Another New PC Build

[anishannayya]

Okay, so I'm starting on my second PC build. My first one was originally supposed to be a gaming/HTPC rig, but ended up being my main PC because my main computer, a 8 year old Sony Viao got fried by a surge. I'm sticking to name brand surge protectors from now on. So, here are the specs for my new build a couple months later:

1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing.
This PC is going to be hooked up to an HDTV, and will be used for gaming/HTPC stuff.

2. What YOUR budget is. A price range is acceptable as long as it's not more than a 20% spread
$2,000 MAX, $1,500 preferable, but money is not short. My point is money isn't short, but I want to be reasonable.

3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from.
online retailers

4. IF YOU have a brand preference. That means, are you an Intel-Fanboy, AMD-Fanboy, ATI-Fanboy, nVidia-Fanboy, Seagate-Fanboy, WD-Fanboy, etc, etc, etc, you get the picture.
None.

5. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are.
No

6. IF YOU have searched and/or read similar threads.
Not lately

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.
Overclock as system ages; when I think I need more performance, why stress the hardware?

8. WHEN do you plan to build it?
No rush.

All prices are from Newegg.

DVD Burner: Samsung -- $25
Case: Antec 900 -- $60
OS HDD: 300GB Raptor -- $230
Data/Backup Drives: Two 1TB Samsung Spinpoint -- $190 ($95 ea)
GPU: Sapphire 1GB 4870 -- $265
PSU: Antec NeoPower 650 -- $90
Keyboard: Adesso Wireless Trackpad Keyboard -- $90
UPS: Powercom 1500VA 900 Watts -- 134.99
RAM: Two 2 x 2GB DDR2 1066 -- $120 ($60 ea)
Mobo: Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P LGA 775 Intel P45 -- $120
OS: Vista Ultimate 64-bit OEM -- $160
CPU Cooler: Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro -- $27
Blu-ray Drive: LG ROM/DVD Burner -- $95
CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 -- $319.99

Also, does anyone have any good ideas for gaming keyboard/mouse or controller? My coffee table is too low to set anything on, so the couch in the lap thing is the only option. Also, wireless is very highly preferable, if not the only option.

Total is about $2,000

Any suggestions, should I change anything? This also needs to be quiet, as it will be sitting in the living room. Also, while I don't mind a nice glow being emitted from the case, I don't want a light show, because it will be sitting next to the TV (subwoofer on one side, computer on other). Shouldn't be distracting while watching TV, so still debating the case. I don't watch TV with the lights off BTW. Also space is not an issue.

Thanks a million!

Edit: For the case alternative, how about these:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811119160 (Like this one the best.)

I'd probably go with the combo PSU instead too: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811103010 also a really similar posted version is here: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811103014

This one is nice and cheap: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811119157

This one isn't too shabby either: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811156095

Out of everything, even the 900 I really like the look of the first alternative. Thinking I'll go with that and the combo PSU.

 

[JPB]

Keyboard

It is absolutely the best wired keyboard, although you prefer a wireless. I have the Saitek.

Not sure how you feel, but that Xclio case is just ugly and the Raidmax is right on par with it. Of course, that is my opinion.

EDIT: I just thought again about that Raidmax case, and I just realized, whoever came up with the idea for that one, just needs smacked.

 

[MarcVenice]

Looking good. Could prolly save some money on vista ultimate, and buy home premium instead. Ultimate offers nothing extra that youll ever use.

Could also go with a e8400/e8500 instead. Perfect for gaming, lot cheaper then a q9550.

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: anishannayya
8 year old Sony Viao got fried by a surge. I'm sticking to name brand surge protectors from now on. So, here are the specs for my new build a couple months later:

1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing.
This PC is going to be hooked up to an HDTV, and will be used for gaming/HTPC stuff.

Case: Antec 900 -- $60
OS HDD: 300GB Raptor -- $230
Data/Backup Drives: Two 1TB Samsung Spinpoint -- $190 ($95 ea)
GPU: Sapphire 1GB 4870 -- $265

Keyboard: Adesso Wireless Trackpad Keyboard -- $90
UPS: Powercom 1500VA 900 Watts -- 134.99
RAM: Two 2 x 2GB DDR2 1066 -- $120 ($60 ea)

CPU Cooler: Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro -- $27

CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 -- $319.99

Also, does anyone have any good ideas for gaming keyboard/mouse or controller? My coffee table is too low to set anything on, so the couch in the lap thing is the only option. Also, wireless is very highly preferable, if not the only option.

Any suggestions, should I change anything? This also needs to be quiet, as it will be sitting in the living room.

1. "Powercom" is a "name brand", but there are better units out there to protect your PC investment, stick with them...
APC, Tripp-Lite, Belkin - Make sure you buy a "line interactive" unit. They run all the time and not just when power goes out. Much better power source.
If you own your home, think about installing a Delta surge arrestor and surge capacitor in the breaker box.

2. Your taste in cases is a bit odd for something out in a public area of your home.
The Antec 900 is probably the best as far as looks and cooling. You may have to undervolt the fans to get the "quiet" that you're looking for.

3. The VelociRaptor is a good pick for your OS & apps. You can same some $$ by going with the 150GB version, if you want.

4. Personally, I'd go with the WD 1TB "Black" drives for storage. But if you like Seagate I'm sure they'd work out for you.

5. You don't need to spend that much $$ on a video card that's connected to an HDTV. A nice 4750 would work out fine for that kind of resolution.

6. DDR2 1066 is total overkill for a system not being OC'd. Stick with DDR2 800 and save some $$

7. AC Freezer 7 Pro is a great option for quiet cooling on the cheap.

8. Like the memory, the Q9550 is total overkill. An E8400 would be a great choice for the setup you're running.

9. For long distance control, take a look at the Gyration Wireless Combos. I've got a combo set that works great.

 

[imported_Scratch]

+1 with regard to a quality ups.
Been using an APC for my computing needs for the past 3 years. Got one for the HT that has saved my bacon several times.

 

[anishannayya]

Okay, so I have changed a couple of things:

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 3.0GHZ -- $160
GPU: MSI 4850 512MB -- $190
OS: Vista HP 64-bit -- $80
RAM: Two A-DATA (2 x 2GB) -- $90 ($45 ea)

 

[zerocool84]

Originally posted by: anishannayya
Okay, so I have changed a couple of things:

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 3.0GHZ -- $160
GPU: MSI 4850 512MB -- $190
OS: Vista HP 64-bit -- $80
RAM: Two A-DATA (2 x 2GB) -- $90 ($45 ea)

Why are you gettig such expensive RAM??? You're not going to overclock. Try this one. It's a lot cheaper and good quality.

G.Skill pc6400

 

[disports]

Originally posted by: zerocool84

Originally posted by: anishannayya
Okay, so I have changed a couple of things:

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 3.0GHZ -- $160
GPU: MSI 4850 512MB -- $190
OS: Vista HP 64-bit -- $80
RAM: Two A-DATA (2 x 2GB) -- $90 ($45 ea)

Why are you gettig such expensive RAM??? You're not going to overclock. Try this one. It's a lot cheaper and good quality.

G.Skill pc6400

He's getting two sets of ram. It would be the same thing lol.

Might as well get two of these:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820145184

Corsair DDR2-800, $24.99 after rebate 4 GB x 2 = $50

 

[zerocool84]

Originally posted by: smithrwon

Originally posted by: zerocool84

Originally posted by: anishannayya
Okay, so I have changed a couple of things:

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 3.0GHZ -- $160
GPU: MSI 4850 512MB -- $190
OS: Vista HP 64-bit -- $80
RAM: Two A-DATA (2 x 2GB) -- $90 ($45 ea)

Why are you gettig such expensive RAM??? You're not going to overclock. Try this one. It's a lot cheaper and good quality.

G.Skill pc6400

He's getting two sets of ram. It would be the same thing lol.

Might as well get two of these:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820145184

Corsair DDR2-800, $24.99 after rebate 4 GB x 2 = $50

DOH.....reading>me

 

[anishannayya]

I don't do rebates, never had any luck with them. Also downgraded my PSU to Antec earthwatts 500 Watts.

Whippie! Hit the $1500 price point!

 

[anishannayya]

Originally posted by: Blain

Originally posted by: anishannayya
8 year old Sony Viao got fried by a surge. I'm sticking to name brand surge protectors from now on. So, here are the specs for my new build a couple months later:

1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing.
This PC is going to be hooked up to an HDTV, and will be used for gaming/HTPC stuff.

Case: Antec 900 -- $60
OS HDD: 300GB Raptor -- $230
Data/Backup Drives: Two 1TB Samsung Spinpoint -- $190 ($95 ea)
GPU: Sapphire 1GB 4870 -- $265

Keyboard: Adesso Wireless Trackpad Keyboard -- $90
UPS: Powercom 1500VA 900 Watts -- 134.99
RAM: Two 2 x 2GB DDR2 1066 -- $120 ($60 ea)

CPU Cooler: Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro -- $27

CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 -- $319.99

Also, does anyone have any good ideas for gaming keyboard/mouse or controller? My coffee table is too low to set anything on, so the couch in the lap thing is the only option. Also, wireless is very highly preferable, if not the only option.

Any suggestions, should I change anything? This also needs to be quiet, as it will be sitting in the living room.

1. "Powercom" is a "name brand", but there are better units out there to protect your PC investment, stick with them...
APC, Tripp-Lite, Belkin - Make sure you buy a "line interactive" unit. They run all the time and not just when power goes out. Much better power source.
If you own your home, think about installing a Delta surge arrestor and surge capacitor in the breaker box.

2. Your taste in cases is a bit odd for something out in a public area of your home.
The Antec 900 is probably the best as far as looks and cooling. You may have to undervolt the fans to get the "quiet" that you're looking for.

3. The VelociRaptor is a good pick for your OS & apps. You can same some $$ by going with the 150GB version, if you want.

4. Personally, I'd go with the WD 1TB "Black" drives for storage. But if you like Seagate I'm sure they'd work out for you.

5. You don't need to spend that much $$ on a video card that's connected to an HDTV. A nice 4750 would work out fine for that kind of resolution.

6. DDR2 1066 is total overkill for a system not being OC'd. Stick with DDR2 800 and save some $$

7. AC Freezer 7 Pro is a great option for quiet cooling on the cheap.

8. Like the memory, the Q9550 is total overkill. An E8400 would be a great choice for the setup you're running.

9. For long distance control, take a look at the Gyration Wireless Combos. I've got a combo set that works great.

BTW Blain thanks a million for the input.

 

[anishannayya]

I'm thinking I'll go for this GPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814161236

For 30 bucks over a 4850 it seems like a good card.

 

[anishannayya]

So here are the final specs, I'm gonna hit buy tomorrow (I decided to drop the raptor):

DVD Burner: Samsung -- $25
Case: Antec 900 -- $60
HDD: Two 1TB WD Digital Caviar Black -- $240 ($120 ea)
GPU: HIS Hightech 512MB 4870 -- $225
PSU: Corsair 750 Watts -- $105
RAM: Two A-DATA (2 x 2GB) -- $90 ($45 ea)
Mobo: Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P LGA 775 Intel P45 -- $120
OS: Vista HP 64-bit -- $80
CPU Cooler: Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro -- $27
Blu-ray Drive: LG ROM/DVD Burner -- $95
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 3.0GHZ -- $160

(Friend who's over for thanksgiving says he has a UPS he can give me (has a server business, so its server grade stuff) , and I need to research more on the keyboard.)

TOTAL (with tax, I live in CA): $1315.82

YES! And 3-day shipping free for all components, not a cent on shipping!

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: anishannayya

(Friend who's over for thanksgiving says he has a UPS he can give me (has a server business, so its server grade stuff) , and I need to research more on the keyboard.)

A UPS is a components that I'd never consider for protecting my PC investment, unless I knew it was pratically brand new.
Unless the UPS is fairly new, it may be little more than a battery backed power strip.
Most surge protection schemes diminish in effectiveness with each power surge (large or small), they take.

You've already lost one PC to power issues, why risk your fresh build on a used UPS unit?

 

[anishannayya]

Originally posted by: Blain

Originally posted by: anishannayya

(Friend who's over for thanksgiving says he has a UPS he can give me (has a server business, so its server grade stuff) , and I need to research more on the keyboard.)

A UPS is a components that I'd never consider for protecting my PC investment, unless I knew it was pratically brand new.
Unless the UPS is fairly new, it may be little more than a battery backed power strip.
Most surge protection schemes diminish in effectiveness with each power surge (large or small), they take.

You've already lost one PC to power issues, why risk your fresh build on a used UPS unit?

I asked my friend for the brand (at our house for thanksgiving). He says that it a rack mountable APC at 3000 VA and 2700 watts UPS that is 2 years old. It seems that last time the power went out, between the 5 minutes it takes for someone to run out and start the generator, some servers ran out of juice and crashed, making him loose money to pissed off clients. So, he upgraded and has these lying around his office. I am sure that a 3000 VA APC unit will have enough left in it after 2 years to power my 500 watt computer long enough so that I can push hibernate.

 

[Blain]

Your original problem wasn't enough backup power, it was a power surge. Did you read what I posted about surge protection degradation?

If I were dumping $2000 on new parts, I wouldn't trust a 2 year old rack-mount UPS to protect it.
I understand you're getting it for "free". But sometimes "free" can end up being expensive.

Read the specs of the rack-mount carefully to make sure it supplies the voltage your PS needs.
It's your money, do with it as you wish. :roll:

That's my 2 cents.

 

[Kraeoss]

if was me i'd take the free ups sell it and buy a new one...

 

[anishannayya]

LOL, power never went out for 2 years in San Jose, California, where his business is located. Here in Monterey we loose power maybe once a year max. Maybe I'll buy a nice surge protector and hook up the UPS to it?

 

[Blain]

Don't put the surge protection between the PC and the UPS.

Wall plug -> Surge protector -> UPS (if it specs out at the correct voltage for your needs) -> PC

BTW, Have you looked up the specifications on the UPS your pal is giving you?