Building my first computer. Need some help what to pick.

[ValiantVenality]

I know there was a post a little down that discussed this same thing, but mines a little different. I'd mostly be using this computer for emulation, and some modern video games too, (Not a whole lot of modern, just mostly PS1, Dreamcast, SNES, NES, Genesis etc). Probably some Sounter Strike, and Warcraft 3 too, but that should pretty much be it. So here are some things I'd like to know.

1. What are good specs for what I'm looking for? Would I have to go shell out a buttload of money to get this, or would it be cheaper than I'd expect.

2. I would preferably like the case for the computer to be as small as possible. I hate having huge copmuter towers on my desk, since I dont have a little place near the bottom to put one in.

3. What would be a good webcam too? I'd also like to take some pictures and stuff too, for when my friends come over and stuff.

So thats basically it. Would you guys like to lend me a helping hand? It would be most apreciative! Thanks!

VV

[bicostp]

What's your budget?

You can get a P45 motherboard / Q9550 / 4 GB RAM / GTX 260 Core 216 / 650w PSU rig for under $700, just add a hard drive and an OS.

[samjc3]

for what you want, an intel core 2 duo would be great. aroung the 2.6ghz range. as far as graphics go, an nvidia 9xxx or up should be fine. my computer has a 6150se, and it wont play portal at more than 15 fps, at the standard settings. lower settings, and it runs great. you could easily build this in a shuttlebox case, so it would be quite small. final price is probably under 500$.

[ValiantVenality]

I was just on the mini-itx website and thought that, that was pretty cool. Do you think I could find what I'm looking for, using one of these? Or would it just be easier and or better to do it all separate? Thanks!

VV

[bicostp]

Boards from the Mini-ITX site are very expensive and won't do what you want. If you really insist on going that route, you can get an Nvidia ION board form NewEgg for under 100 bucks. However, that has the Atom, which is a bad desktop processor. You're better off with a mini-tower with a MicroATX board. That way you'll be able to have a real desktop CPU and use at least some modern video cards.

[vskid]

There is this mini-itx board that would be good for gaming. Can take a Core2Duo and has a PCI Express slot, gobs of power in a small area. Shuttle PCs are another option that is small and can be powerful, and would probably be better suited for your uses (and cheaper). Small usually costs you, in cost and power.

[XCVG]

I was just on the mini-itx website and thought that, that was pretty cool. Do you think I could find what I'm looking for, using one of these? Or would it just be easier and or better to do it all separate? Thanks!

VV

Small PCs will cost more for the same amount of power. It may be enough for what you want to do now, but you need to think about what you are going to do in the future. It would suck to buy a semi-okay rig now and then buy another one just 1 year later.

[palmertech]

If size is not a huge concern (Or you can get over it...), then I suggest this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDeal ... mbo.194454" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

All the parts needed to build a pretty decent computer, will EASILY do what you want, and do very well on modern gaming, too.

[XCVG]

If size is not a huge concern (Or you can get over it...), then I suggest this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDeal ... mbo.194454" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

All the parts needed to build a pretty decent computer, will EASILY do what you want, and do very well on modern gaming, too.

Not really. It'll do okay, but not great. You want at least a 9600GT or Radeon 4670 video card. Also, ECS mobos are crap.

[bicostp]

ECS mobos are crap.

YES.

ECS = BAD
(Same goes for PC Chips.)

Take it from someone who's been burned (figuratively) by their garbage. Go with a real, trustworthy brand like Gigabyte, Intel, Acer, Asus, MSI, EVGA, etc.

[Harshboy]

A variation of my computer will do you good for another few years and will cost around $700-800 if you look for bargains on similar components.

The Cheap Beast

For example, I'm sure you won't need 8GB of ram so cutting it down to 4GB will save you $50. A 950W PSU? You could probably go for a 700W for much cheaper. With those savings you could add a DVD Drive/Burner and a decent Hard Drive.

Just *acquire* the OS or use the currently available Windows 7 RC

If you like Gamecube, this baby could (it can, trust me) emulate it

[XCVG]

I wouldn't trust a Biostar mobo, but it'll probably be okay. Probably. Also, in my opinion that case is ugly. That's one thing you must decide on yourself, that nobody can choose for you.

[cowsgoquack101]

ECS mobos are crap.

YES.

ECS = BAD
(Same goes for PC Chips.)

Take it from someone who's been burned (figuratively) by their garbage. Go with a real, trustworthy brand like Gigabyte, Intel, Acer, Asus, MSI, EVGA, etc.

Yeah, I've had one for the past 2 years and, it works but, I don't recommend it. Ever.

[XCVG]

My dad always used to buy ECS mobos. Back in the day (K7 and P4) they were bare-bones but pretty good. Although motherboards weren't as feature-packed, different, or important back then.

In any case, avoid ASRock too. Crap.

[Harshboy]

I wouldn't trust a Biostar mobo, but it'll probably be okay. Probably. Also, in my opinion that case is ugly. That's one thing you must decide on yourself, that nobody can choose for you.

The Biostar motherboard has been working fine for me

Like I said he would have to use it as a basis. But the PC I built is obviously more than he needs but I tried to build it to last longer in the gaming world.