Another Day, Another System

[Franklinwallbrown]

I want to make a system that I can play games (eventually high end, after I get out of High School)and watch movies (connecting it to a TV, but also with a nice computer screen) and listen to music on, as well as do all the mundane things like school work and web surfing.

I'm not sure when I am going to be able to build my new system, but I just want to know what you guys think about this (I like to theorize about computer builds for some reason):

Case: Athenatech ATX Mini Tower (http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?item=N82E16811190101) (I don't want to use the PSU in it; is that possible?) (I wanted to go for a small case, but I don't know about the air flow in this case.) = $59.99 + 15.99S&H

MB: DFI BloodIron (http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?item=N82E16813136038R) (Last time I was here everyone was saying that this was the MB for OCing, but I am a beginner, so...) = $99.99 + 7.48S&H

Video Card: 8800GTS (http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?item=N82E16814127323) = $244.99 + 7.15S&H - 30MIR

PSU: SeaSonic 650w (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151028) = $129.99 + 9.24s&h

CPU: Q6600 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115018) = $239.99

RAM: Crucial Ballistix 2GB (2 x 1GB) DDR2 800 Dual Channel (http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?item=N82E16820146565) (The MB is 800 standard, ...) = $66.99 - 35MIR

HDD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 500GB Hard Drive (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3564505&Sku=TSD-500AS5) (Fast 7.2K & reliable, hope to put it in RAID one day) = $99.99 + 7.49S&H

Sound Card: AuzenTech Auzen X-Fi Prelude (http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?item=N82E16829156005) (Last time I was here it was the bomb diggity!) $169 + 7.28S&H

OS: XP 64 (http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?item=N82E16832116378) = $134.99

Monitor: I'm going to use mine for now, but like last time I was here I was thinking about the Westinghouse 24"er (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824255001). I has really good reviews on Newegg, but nowhere else.

Drive: I'm going to use my old one for now, but like last time I want to put in a Blu-Ray drive later.

Cooling: I'm going to go stock for now, but want to put in some after-markets later.

Sound Dampening: I was thinking I could do this on my own later. If I need to.

Tot = $
+ S&H = $
- MIR = $

[JC316]

i would honestly get an 8800GTS 512 G92 and an E8400/Q6600.

[Franklinwallbrown]

Okay, but why? I appreciate your comments, but I don't know your madness.

It seems that you think that 20 more stream processors aren't worth $100 more dollars. I don't know. Last time I was here I was told 8800GTX, so...

I would be going another $90 for the 8400 or $85 for the Q6600. What can you OC each to & what can you OC the 6550 to?

Actually, I was looking at the GTS's and they seem better for the money.

I was thinking of using Linux for websurfing.

[DanishDevil]

Get the Q6600 from fitseries3 on here. It's $200 from him and he's had it up to almost 4GHz.

As far as a PSU, that Seasonic is nice, but for a few dollars more (if you're willing to deal with a MIR), Get a Corsair PSU from Buy.com. They're cheap, VERY reliable, have GREAT reviews, and you can choose whether you want modular or not.

As for the Mobo, I've heard good things about the Blood Irons, though I'm not an Intel guy. First build was an Intel build, and it went sour. Never went back since. Wish I knew about this place back then...though it may not have existed...

If you are going to want to go multi-GPU, or get a power hungry video card, may I recommend one of the Corsair PSUs that has a single +12V rail, such as the TX650W or TX750W. I plan on getting the TX750W myself once somebody buys some of my stuff. I do also have a 1000W PSU for sale, but that's probably a little more than you're hoping to spend, and might be overkill, though it would be future-proof.

If you want a cheap aftermarket cooler that outperforms almost all other air coolers, get the Xigmatek S1283. It uses "Heatpipe Direct Touch" where the heatpipes aren't soldered to a copper base, they are flattened, and they make up the base, therefore wicking heat away from the chip to the aluminum fins and fan. Guys here claim a 20C drop over the Thermalright Ultima 120.

If you want links to the best prices, let me know.

[ShadowFold]

Get a 8800GTS.. the GTX runs hot and has alot of downsides compared to the GTS.

[Franklinwallbrown]

Well, like I said I don't have the money right now. I have to get myself a street legal dirt bike (Enduro 200cc for $1300, that gets 102MPG[some websites even say 120]) and Insurance (Progressive = $124 a year, but not sure if it is the best). So, I can save myself money. Then I have to move into my new house with my GF (it is actually her dad's, but we will be paying the house payments & eveything else). After all that I'll probably make myself a computer. I'm just trying to keep up with all the computer news and see what you guys think about this build.

I started off wanting a Q6600, but then everyone told me that I shouldn't need it. So, I said "ok."

I like the SeaSonic because it is 88% efficient & I went on the CPU calculator thingy and it told me that I needed a 400 some watt PSU. So, I went with the SeaSonic 550w. I would say, though, that if I went quad core it would add a little, but not enough for the 550 to not be able to handle. Now futureproofing is interesting, but I think I would just go the 650w to futureproof. Are SeaSonics bad? I looked in the PSU guide and it said that they were good.

I don't think that I'm going to go multiple Video Card for a while and by that time I'll probably want to make a new computer.

I always want links to the best prices, I'm a Jew!

So, I've heard Shadow.

[technicks]

Also you get a Crucial 2x2 Gb kit. You will need it.
2 Gb just doesn't cut it anymore with present games and future games will only require more.
Believe me. I am on 2Gb for a few months now. I had 4Gb ballistix previous to these.:ohwell:
Gonna get 2x2 Tracer's to go along with these.:cool:

[Franklinwallbrown]

Anyone else second that? You don't think I should go 4x1?

What about higher freqency RAM: 1066 or even ddr3? I've read you can get 800's to over 1000.

[King Wookie]

Nothing wrong with the Seasonic, and for the record, they make the Corsair psus.

As for the rest, the e6550 is not a bad cpu, (I'm running one) but it's always a good idea to try and futureproof a bit. The e8400 looks to be the sweet spot at the mo.
Offset the extra cost against a 8800GTS, as its' performance is almost par with the GTX, but is quieter, cheaper, and cooler.

Also, I'd also say go with at least DDR2 1066 ram if overclocking. I'm running DDR2 800, and they are being swapped out as they are seriously limiting my o/c.

And in the meantime, enjoy your virtual shopping!:D

[technicks]

That is because you have OCZ ram.:p
I have 6400 Crucial Tracers and they go up to 1140Mhz 5-5-5-12 2.3v stable.:D + 80mm fan:laugh:

[farlex85]

2x2gb is definately the way to go, as 4 1gb sticks can only run in dual channel, thus 2x2gb sticks running in dual-channel will have better bandwith. I personally have my eye on these:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231145
Thats a good deal that probably won't be around forever, so you will just have to decide when you get to buyin. Not all 800s can get over 1000. For instance mine don't really post over 900 stably, and even at that I have to keep the timings loose. Thats why I am looking at getting those....

Also, q6600 will hopefully be at good prices when you buy, as their new quads are coming out which should hopefully lower the price.

When it comes to hdd, the new wd caviar 640gb would be faster, and allow more space than the seagate. They were $130 last time they were on newegg, but they may be more when they come back on.

I've heard those blood irons are damn good too, my gigabyte has been a noobies dream though. It will do everything automatically (voltages and timings) if you want and will stay stable. This allowed me to go back and tweak it knowing what kinds of voltages and mem timings the board wanted and I could go from there. The dfi may be similar, I'm not sure.

Last but not least, I don't know what kind of time frame your planning on fitting all that into, but nahalem is due out later this year, and its looking like it will be pretty awesome. So if you get ready in late summer, I would say wait, as that will bring new chipsets and procs. If you decide you still want this stuff after that happens, at least it will be a whole lot cheaper.

And I know what you mean about theorizing builds. I got a few wishlists at newegg. If I only had the money......:toast:

[King Wookie]

That is because you have OCZ ram.:p
I have 6400 Crucial Tracers and they go up to 1140Mhz 5-5-5-12 2.3v stable.:D + 80mm fan:laugh:

A) the OCZ's are being replaced at the end of the month. (Corsair Doms/Transend axeRam)

B) I can't get Crucial's here

C) I already had the OCZ's when I upgraded. (don't ask, but there was a woman involved)

[JrRacinFan]

Only complaint I have about your build franklin, spend the extra $20 and get the bloodiron retail boxed.

Oh and if your trying to squeeze a tiny bit more budget:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341010

Get that psu.

[technicks]

C) I already had the OCZ's when I upgraded. (don't ask, but there was a woman involved)

:roll:

[Franklinwallbrown]

Nothing wrong with the Seasonic, and for the record, they make the Corsair psus.

As for the rest, the e6550 is not a bad cpu, (I'm running one) but it's always a good idea to try and futureproof a bit. The e8400 looks to be the sweet spot at the mo.
Offset the extra cost against a 8800GTS, as its' performance is almost par with the GTX, but is quieter, cheaper, and cooler.

Also, I'd also say go with at least DDR2 1066 ram if overclocking. I'm running DDR2 800, and they are being swapped out as they are seriously limiting my o/c.

And in the meantime, enjoy your virtual shopping!:D

I didn't know that SeaSonic made Corsair PSU's. That is good to know.

So, you say I should get a dual core? If I am going to futureproof shouldn't I go quad?

1066 is expensive. I don't know.

That is because you have OCZ ram.:p
I have 6400 Crucial Tracers and they go up to 1140Mhz 5-5-5-12 2.3v stable.:D + 80mm fan:laugh:

What is the difference between Crucial Ballistix and Tracers?

2x2gb is definately the way to go, as 4 1gb sticks can only run in dual channel, thus 2x2gb sticks running in dual-channel will have better bandwith. I personally have my eye on these:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231145
Thats a good deal that probably won't be around forever, so you will just have to decide when you get to buyin. Not all 800s can get over 1000. For instance mine don't really post over 900 stably, and even at that I have to keep the timings loose. Thats why I am looking at getting those....

Also, q6600 will hopefully be at good prices when you buy, as their new quads are coming out which should hopefully lower the price.

When it comes to hdd, the new wd caviar 640gb would be faster, and allow more space than the seagate. They were $130 last time they were on newegg, but they may be more when they come back on.

I've heard those blood irons are damn good too, my gigabyte has been a noobies dream though. It will do everything automatically (voltages and timings) if you want and will stay stable. This allowed me to go back and tweak it knowing what kinds of voltages and mem timings the board wanted and I could go from there. The dfi may be similar, I'm not sure.

Last but not least, I don't know what kind of time frame your planning on fitting all that into, but nahalem is due out later this year, and its looking like it will be pretty awesome. So if you get ready in late summer, I would say wait, as that will bring new chipsets and procs. If you decide you still want this stuff after that happens, at least it will be a whole lot cheaper.

And I know what you mean about theorizing builds. I got a few wishlists at newegg. If I only had the money......:toast:

I don't get why 2x2gb is faster than 4x1gb. I thought that as long as it was in dual channel then it was fast.

So, you think I should go quad. That's what I was thinking in the beginning.

Are there any reviews on the WD 640gb HDD that verify that is it faster? I'll go search for myself of course, but if you could show me some that would be nice.

It sounds like I should go the Gigabyte because I am a noob.

I might wait for the Nahalem.

Only complaint I have about your build franklin, spend the extra $20 and get the bloodiron retail boxed.

Oh and if your trying to squeeze a tiny bit more budget:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341010

Get that psu.

I want the SeaSonic for the efficiency. I thought PSU were all about the efficiency?

I thought I linked the Open Box BloodIron on Newegg. I meant to.

[farlex85]

If you buy before nahalem, whatever you get will not be future proof because the entire chipset will change within a few months. However, an 8400 might be a little faster for gaming, while quad works faster with most things. You can oc those a lot higher than any quad out right now, although the 45nm should be around soon.

[FlipIt]

I would change there the case PSU and MB

[JrRacinFan]

Hey FlipIt, which motherboard? which psu?

What he chose are both excellent!

[King Wookie]

If you buy before nahalem, whatever you get will not be future proof because the entire chipset will change within a few months. However, an 8400 might be a little faster for gaming, while quad works faster with most things. You can oc those a lot higher than any quad out right now, although the 45nm should be around soon.

Pretty much sums it up.
While everyone keeps harping on about going quad core to future proof, the vast majority of games still use only one core, and that ain't going to change anytime soon methinks.
For the other general stuff, a fast dual core will be more than sufficient.

As for the memory, I may be sitting with some sticks that simply don't o/c well. Now for about $15 dollars more, I'm getting the good stuff. (well, as good as I can get here.):cry:

[JrRacinFan]

I want the SeaSonic for the efficiency. I thought PSU were all about the efficiency?

I thought I linked the Open Box BloodIron on Newegg. I meant to.

Meant to get Open Box?! Hmmmmm, no offense but seems kind silly imo. Either way tho its a nice board.

Well, my main thoughts on the power supply is this, the OCZ is just as nice as that Seasonic. I was thinking, hey why not link you to something almost as nice.

[Franklinwallbrown]

If you buy before nahalem, whatever you get will not be future proof because the entire chipset will change within a few months. However, an 8400 might be a little faster for gaming, while quad works faster with most things. You can oc those a lot higher than any quad out right now, although the 45nm should be around soon.

You think the new Nahalems will be better OCers? Either way, I think I should wait.

Hey FlipIt, which motherboard? which psu?

What he chose are both excellent!

He probably thinks that a Gigabyte would be better for me to OC because I am a noob at it.

Meant to get Open Box?! Hmmmmm, no offense but seems kind silly imo. Either way tho its a nice board.

Well, my main thoughts on the power supply is this, the OCZ is just as nice as that Seasonic. I was thinking, hey why not link you to something almost as nice.

I appreciate it. I hope I didn't come off as mean. I didn't mean to. I'm just a bit eco-conscience, plus it will help with the electric bill a little bit. I'm trying to find that happy medium. I figure I shouldn't go the 10k HDDs because the 7.4ks will be just fine for me and I only went one video card, because I didn't think that I would need more than one.

[farlex85]

You think the new Nahalems will be better OCers? Either way, I think I should wait.

Well, its kind of speculation at this point, but whether they oc higher or not, I think its reasonable to assume they will be quite a bit faster than core 2s. Check out this article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nehalem_(CPU_architecture)

They will eliminate fsb, have hyper-threading, and the cores will be able to be more specified in their function (video, sound, ect.). That article claims it will be the biggest leap forward since the move to pentium, but we shall see. And I would expect they will oc quite nicely, although that will have to wait.

I agree though, waiting is probably the best option if you can stand to.

[Franklinwallbrown]

Interesting...