I want to build a new computer soon and wandered if I could have some advice, as I have been out of the loop for while and not sure what's good and new.

The budget is not definite but I am looking at building a moderate computer, lets SAY around £800 for the moment. I want something that is generally fast and reliable, with decent graphics (I currently run on a 7900 GT KO). Bear in mind I don't want the overpriced hardware that is marketed at certain people, but stuff that will do the job all the same.

I'm not sure what kind of processor I'd be looking at. Dual core of course, but AMD or Intel...? And what motherboard (socket?) would I want to go with this? From 2GB - 4GB RAM if necessary. As for HD nothing massive just decent, only on 80GB at the moment. I was looking at something faster than the average (7200rpm), what should I go for? In my experience the HD is often the bottle neck of the system. Oh and what case/cooling system would I need?

Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks. Anyone?

Thanks. I seem to be struggling on what hardware to get. Sorry it's just that someone is paying for me to get it built and wants to know what the parts/costs are...

Thanks. I don't agree with someone paying you to do a job and then you going elsewhere to get help with it, I feel that if you take a job you should be able to do it.
However, I will help you out, here's a basic build.

Case
EXTRA fan
PSU
Graphics card
RAM
HDD
Motherboard
DVD writer
CPU

You didn't mention a monitor, keyboard/mouse or OS.
That's a very respectable price for that system - quad core CPU, 4Gb RAM, 320Gb HDD, 8800GT graphics card, P43 motherboard.
I have some of those components (PSU, HDD, optical drive, case and fan) myself and can definitely recommend them.
If you want to add a monitor, the HannsG HW191D 19" widescreen comes in at a good price on dabs too, and yes, I have one.
I recommend this keyboard and this mouse both of which I also have.

Anyway, I hope this helps you out.I didn't mean a job like that. A relative is paying towards a new computer for me and I just wanted some advice in the general area to go for, and to make sure I do not buy incompatible parts.

I wanted some advice about what OS to get. I have only used XP so far so I'm not familiar with it. Will this system run it that well? Is it worth getting? And where can I get a decently priced one from?

I have drawn up my own system, TELL me what you think.


AMD Phenom 9950 2.6Ghz processor £142.97 Link
Asus Crosshair II Formula Motherboard £165.65 Link
OCZ DDR2 PC2-8500 1066 MHz 4GB RAM £84.34 Link
Seagate 750GB 7200RPM 16MB HD £86.64 Link
OCZ StealthXStream 600w power supply £46.99 Link
512MB EVGA 9800GTX+ graphics card £163.45 Link
Antec Three Hundred Ultimate Case £35.24 Link
HANNS-G 17" Wide LCD Monitor £88.87 Link
Computer tool kit £27.85 Link
Small parts (screws and fixings) £8   
Total £850.00
 
I wouldn't go for an AMD rig myself, but it's up to you.
Remember that buying from different stores will mean you lose on shipping costs.
I'd recommend a 19" screen rather than 17".
XP or Vista or something else entirely, your choice and pick what feels right to you.
Try and get some experience with Vista, it is the future of Windows whether we like it or not and my personal preferences will cloud your judgement, so I won't advise which OS to get.  32 bit OSes will not be able to utilise your 4Gb of RAM though.  An OS can be bought from most computer stores, typically £50-60 for an OEM version or £100+ for retail.

To be perfectly honest, the build you've got there seems expensive to me, it's not that much better than mine and mine is far cheaper.one more thing if you're going to get 4gb or more, make sure you purchase a Windows XP 64BIT or Windows Vista 64bit in that way you'll be able to use all your 4gb of ram.Okay thanks for the advice.

I will have to do a bit of research into the best right. I will most likely COMPROMISE and go for the smaller (and cheaper) HD you put in. My main concern is which processor to choose. In my experience I have had good performance out of AMD, I have never actually had an Intel processor.

Isn't there some problems with a 64 bit OS? Some people have problems with software. And only a 64 bit OS will utilise 4GB?You did say that HDD space wasn't important which was why I went for a 320Gb model, which is the best space/price ratio right now.
I wouldn't advise getting an AMD CPU now, Intel's are superior in terms of performance and price.
Some people always have problems with whichever OS you choose.  I've had no issues with my XP X64.  For 4Gb of RAM, a 64 bit OS won't be any more efficient as it will actually use more RAM, negating the extra 512Mb or so you'd gain over a 32 bit OS.  A 32 bit OS will see 4 GB, minus address space for other devices.  With a lot of video memory, you'll have less RAM available.  It's up to you really which you choose, just make sure your programs and hardware will work with the OS you decide on.Now I don't know what to choose.

Will 4GB RAM work better with or without a 64 bit OS? Someone told me their comp actually run faster on 32 rather than 64. It all depends on what software you use . . . 32 bit applications, i.e. 95% of software available today, will run the same or slightly slower under a 64 bit OS.  64 bit applications however will run faster.
I personally feel my computer runs faster with XP X64 than the 32 bit version of XP, but a lot depends on your perceptions really.
If in doubt, choose 32 bit - there's unlikely to be much of a performance difference anyway.Okay. Will a 32 bit OS still utilise 4GB of RAM though?

I would have thought by now software developers would make applications for 64 bit systems. A 32 bit OS will not use 4Gigs of RAM.

If you want to go with a 32 bit OS like the 32 bit version of XP than go with 3 gigs of RAM.

It won't do any harm to have more than 3Gb of RAM, but it will be wasted.
Software developers don't seem so keen to develop 64 bit apps, mainly because most won't see a benefit.
Browsers won't be any faster, for example, it's mainly demanding apps that will see benefits and they are starting to come out with 64 bit versions. Quote from: touchstone57 on July 30, 2008, 10:56:37 AM

Okay. Will a 32 bit OS still utilise 4GB of RAM though?

I would have thought by now software developers would make applications for 64 bit systems.