you live for help and then buy the parts for the build from them. Of course if you get them to build your computer you will have a warranty, building it yourself you will have none.

Troy should soon come by, so please be patient then you will get the best advice.

Best regards,

Hi there,

tallin is right - I am coming by to assist! I am a Tech Enthusiast, and I love building and repairing/upgading computer systems. I'm glad you've posted here, as compatibility is an extremely important point to consider.

First up, the case. It's good you've mentioned a few to consider about which one you'd like to choose. Personally, I'm a sucker for brand-names. Not just in cases, but in all computer components. However, it's not for no reason - a brand name component is one that has stood the test of being "abused" by countless professionals and tech enthusiasts, such as myself. That way, you know it's going to be good for you - and if the particular part you have isn't, the support company is going to be very helpful in fixing the problem!

NZXT, in my opinion, is an excellent computer case manufacturer, although not one that usually steals the limelight. A quiet achiever, if you will. If you would kindly direct your attention to this link, this would be my personal choice in a similar range to your budget for a case.

Next up comes the rest of the components.

For the motherboard, I've never had much luck with Biostar. While I'm sure plenty of people have no problems with their Biostar motherboard, I've only ever seen problems with the ones I've encountered in my business... Gigabyte is a company I've had great success with (also ASUS as well), and here is my recommendation: the Gigabyte GA-MA770-UD3.

Next up, the processor. This is the heart of the system, many would argue, and it is a sticking point, in my opinion. While the Brisbane edition AMD processor you've chosen was good in its time, it's last generation technology now, and I don't think you're getting as good as what you can. While a little more expensive, I strongly urge you to consider this Phenom quad-core processor. Definitely more than a step up, these processors are going to impress greatly over the last-generation technology you've chosen. If considering different model AMD processors, I'd like to draw your attention to the "Black Edition" processors, which don't come bundled with a heatsink/fan, so you'd need to budget for an aftermarket version. The model I have recommended is not the "Black Edition", and therefore, comes with a retail heatsink/fan.

PC Power & Cooling make absolutely awesome power supplies, so no comment needed here. Great choice! Same also about G.SKILL RAM. G.SKILL are known for their excellent performing "budget" RAM sets, and the set you have chosen is more than enough for your uses, at a reasonable price. The 9800GT is a good choice for a slightly more than "budget-oriented" consumer, while still tipping the scales at a price/performance ratio more than outright raw power. Same also with the hard drive and DVD Burner, good choices for the budget, and good performers to boot. The only problem you may have is securing a hard drive at a decent price, as the particular hard drive is out-of-stock as I view it right now.

The only two further points I wish to make:

The monitor manufacturer, Hanns-G, does not even exist in Australia (where I am), and therefore I cannot vouch for the quality of these units. Be sure to research these units, and that you are happy with the information you find. I personally always recommend Samsung or ASUS monitors where I can, I find they are always of exception quality for what I feel is a reasonable price.

The last point is the sound card you have included - unless you have extreme audio requirements (such as you are an audiophile, or have a proper surround sound 5.1 or 7.1 speaker system), then the motherboard's onboard audio should be more than enough for your uses. This should save you a few dollars to contribute to a better system for your needs.

Cheers, and I hope it all goes well for you. If you have any further questions, or discussion points, please reply. I'm more than happy to help!

Troy

Troy, Good morning,

Great and helpful post to BassDeluxe. Thank you for coming by so promptly in answer to my request to you.

I, of course will respond to you privately in answer to your kind contact and suggestion to me.

Best regards, and again a sincere thank you.