I have been reading posts on this forum from time to time for a while and I really trust the users on here. I am prepping to build my first self-built PC and need advice a Windows 7 OEM question. Ultimately I want to make sure that all the parts I have selected will actually work well together and making sure that none of the parts have bad reputations.
1. What is the purpose of the computer?
Gaming, general computing (Internet, Microsoft Office, etc.), TV recording (like a TiVO), moderate Photoshop/InDesign use for print media
2. Are you open to alternate ideas/products giving similar better performance but offering more VFM/ sellers?
Yes and no, I am pretty set on the hardware I have already researched and selected but just want to have that last set of eyes before I buy everything to make sure everything will fit. However, as long as a suggested change will keep my budget under $900, I will consider a change.
3. What is your MAX budget?
$900, it will take a lot of convincing for me to go over.
4. Planning to overclock?
Yes, eventually.
5. Which OS are you planning to use?
I eventually want Windows 7 Professional 64-bit. I am thinking of starting off with Windows 7 Home Premium OEM and then upgrading to Windows 7 Professional (full version) with the Microsoft student discount version. Microsoft Office Professional Academic 2010, bottom left of page. Will this idea work? Will the Windows 7 Pro license override the OEM license? In other words, if something goes wrong, will I be able to transfer the Windows 7 Pro 64-bit to a new set-up?
6. How much hard drive space is needed?
500 gb is fine for now.
7. What resolution will the screen run at & whats the size of the screen?
I have a Samsung 25.5" 1080p LCD and a Sony Dynex 20" 720p.
8. How would you rate your hardware knowledge from the count of 1-10?
I would say that I am about a 4.
9. Have you ever built a desktop before or will this be done by an assembler?
Never built a desktop before, will be done all by me.
10. When are you planning to buy the system?
Today or tomorrow.
11. Are you one of the types looking out for "future proof" configurations?
Yes and no. I need a computer now and at less than $900 but want some flexibility with upgrades later. For now I plan on only getting one GPU but will get another one to use in Crossfire mode. Please check my configuration (below) to see whether Crossfire will work.
12. Are there going to be any components that you don't want to include in this new rig? If yes, do mention.
I prefer ATI videocards and AMD processors because they appear to be less expensive.
13. Which city do you live in and are you open to buying from shops from other city/states?
Illinois, will buy everything online.
14. Mention any other points if deemed necessary
Here is the set-up that I am thinking of purchasing:
Thank you for anyone who takes a look at this configuration for me. I am pretty new to PC components, so if any of these components are usually duds, please let me know.
One last question: Most of this MoBo's SATA connectors appear to be 6Gb/s, and the hard drive takes 3 Gb/s. Will this be a problem?
Thanks!
1. What is the purpose of the computer?
Gaming, general computing (Internet, Microsoft Office, etc.), TV recording (like a TiVO), moderate Photoshop/InDesign use for print media
2. Are you open to alternate ideas/products giving similar better performance but offering more VFM/ sellers?
Yes and no, I am pretty set on the hardware I have already researched and selected but just want to have that last set of eyes before I buy everything to make sure everything will fit. However, as long as a suggested change will keep my budget under $900, I will consider a change.
3. What is your MAX budget?
$900, it will take a lot of convincing for me to go over.
4. Planning to overclock?
Yes, eventually.
5. Which OS are you planning to use?
I eventually want Windows 7 Professional 64-bit. I am thinking of starting off with Windows 7 Home Premium OEM and then upgrading to Windows 7 Professional (full version) with the Microsoft student discount version. Microsoft Office Professional Academic 2010, bottom left of page. Will this idea work? Will the Windows 7 Pro license override the OEM license? In other words, if something goes wrong, will I be able to transfer the Windows 7 Pro 64-bit to a new set-up?
6. How much hard drive space is needed?
500 gb is fine for now.
7. What resolution will the screen run at & whats the size of the screen?
I have a Samsung 25.5" 1080p LCD and a Sony Dynex 20" 720p.
8. How would you rate your hardware knowledge from the count of 1-10?
I would say that I am about a 4.
9. Have you ever built a desktop before or will this be done by an assembler?
Never built a desktop before, will be done all by me.
10. When are you planning to buy the system?
Today or tomorrow.
11. Are you one of the types looking out for "future proof" configurations?
Yes and no. I need a computer now and at less than $900 but want some flexibility with upgrades later. For now I plan on only getting one GPU but will get another one to use in Crossfire mode. Please check my configuration (below) to see whether Crossfire will work.
12. Are there going to be any components that you don't want to include in this new rig? If yes, do mention.
I prefer ATI videocards and AMD processors because they appear to be less expensive.
13. Which city do you live in and are you open to buying from shops from other city/states?
Illinois, will buy everything online.
14. Mention any other points if deemed necessary
Here is the set-up that I am thinking of purchasing:
- Processor: AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition 3.2 GHz Socket AM3 125W Quad Core, $160
- Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-890XA-UD3 AMD 790X SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD, $130
- PSU: Corsair HS Series CMPSU-650HX ATX12V v2.2 SLI Ready 80 Plus Bronze, $120 (PSU and MoBo come together with a $30 discount)
- RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800), $100
- GPU: Sapphire Radeon HD 5770 1GB 128-bit PCI Express 2.0 x16, $180
- HD: Western Digial Caviar Blue 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5", $56
- Optical Drive: Samsung CD/DVD Burner Black SATA Model SH-S223C-OEM, $21
- Case: Cooler Master Elite 330 ATX Mid Tower, $50
Thank you for anyone who takes a look at this configuration for me. I am pretty new to PC components, so if any of these components are usually duds, please let me know.
One last question: Most of this MoBo's SATA connectors appear to be 6Gb/s, and the hard drive takes 3 Gb/s. Will this be a problem?
Thanks!