First computer build

[bigfoot]

Hey i just registered about 5 mins ago, but i have been roaming the forums for about a week now. I think i could definately get into modding. I've been planning this build for a couple months now, but as i am in school,with a girlfriend, and work at a gas station for minimum wage:dead:. Its taking awhile to save up the cash. I'm goin to buy the pieces one by one, starting with the case. I'm pretty deadset on the sunbeam transformer http://www.xoxide.com/sunbeam-transformer-case-black.html i've read some reviews and they all look pretty good. Plus it will be a good experience to get into a little modding since i will want alot of lighting, and the stock fans sound like a hurricane. This is about all i know im getting so far. So i was hoping you guys could give me some ideas. I will be using this computer mostly for games. One of them being WOW but i'd like to be able to play Oblivion :)

[xRyokenx]

Welcome to the forums!

For a good PC that can play Oblivion you can get some medium range parts. I have an 8500GT and it runs Oblivion totally maxed out on 1280x1024 with loads of texture improving mods at about 30fps average (that's my estimate).

I'd get a dual core CPU at the very least with 1GB RAM minimum... if you need a list of parts, I or one of the other members could quickly and easily whip one up.

[Luke122]

Welcome aboard!

A good thing to do when starting out, is to also get an old "free" case from someone/somewhere, so you can practice cutting/painting/etc without destroying your new case. :D

You can build a WoW computer for almost nothing.. under $400 for sure. :)

[Spawn-Inc]

Welcome to the forums!

when you built your system unless you have another one to test the parts try to save up and buy it all at once, that way its a lot easier to return parts if there busted. i built my system and have a bad video card and was able to test it on two other computers in the house and was able to exchange it with no problems. i only make 80 every other week and have managed to get a 1600 computer so far (6 months time i think), though i don't have any bills or g/f. not i have to pay for car insurance to until i upgrade me job no more parts for me :(

[crenn]

Case/PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811166004 ($69.99 including PSU, no lighting though)
CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103776 ($84.99)
Motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131096 ($88.99)
RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820141017 ($39.99)
Monitor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824254018 ($149.99)
HDD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136098 ($74.99)
Video card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130297 ($109.99)
Keyboard and Mouse: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823165014 ($19.00)
DVD Burner: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827129009 ($31.99)

Total $669.92

EDIT: Save up, because by the time you save up, you'll be able to either get better parts or the same parts at a cheaper rate.

[rendermandan]

Welcome to TBCS! -My only piece of advice is, when you start to mod a computer case, its like an addiction (good kind!) that just won't stop... :)

[jdbnsn]

Always love to see new faces! I agree with Luke that you should scour around for a free case to massacre while honing yuor skills especially if you are on a budget. And about the budget, I have an idea for you. If you buy your case from xoxide you could get $100 off if you wrote a good review on it (read their fine print (http://www.xoxide.com/product-review-guidelines.html)before considering), it's something to consider anyways. Good luck with the build!

[cured]

That case is awsome for that price! But yes, an old plain case would be best for a first mod.

Off-topic: Does anyone know if Starcarft 2 will be able to run on that 8600GT?

The specs havn't come out yet but im JW.

[simon275]

I would say it would run but who knows how much in game Eye Candy you would be able to turn on.

[bigfoot]

whew just got back from work...and yeah i bet it will be an addiction, seems like alot of fun. I've got 2 old computers this one im on(256 ram and celewenie cpu) :( but the other one is even more junk so i can play around with that. Im pretty sure ill be ok though i did an internship during the summer working at a computer shop and can remove and put back in about any part in a desktop(laptops motherboards scare me). Might need a little help on lighting and what parts to buy. Getting old cases to saw on wont be hard as i made some friends at the computer shop. This whole computer was salvaged from there(pieces from diffrent fried computer. Thanks for help so far, i guess ill start saving

[Raz1r]

Welcome! I guess I'm not the only newb around here.

I just want to jump in here to tell you to ground yourself when you install components. Touch a metal surface to get rid of static electricity so you don't fry stuff. I just had a mobo die on me cuz my brother touched it without grounding himself.

Definitely start with an older/cheaper case if you plan on getting into the cutting/grinding aspect of casemodding. Check the tutorials section here, there's some awesome ideas in there.

[bigfoot]

Yeah i don't know what they are called, but i have one of the things that goes on you wrist to stop static. So no worries there. I will be cutting on old cases for practice, but i think i will be fine with the transformer since the only mod i will be doin is lighting the rest is just assembly and i'm familiar with that. I've been saving, but insurance payment is coming around so i wont have enough until i get my first tax refund. Going to get from 3 diffrent jobs and i get it all back because im a student. :) Can't wait.

[Spawn-Inc]

wow your mobo actually died because of static electricity?!

i touch the bare metal screws once, when i take something out or any working on stuff. i've never had anything die on me yet! but then again i still have more years of computer building ahead of me :)

[cured]

I touch my graphics card to warm up my hands, and it hasn't died for 5 years...

[bigfoot]

That might be a good idea for a mod. Make a computer have the most horrible cooling you can and use it as a hand warmer. Or maybe even a space heater!:banana:

[cured]

Haha, it's only the GPU which sucks! But it get really hot when im playing Starcraft for ALONG time