Ok, so i dont have authorization to post in the Site Feedback thread, I just wanted to say that perhaps PR could make a thread dedicated to people building new computers and needing a few tips...? Otherwise the only other place to post would be here.

Ok, so my brother is getting fed up with his laptop....is gonna sell it and apply the money to a real desktop rig for college. However he decided he wanted a smaller case to take on the plane and asked me to make one for him. he mainly wants the computer to be able to handle Battlefield Vietnam and Battlefield 2. I was thinking of starting with the Aspire X-QPACK. Ok so here is what i have so far.

Aspire X-QPACK
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811144109 $89

AMD 64 3000+
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103537 $146

MSI RS480M2-IL
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813130485 $87

Seagate Barracuda SATA 160GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148069 $118

LiteOn Black DVD Burner
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106988 $49.99

Geil 1 GB DDR400
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Produc...ctCode=85002-3 $87.80

Total w/out tax and S/H $577.79
w/tax and S/H $642.47

So what we need now is the video card. What would be a good bet to get for the video card and keep the price relatively down. He's shooting for about 850 dollars. In addition, with the parts chosen, will he have any issues with heat? Also, if you guys think there are better parts, please tell Thanks guys.

Here yah go.........Radeon X800XL for $276......and it has 16 pipes
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814142036

Not bad hardware choices, in my opinion. Don't think I'd go with an MSI board, though. Something with a lot of bang for the buck is what you're going for, and that's what I think you will get.

I'm not to video card savvy, sadly. I'm sure one of the l33t PR members will be able to help you, though.

Don't forget you're going to have to buy a monitor!

Add: About the cooling, what about modding the case just a little bit? Side intake fan and maybe a blowhole? I've never used that case, or a shuttle case at all, actually...so I have no idea the sort of heat problems that come with the territory.

You also forgot to figure in cables (assuming you want rounded cables), fans (not sure if the case comes with them but I'm not going to take the time to look it up), some Arctic Silver 5, a cpu heatsink, power supply, keyboard and mouse, an operating system, and (obviously) a monitor.

If you already have those, then disregard my post.

Rob

EDIT: Whups, I see that it does come with it's own power supply and the fan is taken care of. However, I'd advise against using any flat cables unless you are a god at management. I remember the airflow through these things are pretty limited so you'll want the air current to access as much as possible.

EDIT II: PimpRig review link HERE.

Case comes with a 120mm fan and an antec 420W power supply. I currently have a tube of AS5 i could use for his computer as well. In terms of round cables, I'm gonna def add those.....2 i take it, 1 for the HD and one for the DVD writer. We're prolly going to keep the stock HSF...unless there are definite heat issues with those. We already have the OS, keyboard and mouse.

So adding that vid card on brings it to the high 900 range. It seems ok for now, gotta clear it with the parental units. Does the memory seem to be ok? Anyone have any experience with Geil or that particular pair of sticks? In addition, is there a better mATX board out there that supports PCI-E x16, socket 939 and DDR 400?

Quote: Originally Posted by Bane Case comes with a 120mm fan and an antec 420W power supply. I currently have a tube of AS5 i could use for his computer as well. In terms of round cables, I'm gonna def add those.....2 i take it, 1 for the HD and one for the DVD writer. We're prolly going to keep the stock HSF...unless there are definite heat issues with those. We already have the OS, keyboard and mouse. So adding that vid card on brings it to the high 900 range. It seems ok for now, gotta clear it with the parental units. Does the memory seem to be ok? Anyone have any experience with Geil or that particular pair of sticks? In addition, is there a better mATX board out there that supports PCI-E x16, socket 939 and DDR 400?

This isnt a mATX solution but it is pretty small. Available with PCI-E x16, socket 939 and ddr 400. It can be configured to around 800 dollars.

http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=M&Product_Code=80411

But when I try to get my configuration on the Monarch Hornet, the prices shoot uncomfortably up I'm trying to get as low as I can and with my current config of 932.17, my parents were still unhappy :-/

I just built the wife a system in the X-Qpack. Here's were my parts from Newegg (went with one supplier to save the shipping $$):

X-Qpack Case
Gigabyte GA-K8VM800M
AMD Athlon 64 2800+
Sceptre X7-G Naga II 17" LCD

Price at this point? 490

I used other parts I had like a 40GB IDE HDD, 512MB Simpletech RAM, and bought a Liteon CDRW for under $40 from Wal-Mart. Either way, I would have came in well under $950. I know this probably isn't the type of system you're trying to build, based on your original parts list, but it leaves plenty of room for upgrading for the money you're looking to spend.

Some additional notes:
DEFINITELY get round cables. It's a nice case, but only one fan. Make the most of it.
If you decide not to use the stock cooler, CHECK THE HEIGHT. I tried an Scythe Arctic Cooler and it wouldn't let the mobo tray slide back into the case.

Ok, in terms of cutting costs and keeping decent performance, we have decided to go for the 6600 GT. Now I have one person saying that it runs Battlefield 2 decently well, but what about other people's experiences? My brother is the kind of person who unfortunately ramps up the number of bots and questions why the computer is running so slowly *rolls eyes* Anyways, if we do get the 6600GT, which company is decent for the price? Or what is the ATi solution comparable to this?

Also, where do i find round cables short enough to fit the case?
Anyone know the features of the PSU included? eg, stable rails, PFC etc.

Ok rig is purchased. Thanks everyone. Got him an Albatron 6600GT for his computer... Hopefully that fits with the case, but nobody told me if there were any problems. Also got him some Corsair ram. Value select I think. He doesn't o/c....just plays games so it should be ok for him. Anyways thanks once again guys.