Hollow's guide for DIY PCs specifications

[HollowHeart]

Im not much of pro dota player, so i thought that by writing out this article that i can help contribute to sg dota community.



Introduction
Probably when you are reading this article, your trusty PC in which you played dota on, maybe well out of its 'service lifetime'. At first it may seems sufficient that it can actually run Warcraft III smoothly, but you should realise that it may not last much longer. With certain upgrades it may last another year or two, but nothing beats a total overhaul of your PC.

A (DIY) computer comprises of CPU, motherboard, RAM, VGA (graphics card), casing/cooling, input peripherals, speakers. (Im gonna skip monitor and PSU.)



CPU

The workhorse of your PC. The juice that runs your computer. The most un-miss-a-ble part of your rig. Or whatever. Anyway, nowadays, the most commonly used processor maybe Intel's Core 2 Duo, featuring dual core processing, or to a lesser extent, Core 2 Quad, equipped with twice the power of dual cores processors. Intel's latest processor Core i7, maybe the fastest processor ever made, but it currently field only 3 models.

The key part of selecting your choice CPU would be:

Clock speed/rate (denounced as xxGHz)
Level 2 memory cache (L2 xMB)


There is a myth that people thinks that a higher clock speed means a faster processor, however, CPU cache memory also plays a part in the overall performance. A CPU with a smaller clock rate but higher cache memory may suppress at CPU with higher clock rate but lower cache memory. Also take note that latest games maybe use up to 2 cores to run the game, so dual-core suffices for now. Unless you need a quad-core for rendering/encoding etc, or you wish to invest further, choose a quad-core CPU.


Hollow's recommends:

Quad-Core Q9550 (2.83Ghz/12MB cache) or

Core i7 940 (2.93GHz/8MB cache)

***********************


Motherboard

Another important component of your PC. The motherboard provides the platform for your hardware to work on. It is essential to check that your motherboard supports all your hardware, and some motherboard may have already include on-board hardware, eg AGP, Sound cards.... Its both a blessing/curse in disguise. Some motherboards may feature certain cooling devices, which is a plus when selecting motherboard. Remember, certain motherboards does not support both SLI and CrossFireX at the same time, so try to obtain one that support both for greater flexibility.


Hollow's recommends:

MSI X58 EClIPSE / MSI P45 PLATINUM (Note that it only supports ATI CrossFireX, CHECK HARDWARE SUPPORT click here (http://global.msi.com.tw/index.php?func=proddesc&prod_no=1695&maincat_no=1))

***********************


RAM

Keep it short and simple, the larger the RAM size, the better the overall performance. The mainstay of today's RAM utilises DDR2, prices for 1 GB RAM DDR2 may go as low as $20. Higher-end RAMs like Corsair XMS2 series does not differ much in terms of pricing, costing around $50 for 2 piece 1GB modules. But if you feel that cost is much of a constrain, why not go for DDR3 RAMs?

DDR3 RAMs offers a bigger boost for your PC, with a higher bandwidth for data transfers. Go for higher-end ones like Corsair TR3 series or Team Xtreem modules. Or Kingston ones if your are on tight constrains. Also, try to obtain matching RAM modules as much as possible, or get bundled ones. (Im not sure of the rationale, but thats what people tell me.)


Hollow's recommends:

CORSAIR TR3 DDR3-1600 at 2GB/3 modules bundle

***********************


VGA (graphics card)

Finally, VGA, the meat of your rig. In this arena, two titans stands. nVidia and ATI. ATI had momentarily took the lead with its HD4000s series PCI-E VGAs, with HD4870X2 dual-chipset VGA at its peak. However, nVidia recently released its new series, GTX 200s, placing GTX 280 the best/fastest stand-alone chipset. Both chipsets supports scalable technology, allowing more than 1 VGA chipset to work simutaneously.

ATI HD4870X2

Dual HD4870 cards in a single bus.
Whooping 2GB GDDR5 video memory.
Its performance--->HD4870 multiply by two.
CrossFireX enabled. (scalability) Imagine two HD4870X2 on a single motherboard. Four graphics processors. Good game.



nVidia GTX 280

Fatest single GPU chipset, defeats HD4870 stand-alone.
1GB GDDR3 in standard configuration
Scalable Link Interface(SLI) for 2-way or 3-way scalability


In terms of pricing, ATI definitely OWNED nVidia, with HD4870X2 priced at $700-$800, while a single GTX 280 priced at $600+. But if you are not serious gaming rigger, try nVidia 9800GT(X) or ATI HD4850, priced at around $200 to $300.


Hollow's recommends:

Palit/ASUS ATI HD4870X2 2GB GDDR5 or

Palit/ASUS 9800GTX 512MB


***NOTE: DO NOT repeat, DO NOT get nVidia Quadro FX series or ATI FireGL UNLESS YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING! Both series are used for Computer-aided Design (CAD). Personally, tested quadro in COD4 and the results sucks. Plus the price.

To be continued in Part II.....

[JTJY]

wow nice guide! i make it a sticky!

[dArrenoloGy]

o man
+ 1 !

[SG_Lancelot]

woah. great guide. very informative

[juventusfc27]

TS shld leave ur hp number here for all the DIY newbies. next time if any1 wanna go SLS build/mod/fix com, call u accompany them can liao lol

[guoheng]

Thumbs up for ur guide. good job.
looking forward to part 2. really nice. :)
sticky plz.

[HeRo`]

Thanks for this guide man, I screwed up my current DIY, shall follow this guide for my next DIY.

[DOTASG_PAPA]

Yes, this is really a nice and detail guide. Thanks for the contribution.

[poohBEARR]

+1 nice guide. still got tell us price. :p

[ZyHinoX]

ownage. i sure nid to change my imba ram

[ruixiang]

Not trying to flame you or whatsoever, but u should actually state your reasons for your recommendation. Your recommendation should include evidence as to why you actually recommend it. Your recommendation and mine is so much difference cos imo yours isn't what a typical Singaporean will actually spend on.

Palit revolution 700. Did you actually weigh out how pointless it is getting that? The extra clock speed just isn't worth the money.

[HollowHeart]

Thanks for all your support. I will try to complete part 2 asap.

Not trying to flame you or whatsoever, but u should actually state your reasons for your recommendation. Your recommendation should include evidence as to why you actually recommend it. Your recommendation and mine is so much difference cos imo yours isn't what a typical Singaporean will actually spend on.

Palit revolution 700. Did you actually weigh out how pointless it is getting that? The extra clock speed just isn't worth the money.

Yep, I can see the point of your argument. The thing is that I used palit's vga cards for some time and it didnt gave me any problems, so I thought to put down a quality brand. Thanks for your comments.=D

[SoloZ-]

I want to get a new desktop but i know nuts about all these stuff :(

[sL4Sh3r]

TS shld leave ur hp number here for all the DIY newbies. next time if any1 wanna go SLS build/mod/fix com, call u accompany them can liao lol

Hohoho then the TS must collect money.

[ruixiang]

Yep. I like the 512mb palit 4870. Very worth the money. But for 4870X2 i rather go for powercolour or asus

[xsomebodyx]

No offence, but your recommendations are WAY over the typical budget limit of an average Singaporean. No sane person would take your recommendations seriously. Why not input your recommendations for different entry-level PCs? Like perhaps, separate them into "Entry-level", "Moderate-level", "High-end-level", "Overclocking enthusiasts". Or something like that. You would be able to help more people find what they are able to afford. After all, speed comes at a price. ^^

Just my two pence, cheers, and merry christmas all!

[ruixiang]

Haha somebody, i wanted to say that too! But was afraid I'll get flamed.. +1 for u!#

And i really wondered if it even helped those ppl who wanna DIY. Its really too exp.

[dRaGoN]

can put the current market pricing for those parts? :D

[xsomebodyx]

Haha somebody, i wanted to say that too! But was afraid I'll get flamed.. +1 for u!#

And i really wondered if it even helped those ppl who wanna DIY. Its really too exp.

Well, it wasn't meant to flame, but more like a suggestion :) Peace!

[SoloZ-]

Creative/constructive criticism always helps.

[ruixiang]

For weekly updates on pricelists, go HERE (http://sg.hardwarezone.com/priceguide/download.php). Do check out PC themes and Fuwell first. PC themes preferably cos its cheaper.

Do note you have to register as member(FREE) before viewing them.

[death_inferno]

Nevertheless we should thank TS for his efforts in contributing into this thread.
Afterall , he isnt God , he wont know much of people needs.
Maybe he can start a thread for those people who needs help or ask him for any recommendations. :)

[Fweng]

Agreed. Thanks for the handy guide

[ruixiang]

Alright i shall write my recommendation for Singaporeans

CPU

C2d8400

Quad core 9400 for graphical work purposes
Until Intel announces price cuts for 9550, I'll stick to 9400

Motherboard

Any p45. For non-o/c, Gigabyte/asus. For O/C MSI.

For hardcore O/C, I recommend Gigabyte 48x

Ram

I recommend 800mhz kingston/corsair rams for those who are not intending to O/C. Reason being they are my favourite and they have lifelong warranty.

VGA

Depends on ur monitor, if its like 19-22 inch, a 512mb ati raedon 4850 will do. With regards to which brand, Palit is my favourite but its really up to you.

For 24" and above, 4870/4870X2 will be good. 1gb Palit 4870 are favourites for many enthusiasts but for me I'll go for the powercolour 4870 PCS+ instead.

For those who LOVE nvidia so much they'll die without it, you can try the 260gtx 216 which is on sales now(corvergent i think). Or if you feel that you don't need to pay so much for a vga card get the 512mb xfx 9800gtx.

Do note that new gen cards require a lot power and produce a lot of heat. So do watch out for the temp. and decide if you need more fans for your vga card. Also, if you're getting nvidia, you might wanna wait until next year March where the new batch of price cut cards arrives. I can't really confirm if its March cos I'm not from the distro so yeah.. Thats about it.

[xsomebodyx]

^
Good post above! +1

I totally agree on the ram. Kingston value ram 800mhz are dirt cheap now. And when i got my pair 1GB like MONTHS ago, they only cost $36x2. Not too sure about the current price, but I reckon they're around $30 or less.

[ruixiang]

As far as I'm concerned... The last time i checked it was $86 for 2X 2gb. Rofl! And the siteX hyperX 1066mhz 4gb kit was only $139. Hahaha! SiteX ftwZ!

[ruixiang]

WTF PALIT HAVING SALES! ALL GO HOOT U IDIOTS!

http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/showthread.php?t=2206685

Asus sales

http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/showthread.php?t=2211714

[Alucard]

Extreme Systems

Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9770 & ASUS Striker II Extreme ~ $2XXX
Corsair TW3X4G1600C9DHX 1600MHz DDR3 4GB Kit ~ $600
Dual Palit GTX280 ~ $1200
Western Digital VelociRaptor 300GB ~ $455
Western Digital Caviar Black 1 TB, 32 MB Cache for Storage ~ $198
Samsung SATA 22X DVD Rewriter ~ $34
Corsair HX1000W PSU ~ $385
Cooler Master Stacker 832 W/Side Window ~ $368

Total ~ $6XXX

Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9770 & ASUS Rampage Extreme ~ $2XXX
Corsair TW3X4G1600C9DHX 1600MHz DDR3 4GB Kit ~ $600
Dual ASUS HD4870 X2 ~ $1600
Western Digital VelociRaptor 300GB ~ $455
Western Digital Caviar Black 1 TB, 32 MB Cache for Storage ~ $198
Samsung SATA 22X DVD Rewriter ~ $34
Corsair HX1000W PSU ~ $385
Cooler Master Stacker 832 W/Side Window ~ $368

Total ~ $6XXX

Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9770 & ASUS Rampage Formula ~ $2XXX
OCZ Reaper PC2-8500 DDR2-1066 4GB (2X2GB) ~ $209
Dual ASUS HD4870 X2 ~ $1600
Western Digital VelociRaptor 150GB ~ $280
Western Digital Caviar Black 1 TB, 32 MB Cache for Storage ~ $198
Samsung SATA 22X DVD Rewriter ~ $34
Corsair HX-1000W PSU ~ $385
Cooler Master Stacker 832 W/Side Window ~ $368

Total ~ $5XXX

Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9770 & ASUS Striker II Formula ~ $2XXX
OCZ Reaper PC2-8500 DDR2-1066 4GB (2X2GB) ~ $209
Dual Palit GTX260 ~ $760
or Dual Palit 9800GTX+ ~ $598
Western Digital VelociRaptor 150GB ~ $280
Western Digital Caviar Black 1 TB, 32 MB Cache for Storage ~ $198
Samsung SATA 22X DVD Rewriter ~ $34
Corsair TX750W PSU~ $222
Cooler Master Stacker 832 W/Side Window ~ $368

Total ~ $4XXX

High-End Systems

Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 & Gigabyte GA-X48-DQ6 ~ $759
OCZ Reaper PC2-8500 DDR2-1066 4GB (2X2GB) ~ $209
ASUS HD4870 X2 ~ $800
or Palit GTX280 ~ $600
Western Digital VelociRaptor 74GB ~ $213
Western Digital Caviar Black 1 TB, 32 MB Cache for Storage ~ $198
Samsung SATA 22X DVD Rewriter ~ $34
Enermax 625W PSU ~ $175
Cooler Master Stacker 832 W/Side Window ~ $368

Total ~ $2XXX

Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 & ASUS Maximus II Formula ~ $684
OCZ Reaper PC2-8500 DDR2-1066 4GB (2X2GB) ~ $209
ASUS HD4870 X2 ~ $800
or Palit GTX280 ~ $600
Western Digital VelociRaptor 74GB ~ $213
Western Digital Caviar Black 1 TB, 32 MB Cache for Storage ~ $198
Samsung SATA 22X DVD Rewriter ~ $34
Enermax 625W PSU ~ $175
Cooler Master Stacker 832 W/Side Window ~ $368

Total ~ $2XXX

Mid-Range Systems

Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 & Gigabyte EP45-UD3P ~ $527
Corsair XMS2 DHX PC2-6400 DDR2-800 CL4 4GB (2X2GB) ~ $108
Palit HD4870 1GB Sonic Dual Edition ~ $379
or Leadtek GTX260 Extreme+ ~ $467 or Palit GTX260 ~ $380
Western Digital Caviar Black 640GB, 32 MB Cache ~ $135
Samsung SATA 22X DVD Rewriter ~ $34
Enermax 525W PSU ~ $135
Cooler Master CM690 ~ $129

Total ~ $14XX

Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 & Gigabyte EP45-UD3R ~ $467
Corsair XMS2 DHX PC2-6400 DDR2-800 CL4 4GB (2X2GB) ~ $108
Palit HD4850 Sonic ~ $269 or Palit HD4850 ~ $219
or Palit 9800GTX+ ~ $299
Western Digital Caviar Black 640GB, 32 MB Cache ~ $135
Samsung SATA 22X DVD Rewriter ~ $34
Enermax 525W PSU ~ $135
Cooler Master CM690 ~ $129

Total ~ $12XX

Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 & Gigabyte EP43-DS3L ~ $418
Kingston ValueRam PC2-6400 DDR2-800 CL5 4GB (2X2GB) ~ $56
Palit HD4850 ~ $219
or Palit 9800GTX+ ~ $299
Western Digital Caviar® Blue™ 640 GB ~ $118
Samsung SATA 22X DVD Rewriter ~ $34
Enermax 525W PSU ~ $135
Cooler Master CM690 ~ $129

Total ~ $11XX

Intel Core 2 Duo E7300 & MSI G31M2-F ~ $271
Kingston ValueRam PC2-6400 DDR2-800 CL5 4GB (2X2GB) ~ $56
Palit HD4870 1GB Sonic Dual Edition ~ $379
Western Digital Caviar® Blue™ 640 GB ~ $118
Samsung SATA 22X DVD Rewriter ~ $34
Enermax 525W PSU ~ $135
Cooler Master CM690 ~ $129

Total ~ $11XX

Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 & Gigabyte EP43-DS3L ~ $418
Kingston ValueRam PC2-6400 DDR2-800 CL5 4GB (2X2GB) ~ $56
Palit HD4850 ~ $219
or Palit 9800GTX+ ~ $299
Seagate 500 GB ~ $86
Samsung SATA 22X DVD Rewriter ~ $34
Enermax 525W PSU ~ $135
Cooler Master Centurion 5 ~ $68

Total ~ $10XX

Intel Core 2 Duo E8200 & MSI P35 NEO-F ~ $397
Kingston ValueRam PC2-6400 DDR2-800 CL6 2GB ~ $25
Palit HD4850 ~ $219
or 9800GT or 8800GT or 9600GT
Seagate 500 GB ~ $86
Samsung SATA 22X DVD Rewriter ~ $34
Enermax 525W PSU ~ $135
Cooler Master Centurion 5 ~ $68

Total ~ $9XX

Intel Core 2 Duo E7300 & MSI P35 NEO-F ~ $279
or AMD Athlon X2 6000+ & Palit 780G
Kingston ValueRam PC2-6400 DDR2-800 CL6 2GB ~ $25
Palit 9800GT Sonic ~ $209 or Palit 8800GT ~ $189
Seagate 500 GB ~ $86
Samsung SATA 22X DVD Rewriter ~ $34
Vantec Ion2+ 500W PSU ~ $75
Cooler Master Centurion 5 ~ $68

Total ~ $8XX

Intel Core 2 Duo E5200 & MSI P35 NEO-F ~ $215
or AMD Athlon X2 6000+ & Palit 780G
Kingston ValueRam PC2-6400 DDR2-800 CL6 2GB ~ $25
Palit HD3870 ~ $159 or Palit 9600GT @ $149
Seagate 500 GB ~ $86
Samsung SATA 22X DVD Rewriter ~ $34
Vantec Ion2+ 500W PSU ~ $75
Cooler Master Centurion 5 ~ $68

Total ~ $8XX

Budget Systems

Intel Core 2 Duo E5200 & Biostar G31-M7 ~ $188
AMD Athlon X2 5600+ & Palit N68S ~ $209
Kingston ValueRam PC2-6400 DDR2-800 CL6 2GB ~ $25
Palit HD3870 512MB DDR3 ~ $159
Western Digital Caviar® Blue™ 160 GB ~ $63
Samsung SATA 22X DVD Rewriter ~ $34
Vantec Ion2+ 450W PSU ~ $67
Cooler Master Centurion 5 ~ $68

Total ~ $6XX

AMD Athlon X2 5000+ & Palit N68S ~ $170
Kingston ValueRam PC2-6400 DDR2-800 CL6 2GB ~ $25
Palit HD3870 512MB DDR3 ~ $159
Western Digital Caviar® Blue™ 160 GB ~ $63
Samsung SATA 22X DVD Rewriter ~ $34
Asus TA-891 & CoolerMaster 460W ~ $99

Total ~ $5XX

Entry Level Systems

AMD Athlon X2 5000+ & Palit 780G ~ $200
Kingston ValueRam PC2-6400 DDR2-800 CL6 2GB ~ $25
Western Digital Caviar® Blue™ 160 GB ~ $63
Samsung SATA 22X DVD Rewriter ~ $34
Asus TA-891 & CoolerMaster 460W ~ $99
Total ~ $4XX

AMD Sempron X2 2100 & Palit N68S ~ $133
or Intel Celeron Dual Core E1200 + Biostar 945GC ~ $133
Kingston ValueRam PC2-6400 DDR2-800 CL6 1GB ~ $15
Western Digital Caviar® Blue™ 160 GB ~ $63
Samsung SATA 22X DVD Rewriter ~ $34
Asus TA-891 & CoolerMaster 460W ~ $99

Total ~ $3XX


I hope this helps

Taken from HWZ hardware clinc thread made by adrianlee

[JTJY]

some are already outdated,

[Alucard]

apparently it was last updated on the 26th of December

i guess this price list factor in the price vs performance rather than quoting the new i7 processors~

[streamofhonour]

thumbs up for alucard.. pls make more of this guides for us noob computer makers :D

EDIT: can anyone explain the terms of all the cheem computer stuff like etc: overclocking, the big brands of ram/vga/motherboard and why they are big brands?if anyone can gimme the link thx alot ^^

[xsomebodyx]

Dude, you should just post the link =.= it's way too long.
Anyway, I've posted something similar before. In some other thread that's long forgotten.

[Alucard]

http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/showthread.php?t=1093205
here the link as follow :) i rather cut and paste since can view it immediately~

[zero7090]

TS is joking right ?

you mention 2 core is sufficient yet recommend Core i7 and Q9550

[xsomebodyx]

TS is joking right ?

you mention 2 core is sufficient yet recommend Core i7 and Q9550

typo, mb??

[siicklyretarded]

cool shit!
i will read it when i wanna buy a com LOL

[ruixiang]

Actually.. I kinda love the E7200.. Enough cache for gaming, good processor speed.. But i still got others instead. Whee!

[zero7090]

typo, mb??

what you mean ?

[xsomebodyx]

what you mean ?

maybe it was a typo?

was it that hard to read?

[zero7090]

thought you said me ...

anyway, current game now still didnt use more than 2 core, a set for core i7 + mainboard x58 + DDR3 ram already cost 1k , with 1.1k we can already build decent rig for 1680x1050 gaming

[ruixiang]

lol ddr3 ram + corei7 + x58 where got 1k only. At least 1.4k. Well.. If you think long-term.. there will be games that core2duo won't work well anymore. Just a matter of time.

[guoheng]

ehhh... wad u all talking lol........

hi ruixiang long time no see, welcome back dotasg :D

[xsomebodyx]

imo just get a 4870.. i'm considering a 4870x2, but my current PSU is only Andyson 500W. Don't think got enough juice to power it lulz.

[ruixiang]

Yep not enough. need 650W. Get the palit 4870 lo.. So many ppl like.

[zero7090]

500W is already enough for 4870
650W can 4870x2 already

lol ddr3 ram + corei7 + x58 where got 1k only. At least 1.4k. Well.. If you think long-term.. there will be games that core2duo won't work well anymore. Just a matter of time.
i7 920 + gigabtye x58 = $830
GEIL DD3-1333 ( 1GB X 3pcs ) = $190
total is 1020 plus 2% discount cash payment = $999

and your just a matter of time is about 3 years where a 2k rig value reduced to $500
GTX260 early adopter cried hard just 6 week after its launch

[ruixiang]

Wow you actually went to calculate. Nice.

[JTJY]

4870 FTW. decent and good

[watchme]

nice. Very useful.

[Fate^x3]

wow where was this when i needed it. ugh.

[eyeCANDY]

LOL.. this will be the best for me <3