Help me build my new PC.

[Masterz1337]

Anyone who knows me, I always end up killing my laptops, so I have finaly decided to build my own desktop. I haven't made many decisions yet, but this is what I have planned out so far.


Processor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115017
(it will be half as pricey come July 22nd)

Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127287 X2

Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811144151

I am new to this, so I am not sure what to do as far as my mobo and PSU. I figure once I choose the mobo, I will decide what to do with RAM. I know I want 2 gigs, but I also want the chance to upgrade it in the next few years.

[Haloking365]

Hey, i know a TON of stuff about building computers, im actually on my most recent built computer now:D. Well, i can help you step-by-step if you like. Just ask me on xfire.

Also, thats a good processor, i would definately recommend it. As for the graphics card, i wouldnt bother. Its not much more powerful than the 7600GT, so in a sense, you would be downgrading. The case is ok, but the experience i've had with it wasent too pleasent. Its pretty flimsy.

Just send me a message on xfire and ill give you a few recommendations. Talk there:D.

[Zeph]

Wait until the end of next month. You'll save hundreds on the processor alone, but you already know that. Go with EVGA video cards. They preform the same, but you get much better services from the company. Seeing how you'll be using nVidia GPUs, you'd do best to find a motherboard with an nVidia chipset, two PCI express x 16 slots, and supports quad core Intel processors. Everything else is just to your preference. RAM is pretty much RAM, especially if you're not pushing to break a new benchmark record. If you know how much you want, just get a kit (2x1GB) at whatever is at the best price. Industry standard for what you're looking at now is DDR2-800. Dont bother getting anything better as you'd have to overclock it to make it worth your money as you wouldn't get any real bonus from doing so with your GPUs.

Really, if you're looking to upgrade your rig in the future, take the time right now to get an 8800 instead of those two 8600s. It will preform better, is just a bit more expensive, and could help in your upgrade in the future just by adding another one in. Memory-wise, you would just plug in another 2x1GB kit of the same brand and timing to upgrade that.

Get a Seagate hard drive as they have the best warranties. For a power supply, I cant tell you much more than just be sure it has enough plugs for whatever you'd want to use in the future and be sure it has a high efficiency.

[Zeph]

Also, thats a good processor, i would definately recommend it. As for the graphics card, i wouldnt bother. Its not much more powerful than the 7600GT, so in a sense, you would be downgrading.

no.

[Haloking365]

Ok masterz, as per your request, here's the parts u asked for.

Hard Drive:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136074

Mobo:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813188014

Graphics Card:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130079

And you have the processor already. Tell me what you think.

[Darkness]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813188014 it supports a quad, uses nvidia chipset, and is evga.
as a bonus I believe it supports 8 gbs(correct me if im wrong) of ram so have fun upgrading

[Xetsuei]

eVGA e-GeForce 8800GTS KO 640mb (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130081)

.

[Haloking365]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813188014 it supports a quad, uses nvidia chipset, and is evga.
as a bonus I believe it supports 8 gbs(correct me if im wrong) of ram so have fun upgrading
Lol, beat you to it. :D

[Xetsuei]

Wow, no one cares.

[Haloking365]

Xetsuei™;84016']Wow, no one cares.
Wow. Take your period pill.

[Pooky]

Its not much more powerful than the 7600GT, so in a sense, you would be downgrading.

lol wut

He's upgrading to DX10 <_<

[Zeph]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148140
better warranty as I said earlier

[Masterz1337]

How does this ram look? It seems like the price is to good to be true.

http://www.h2vista.net/forums/showthread.php?t=3358

[Mr Buckshot]

Your laptop card as of now is a Geforce Go 7900 GS, which is of course not as good as the desktop deal but you should still compare it to the desktop version.

AKA, look for something that's also "DX9-ly" superior to the 7900 GS, even if you also want DX10, because many fine games are still using DX9c.

[Zeph]

How does this ram look? It seems like the price is to good to be true.

http://www.h2vista.net/forums/showthread.php?t=3358

lulz

[Masterz1337]

Well I'm feeling stuipid.

This is the link for the ram.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220144

[ImSpartacus]

For god's sake, dont get a SLI set up out of the box, unless u have 2 top-of-the-line video cards. It's a waste of money, heat, power, and expandablity.

CPU- Don't get a quad core right now unless you think you can stick with it for 2-3 years. Wait until the 22nd and get an E6550 or an E6750. I suggest the later for the extra $20.

RAM- Whatever it is, get 2GB of it. Almost all modern motherboards use 240-pin DDR2 ram.

HDD- The 320 GB 7200.10 barracuda that Zeph suggested is an excellent model.

Motherboard-Get a cheap P35 chipset board such as the Asus P5K. Unless you want SLI then you will have to get older technology on a 680i chipset board, or a 650i board.

CASE- Get something in the way of a P180. They are really cool and just overall great cases. Models close to the P180 include the P180B (a black version), P182 (gunmetal gray slightly updated), P190 (very new, more fans, more everything), or a 900 (gaming version w/ all the LED's and a few more fans).

Video Card- Go for a DX10 unless you think u would upgrade in the next year. Get the 8800 GTS 320 Mb for the best possible value. Do not get anything from the 8600 series. Get a 7900 GS if u want to get a DX9 placeholder for a few months (remember, Halo 2 Vista is not DX10, and DX10 games will not become popular until 2008 at the earliest).

PSU- I like the corsair power supplies. Note, Corsair does not make them, but they did design them. They have 2 models, both are very reliable. the 620 watt version can run 2 8800gtx's in SLI with the rest of a standard system. i personally wouldnt try it, but it could certainly take dual 8800gts's in the future.

[Revord]

Everything is purely preference, but what has been said here is true. One item of preference that I do have, is that I would personally go with 2 Western Digital Raptors set up in a RAID array. Again, only personal preference, but what you get is more speed off the HD. Its a more expensive route, and the warranty isnt as good as Seagate, but its something Ive drooled over for years. My next comp, Im going that route.
Revord

[ImSpartacus]

Everything is purely preference, but what has been said here is true. One item of preference that I do have, is that I would personally go with 2 Western Digital Raptors set up in a RAID array. Again, only personal preference, but what you get is more speed off the HD. Its a more expensive route, and the warranty isnt as good as Seagate, but its something Ive drooled over for years. My next comp, Im going that route.
Revord

I also perfer that, but i dont think masters needs the heightened risk of HDD failure and the lesser warranty just for that 10 second boot time. 7200.10's in strip raid are faster than a single raptor, but nothing sata can touch two raptors in a strip array, they are purdy freakin sweet.

i personally would grab two 36.7 GB raptors for $100 each and throw my OS and games on there, butthen u have to screw with another HDD (likely a barracuda...) for storage.

i hear the proformance is well worth it, but its not necassary with everyone.

[Mr Buckshot]

A 500 watt PSU is already overkill for me (look at my desktop specs). 400W should be sufficient for single-card setups. 650W and up is for those with 4+ hard drives and/or disc drives plus SLI/Crossfire setups and other insane specs.

Guys, hard drive rotational speed really doesn't affect game performance - it just affects the speed at which applications start up. A game may start up slower on a 7200rpm HDD than on a 10000rpm HDD, but once the game actually begins, the performance is pretty much unchanged, with any differences being negligible (i.e. a 5 fps increase is no reason to spend more).

I'm not a RAM expert, sorry, so I don't really have an idea of which RAM is better and which is worse and so on.

[Zeph]

Everything is purely preference, but what has been said here is true. One item of preference that I do have, is that I would personally go with 2 Western Digital Raptors set up in a RAID array. Again, only personal preference, but what you get is more speed off the HD. Its a more expensive route, and the warranty isnt as good as Seagate, but its something Ive drooled over for years. My next comp, Im going that route.
Revord

Again, why go with a hard drive with a lesser warranty?

[ImSpartacus]

A 500 watt PSU is already overkill for me (look at my desktop specs). 400W should be sufficient for single-card setups. 650W and up is for those with 4+ hard drives and/or disc drives plus SLI/Crossfire setups and other insane specs.

Guys, hard drive rotational speed really doesn't affect game performance - it just affects the speed at which applications start up. A game may start up slower on a 7200rpm HDD than on a 10000rpm HDD, but once the game actually begins, the performance is pretty much unchanged, with any differences being negligible (i.e. a 5 fps increase is no reason to spend more).

oh dear lord. never ever say thing like that about psu's. a 400 watt is way too small. yes, u can mathmatically run 2 8800gtx's and an oc'ed quad core on under 400 watt's (i had a buddy that did it once, benched and everything, totally stable), but is it worth it?

i would say that at the very very least, get a 600 watt psu for a single card system. it isnt a leap to run two gpu's on a 600 watt psu, but dotn try it. u never ever want to short cut your power supplies.


About the HDD's, you are very correct about raptors. they have faster burst speeds, but nearly the same sustained transfer speeds.

Actually, when loading a map for halo, a raptor (or any scsi drive) will help loading times. so basically, any loading times will be destroyed if u use raptors correctly (raid 0, not independently).

but again, for master's uses, he would need storage and reliablility so again, raid 0 on a pair of cavairs or barracudas is all u need.

i hear u can get some nice boot tiems with stock sata strip raid anyways (under a minute)

[InnerGoat]

How does this ram look? It seems like the price is to good to be true.

http://www.h2vista.net/forums/showthread.php?t=3358Ram prices are so low right now, you might as well buy as much as you can and fill up the board. They won't stay low like this for long though.

Also, nice link ;)

[Mr Buckshot]

I'm impressed by the 10 000rpm raptor hard drives, but I'd hold off buying them for now due to a lack of storage space. Seeing that Masters is a hardworking CE modder, a lot of space is definitely good for all the models and scripts and whatnots.

What's the largest size for 10000rpm HDD's? Last time I checked it was 74 GB.

[Xetsuei]

oh dear lord. never ever say thing like that about psu's. a 400 watt is way too small. yes, u can mathmatically run 2 8800gtx's and an oc'ed quad core on under 400 watt's (i had a buddy that did it once, benched and everything, totally stable), but is it worth it?

i would say that at the very very least, get a 600 watt psu for a single card system. it isnt a leap to run two gpu's on a 600 watt psu, but dotn try it. u never ever want to short cut your power supplies.

600 watts for a single card and probably a core 2 duo? What is wrong with you?

[Atty]

I'm impressed by the 10 000rpm raptor hard drives, but I'd hold off buying them for now due to a lack of storage space. Seeing that Masters is a hardworking CE modder, a lot of space is definitely good for all the models and scripts and whatnots.

What's the largest size for 10000rpm HDD's? Last time I checked it was 74 GB.150GB Raptor is the largest.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822136012

[Mr Buckshot]

Hmm...150 GB is a big step up from 74 GB. I'll probably wait for 200 GB+ models though.

Currently I have dual 80 GB 7200rpm hard drives in a RAID configuration, but since I have one OS per hard drive, my space is running low, so I'm considering an upgrade to that.

By the way, Masters, did you consider the optical drive yet? It'll need to be at least DVD drive since many PC games now release on DVD (using multiple CD's is just too inconvenient). DVD burning is optional, depending on whether you have a need for that feature. HD-DVD or Blu-ray drives are worthless without a nice monitor.

[Masterz1337]

I have optical drives all around the place. I have like 3 cd burners, and 2 dvd burners in my closet.

[ImSpartacus]

Hmm...150 GB is a big step up from 74 GB. I'll probably wait for 200 GB+ models though.

Currently I have dual 80 GB 7200rpm hard drives in a RAID configuration, but since I have one OS per hard drive, my space is running low, so I'm considering an upgrade to that.

u almost have to raid 0 raptors to see a proformance boost from raid'ed 7200's.

i would just get another pair of 80gb or 160gb drives and raid them. its all in load times, nothing more. if u can survive waiting that extra 15 seconds for windows to boot then just stick with 7200 rpm drives.

i was planning on grabbing a pair of them, but its just not worth it unless u are serious about proformance, oc'ing , or benching.

i hear a 500gb raptor is in the works, but a high capacity raptor drive is an oxymoron. aptors are prone to failure (not serious for most people, but if u have that latest build of the next greatest halo map camping out on your hdd, then it matters)

raptors are meant for OS's and other programs and things that can be reinstalled.


Xetsuei™;85410']600 watts for a single card and probably a core 2 duo? What is wrong with you?

i hope thats sarcasm, or i will be forced to bitch slap u

[Xetsuei]

i hope thats sarcasm, or i will be forced to bitch slap u

No it was not, power whore. :suicide:

[Amit]

i would say that at the very very least, get a 600 watt psu for a single card system. it isnt a leap to run two gpu's on a 600 watt psu, but dotn try it. u never ever want to short cut your power supplies.


I agree with this statement for an 8800GTX because it requires a 6-pin PCI-E connector and, correct me if I'm wrong, an 8-pin PCI-E connector? It's better to have more to power just one of those bad boys.

[Xetsuei]

It requires 2 6-pin PCI-E connectors, what your thinking of is the 2900XT.

[Masterz1337]

Alright, I am probably ordering my parts on Thursday. My laptop's condition is quickly declining, to the point where right now it can only be used for like 15 minute intervals. Waiting to the 22nd of July isn't much of an option anymore. So unfortunately, this is going to cost me 500$ more than I had hoped.

This is the current list of parts I plan on buying.

Hard Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148140

RAM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220144 2x
4 sticks total.

GPU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130079

Mobo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E1681318801

Processor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115017

Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811144151

I think the last thing I need to do is choose fans and a PSU. And Whats the deal with neon lights?

Is all the stuff I listed compatible?

[InnerGoat]

I think that case is shit, but if you do get it, please make sure to get a better fan for the back. It looks like it can fit a 120mm on the back. Also, it would be wise to cut out that mesh where the fan is. It looks really restrictive. :/

[Revord]

Looks like a rocking rig. Just dump the neon lights unless you want some visuals to go with it. Good price on the hd there. I think I started drooling in another direction<_<

Revord

[TeeKup]

I think that case looks awesome. However you'll be luck to get any sleep at night. :downs:

[mR_r0b0to]

Don't get a case with lights.
They get REALLY annoying at night.
Get this instead:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129017

[Patrickssj6]

I don't think that lights are annoying but that case is horrid.

Get a simple one with no slick 'n shit you don't need.

[mR_r0b0to]

Like the one I linked to :)

[Patrickssj6]

Like the one I linked to :)

Hmm a bit too expensive?
:)

[mR_r0b0to]

He broke THREE laptops already.
I'm thinking he's loaded :x

[Masterz1337]

How does this PSU look?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16817190012

is it necessary to get extra cooling for my computer?

[Atty]

You'll want at least most of your available fan ports used (equal intake/exaust) and then you'll definitely want an after market CPU cooler.

[InnerGoat]

How does this PSU look?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16817190012

is it necessary to get extra cooling for my computer?Considered the lowest quality you can buy, lol.

[4RT1LL3RY]

For cooling its better to go with larger size fans. They move more air at lower speeds and are quieter. Or you could go with water cooled which is silent, and is better for overclocking.Or you could do extreme overclocks of your parts and do it with liquid nitrogen or dry ice, some one got a Core 2 Quad up to 5 ghz with liquid nitrogen

[SnaFuBAR]

is it necessary to get extra cooling for my computer?

check out zalman cpu coolers. they work great.

[InnerGoat]

n

http://www.petrastechshop.com/enulfocohehe.html
or http://www.petrastechshop.com/thulhecpucos.html

Not that Zalman is bad, but there are better choices.

[SnaFuBAR]

all three have outstanding cooling for their prices. can't really go wrong with any of them.

[Revord]

Ive got a heatsink like the EnzoTech, and I have never had any heat problems at all. Im using an o/c'd Opteron 144. Natively 1.8 Ghz bumped up to 2.2 Ghz. Not a problem at all :D
Revord

[Masterz1337]

Thanks for all the input guys. I'm going to order soon. Can anyone tell if my 8800 will fit in my case?

[Xetsuei]

I'm using a mid tower for both of mine so it should fit.

[InnerGoat]

Thanks for all the input guys. I'm going to order soon. Can anyone tell if my 8800 will fit in my case?If it doesn't, you'll make it fit by modding the case. Its easy, so don't worry if you have to. :)

Also, what PSU? You better have ditched that XION brick. ;(

[soccerbummer1104]

personally, i save a lil more, and especially with the quad core, id spend a lil more on the mobo.
either of these 2, striker has more features, and looks better and is easier to debug,
http://www.tomshardware.com/2007/02/22/680i_motherboard_comparison_part_2/page12.html
either the msi, or the striker extreme
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130080
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131074
id stick with the 8800
case.. i currently own an antec 900 gaming case, and its awesome, plenty of cooling stock, but i added the extra sde vent 120 mm fan.
comes stock with 3x120 mm fans, a 200mm on the top, and the bottom mounted psu.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021
but when i upgrade im going for this cooler master, wich allows the entire motherboard tray to slide out and flip upside down for an inverse mounted motherboard.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119103
PSU- very well rated in magazines
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817714001&ATT=17-714-001&CMP=OTC-pr1c3watch
hard drive- id stick with seagate- ive had several brands and a seagte has never failed on me once, and i have never heard mine, even with my case having vents right in front of te hd cage.
ill leave that up to u. i believe the striker can do up to 8 hard drives in a raid 0. (all linked together that is)
sry, btu i tend to build pricier computers. I believe in quality, due to the fact that i primarially build high end gaming rigs, and servers for people. currently building a server for a test run for a client, with a potential 4 more servers needed :).

[InnerGoat]

PSU- very well rated in magazines
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817714001&ATT=17-714-001&CMP=OTC-pr1c3watch

Christ, 6 big rails. 6 big rails of overkill. :haw:

[paladin]

Why would you spend so much on a cpu instead of a gpu?

edit, if your running top-of-the-line products and geforce 8 series gpu, i would go with atleast a 750w ps.
I got a 1000w for like €170 while in Germany.

[Xetsuei]

Why would you spend so much on a cpu instead of a gpu?

edit, if your running top-of-the-line products and geforce 8 series gpu, i would go with atleast a 750w ps.
I got a 1000w for like €170 while in Germany.

I think all CPUs bottleneck the 8800s. Also, I'm using a 750W for my system. Kind of overkill for his.

[Cortexian]

Thanks for all the input guys. I'm going to order soon. Can anyone tell if my 8800 will fit in my case?
Yes it will, I have one in my mid-tower, You just have to set your hard drives off so that there is enough room.