help with new build please

[jannie]

Hi all I am a newbie here and this is my first build. I am looking at GIGABYTE GA-MA770-UD3 AMD 770 + SB710 ATX Motherboard , and would appreciate some advice to what processer and powerpack I should use.Sorry I am a novice
I am into bluray and need lots of power
Or maybe someone can advice another board
Hope thats all the info you need

[absic]

Hi Jannie and welcome to the forum.

Before we get too deep on things such as CPU's and power supplies, it would really help if you could let us know what kind of budget you have to spend and also if you have an old PC that you are upgrading or if you are really starting out with nothing.

Do you want to just watch Blue-ray DVD's or are you after editing video?
Will you want the PC for gaming?
What Operating System are you thinking of getting?

[Dark Mantis]

Hi jannie and welcome to our forum. I see absic is already helping you so I will let him get on with it, as you are in very capable hands By the way don't apologise for being a novice we were all novices at some time but have learnt along the way.

[jannie]

Thanks so much for a warm welcome.
Yes I am backing up my bluray collection with dvd fab....but had probs with the computer switching off and the forum at dvd fab told me to clean the processer as it was a heat problem. so I brushed all the fuff away and I think I made the mistake of releasing the clip on the processer and the computer wont beep or start up now.....well maybe its the time now to build a quad core
old borad is Ga-M55S-S3
No I wont be gaming

[Dark Mantis]

Well if you are just looking for an excuse to build a new computer then I can tell you it's beyond repair(but that's not the truth)
It would help if you could give us a run down on the problems from the start and a complete list of your components please?

[absic]

Well if you are just looking for an excuse to build a new computer then I can tell you it's beyond repair(but that's not the truth)
It would help if you could give us a run down on the problems from the start and a complete list of your components please?

Dark Mantis is correct, If you really want to build a new PC that's OK but if you give us a few more details we might be able to save you a lot of money! 

[jannie]

Gosh thanks for all the help guys.. well I definately want a gigabyte board with AMD Processer, and it has to be quad or six core, and enough power to handle my bluray backups......Its ok if it cost a bit as I want a reliable fast machine. I am operating XP pro but will probable be upgrading or downgrading ( lol ) to win 7. I have a geforce 8400gs and three sata hard drives and two ide drives ...A dvd writer plus a   Pioneer BDR-205BK bluray writer.
Thanks guys

[Dark Mantis]

Well jannie, let's take the Win7 issue first. I was a diehard XP fan and never liked Vista but after trying Windows 7 it feels very similar and smooth to use. I would advise the 64 bit version as that is what I use and have had no problems with using 32 bit programs at all. It also gives you access to far more RAM which I would assume would be of benefit to you.

As far as your machine goes I will let absic discuss that with you because he uses AMD and is more au fait with it than me. Although I would advise going for the 6 core now for the price difference it makes sense.

[Dark Mantis]

I have just talked with absic and he is compiling a list for you at the moment.

[absic]

I have just talked with absic and he is compiling a list for you at the moment.

Not quite there yet DM

OK Jannie, before we get down to putting together a full shopping list for you, I do have a couple of things that  just need to be clarified.

You already have 3 SATA Hard drives but will you be using one of these for your OS or are you thinking of getting a new drive for that?
Your DVD writer & Bluray writer are these both IDE devices?
Do you want to keep your current Graphics card or are you looking for a newer one?
Are you based in the UK? (Just so I can get links for hardware for you if you are)
Do you have any other parts that you are thinking of trying to use in your new PC? (If yes what are they?)

On the subject of OS I too would go for Windows 7 64 bit but, it is worth double checking that any software you have will be able to run OK. If everything is OK then a 64 Bit OS will allow you to have more RAM which will help speed up some of the processes for you.

Sorry that I keep asking questions but I don't want to offer you bad advice.

[jannie]

gosh no messing about with you guys...Appreciate the help.
Yes I will use the sata hard drives in the new build....The bluray is sata....If you can suggest a better Grahics card then so be it
No probs asking ,,,yes I am in uk
Dave

[Dark Mantis]

I would go for the ATI 5xxx series card for graphics. They have plenty of power the added benefit of eyefinity(multiple monitors) and are good value. Obviously depends on your budget as to which one to choose.

[absic]

OK, as I don't know how unlimited your budget is ( ) I am going to say:

Mobo: GA-880GA-UD3H ( http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3425&dl=1#ov ) Not the top end but should be a good all rounder. http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Gigabyte-GA-880GA-UD3H-AMD-880G-S-AM3-PCI-E-20-(x16)-DDR3-1866(OC)-SATA-6Gb-s-SATA-RAID-ATX

CPU: Phenom ii x4 955 or 965. Yes, I know these are quad not hex core but, they are actually better value for money and in most bench tests have very similar scores to the hex cores but are around £100 cheaper. http://www.scan.co.uk/Shop/Computer-Hardware/All/CPUs-AMD/AMD-Phenom-II-(S-AM3)-Quad-Core

Memory: Corsair TW3X4G1333C9A ( http://www.scan.co.uk/products/4GB-(2x2GB)-Corsair-XMS3-Classic-DDR3-PC3-10666-(1333)-Non-ECC-Unbuffered-CAS-9-9-9-24-150V ) It's not on the QVL but I have used it on several AMD builds without issue.

Graphics Card: Gigabyte HD 5770 http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3283&dl=1#ov
(  http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/1GB-Gigabyte-HD-5770-PCI-E-20-(x16)-4800MHz-GDDR5-GPU-850MHz-800-Cores-DL-DVI-HDMI-DP )

PSU: Corsair Professional CMPSU-650HXUK (I use a 620 Watt Corsair PSU and it is really good) http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/650W-Corsair-Professional-CMPSU-650HXUK-Modular-PSU-with-80PLUS-Bronze-Certification

I think this will provide you with a good, solid system that will do more than you want it to. All costing links are for Scan UK, the only reason for this is that I always use them and I can't be arsed to trawl the net for the best deals.

Hope this gives you an idea and if you want any further help you know where we are.

ATB

[Dark Mantis]

That looks a good setup to me absic, and I would agree that Scan are a good reliable company. I also use ebuyer, they are another reliable well priced component supplier.

[jannie]

woww thats brilliant...I will order components next week, i will mabe need help to connect but ...Yes I know your there to help
Well I can only say thanx a million and thanks for the time you spent searching
I have to say what a friendly website, So glad I joined
Dave