Critique my new build

[therach1025]

Hi.

I just commited myself to building my first system. It's primary use will be gaming (I want it to be at least powerful enough to handle games released through 2008). My current system can't even play Half-Life 2. I don't plan on doing any overclocking mostly because i know nearly nothing about it so my mind may change. My budget is $1500.
Here are the parts I've selected:

Case: LinkAPEX TU-163 Black Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case 350W Power Supply
$49.99

MoBo: LinkEVGA 122-CK-NF67-A1 LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 680i LT SLI ATX Intel Motherboard
$194.99

Video Card: LinkEVGA 768-P2-N831-AR GeForce 8800GTX 768MB 384-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card
$529.99

PSU: LinkRosewill RX850-S-B 850W SLI Ready,APFC,ATX12V v2.2/EPS12V v2.91 Power Supply
$169.99

CPU: LinkIntel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Processor
$279.99

Memory: LinkPatriot Extreme Performance 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory
$111.99

Hard Drive: LinkSAMSUNG SpinPoint T Series HD403LJ 400GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
$84.99

Optical Drive: LinkLITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with 12X DVD-RAM write and LightScribe Technology
$29.99

Total: $1451.92

My main concerns are with overheating. I've seen some threads about various parts getting too hot so I'd like to know what I should do to prevent that with these parts or any other suggested parts (extra cooling for example).
Any help is appreciated.

 

[ultra99]

Well, why didn't you post before for suggestions before buying?

Are you planning on going with SLI? If not, a P35 board would've better, runs cooler and overclocks better (if you go in that route).
Also, as I've heard Rosewill psu's are crap, OCZ or Corsair would've been better and you don't need 850w.....500w is enought, 700w if you SLI.

 

[Mr Fox]

Originally posted by: therach1025
Hi.

I just commited myself to building my first system. It's primary use will be gaming (I want it to be at least powerful enough to handle games released through 2008). My current system can't even play Half-Life 2. I don't plan on doing any overclocking mostly because i know nearly nothing about it so my mind may change. My budget is $1500.
Here are the parts I've selected:

Case: LinkAPEX TU-163 Black Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case 350W Power Supply
$49.99

If Heat is your Concern, this Case is problematic try for something with 120 mm fans that are quiet, and move allot of Air.

Cases are mostly personal Preference type of thing.. but Silverstone, and Thermaltake are good as are Antec

MoBo: LinkEVGA 122-CK-NF67-A1 LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 680i LT SLI ATX Intel Motherboard
$194.99

Consider a Intel P35 based MOBO they are Less Cash, more Stable, and less Problematic than A 680i NV MOBO. They also overclock well.

ASUS P5K Series, ABIT IP 35, Or Gigabyte GA-P35

Video Card: LinkEVGA 768-P2-N831-AR GeForce 8800GTX 768MB 384-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card
$529.99

Good card.

PSU: LinkRosewill RX850-S-B 850W SLI Ready,APFC,ATX12V v2.2/EPS12V v2.91 Power Supply
$169.99

Basically Overkill.....and not that great of a supply. You can Save Cash Here for a Better Case....$50.00 less.

SILVERSTONE SST-ST60F ATX 600W Power Supply

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817163109

CPU: LinkIntel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Processor
$279.99

Unless you transcode Video, and multi-task this is a place that you can also save.
E6750 is the good Choice....
Quads run hot hot hot , and if you go that way you will need a better CPU Cooler than the Stock one.

Memory: LinkPatriot Extreme Performance 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory
$111.99

This memory is Micron D-9 based IC's Best memory on Market.

Crucial Ballistix 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820146565

Hard Drive: LinkSAMSUNG SpinPoint T Series HD403LJ 400GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
$84.99

Optical Drive: LinkLITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with 12X DVD-RAM write and LightScribe Technology
$29.99

Total: $1451.92

My main concerns are with overheating. I've seen some threads about various parts getting too hot so I'd like to know what I should do to prevent that with these parts or any other suggested parts (extra cooling for example).
Any help is appreciated.

Welcome to AT forums, and Good luck with your Build !!

 

[therach1025]

Originally posted by: ultra99
Well, why didn't you post before for suggestions before buying?

Are you planning on going with SLI? If not, a P35 board would've better, runs cooler and overclocks better (if you go in that route).
Also, as I've heard Rosewill psu's are crap, OCZ or Corsair would've been better and you don't need 850w.....500w is enought, 700w if you SLI.

Thanks for replying. I actually haven't bought anything yet. I just selected these parts at newegg.
I've read some threads that say that SLI isn't really worth it. I considered SLI for the future, like getting a second 8800gtx when the price goes down. Is it worth it or should I just save for the next best video card?
I just googled rosewill and you might be right. I'll check out other PSUs.

 

[MarcVenice]

Save for the next best videocard.

Other recommended PSU's are seasonics, corsairs, PC&P, some antecs, silverstone's etc. Really popular is the 520hx which should be plenty of power for you, if you go SLI you do need more power though.

 

[therach1025]

Thanks MrFox.

Case:
How's this one: LinkSunbeam Transformer IC-TR-BA Black Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case
$69.99

MoBo:
Save $100 to forgo SLI?! I think so.
LinkGIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard
$99.99

PSU:
Thanks for the suggestion. I googled watt requirements and I'll go with:
ListOCZ GameXStream OCZ700GXSSLI ATX12V 700W Power Supply 100 - 240 V
$139.99

CPU:
I've read that more and more applications will start to take advantage of quad cores and this CPU isn't that expensive (compared to the GPU) so I think I'll keep it.

Memory:
Thanks. I'll take this suggestion. Saves me a dollar.

 

[Mr Fox]

Originally posted by: therach1025
Thanks MrFox.

Case:
How's this one: LinkSunbeam Transformer IC-TR-BA Black Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case
$69.99

MoBo:
Save $100 to forgo SLI?! I think so.
LinkGIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard
$99.99

Good Choice !

PSU:
Thanks for the suggestion. I googled watt requirements and I'll go with:
ListOCZ GameXStream OCZ700GXSSLI ATX12V 700W Power Supply 100 - 240 V
$139.99

This Power Supply is prone to ripple under loads, and is based on The Fortron Epsilon PSU
The PSU that I spec'd is much better, If you want more Wattage step-up to the Decathlon, or Strider 750 They are built like a tank, and clean power.
For the dollar you can't go wrong with Silverstone.



CPU:
I've read that more and more applications will start to take advantage of quad cores and this CPU isn't that expensive (compared to the GPU) so I think I'll keep it.

Well with your set-up just buy a better Heat sink, and you can easily get the performance of the Q6800 by just opening your FSB to 333, and you will be excellent without stressing the machine. 3.0 Ghz. should be easy to hit


Memory:
Thanks. I'll take this suggestion. Saves me a dollar.

You are on your way to a nice system !! Good Luck with your Build !!

 

[therach1025]

How's this PSU:
LinkSILVERSTONE SST-ST75ZF ATX12V / EPS12V 750W Power Supply 100 - 240 V OCP,OVP,SCP,NLO
$159.99

Are there any specific heatsinks you would recommend?

 

[therach1025]

Here's my build as of now. Is anything crap quality or incompatible? I'm worried if that PSU+Memory combo
I discovered that ZipZoomFly has free shipping so I saved some money getting some parts there.

Case: LinkSunbeam Transformer IC-TR-BA Black Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case
$69.99

MoBo: LinkGIGABYTE Intel® P35 + ICH9 Chipset DDR2 1066 ATX GA-P35-DS3L Motherboard
$98.31

Video Card: LinkEVGA 768-P2-N831-AR GeForce 8800GTX 768MB 384-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card
$529.99

CPU: LinkIntel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Quad-Core Processor 2.4GHz, 1066FSB, LGA775, 8MB cache
$277.50

Memory: LinkG.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory
$74.99

AND

PSU: LinkABS Tagan ITZ Series ITZ700 ATX12V / EPS12V 700W Power Supply 100 - 240 V TUV, UL, CE, CB, FCC, Semko, Nemko, Demko, Fimko
$129.99

$189.98 because of Combo Special.

Hard Drive: LinkWESTERN DIGITAL WD3200AAKS 320GB USB/eSATA 7200 RPM 16MB Hard Drive Bulk
$79.90

Optical Drive: LinkLiteon LH-20A1P-185 20X Dual Layer DVD+/-RW Drive (Black)
$34.99

PLUS 5 Case fans (Apevia)
$26.15

Total: $1367.13

Is anything crap quality or incompatible? I'm wondering if that PSU+Memory combo is worth it.

 

[theprodigalrebel]

PSU: Corsair 550VX $99.99
---> There aren't any reviews online of this specific model but there are dozens of reviews of the 450VX/520HX/620HX and all unanimously agree that Corsair's PSUs kick ass. A lot. And then some.

Case: Cooler Master 690 $59.99
---> Looks beautiful (at least to me) and very well reviewed. Some reviewers are befuddled, wondering why Cooler Master is charging $60 for a case they could easily sell for $150.

Memory: G. Skill 2GBPQ $79.99, $54.99AR
---> Same price, same speed, same manufacturer, better latency. You might miss the combo deal but the PSU I suggested is a killer product (or at least has a killer heritage).

The rest looks fine to me. Intel makes great CPUs and chipsets. Gigabyte makes great motherboards. Hard drives - just throw a dart to pick between WD/Seagate/Samsung/Hitachi. Lite-On makes good optical drives. I dunno much about case fans but a lot of experienced folks here suggest Yate Loons coz they are cheap and good.

Good luck with your build!

 

[therach1025]

Originally posted by: theprodigalrebel
PSU: Corsair 550VX $99.99
---> There aren't any reviews online of this specific model but there are dozens of reviews of the 450VX/520HX/620HX and all unanimously agree that Corsair's PSUs kick ass. A lot. And then some.

Case: Cooler Master 690 $59.99
---> Looks beautiful (at least to me) and very well reviewed. Some reviewers are befuddled, wondering why Cooler Master is charging $60 for a case they could easily sell for $150.

Memory: G. Skill 2GBPQ $79.99, $54.99AR
---> Same price, same speed, same manufacturer, better latency. You might miss the combo deal but the PSU I suggested is a killer product (or at least has a killer heritage).

The rest looks fine to me. Intel makes great CPUs and chipsets. Gigabyte makes great motherboards. Hard drives - just throw a dart to pick between WD/Seagate/Samsung/Hitachi. Lite-On makes good optical drives. I dunno much about case fans but a lot of experienced folks here suggest Yate Loons coz they are cheap and good.

Good luck with your build!

Thanks for the input.

About the PSU, I think since I'm getting the 8800gtx and the q6600 I'd need more than 500w. Correct me if I'm wrong.

That is a nice looking case but I've heard the 8800gtx is large so I was going for a full tower. Is this necessary?

I'll consider the memory and the fans although I have absolutely no overclocking experience. (The reviews say the memory defaults to 5-5-5-15-21 setting.

 

[theprodigalrebel]

The case will handle 8800GTX SLI. Here it is with a 8800 Ultra Link
Most mid-towers have trouble with the 8800GTX but the newer ones coming out are getting a little deeper while remaining as tall as classic mid-towers. The GTX is 10.6 inches long and extends an inch off the motherboard's edge (9.6" for ATX motherboards).

More pics of the GTX in the 690

550W will handle a Q6600 and a 8800GTX. Go higher only if you think SLI/Crossfire is in your future but since you are picking an Intel motherboard with a Nvidia video card, I am guessing that is not in your plans. You can take a quick look through the 'Power Supplies' forum and look at countless 'How much power do I need?' threads. From everything I've read, 550W will easily handle an overclocked Q6600 and a 8800GTX.

This is how memory works: for higher speeds and better timings, you need higher voltage (vdimm). Most motherboards boot using the standard 1.8V voltage and some value-oriented boards don't even have options to change the voltage! Therefore, memory has to include a SPD profile at very loose/relaxed timings to ensure it will work with all motherboards. Once the computer boots and you go into BIOS, set the correct voltage and timings (as per the specs). Most people on Newegg don't realize that they have to manually set the voltage and timings - don't let their reviews bother you.

I will try to look up some of the better threads on the power supply topic.

Edit: Damn, I am starting to suck at finding decent, relevant links. I may not be back for a while so I will just post this Tweaktown article

The article outlines total system power draw (at the wall, not the PSU itself) as a Q6600 is clocked from 2400MHz to 3800MHz. Keep in mind that this rig has TWO HD 2900XTs while your rig while only have a single 8800GTX.

Xbitlabs answers the question of the power draw of your video card alone. At load,

2900XT = 161W
8800GTX = 131W

From this, we know that 2900XT Crossfire takes ~200W more than a single 8800GTX and you can subtract that figure from the Tweaktown article to get a reasonable approximate of what to expect with the Q6600/8800GTX combo.

 

[therach1025]

Thanks theProdigalRebel.
I decided to go with your suggestion and get the corsair 550w PSU and the case. I hope the Cooler Master logo on the front is removable.

One more question though. I've heard that the stock heatsink that comes with the q6600 is no good for overclocking. I don't even know if I will overclock because I have no experience there but I might.
I've heard good things about the Tuniq Tower and the Termalright Utra 120 but they both look so large. Will they fit into the COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP MidTower case? Are there better values available?
I plan on making the purchase tonight or tomorrow.