Building a Desktop. Please help.

Jon30

Junior Member
Apr 22, 2011
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1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing.
I intend to run 2 Operating systems. Either a Dual boot of Windows 7 and Linux or perhaps I am gonna run a Virtual Machine in Windows7 for Ubuntu or Opensuse.
I'll be using the machine for developing JAVA applications. I'll be also using Photoshop and Video Editing Software.
And some ocasional gaming. If the latest games won't run, I won't be too upset.


2. What YOUR budget is. A price range is acceptable as long as it's not more than a 20% spread
1000 USD MAX - for everything not including monitors.

3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from.
Canada
I am planning to order parts either from Tigerdirect dot ca.

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.
Intel!

5. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are.
None. I owned a laptop for 5 years.

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.

I plan to run it at the default speeds. I am afraid there could be some side effects of overclocking.

8. What resolution YOU plan on gaming with.

Don't matter. I do intend to play games but not very often. It is important to me to run my desktop at 1080p or higher.
And I also wanna connect 2 monitors.

9. WHEN do you plan to build it?
the next weekend.



Questions:
1) I don't know if I should be getting 2600 or 2600K. I am afraid there could be side effects of overcloaking such as: overheating, corrupting, shorter life span?

2) What should I look for in a Monitor. I wanna buy a 22 inch or maybe 24 inch. Should I just get the cheapest one?

3) Should I be buying a sound card even though the motherboard got one built-in? (I heard disabling the onboard soundcard will improve performance)

4) Motherboard! I was looking at these 3 Motherboards... I was trying to find the difference between them. I've heard MSI is the best? But I read many negative reviews on that particular
MSI motherboard. Feel free to recommend me a motherboard which is not on my list.

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...083&CatId=6975
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...080&CatId=6975
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...755&CatId=6975

5) Hard drive: I picked Westren Digital WD1002FAEX - After doing some research, it seems like it's the best one out there for under 100 dollars. Please correct me if I am wrong.

6) RAM - Please recommend me. I don't think I am gonna need more than 8 gigs?
Should I go with Tripple Channel RAM? I could get 3 x 4GB
I was considering this one: Corsair CMZ12GX3M3A1600C9 Vengeance 12GB DDR3 RAM
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...824&CatId=4329

7) Powersupply. - Please recommend me one.

8) Videocard - Please recommend me one.


Thank you!
 

mfenn

Elite Member
Jan 17, 2010
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www.mfenn.com
Answers to your questions:
1. Overclocking always carries some risk, though that risk is quite small if you keep the overclock reasonable and use quality parts. If your livelihood depends on this machine, I would not recommend overclocking it.
2. If you're going to be doing any significant amount of graphic design, you will want a good monitor ($300+).
3. No, you don't need an external sound card. The era of hardware-accelerated sound is pretty much over, so you won't be doing yourself any favors in the performance department.
4-8. I don't really like any of the parts that you picked, so I'm going to just do a new build for you.

http://detonator.dynamitedata.com/c...ols/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7073161&CatId=6988This is from Newegg.ca because I hate Tigerdirect's site.http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=57962&vpn=BX80623I52500K&manufacture=Intel
i5 2500K $220
MSI H67MS-E43 $103 - can do dual-monitor and gaming is not a priority
G.Skill DDR3 1333 8GB $77
Samsung F3 1TB $75
Samsung DVD Burner $21
Corsair 430CX $35 AR - plenty of power should you decide to add a midrange GPU
Antec Three Hundred $50 AR
Total: $581

That leaves you plenty of money for OS, mouse, keyboard, and monitors. If you want to increase the performance, I'd recommend adding a 120GB SSD like the Intel 320.
 

Jon30

Junior Member
Apr 22, 2011
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Answers to your questions:
1. Overclocking always carries some risk, though that risk is quite small if you keep the overclock reasonable and use quality parts. If your livelihood depends on this machine, I would not recommend overclocking it.
2. If you're going to be doing any significant amount of graphic design, you will want a good monitor ($300+).
3. No, you don't need an external sound card. The era of hardware-accelerated sound is pretty much over, so you won't be doing yourself any favors in the performance department.
4-8. I don't really like any of the parts that you picked, so I'm going to just do a new build for you.

http://detonator.dynamitedata.com/c...ols/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7073161&CatId=6988This is from Newegg.ca because I hate Tigerdirect's site.http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=57962&vpn=BX80623I52500K&manufacture=Intel
i5 2500K $220
MSI H67MS-E43 $103 - can do dual-monitor and gaming is not a priority
G.Skill DDR3 1333 8GB $77
Samsung F3 1TB $75
Samsung DVD Burner $21
Corsair 430CX $35 AR - plenty of power should you decide to add a midrange GPU
Antec Three Hundred $50 AR
Total: $581

That leaves you plenty of money for OS, mouse, keyboard, and monitors. If you want to increase the performance, I'd recommend adding a 120GB SSD like the Intel 320.

Thank you mfenn. It took me a while to figure out why did you recommend me a slower RAM, but I did. I am gonna go with 1333mhz.

Also I've done plenty of research on H67 vs P67 Motherboards.

Seems like there's no difference to me if I am planning on getting a video card.

What bugs me is that there's very little choice when it comes to H67.

The motherboard you recommended me, seemed nice at first but the lack of USB 3.0 bugs me. And I rather have 4 slots for RAM in case I decide to upgrade in the future.

H67 does seem like a better option since I am not going to overclock, but I can't find any decent motherboard that is not too expensive, has 4 RAM slots and USB 3.0.

Here's the motherboard I found: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131711&Tpk=P8H67-M Pro
What do you think?
 
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Hellhammer

AnandTech Emeritus
Apr 25, 2011
701
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What kind of video editing you will be doing (i.e. just basic cutting of home videos or something more intensive)? While I don't know much about video editing, I know that higher-end softwares such as After Effects won't run nice on Intel HD 3000 or any other low-end GPU. You also said you will be doing some gaming so personally, I would go with a discrete GPU straightaway, it won't be that much more expensive.

I have to admit that I have not followed the mid-range GPU game that much lately, but ATI 5770 seems to be quite affordable at the moment (if someone has better options, I am happy to be corrected). By getting a discrete GPU, you can go with P67 motherboard. While OCing may not sound like a big deal right now, it may turn out to be a good option later on. After two years for example, you may want to get some performance boost but you don't want to spend any $ on it.
 

Jon30

Junior Member
Apr 22, 2011
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What kind of video editing you will be doing (i.e. just basic cutting of home videos or something more intensive)? While I don't know much about video editing, I know that higher-end softwares such as After Effects won't run nice on Intel HD 3000 or any other low-end GPU. You also said you will be doing some gaming so personally, I would go with a discrete GPU straightaway, it won't be that much more expensive.

I have to admit that I have not followed the mid-range GPU game that much lately, but ATI 5770 seems to be quite affordable at the moment (if someone has better options, I am happy to be corrected). By getting a discrete GPU, you can go with P67 motherboard. While OCing may not sound like a big deal right now, it may turn out to be a good option later on. After two years for example, you may want to get some performance boost but you don't want to spend any $ on it.

Actually I do intend to get a discrete GPU, I was considering this one:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...76278&csid=ITD

I don't think I am going to be overclocking in the future, for that reason I am getting a Locked CPU, and 1333mhz RAM. So I guess there's no point getting P67? and I can take advantage of H67's quickplay.

I guess there's no real difference to me when choosing between H67 and P67, as long as I find something suitable for me.
 

mfenn

Elite Member
Jan 17, 2010
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www.mfenn.com
Here's the motherboard I found: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...=P8H67-M%20Pro
What do you think?

That one is good too. USB 3.0 is worth $20 if you intend to use it.

Actually I do intend to get a discrete GPU, I was considering this one:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...76278&csid=ITD

Not a good choice I'm afraid. The GTX 460 SE is a crippled version of the GTX 460 with significantly lower performance. I'd either grab a full GTX 460 1GB or a Radeon 6850.

I don't think I am going to be overclocking in the future, for that reason I am getting a Locked CPU, and 1333mhz RAM. So I guess there's no point getting P67? and I can take advantage of H67's quickplay.

I guess there's no real difference to me when choosing between H67 and P67, as long as I find something suitable for me.

If you're going to buy a discrete GPU from the get go, there is really no reason to get an H67 because you can't use QuickSync when a discrete GPU is plugged in (dumb, I know).
 

Jon30

Junior Member
Apr 22, 2011
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Not a good choice I'm afraid. The GTX 460 SE is a crippled version of the GTX 460 with significantly lower performance. I'd either grab a full GTX 460 1GB or a Radeon 6850.

Since I won't be playing games very often and gaming is not a priority, is that extra boost really necessary?


If you're going to buy a discrete GPU from the get go, there is really no reason to get an H67 because you can't use QuickSync when a discrete GPU is plugged in (dumb, I know).

So, should I go with P67? which option would be cheaper? since there's no difference for me between P67 and H67.
 
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Hellhammer

AnandTech Emeritus
Apr 25, 2011
701
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Not a good choice I'm afraid. The GTX 460 SE is a crippled version of the GTX 460 with significantly lower performance. I'd either grab a full GTX 460 1GB or a Radeon 6850

It doesn't seem to be that bad, performs about as well as 768MB GTX 460, at least in Guru3D's tests.

Since I won't be playing games very often and gaming is not a priority, is that extra boost really necessary?

Probably not. You can always overclock it as well if you really need extra boost. If you want to save another 20$ or so, take a look at the ATI 5770 I linked above. It is slower (see the benchmarks above, it isn't THAT much slower) but sufficient for your needs.

So, should I go with P67? which option would be cheaper? since there's no difference for me between P67 and H67.

Prices are about the same. If I had to guess, Intel is selling them for the same price so it is up to the features you select. This looks pretty decent.
 

fffblackmage

Platinum Member
Dec 28, 2007
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It doesn't seem to be that bad, performs about as well as 768MB GTX 460, at least in Guru3D's tests.
It's still the slowest out of the GTX 460 family, but for the right price, I think it's ok.
I don't particular like how it's slower, but still manages to use the same amount of power as a full GTX 460.

I would note that the full GTX460 and 6850 mfenn linked have longer warranties than the GTX 460 SE Jon30 linked.

@OP: Either the GTX460 SE or the 5770 are probably enough for your purposes, but you'll likely have to lower some settings in some games to ensure decent framerates.
 

Jon30

Junior Member
Apr 22, 2011
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Prices are about the same. If I had to guess, Intel is selling them for the same price so it is up to the features you select. This looks pretty decent.

This does look like a good motherboard, but unfortunately they're not selling it @ tigerdirect.ca

I am planning to go to that store on Saturday and buy all the parts rather than ordering parts online.

I am trying to find something similar to this board.

I am desperately, desperately trying to find a motherboard, been at it for few days now, and it's the only thing that's stopping me from buying all the parts.


This is probably what I am going to go with:

CPU: 2600

RAM: 1.5v Crucial 8GB (2 x 4GB)
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148347&Tpk=CT2KIT51264BA1339

Powersupply: Thermaltake TR2 W0379RU 500W ATX 12V v2.2 Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817153113&Tpk=W0379RU

Case:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6430030&Sku=C283-3122

Monitors: Two of: Asus VE247H 24"
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7059353&CatId=5469

And I am going to stick to my old HDD for now, eventually I am gonna get SSD, and I'll probably get one of the video cards recommended in this thread.

Again, got no motherboard :(
 
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mfenn

Elite Member
Jan 17, 2010
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www.mfenn.com
It's still the slowest out of the GTX 460 family, but for the right price, I think it's ok.
I don't particular like how it's slower, but still manages to use the same amount of power as a full GTX 460.

I would note that the full GTX460 and 6850 mfenn linked have longer warranties than the GTX 460 SE Jon30 linked.

@OP: Either the GTX460 SE or the 5770 are probably enough for your purposes, but you'll likely have to lower some settings in some games to ensure decent framerates.

I agree that a 5770 would be a better buy if you don't need the performance of a GTX 460.
 

mfenn

Elite Member
Jan 17, 2010
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www.mfenn.com
This does look like a good motherboard, but unfortunately they're not selling it @ tigerdirect.ca

I am planning to go to that store on Saturday and buy all the parts rather than ordering parts online.

Do you have a link to how you can find out what's in stock at the store?

As for the parts you picked out, the memory, case, and monitors are fine. I'd avoid ThermalTake power supplies. It looks like the 430CX that I originally recommended is an obnoxious price at TD, so check out this 450W XFX instead. As for the mobo, check out the ASUS P8P78 LE.
 

Jon30

Junior Member
Apr 22, 2011
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Do you have a link to how you can find out what's in stock at the store?

As for the parts you picked out, the memory, case, and monitors are fine. I'd avoid ThermalTake power supplies. It looks like the 430CX that I originally recommended is an obnoxious price at TD, so check out this 450W XFX instead. As for the mobo, check out the ASUS P8P78 LE.

would the 450W be enough? somebody recommended me to get at least 500.
If you think 450 is more than enough, would this be a better option:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...8&Sku=C13-2500
?

And yeah I was considering this motherboard.. guess I am gonna go with that one. thanks :)
 

dma0991

Platinum Member
Mar 17, 2011
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would the 450W be enough? somebody recommended me to get at least 500.
If you think 450 is more than enough, would this be a better option:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...8&Sku=C13-2500
?

And yeah I was considering this motherboard.. guess I am gonna go with that one. thanks :)

500W is a common size of PSU that can support quite a lot of combination of hardware that are mid range(GPU). Depending on the current setup that you have, the 450W should handle itself pretty well and 500W is not necessary for this particular build. The XFX that mfenn mentioned is good enough if you wish to save 1-2 dollars.
 

Jon30

Junior Member
Apr 22, 2011
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Tigerdirect e-mailed me back saying that they have this MSI Motherboard which is almost Identical to the MSI motherboard recommended to me earlier.

Now I am simply trying to decide between that MSI and this Asus Motherboard.

then I am off to shop :thumbsup:

I've been doing some comparison on newegg's detail page for each motherboard, and here's what I've noticed what I think could make a difference in performance, but I am not sure....
ASUS board has Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 and MSI doesn't?

And ASUS got eSata port and IEEE port which I am not very desperate to have.

I don't mind spending extra 20 bucks on a better motherboard, if it is in fact better.

To me both motherboards seem identical in features, so I guess the question is, which motherboard is more stable, will cause less problems, have a better BIOS etc?

P.S I am also trying to decide between the two powersupplies:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139017
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817256065
 
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mfenn

Elite Member
Jan 17, 2010
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Tigerdirect e-mailed me back saying that they have this MSI Motherboard which is almost Identical to the MSI motherboard recommended to me earlier.

Now I am simply trying to decide between that MSI and this Asus Motherboard.

then I am off to shop :thumbsup:

I've been doing some comparison on newegg's detail page for each motherboard, and here's what I've noticed what I think could make a difference in performance, but I am not sure....
ASUS board has Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 and MSI doesn't?

And ASUS got eSata port and IEEE port which I am not very desperate to have.

I don't mind spending extra 20 bucks on a better motherboard, if it is in fact better.

To me both motherboards seem identical in features, so I guess the question is, which motherboard is more stable, will cause less problems, have a better BIOS etc?

P.S I am also trying to decide between the two powersupplies:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139017
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817256065

Both motherboards have Turbo Boost because that's function of the CPU and not the mobo, MSI doesn't advertise it.

Of those two PSUs, I would get the 430CX. The Strider is better, but definitely not twice as good.
 

Jon30

Junior Member
Apr 22, 2011
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After visiting the store, I found out that they didn't have all the parts I wanted, so here's the new list I came up with:

CPU: i7 2600

CASE: Thermaltake V3 Black

Display: ViewSonic VX2450wm-LED Black 24"

GPU: EVGA 01G-P3-1366-TR GeForce GTX 460 SE

Motherboard: MSI P67A-C43 (B3)

The salesman recommended me the GIGABYTE GA-P67A-D3-B3 (Which apparently got an extra PCIe slot)

Power supply: The store didn't have anything below 500w (I think it was the cool master). All Corsairs started at 650w. This one here, It's 100+ bucks And the it's not even Modular.
He claims that with every year your power supply loses 10% of its efficiency, and I should at least get 700w.
And they don't carry Silverstone.

If you're absolutely convinced I don't need more than 430w, I am just gonna order the Corsair from Newegg.

RAM: They didn't have the Cruicial. But I believe it was This Kingston model that they have. It says no ECC? hopefully that's not a bad thing...



I am coming back to the store tomorrow. Any comments / Advice? Thanks
 
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Hellhammer

AnandTech Emeritus
Apr 25, 2011
701
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Motherboard: MSI P67A-C43 (B3)

The salesman recommended me the GIGABYTE GA-P67A-D3-B3 (Which apparently got an extra PCIe slot)

The Gigabyte one is better, especially if it is even cheaper. Extra PCIe slot can be useful in the future.

Power supply: The store didn't have anything below 500w (I think it was the cool master). All Corsairs started at 650w. This one here, It's 100+ bucks And the it's not even Modular.
He claims that with every year your power supply loses 10% of its efficiency, and I should at least get 700w.
And they don't carry Silverstone.

If you're absolutely convinced I don't need more than 430w, I am just gonna order the Corsair from Newegg.

That sounds like salesman's speech. I have never heard of something like that before, especially if we talk about high-quality PSUs (it might be true for crappy PSUs).

Lets put down some numbers:

CPU - 95W
GPU - 150W
Chipset - 6.1W
HD - 6.8W

Total: 257.9W

Those are the most power hungry components. You still got over 150W of breathing room. Maximum power usage can be ~30% more than the actual TDP so even with 30% overhead, you would have around 100W of breathing room.

In AT's tests, a setup equipped with GTX 460 used around 330W. And that is with over clocked 130W CPU.

23740.png


430W should be absolutely fine.

RAM: They didn't have the Cruicial. But I believe it was This Kingston model that they have. It says no ECC? hopefully that's not a bad thing...

Your CPU does not support ECC so non-ECC RAM is what you should get.
 
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dma0991

Platinum Member
Mar 17, 2011
2,723
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Power supply: The store didn't have anything below 500w (I think it was the cool master). All Corsairs started at 650w. This one here, It's 100+ bucks And the it's not even Modular.
He claims that with every year your power supply loses 10% of its efficiency, and I should at least get 700w.
And they don't carry Silverstone.

If you're absolutely convinced I don't need more than 430w, I am just gonna order the Corsair from Newegg.

RAM: They didn't have the Cruicial. But I believe it was This Kingston model that they have. It says no ECC? hopefully that's not a bad thing...



I am coming back to the store tomorrow. Any comments / Advice? Thanks

The salesman is giving yet another cliche speech about you need a bigger PSU bla bla. I heard that countless times but never cared what they said because it is not true. Just get a PSU within the range of 500-600W will be sufficient, best to stick with 500W or less. In fact you shouldn't get a PSU that has more than 200W than you need as PSU efficiency is at its best at 70% load. Stress your PSU at 30% load and it won't be as efficient.

ECC is error correction code which is useful for servers but for regular desktop users it is not very useful at all.
 
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