Need a custom PC. First Timer...

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johnnypraze

johnnypraze

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Im lookin to keep the price as close to $400 as possible

This is what I need.

Complete Tower
Case/power supply
2ghz Processor
512 MB ram
60gig HD
DVD-ROM
CD-RW
Video Card 32mb (just something to get the job done)
Windows XP
And for sound card Probably a Mia, Audiophile, or Delta

Can it be done, and for how much?

What do you guys recomend to keep me in this price range as Ive never built one.

A friend of mine does it, and hes not the brightest. If he can I know I can.

Its for a friend...
 
I recommend asking the folks at my computer forum home, www.ocforums.com, what they think. There's also likely a thread or hundred on this subject there, so be sure to check the search tool first.

For purchasing hardware www.newegg.com is a great site, and always has been.
 
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johnnypraze said:
Can it be done, and for how much?

What do you guys recomend to keep me in this price range as Ive never built one.
Click to expand...

whew....definitely not a lot to work with. Windows XP alone will run you around 100 with shipping and all. I'd say look at pricewatch.com for the cheapest prices out there. Or just go to Dell and get one there. Then find a used soundcard.

Or buy $400 worth of burglar's tools.

{{note...Bennychico11 does not condone stealing of computer/audio equipment}}
 
I guess my question was pretty broad...

What I need more specifically...

Is an AMD Athlon 64, or Pentium 4 with a 1.8-2ghz processor
A compatible MOBO, RAM, Case, Fan and power supply.

Ive never built a PC, so Im not sure what parts to stay away from when it comes to audio, and what and whats not compatible...

This is going to be mainly for voiceover work, and some post production...

I can handle the easy stuff, like HD, Optical Drives, Sound Cards, etc...

I just need a few recommendations on getting the main computer together for around $350...(so say around $550 for everything)
 
The only way I see you keeping the price that low is by going with an Athlon XP System, not a 64. You can get XP2600's and up for pretty cheap. Starting around $80.00. As far as a motherboard is concerned, try to get one that has an NForce chipset. It seems that these are the most reliable for PC Audio work. You can get 512 MB of decent RAM right now for around $40.00. It would be a stretch, but you could probably do it. My Desktop right now is

Athlon XP2500 (XP2600 is about $75 on newegg)
ASUS A7N8X-X (Around $60.00)
512MB of PC3200 DDR (Around $40-$50)
Seagate 120GB Main Drive
Western Digital 200GB Second Drive
NVidia GeForce FX 5600 (Probably similar card around $70-$80)
Standard Case was around $50 after Shipping.
I Also have a DVD Burner made by LiteOn that was pretty cheap as well.

This setup works for doing recording projects that don't get too terribly plug-in intensive (especially reverbs). But I have mixed several projects with multiple tracks on this machine without any problems. So you just might be able to get one for around $400.00. It certainly won't be anywhere near top of the line, but it will be a good machine that should work for what you need it for. Hope this helps.
 
Thanks alot, thats exactly what I needed...

I was hoping someone with a similar set-up and know-how would post what they are/have worked with...

The Athlon XP looks like a good choice.

I appreciate the info...
 
No problem, another thing to check out is customizing your windows software for audio. There are lots of posts on here about that, as well as sites on the internet. If you want, after you get up and running, give me a shout with a pm and I can get ya started.
 
Is this computer going to be used for tracking in the same room? In that case, you're going to have to get some sound-proofing materials in there as well, which will tack on at least $50. Also, can we assume that you already have a monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc.?
 
I bought THIS exact computer from thsi dude two months ago. Added another stick of RAM (well he did for me) and its awesome. I'm never happier.
HOWEVER, I had my own copy of XP and an Audiophile 24/96. The computer SMOKES though, very fast.
 
Yeah, he has monitor, mouse, etc...

VSpaceBoy, that tower looks pretty good...

Im going to have to leave it up to him I suppose...

Thanks for the info guys, Ill be looking into both systems...
 
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