The (new) Official PC building thread!

Alright, I will wait for the new cards. See, that's what I was actually looking for. Some info about price drops or if new stuff is coming out, which equals price drops anyway.

Also for all you people telling me to get the HX version instead. I'm on a budget remember? The 620HX is 45 dollars more and I can't afford paying that much just for cables. I would rather get a better video card.

 

Why the 620HX?
I'm using a 520W HX with my crossfire setup, and unsurprisingly, it works flawlessly, the fan in the PSU doesn't even break above minimum speed. I didn't just do this to prove a point, but I feel it should be emphasised.

 

It's still more expensive, and I will feel more comfortable about future upgrades with a 650TX.

 

If there's a set of components that use that much power, I'd worry more about the electricity bill than the cost of the PSU!

 

link to that?

 

Maybe, but it still gives me peace of mind.

 

Can anybody help me with my build? It's my first build and here is what I'm considering:


1. Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450 Yorkfield 2.66GHz LGA 775 95W
2. CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V PSU
3. CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) XMS2
4. Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s
5. Scythe SCZP-1000 139mm CPU Cooler
6. SAMSUNG 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model
7. XFX PVT88GYDF4 GeForce 8800GTS (G92) 512MB 256-bit GDDR3
8. ABIT IP35 Pro LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard

I'm not really sure about the ABIT mobo cuz people are saying that Abit has BIOS problems. Any ideas? I also didn't put in a case because I can't find one that is quiet. (I read that the Zalman GS1000 that's going to come out is really good.


EDIT: Here's other recommendations by LP531:
Intel Core 2 Quad Q9300 Yorkfield 2.5GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 95W Quad-Core Processor - Retail $269.99 Free 3 Business Day Shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115043

GIGABYTE GA-X48-DS4 LGA 775 Intel X48 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail $234.99 3 Business Day Shipping $8.55
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128336

ASUS RAMPAGE FORMULA LGA 775 Intel X48 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail $289.99 3 Business Day Shipping $9.01
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131284

Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST3750330AS 750GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM $119 Free 3 Business Day Shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...-L0A-_-22148298

CORSAIR Dominator 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail $104.00 ($64.00 after $40.00 Mail in Rebate) Free 3 Business Day Shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145043

CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply 100 - 240 V UL, CE, CB, TUV, FCC, CCC - Retail Memorial Weekend special, ends 5/26 $109.99 ($89.99 after $20.00 Mail-In Rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139005

SAPPHIRE Toxic 100225TXSR Radeon HD 3870 512MB 256-bit GDDR4 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail
Toxic Edition with Vapour Chamber Technology (VCT) $179.99($159.99 after $20.00 Mail-In Rebate) 3 Business Day Shipping $7.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102732

 

I would get a Q6600 instead, with this CPU cooler.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233003

Get this 8800GTS instead and save some money:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127325

Also this motherboard is much better. Get this and flash it to rampage formula:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131219

 

I have been recommended to get that cooler a lot, but I read that it's really loud, and the scythe I want is super quiet, but is still cooling efficient. Also, I chose the Q9450 cuz there's a chance I may not overclock if I can't learn how, so I want the higher stock speeds.
That video card is actually a lot cheaper, thanks.
For RAM: should I get 2GB or 4GB?? (what brand is best?)
Also, if anyone can recommend a QUIET case? Thanks.

 

very good recommendations. the asus rampage formula is a stellar mobo (and I highly recommend it) but it is probably overkill if you don't intend on overclocking. it is an overclockers dream mobo but the gigabyte or abit will do fine especially if only running at stock speed or mild-mediocre OC.

however, if you feel you might eventually OC, I don't know of a better mobo (more OC friendly mobo) than the rampage formula.

same with the cpu hsf. the only time a high-performance cpu hsf is necessary is when striving for big time OC. I do however recommend using something other than the oem cpu hsf, regardless.

 

Hey Everyone,
Here's a Link to "mrk44" original post...
http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/667034

I based my picks on future proofing so X48...budget and needs (home theatre) so the ATI...and it all fit in his price range...

If your set on 4gb look at these...personally 2gb is enough unless your looking at Vista 64 for OS...
CORSAIR DOMINATOR with DHX Technology TWIN2X4096-8500C5DF 4GB PC2-8500 (DDR2-1066) DDR2 Memory Retail ***Free Shipping*** $159 with $40 Rebate $118.80 after MIR
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=10008006

Go with this case and (2) Non Led 120mm fans...and your good to go...
ENERMAX Chakra ECA3052B Black SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail $69.99($39.99 after $30.00 Mail-In Rebate )3 Business Day Shipping $18.63 Special savings, while supplies last
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811124114

The Q6600 is also a great choice especially for the price right now...then you could fit this case under budget...
Black Cooler Master CM Media 280 HTPC / Desktop Computer Case, w/ VFD Display, 120mm Fan, Model: RC-280-KKN1-GP. $129
http://www.directron.com/rc280kkn1gp.html

 

Mort81: I think the rampage is overkill for me, budget and needs. I decided to go with Asus P5E X38 that abuzar recommended, unless anyone can suggest something that is under $200, cuz I need to save some money.

LP531:
Of the two cases you recommended, do you know which is the quieter? Also, I think that 4GB RAM you recommended is too much for me. I was thinking just Corsair 4GB DDR2 800 (PC2 6400).

I am having major problems deciding on a case. I need something that looks good, but is quiet enough to watch movies on. Is the Antec P180 better or the P182?

 

@mrk44
Are you using this in a Home Theatre?..
Why 4gb?..are you planning on Vista 64 as an O/S?..

 

I don't know for sure about a home theater with all the effects and stuff (wall speakers, etc.), but i WILL be watching A LOT of movies on it, which is why I need it to be silent (my current PC is crazy loud).

The RAM thing: the reason I was thinking 4GB is because I wanted to play a lot of games, so I just assumed I would need a lot of RAM. Do you think 2GB is enough and what brand? The Vista 32 or 64 i choose will depend on the amount of RAM i get. Do you think I would need Vista 64?

Also, is that Corsair 650W PSU I'm planning to get loud? I hear it gets up to 44 dba under load.

 

mrk44,

here's a couple more good cases, black CM Mystique silver CM Mystique. these cases are all aluminum construction, tool-less, sturdy, and have good ventilation. they are also available in aluminum/SECC construction.

I would also consider DDR2 1066 memory. the price is right.

the 620HX is a little louder than the 650TX at idle or very low load conditions but the 620HX is quieter than the 650HX from mid level load conditions and higher.

 

Mk44, if you are looking for quietness just get the cooler I recommended and replace the fan with a really quiet but efficient fan. That way you get performance and quietness. The P5E flashes to a Rampage Formula so it's even better for OCing. There is not much to "learn" you just have to do it. How much money do you have to spend on cases? I would get a CM Cosmos 1000 for quietness.

Seriously, get a Q6600. I was considering a Q9450 as well, but there is little performance gain and the Q6600 does 3Ghz EASY.

This is some good 4GB RAM. They might not clock to 1066mhz easily, but you can fine tune them on 800Mhz and make them run just as fast performance wise.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227267

 

@mort
I think a Duo Core is sufficient for mrk44's needs...Give us your opinion on the E3110 vs the Q6600...Since you have both...
I think a E3110 or a E8400 would be sufficient...I do not think there is a lot of need for the Quad for gaming and movie encoding at this point in time...I know it depends on the programs used...I think that the majority of programs...used by most people...are not optimized for Quad Cores...
Whats your opinion on the X3350 Xeon's?..
@mrk44
I would go with the Chakra for the price...It cools your components incredibly with that 250mm fan on the door...and it is dead quiet...much quieter then the Antec 900...A case windows dramatically increase the noise level of a case...
The Mystique was going to be my second choice for the money...great case...however...the front Led could be annoying during movie's...

 

Thanks for the suggestions guys.

For the case, I am really stuck between the CM Mystique Mort81 recommended and the COSMOS 1000 abuzar recommended. I know the COSMOS is more pricey, but the quality is so much more amazing. I'm leaning towards the Mystique at this point for the sake of saving some money.

Abuzar: The ram you recommended is a little much. I was just thinking a Corsair 4GB XMS2 would be enough. It's a lot cheaper.
The plus side of the Q9450 is the 12 MB cache, which is a big part of the reason I wanted it, along with the higher stock speeds. But I guess I can stick with the Q6600 OCed and upgrade to something better it a couple years.

LP531: Are you talking about the ENERMAX Chakra? It seems a little low quality to me. But then again, I wouldn't know. And do you really think a Dual Core is enough for me? I wanted to future proof this build.