Building a new computer

[blackanode]

I have build a couple of computers but it has been a while so I am not to familiar with the new chipsets, cpus and video cards.

What I want
What I am looking for is a computer that can game well. Won't be running top end FPS more like WoW, and Hellgate London. I would like to have it SLI ready so when I need a little boost for another game that comes around I could run it too.

I don't care if its AMD or Intel, But I want a SOLID machine. I am sick of having to mess around with faulty parts.

With SLI do I want to 100% go with Nvidia or does ATI have some good options. Any opinions would be helpful.

What I have
I will be using an existing Coolermaster case I have lying around but will be replacing the Power supply cause I think its faulty.

I already have an LCD, keyboard and mouse.

I also already have a 250g SATA hard drive.

I would like to stay below 1000$
Preferably at 600$ or so.

Bottom line I want a 100% SOLID machine. Thank you for your time

 

[Doclife]

Are you going to overclock or not ? Different recommendations for different strategies ...

 

[blackanode]

As long as I would get rock solid stability, I would overclock.

 

[Doclife]

In general, it is better to go with a high end graphic card of the current generation than to SLI with the last generation graphic cards (e.g. a single 8800GT 512MB graphic card is much better than 7950GT 512MB SLI). Thus, SLI makes sense only if you SLI "Now". If you "plan" to SLI sometime in the future, then by that time the next generation video card is already out and it will outperform the SLI of whatever video cards you already have. SLI is for people who absolutely wants the fastest and best "Now" and they have to pay for it. They pay twice the prices but don't get twice the speed in most cases.


CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E4500 Allendale 2.2GHz 2M shared L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor $125

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16819115031


You should be able to overclock this CPU to 3Ghz using stock cooler without much trouble. The CPU is running cool enough that doesn't warrant an aftermarket cooler. The stock cooler is also very quiet to boot. My system is rock stable for the last 3 months.


MOTHERBOARD: GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3P Rev 2.0 LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Ultra Durable 2, Ultra Cooling Intel Motherboard $142

http://clubit.com/product_detail.cfm?itemno=A4830709

The on-board audio is superb (ALC889A audio chip). I cannot tell the difference between it and the $100 audio card (M-Audio Revolution 7.1) that I have on my second computer. It has 8 USB ports on the back panel as oppose to 4 on most motherboard; however, it also eliminates parallel and serial ports.

If you don't SLI then get the Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3R for $128


MEMORY: Transcend 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory $86

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820208353

Memory is at their lowest price at this point in time. There is no reason not to go 4GB when prices are this low.


PSU: Corsair 620w SLI Certified Modular ATX Power Supply - CMPSU-620HX $120 (after $20 rebate, free shipping)

http://www.buy.com/prod/corsai...loc/101/203270718.html


This power supply is quiet, has modular cables, quality built and has plenty of power.
If you don't do SLI, then get the Corsair 520HX for $91 (after $10 rebate, free shipping)

http://www.buy.com/prod/corsai...loc/101/203270716.html


CD/DVD BURNER: SAMSUNG Black 2MB Cache SATA Burner $31

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16827151153



VIDEO CARD: XFX PVT88PUDF4 GeForce 8800GT 256MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card $210

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814150264


If your LCD is 22" or less then this video card has plenty of power. For larger screen (24") then get the 8800GT 512MB memory version. The 8800GT 512MB is currently best bang for the buck. Alternatively, you can also go with ATI HD3850 256MB. It is a little bit slower than the 8800GT 256MB, but a lot cheaper ($160, free shipping)

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/ol...&cp=1&id=1194053242019


Total: $714

 

[Denithor]

Great recommendations there!

Only thing I would suggest is going with an EVGA 8800GT (256 or 512) so you can take advantage of their step-up program if the next generation (higher performance level, unlike 8800 rehash we have now) launches in the next 90 days.

 

[blackanode]

Wow thank you so much!!!! How much more would I get out of my system if I went with. http://www.newegg.com/product/...p?item=N82E16819115029

instead of that other processor?

Also my SATA hard drive is the old kind not the kind with protected plugs on the mobo are they backward compatible If its not I might just get this HD
http://www.newegg.com/product/...p?item=N82E16822136037

I might get this power supply instead of the other one, would there by any problems with this one and going sli?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817703005

Would get this monitor to (I don't think the 17 inch I have will cut it)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824009094
good bad things about it?

Also have you had good luck with that type of memory? I was thinking about getting this instead.
http://www.newegg.com/product/...p?item=N82E16820231098
ideas?

Would this video card work for that step up program (could you kind of explain it please)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814130303

Thank you again for that write up I really appreciate it.

(Currently have an XPS notebook that keeps getting memory parity errors that not even dells knows what to do with seems like so going to just get a new system, getting sick of all the errors.)

 

[Doclife]

Originally posted by: blackanode
Wow thank you so much!!!! How much more would I get out of my system if I went with. http://www.newegg.com/product/...p?item=N82E16819115029

instead of that other processor?

Also my SATA hard drive is the old kind not the kind with protected plugs on the mobo are they backward compatible If its not I might just get this HD
http://www.newegg.com/product/...p?item=N82E16822136037

I might get this power supply instead of the other one, would there by any problems with this one and going sli?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817703005

Would get this monitor to (I don't think the 17 inch I have will cut it)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824009094
good bad things about it?

Also have you had good luck with that type of memory? I was thinking about getting this instead.
http://www.newegg.com/product/...p?item=N82E16820231098
ideas?

Would this video card work for that step up program (could you kind of explain it please)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814130303

Thank you again for that write up I really appreciate it.

(Currently have an XPS notebook that keeps getting memory parity errors that not even dells knows what to do with seems like so going to just get a new system, getting sick of all the errors.)

1). If you abosultely don't want to overclock then the CPU you picked (E6750) is a good choice. If you do plan to overclock; however, then the E6750 is a poor choice for several reasons.
a. You overclock because you want to get the highest performance for the lowest price. The E6750 is $65 more than the E4500.
b. The E6750 has 8X clock multiplier while the E4500 has 11X clock multiplier. Lower clock multiplier means that the motherboard's FSB has to be higher (i.e motherboard work harder) in order to achieve the same CPU clock speed, resulting in higher temperature and potentially less stable if the motherboard is not well built.
c. The extra 2MB cache that the E6750 has over the E4500 can be compensated by running the E4500 at higher clock speed. For most application, the extra 2MB cache don't produce much noticeable differences to the end user anyway.

2). SATA connectors are backward compatible. I don't think you would have any issues with your existing hard drive

3). No problems with the power supply you picked. It also is an excellent power supply

4). I would spend more money on the things that I will stare at everyday. After all, it is the monitor that brings out all the eye candies that you paid for. I have the HP w2207 22" monitor and loved it. The Samsung 226CW is also very good.

5). I have 2GB of Transcend memory on my AMD system for the past 2 years and it works great without any problems. I would go with a higher density memory stick (2GB per stick). The system is more reliable if you have less parts. 2 sticks of 2GB each is more reliable than 4 sticks of 1GB each.

 

[Denithor]

You would see a small improvement with e6750 versus e4500 at stock speeds but if you overclock both to 3GHz (or higher) there won't be much difference at all. The e4500 will overclock without stressing the other components as much because it has a higher multiplier (11x200 stock versus 8x333 stock). (11x275 = 3GHz versus 8x375 =3GHz, lower fsb means motherboard/memory/etc run cooler and are less likely to fail due to high frequencies.)

If your old drive is SATA it will be compatible. If you want a new drive, just get the OEM version, your new motherboard will include the SATA cables needed. http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16822136161

Either of those power supplies will make you happy. Definite overkill if you don't go SLI/Crossfire though.

Monitors I don't generally comment on as I only know enough to be dangerous. I can tell you that one has a TN panel so it will be ok for gaming but probably not up to the level needed for photo/video editing etc. See the sticky LCD thread in the video/graphics forum for a recommendation on LCD.

Go with 2x2GB RAM instead of 2x1GB. XP will use 3.2-3.3GB of it, Vista64 will use it all, both will benefit from extra memory (smoother overall performance especially if you have lots of stuff running simultaneously). Choose from these with prices starting at $90 shipped.

Hot deal on a nice CPU cooler: Cooler Master TX2 $2 after $20MIR and free shipping.

Any of these cards will qualify for the EVGA step-up program. The 8800GT 256MB is a pretty nice deal at $220 (back in stock 12/21) but you should probably get the 512MB version if you go with a 22" LCD.

EVGA Step-Up Program
Basically, register your card, if they offer something within 90 days of original purchase you like better you send them your card and pay the difference and they send you the faster card. Note you pay shipping both ways and (at least at this time) you cannot upgrade to their Superclocked/KO/SSC versions (only to stock speed cards). Even if you don't take advantage of step-up EVGA offers the best (lifetime) warranty in the industry and even covers damage caused by overclocking your card (as long as there is no physical damage they will cover the card).

EDIT: Doc beat me to the punch! But I would recommend getting 2x2GB sticks, not 2x1GB or a single 2GB stick with a plan to upgrade later. One stick will run in single channel mode and actually will impact performance a bit. And like Doc said, 2x2GB is better/more stable than 4x1GB (uses less energy, creates less heat, etc).

 

[blackanode]

Thank you your help has been invaluable. Now here are two screens I am down to. I like the Samsung one for the price but it the HP one is that much better then I will get that one price is not that much of a concern between 50$

HP
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...4176079&Tpk=w2207%2b22

Samsung
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824001096

I will probably be using XP for this would that be too much of a problem? I have vista on my Laptop and have not liked it enough to buy it again.


Thanks for the info on the step up program too, really helpful.

 

[Denithor]

Well, with the rebate and free shipping the Samsung is >$100 cheaper and has HDCP so I know which I would choose. But again, I don't know enough about monitors to really make that recommendation.

 

[blackanode]

Is the new generation of SATA noticeably faster?

 

[Doclife]

Originally posted by: blackanode
Thank you your help has been invaluable. Now here are two screens I am down to. I like the Samsung one for the price but it the HP one is that much better then I will get that one price is not that much of a concern between 50$

HP
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...4176079&Tpk=w2207%2b22

Samsung
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824001096

I will probably be using XP for this would that be too much of a problem? I have vista on my Laptop and have not liked it enough to buy it again.


Thanks for the info on the step up program too, really helpful.

I recommend that before you buy a monitor, go to Circuit City and look at the monitor first hand before you decide which one to get (Circuit City has both the HP and Samsung models). If the brick & mortar store has the same model and sell at the same price, then it may be wise to buy from them. If you don't like it because of dead pixels, then you can return them without much hassle. Newegg has very strict returning policy regarding dead pixels on LCD. I think you must have at least 8 dead pixels before they'll let you return the monitor.

There is no difference in performance between the new and old generation of SATA.

 

[blackanode]

Ah I wish I could buy it at a store but I am using a no interest deal on newegg so I have to stay above 1000$ on that site. Well I think I am going to go ahead and buy all those things here with the Samsung monitor I have had excellent luck with them on LCDs so far. Thank you for all your help once more. I really appreciate it.

 

[Denithor]

Keep us posted on your results and feel free to ask any more questions you have (including any help you need with the build itself).

 

[blackanode]

I was unable to buy this computer back when this thread was made I was wondering if these spec's were still good?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820208353
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814150252

Having a hard time finding a mobo less then 150$ on newegg that supports SLI
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813131232
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813128080
Those are all I can find and the first one has some sketchy reviews.

Suggestions Thanks again.

 

[engiNURD]

Originally posted by: Doclife

Originally posted by: blackanode
Wow thank you so much!!!! How much more would I get out of my system if I went with. http://www.newegg.com/product/...p?item=N82E16819115029

instead of that other processor?

1). If you abosultely don't want to overclock then the CPU you picked (E6750) is a good choice. If you do plan to overclock; however, then the E6750 is a poor choice for several reasons.
a. You overclock because you want to get the highest performance for the lowest price. The E6750 is $65 more than the E4500.
b. The E6750 has 8X clock multiplier while the E4500 has 11X clock multiplier. Lower clock multiplier means that the motherboard's FSB has to be higher (i.e motherboard work harder) in order to achieve the same CPU clock speed, resulting in higher temperature and potentially less stable if the motherboard is not well built.
c. The extra 2MB cache that the E6750 has over the E4500 can be compensated by running the E4500 at higher clock speed. For most application, the extra 2MB cache don't produce much noticeable differences to the end user anyway.

I disagree as far as the E6750 being a poor choice for those reasons. The only reason its a poor choice is because the E8400 can be picked up for $189 at Microcenter.

The E6750 may be $65 more, but it can reach a higher clock speed than the E4500, despite its lower multiplier. Most P35 boards can reach at least 450Mhz FSB SDR anyhow, so the 8x multiplier is still good enough to reach higher OCs. With good cooling, some luck, and a good P35 board, you can reach around 4Ghz with an E6750. The most you could hope for with an E4500 is around 3.5Ghz. The E8400 could easily reach 4Ghz.

A higher clocked CPU doesnt help much in games unless the game is really CPU intensive. If you want better gaming performance, get a better GPU. The E4500 OC'd to at least 3Ghz is really all you need. Go for an 8800GT 512MB... don't bother with the 256MB version. There's a Galaxy model for $188AR at ncixus.com, btw.

 

[DSF]

Originally posted by: engiNURD
I disagree as far as the E6750 being a poor choice for those reasons. The only reason its a poor choice is because the E8400 can be picked up for $189 at Microcenter.

You may not have noticed, but most of this thread is from December, before the E8400 was out.

@Blackanode: SLI is not a viable upgrade path. As it stands right now 2 8800GTs aren't king of the hill any more. In a few months to a year or two, when you're looking to upgrade your graphics card, that will be even more true. At that point you'll be better off selling your 8800GT and buying a new card than running SLI 8800GTs.

Don't worry about finding a sub-$150 SLI motherboard because for your budget SLI doesn't make sense. Get a solid P35 motherboard and be done with it.

 

[blackanode]

Thanks for the quick responses.

Is this still pretty competitive for the price?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16819115031

What graphics card would you recommend now? Or is single 8800 GT still a viable option?

I would like to get a processor cheaper then 189$ is the only thing.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813128059
Would this mobo be good since I won't be going the SLI option.

 

[DSF]

That processor and motherboard are fine. They overclock very easily.

A single 8800GT is fine, I just wouldn't bother planning to put 2 of them in SLI.