Advice for a new builder needed

[ohwell26]

Hey there. I've been researching for a good long while on how to do it and decided a week ago that I'm finally going to build my own computer. I've created a list of items within my price range that I think will be good quality, and I'd like to have your input on them, as well as some other questions I have.

I'll be using the thing for gaming mostly. I'm trying to keep everything within 2000 dollars including warranties and all that. Right now I'm pretty set on buying from newegg as two of my experienced builder friends have suggested it to me.

Oh and overclocking? Not for me, at least not the first time I do this.

Anyway, here is my list:

Motherboard: ASUS P5K-E/WIFI-AP LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard

CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz 2 x 4MB L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor

Memory: 3 sticks of CORSAIR XMS2 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)

PSU: OCZ GameXStream OCZ600GXSSLI ATX12V 600W Power Supply 100

Video card: EVGA 512-P3-N802-A1 GeForce 8800GT

Hard Drive: SAMSUNG SpinPoint T Series HD501LJ 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s

And of course a floppy drive, dvd-r drive, sound card, and a wireless card but I'm not too concerned about those. Oh, I'll be running this all on Vista 32-bit ultimate.

Basically, first of all, I need to know if this is all compatible (I'm pretty sure it is, but just checking). And do you guys think this is all decent hardware as well? I want this thing to last for at least 2 years before I upgrade stuff, so I'm looking for reliability. It all seems solid stuff, but I want to make absolute sure that, for example, my PSU won't die in a year.

Another question is memory related. I've heard a bunch of stuff about dual channeled memory being superior to non dual channeled. Is this true? For absolute performance am I better off sticking with my 3 individual memory sticks, or is 2 x 1gb of dual channeled memory better than 3gb not dual channeled, in absolute terms? If so, can you suggest a good alternative to what I have now?

Third question is, do you guys think the heatsink/fan that comes WITH the processor, is sufficient for my needs? I will not be overclocking as I said, I just don't feel like buying a 40 dollar fan/sink when one comes with the processor, as long as that one works well and keeps the thing cool. Oh and before you ask, yes I do have some thermal paste on the list!

Fourth question, is there any other things not listed that I WILL need? Like a heat sink for my graphics card or things like that... I wouldn't think so as long as I have a good case which leads into my next question....

5th question: I am COMPLETELY undecided on cases. There are so many of them and so many conflicting reviews on newegg that I can't decide.. I'm looking for one with enough fans, great cooling and great airflow, high quality materials, and easy to assemble (ie great instructions, removable mobo tray). And enough room for future upgrades. I'm assuming what I will need for all of this is a full sized tower (especially as supposedly the PSU I am getting has HUGE wires). So, any and all suggestions fitting those criteria would be wonderful. Obviously since I am buying my own PSU I do not want one that comes with its own PSU.

And any and all advice other than what I asked will be highly appreciated as well!

Thank you everyone in advance.

 

[stogez]

Why 3 sticks of RAM. I understand that you want to max out with the 32bit OS but three sticks won't run in dual channel and it might hurt performance. 2GB is good enough or get 2x 512MB sticks so you can run dual channel.
Have you looked at the ATI 3870 series? I think they're a little more available, little cheaper and perform close to the 8800gt.
The heatsink with the Q6600 will work fine for you since you're not OCing.

 

[MBrown]

I agree. I'd get 2GB instead of 3GB

 

[DSF]

As cheap as RAM is, there's never been a better time to get 4GB. It's not a must, but if you want to keep your computer for at least a couple years, it's not a bad idea.

The articles I've read have said that dual-channel mode makes very little difference.

 

[ohwell26]

Originally posted by: stogez
Why 3 sticks of RAM. I understand that you want to max out with the 32bit OS but three sticks won't run in dual channel and it might hurt performance. 2GB is good enough or get 2x 512MB sticks so you can run dual channel.
Have you looked at the ATI 3870 series? I think they're a little more available, little cheaper and perform close to the 8800gt.
The heatsink with the Q6600 will work fine for you since you're not OCing.

So 2gb dual channeled is better than 3 gb which is not? I'm still not sure because there are people who say dual channeling doesn't make any difference. Could you suggest a good set of dual channeled memory? If 2gb of memory is good enough to run, say, Crysis at 1280x1024 on high settings I'll get that.

I have looked at the 3870, but I think the 8800 GT is pretty much the ideal card for me to last a couple years. I will look at the 3870 some more though, thanks.

Nobody has any opinions on cases that have great airflow, good material and easy instructions? Thats pretty much the main thing I have no idea on at this point (besides the memory question), I want to make sure I get a good case.

edit: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820231122

does that seem like a good bargain? 2x 2 GB dual channeled for only 110 dollars. It has Cas Latency of 5 though, but I don't know what that means, or how significant that is. I'm considering getting this instead of 2x 1gb dual channeled with a lower latency, thoughts?

 

[cozumel]

Definitely don't do the original 3GB DDR2 option. Reduces bandwidth and slows things down. If you're going down the 4GB as per your last post then get Vista x64 which will itlilise yourall your memory. Vista will also future-proof you a bit as you say you want this system to last at least two years.

Those GSKill memory 2x2GB dual kit you linked to are nice but consider these G.SKILL 4GB(2 x 2GB) F2-6400CL4D-4GBPK DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit . They are $20 more at CL4 4-4-4-12 and offer real good value right now.

 

[cozumel]

BTW there are a number of cases that offer excellent cooling from different manufacturers. Do the aesthetics mean anything to you as it does for me? I tend to go for Lian Li as I like the build quality, cooling and brushed aluminium look (very stylish). Coolermaster, Antec and others also make very good cases but they all look different. Some have doors on the front so that you can't see the drives whilst others have windows so you can see inside and gawk at your compenents working in all their glory. Everyone has different tastes. Have a look at the case section in Newegg at the style you like and post some links then we can all sign-post you to cases that offer the styling you like plus the build quality and cooling you require.

 

[Doclife]

I would replace the following components from your list.


Memory: Transcend 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) $86
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820208353

Just get 4GB and be done with it. You will not have to worry about memory upgrade later. Transcend is a good brand. I have used their memory on my AMD system for over 2 years and it is working flawlessly. Also, this is much cheaper than the Corsair memory on your list ($86 for 4GB versus $123 for 3GB). I think all CPUs nowaday requires that the memory be dual channeled.


Power Supply: Antec Earthwatts EA500 500W $35 (after $40 Rebate. End 12/10/2007)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817371007

80% efficiency, plenty of power and 3 years warranty. Need I say more ? Antec is very good on their rebates and warranty. I received all the rebates that i sent to them. I had a power supply that failed within the warranty period (Neo 480), and they shipped me a brand new power supply with higher wattage (520W).

Total savings with this change: $102


Case: COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Mid Tower Case $20.00 (after $30.00 Rebate. End 12/7/2007)
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...Code=10006342&ref=lmcd

For $20, you cannot find a better case than this. It has plenty of airflow. Look at the additional pictures and comments of this case on Newegg , but buy at zipzoomfly.

CD/DVD burner: Samsung SH-S203B 48X $32.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16827151153


The onboard audio of the motherboard you selected is superb. There is no need to waste money on an audio card. I have the Gigabyte DS3R motherboard and I love the onboard audio (equal or better than the M-Audio card that I have on the other computer system of mine).

You also don't need to buy after market CPU heatsink. The stock cooler is very good as it. I have the E4500 Intel CPU, and overclocked to 3GHz with the stock cooler. The stock cooler is very quiet and cool even under heavy load. Have fun with your build.

 

[DSF]

Originally posted by: ohwell26Nobody has any opinions on cases that have great airflow, good material and easy instructions? Thats pretty much the main thing I have no idea on at this point (besides the memory question), I want to make sure I get a good case.

edit: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820231122

does that seem like a good bargain? 2x 2 GB dual channeled for only 110 dollars. It has Cas Latency of 5 though, but I don't know what that means, or how significant that is. I'm considering getting this instead of 2x 1gb dual channeled with a lower latency, thoughts?

CAS Latency 5 is pretty standard. 4 is technically faster, but you're unlikely to notice any difference.

 

[ohwell26]

Originally posted by: cozumel
BTW there are a number of cases that offer excellent cooling from different manufacturers. Do the aesthetics mean anything to you as it does for me? I tend to go for Lian Li as I like the build quality, cooling and brushed aluminium look (very stylish). Coolermaster, Antec and others also make very good cases but they all look different. Some have doors on the front so that you can't see the drives whilst others have windows so you can see inside and gawk at your compenents working in all their glory. Everyone has different tastes. Have a look at the case section in Newegg at the style you like and post some links then we can all sign-post you to cases that offer the styling you like plus the build quality and cooling you require.

I've looked at coolermaster alot, they seem pretty solid. I'll have a look at Antec and Lian Li as well. As far as aesthetics, I don't really mind, I don't want it looking like it came out of Star Wars or anything though. Some of the Apevia mid-tower designs seem nice, at least the non-flashy ones, any idea on their quality?

As far as your memory suggestion, I'll look into that. 20 dollars more isn't much, but unless its a huge improvement I don't think I'll bother.

DocLife: I'll take those suggestions into consideration, thanks. I do really like that case, I wonder why it is so expensive on newegg compared to zipzoomfly though...

 

[cozumel]

The CAS 4 won't give any huge performance increase and you may not even notice it. Go with the GSkill you originally picked as are a good product, stable and at a good price. I've had GSKill before and do like them. But do go with 4GB and do consider whether have Vista x64.

I have never heard of Apevia and suggest you try and find a review or two on google. So what sort of case do you want? One with a door on the front that hides all the drive bays? One with a window on the side? One with flashing lights? Or just one that keeps everything cool?

If it's any help I have a an Antec P182 and a Lian-LI PC-60 Plus for two of the rigs. I may get a CoolerMaster Stacker in the new year but not sure if I like the looks. I'm kinda stuck myself right now on the case I want for myself. To give you an idea of how a case can effect temps I bought a model (can't remember the name) a few years back as it looked lovely and was dirt cheap. Put everything in and had it up and running but CPU and case temps were so high and I couldn't lower. Bought myself another case (Lian-Li that time too) and the temps on the CPU dropped by over 20 degC when idle and by 25 degC when on full load. I love my P182 for cooling as it does a great job and looks nice too.

 

[ohwell26]

Originally posted by: cozumel
The CAS 4 won't give any huge performance increase and you may not even notice it. Go with the GSkill you originally picked as are a good product, stable and at a good price. I've had GSKill before and do like them. But do go with 4GB and do consider whether have Vista x64.

I have never heard of Apevia and suggest you try and find a review or two on google. So what sort of case do you want? One with a door on the front that hides all the drive bays? One with a window on the side? One with flashing lights? Or just one that keeps everything cool?

If it's any help I have a an Antec P182 and a Lian-LI PC-60 Plus for two of the rigs. I may get a CoolerMaster Stacker in the new year but not sure if I like the looks. I'm kinda stuck myself right now on the case I want for myself. To give you an idea of how a case can effect temps I bought a model (can't remember the name) a few years back as it looked lovely and was dirt cheap. Put everything in and had it up and running but CPU and case temps were so high and I couldn't lower. Bought myself another case (Lian-Li that time too) and the temps on the CPU dropped by over 20 degC when idle and by 25 degC when on full load. I love my P182 for cooling as it does a great job and looks nice too.

Yep basically I'm looking for one that will keep everything cool, and is easy to assemble for a beginner who hasn't done it before, and made of high quality metal. I guess an ATX Mid Tower is big enough though?

These are the ones I've got bookmarked:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...ASTER%2bRC-690-KKN1-GP (this one if I get, will be from zipzoomfly)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811112099
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811119074
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811119074
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811112025

And of course the two you said you had, although they both seem a bit pricey (but the antec one has a nice rebate, though I don't always trust those).

But yeah, thoughts on those?

 

[Doclife]

When choosing a case, consider its functionality too. The Cooler Master 690 has the USB/ESATA/Firewire/audio ports on top of the case, which I find very convenience. I hate to bend down and try to reach those ports on my current case (Antec P150). On top of that the 690 has the most airflow and cheap to boot. It is a no brainer IMHO.

 

[ohwell26]

Originally posted by: Doclife
When choosing a case, consider its functionality too. The Cooler Master 690 has the USB/ESATA/Firewire/audio ports on top of the case, which I find very convenience. I hate to bend down and try to reach those ports on my current case (Antec P150). On top of that the 690 has the most airflow and cheap to boot. It is a no brainer IMHO.

That case is definitely top of my list right now. How is it in regards to ease of assembly, and instructions?

 

[DSF]

Originally posted by: ohwell26

Originally posted by: Doclife
When choosing a case, consider its functionality too. The Cooler Master 690 has the USB/ESATA/Firewire/audio ports on top of the case, which I find very convenience. I hate to bend down and try to reach those ports on my current case (Antec P150). On top of that the 690 has the most airflow and cheap to boot. It is a no brainer IMHO.

That case is definitely top of my list right now. How is it in regards to ease of assembly, and instructions?

By ease of assembly, do you mean easy to work inside, or easy to physically put the case itself together?

I would recommend you consider the Antec Solo, but it's also worth mentioning that there's a very nice rebate on the Cooler Master 690 right now at ZipZoomFly.

 

[stogez]

It would seem that everyone thinks you should get 4GB. I just didn't mention that since I have no idea if you have intentions of going x64
Either way, I don't think you'll be able to run Crysis on all high settings. That game requires insane resources. You should be good to go for medium-high settings though.

 

[ohwell26]

Originally posted by: DSF

By ease of assembly, do you mean easy to work inside, or easy to physically put the case itself together?

I would recommend you consider the Antec Solo, but it's also worth mentioning that there's a very nice rebate on the Cooler Master 690 right now at ZipZoomFly.

By ease of assembly I mean putting the thing together and installing all the hardware for the first time. Good instructions is always a plus. I can't find out if it has a removable mobo tray or not, either, which I think would make things ALOT easier. Even so, it does seem to be a pretty damn good case for cheap, I think my mind is set in that regard.

dumbass question btw: do cases with spare USB slots built into the case come with the appropriate cables to attach to the motherboard?

 

[walterthedog]

I just finished my first assembly and put it all in the CM690 case. Not too much in the way of instructions and the side panels are a bit of a pain to get off and put back on. But I'm not very technically inclined and the CM690 seemed straightforward enough.

 

[walterthedog]

The CM690 doesn't have a removable mobo tray.

 

[Doclife]

Yes. Cases with USB ports do come with appropriate cables that will connect to the motherboard.

 

[cozumel]

Originally posted by: stogez
It would seem that everyone thinks you should get 4GB. I just didn't mention that since I have no idea if you have intentions of going x64
Either way, I don't think you'll be able to run Crysis on all high settings. That game requires insane resources. You should be good to go for medium-high settings though.

I have't found anyone yet who can run it on high settings lol

And ohwell: tbh the CM690 at $20 is quite simply insane. Click here for a review on the CoolerMaster RC690. It doesn't have a removeable sliding motherboard but I can't see anyone beating this for value. Hell their almost giving them away for free. Here is the link for the CM RC690 at ZipZoomFly. The $30 mail-in rebate expires 12/07/07 so you need to be quick if this is what you decide.

 

[ohwell26]

I've actually found both the instruction packs for the antec solo and the coolmaster 690, I think the antec instruction booklet is much more in depth. Seeing as how the rebate runs out tomorrow on the 690 I don't think I'll make it in time. So its really a coin toss for me on the antec solo or the coolermaster 690. But this is much better than having no idea whatsoever what case to get, I'll definitely be able to decide in a couple days and then buy all this stuff.

So I thank you all for your input, I'm pretty much set on what I'm getting now. Hopefully I won't have any issues with the huge number of wires... good thing the PSU I am getting has modular wires.

edit: that review is VERY helpful, thanks!