Final Build-Last Check

[Aral Fayle]

I've finally come up with my final build and am looking for final comments/suggestions before I order.

I'm using the computer for gaming, media, and surfing the web.

Plan to order parts in the next few days.

Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811119137

HD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16822136319

Monitor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824001280

Vid Card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814130492

PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817371015

CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16819103674

OS: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16832116488

RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820231189

Mobo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813128392

That puts me around $1,300 (want to stay under $1,500) but i still need a CD/DVD drive (all the good ones on newegg are out of stock)

I also changed my vid card last minute, so is the PSU still adequate?

 

[wolfman11]

Nice build. I can vouch that the motherboard, chip and RAM combo will work fine (see my sig). Built two systems with that board, works great. On the Power supply I tend to go get more than I probably need... That said, I'd probably spend the extra $20 or $25 for a high quality 750 watt ps to go with that card and be sure it's covered. This one is $15 more after rebate: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...06&Tpk=corsair%20750tx.

 

[theAnimal]

I would go with a GTX275, performance is equal but it uses less power and should also run a little cooler. The PSU is more than enough, good quality 500W+ is plenty.

 

[Aral Fayle]

Thank god! I was nervous about all the motherboard business since I don't really know what I'm doing when it comes to it hahaha. Yea I wasn't sure about PSU, and in a comment on my previous build (was going to get a Radeon 4890 HD) that one was suggested, so I wasn't totally sure if it would work with the new Nvidia. I'll probably take your advice and go for the higher wattage just to be on the safe side.

I'm glad everything checks out. Now I just have to find a dvd/cd drive, a keyboard, and a wireless card!

EDIT:

Just saw your post. Hmm sounds like a good suggestion, i'll check out the GTX275 and see what its like.

 

[vj8usa]

Originally posted by: Aral Fayle
Thank god! I was nervous about all the motherboard business since I don't really know what I'm doing when it comes to it hahaha. Yea I wasn't sure about PSU, and in a comment on my previous build (was going to get a Radeon 4890 HD) that one was suggested, so I wasn't totally sure if it would work with the new Nvidia. I'll probably take your advice and go for the higher wattage just to be on the safe side.

I'm glad everything checks out. Now I just have to find a dvd/cd drive, a keyboard, and a wireless card!

EDIT:

Just saw your post. Hmm sounds like a good suggestion, i'll check out the GTX275 and see what its like.

Why'd you switch from the 4890 to the generally slower and pricier GTX280?

 

[Lunyone]

* Case looks good, I highly recommend the CM 690 case!!
* Mobo, I'd probably stick with a 790gx mobo, since they have the latest 750 SB chipset. The mobo you selected comes with the 710 SB chipset.
* The Antec PSU is fine, but for $5 less (after $20 MIR), I'd opt for the Corsair 650 tx PSU. It has 52A on the single 12v rail (needed for power hungry GPU's) and has 2 x 6+2pin PCI-e power connectors so you can connect any single GPU out on the market!!
* RAM should do fine. It runs at stock voltage of 1.5v, so it'll generally run cooler than other RAM that runs at higher voltages.
* For the GPU, I'd personally go for the 4890, since it's cheaper than the gtx280 and usually performs better too.
* For the OS, you have a good one there. I'd also consider downloading Windows 7 RC for free and then buying Windows 7 when it comes out. Make sure you get the 64bit version, so you can take advantage of more RAM, if you go above 4 gb's later. I think there is still a $50 price for Windows 7, if you pre-order it, but I'm not sure when/where that is being sold at.

 

[jae]

You dont need a 750w PSU. Go with a 4890 instead of the GTX. You're building a system with one of AMD's fastest and priciest quad-core, get a 790 mobo to match it. If you go overbudget, get rid of the Vista and just download Win7 x64.

 

[Aral Fayle]

The only reason I decided to switch from the 4890 was because of my monitor. In some of the reviews I read on newegg.com there was a problem with ATI cards (the 4850 and 4870 were mentioned) not being compatible with the DVI plug. So I'm basically worried that the 4890 will not work with the monitor, although I read that you can just use HDMI instead. That still makes me nervous because some guy had issues with resolution when using the HDMI. On the other hand another poster said he uses the monitor with ATI cards and has no problems...so... there is my dilemma.

I'm pretty clueless when it comes to PSU/MoBo so I'm really greatful for the suggestions and will probably go through with them. However, I'm still undecided about what to do in the video card area (and id rather buy the 4890 than the gtx280)

 

[Lunyone]

I've had no issues with any GPU while using the DVI port. Not familiar with any DVI issues on AMD GPU's, but haven't researched much in that area. Newegg reviews aren't the best to go by, so don't be too worried. I'd just google your particular GPU and see what kind of reviews you get. As far as the PSU area, you only really need a quality 500w PSU for just about any GPU out on the market. I suggested the Corsair 650tx, because it has all of the necessary connectors for any GPU and it is resonably priced at $80 after $20 MIR. This price is hard to beat for a quality PSU with the given specs. If you not comfortable with Corsair, than I'd suggest Antec/Seasonic/PCP&C as PSU companies to consider. They will all be a bit more than the Corsair, generally, but are of good quality. It's up to you, but the PSU I selected (Corsair 650 tx) should serve you well, just look up reviews on it.
Here is a quote from SPCR website on the Corsair 650 tx:
CONCLUSIONS

The Corsair TX650W is aimed at the dual-video card, power-demanding, PC gaming user. It hits the target smack in the center. The rated power may be a bit lower than what the uber gamers seek, but that's usually more about bragging rights and pseudo-machismo than actual need. Its voltage regulation is excellent, its acoustics very quiet, and its efficiency very good. The AC ripple on the 12V is bit higher (only at full power) than we've seen from Corsair models in the past, but still within the ATX12V spec. Corsair's five year warranty remains the longest for any computer power supply we know of. It sits nicely along with the HX520 and HX620 models, which it essentially matches for acoustics.

Here is the link to the quoted page of the review

 

[Maximus876]

Hmmm just as a side note get one of the windows vista discs with a free windows 7 coupon cause vista is becoming useless. The psu should be enough if you don't run sli. I just got a gtx 280 but i am planning to sli, but if you only got one card then 275 is about on par with the 280. i'd invest in a better mobo from the video card money.

 

[Aral Fayle]

The DVI issue isn't with ATI cards in general. Its only an issue when used in conjunction with the Samsung t240hd, and from what I read its only sometimes (its all really sketchy) Worst case scenario I just end up using HDMI which from what I've read is basically the same thing.

Because of all suggestions by multiple people I've decided to swap my current PSU with the Corsair 650TX.

 

[Lunyone]

Either PSU that you selected will work, but it just makes more sense to get the Corsair 650tx over the Antec one, especially if you get the $20 MIR back. Don't get me wrong the Antec PSU would've been fine too, but overall I think your decision to go with the Corsair is a good one.

 

[Aral Fayle]

Yea, from what I read and other posters recommendations I think it was the right way to go. I've decided to take my chances with the 4890, specifically: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814150359

Now I'm looking for a MoBo thats a 790gx as others recommended. A friend linked me http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813131366. I've been looking at it, but I'm not even exactly sure what to look for other than to make sure its ddr3 to match the RAM. Any help would be great.

Then all I need is to pick out a decent keyboard and wireless card(ugh) and I'm done!

 

[Lunyone]

For the Asus mobo you selected, you can always refer to the Qualified Vendor List for the correct DDR3 memory to use. Generally as long as it's DDR3 1066-1600 mHz you should be good, but the QVL gives you ones that Asus has tested on any given mobo that they make. Here is the link to the QVL for your mobo.

Here is a good wireless card that has been recommended to me before:
EDIMAX EW-7727In IEEE 802.11b/g/n 32bit PCI Wireless Adapter Up to 300Mbps Data Rates WEP 64/128, WPA, WPA2 Cisco CCX Support WPS configuration - Retail
^This card is a Wireless B, G, & N, so you'll be covered when/if you upgrade your wireless router to Wireless N standard. I've had good luck with Linksys and Netgear routers and wireless cards. I haven't had any luck with any Belkin routers or wireless cards, so I don't recommend them.

 

[Aral Fayle]

So that is how to find the best RAM for the mobo? and it would be better if I found RAM that matched with one on the list? So are you saying that its a good mobo? or should I still be looking for a different one.

I've been looking at that wireless card and a few others. I don't really know how to make the decision, but the one you linked seems pretty solid. I currently have a linksys router and have never really had an issue with it.

 

[Lunyone]

That mobo seems to be fine. All manufacturers have occasional bad ones make it out the door, but the support that you get from the manufacturer is the important part. I haven't had to deal with Asus support, since I haven't had any issues with any Asus product, but I'm sure others have. If you research your mobo online using Google or other search engine, you should be able to get a sense of how good a particular mobo is.

The QVL list is an "Approved" memory list that Asus recommends using in their mobo's. Generally on the low-end mobo's this can be crucial. I've run into problems before, because I didn't look to see if the memory voltage could be changed on a given mobo. The mobo you selected ISN'T a low-end mobo and should be able to handle just about any memory (DDR3) that you throw at it. Just make sure the memory runs at 1066-1600 mHz and you should be covered. I think any 1066-1333 mHz memory will do just fine for your uses. Any memory above 1333 mHz doesn't really give you much added performance for the $, IMHO.