Buying New Monitor and Computer

[thejerkface]

I've been wanting to upgrade my monitor for awhile now. I currently have a Dell 2001FP. I generally 8-table on it with Party's resizable tables. However, now that Party is shutting down for Americans, I'll be moving on to play on another site. I know Full Tilt and UB don't have re-sizable tables, so having a big monitor will be a big plus. Dell is currently having a sale for the 3007WFP for $1444. So I plan on getting that.

When I buy this new monitor, I'll need to get a new computer as well. I currently have a Dell Dimension 8400. I talked to Dell support and they said my Dimension 8400 wouldn't generate enough power to support the 30" monitor. I was pretty surprised by this as I thought I'd simply need to get a new graphics card. If this is really the case, I need some suggestions for getting a new computer. My computer will definitely need a graphics card that can support dual monitors: a Dell 2001FP and a Dell 3007WFP. I'm not sure what else I need though. I mostly use my comp for poker and internet.

When I'm playing poker, I'd have the following programs running:
Poker program (either Full Tilt, Stars, etc. possibly both)
Pokertracker
Poker Ace HUD
Some AHK scripts
iTunes
Firefox
AIM
Soulseeek

So what should I get? The brand doesn't matter to me and I don't want to spend more than $2k. I've never built my own computer. If it's not too difficult, I'd be willing to try it. What do you think?

[Dementia]

i'd definetly build then dude. a lot of people don't build because they are intimidated by it, but really, anyone can who does a little bit of research in selecting their parts. plus you'll save $$$. the best thing is you can build your PC around whatever you need it for, yeah 'Dell' will offer customization, but keep in mind most of their parts are proprietary and leave little or no room for upgrade after purchase *unless you buy from them and pay 25% extra*

i'd definetly select a dual-core processor. The latest Intel Core 2 Duo or the top AMD will do. 2GB RAM. The type of video card depends on how extensively you game (if at all), etc. From there it's all cake. If you need help selecting compatible parts or need an inventory of everything you'd need, drop me a line.

[BiPolar_Nut]

[ QUOTE ]
If it's not too difficult, I'd be willing to try it

[/ QUOTE ]

+EV for sure

[thejerkface]

Alright, I just ordered the Dell 30" monitor. I think I'm gonna go the build your own PC route. It's a bit intimidating though b/c I've never done it before and I don't want to order a part that's incompatible. I'll need help deciding what parts to get.

I think I need to get the following:
Computer Case - Obv I want one with USB plugs, etc. I'd also like one that looks balla.
Processor - I'm definitely going for Intel Core 2 Duo. Idk what speed I should get. Do you guys know about overclocking? How do I do that?
Cooling Fan - Do I even need to get one of these? It seems like alot of the case have fans. What if I want to overclock, get another fan then?
RAM - I wanna get 2GB of RAM
Hard Drive - Something around 250 GB
Power Supply - Idk how many volts I need. I need enough juice to power a 30" and 20" monitor.
Video Card - I need a card with Dual DVI suport. Is 256 MB good? I may eventually get a 3rd monitor, how does that affect my video card choice?
Sound Card - No idea whats good for a sound card or what I need.
DVD burner - I want a DVD burner, I think dual drives would be good.
Operating System - I'm gonna get Windows XP, but I like my comp to be compatible with Vista for when that comes out.

Alright, so did I miss anything? Help me pick out parts to buy.

Thanks.

[Dementia]

Video card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130023

I know it's costly, but the 7950 GX2 is a beast. I have it. To many it's the best video card out right now, you won't need to replace this anytime in the near future. It is Dual DVI, Pci-e express card. If you want to be able to play any game and turn all settings on max, buy this card.

Sound Card

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16829102004

Also, 2GB of RAM I'd reccomend Corsair Value Select. But the type of RAM depends on your motherboard, I am more familiar with AMD so I'd have to research which boards are going good with the new Intel's.

Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371001
Antec TruePower is a great power supply

A cool case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811156062

DVD burner
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827131031

Processor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115002

Looking for motherboard

[Dementia]

<u>Motherboard</u>
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131032

Awesome ASUS NVIDIA nForce 570 SLI Intel Edition motherboard. It supports the Core 2 Duo, it has 2 PCI-E slots, 4x 240pin DDR2 (fancy way of saying it has capacity to hold 16 GB of RAM.

The RAM you'd need for this mobo : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145098

(2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300)

<u>Hard drive</u>
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148140

Seagate Barracuda 320GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM

(the reason the hard drive is a pretty good price is because it ships OEM, which means it will not come with any cables, but you would be able to order them easily off this or any website)

Also, you had asked about possibly OC'ing, someone had written a review on that motherboard and said he'd been able to OC fairly well on it with his Core 2 duo.

[thejerkface]

Dementia,
Thanks for your help. I looked at the parts you suggested. The motherboard, hard drive, DVD drive, processor, and sound card all look good and I plan on buying those.

The video card I'm not sure about. I won't really be using my computer for any graphics-intensive gaming. What video card would you recommend thats a step below the original suggestion?

I found another power supply that seems to look good. It's gotten a bunch of really good reviews and has a little bit more watts than the other power supply. Here's the link:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817104015

The case you recommended already comes with a smaller power supply. Can I remove it? I'm going to look at other cases and see if there's any good ones with a bunch of fans that don't come with power supplies.


When I build this computer, what tools will I need?
Also, are there any cheap programs or ways to transfer large amounts of files to my new computer from my old comp? Something like a USB cord and program?
Also, about the video card, I may be getting a 3rd monitor eventually, would i have to buy another video card for that? If I did, could I buy a cheaper video card for the 3rd monitor, if lets say i bought the $500 video card?