First Build Ever - Please Critique

[someaznboy]

Hello all,

Been trolling the forums for awhile now and I've learned so much from you guys. Now I think I'm finally ready to dive into my first build and have already ordered a few parts. Basically, this is going to be an all purpose machine with a little emphasis on gaming/media. I do plan to overclock on some air cooling. I have my mind set on mostly everything but I am looking for some sensible advice/critique from those more knowledgeable than myself. Budget is somewhat an issue but I am more concerned with getting quality stuff with best bang for buck. Anyway, here's the list I have in mind:

Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor - Retail
ASUS P5Q Deluxe LGA 775 Intel P45 Intel Motherboard - Retail
CORSAIR CMPSU-620HX 620W ATX12V v2.2 and EPS12V 2.91 Power Supply 100 - 240 V UL, CUL, CE, CB, FCC Class B, TUV, CCC, C-tick - Retail
Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
VisionTek 900244 Radeon HD 4870 512MB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail
Microsoft Windows Vista 64-Bit Home Basic for System Builders Single Pack DVD - OEM
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1000 (PC2 8000) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail

So, I guess I'm wondering if these will all fit together nicely without any compatibility issues or anything. Any and all help is much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[BassBomb]

How much do you actual game when you say "a little emphasis"?
If you are only gaming minimally (and at resolutions say under 1680x1050) I would probably reduce the graphics card

Build looks good, personally I would probably go for ddr800 unless you are overclocking. The price is not too bad either.

 

[modoheo]

Great looking list, all compatible, should come together to produce a very high-performance system.

I assume you already have monitor, keyboard, case, etc? Since you may overclock, did you pick an aftermarket CPU cooler?

 

[DSF]

Since you're overclocking, the RAM is fine. If you're not trying to go past 3.6GHz though, BassBomb is right. You could pick up some nice 1.8V Mushkin DDR2-800 for $65 after rebate.

Generally speaking everything looks good, but I agree that you're being a little bit vague about how the machine is going to be used. If your monitor is 22" or less (and certainly if it's 19" or less) I would step the graphics card down since you said you're looking for bang for the buck. Especially if you bring the graphics card down, you could save yourself some money by buying a smaller PSU as well.

What features are attracting you to the P5Q Deluxe? If you aren't sure, then the P5Q Pro would probably suit your needs just fine, and if I'm not mistaken the combo deal on the P5Q Pro and HD4850 is still available at Newegg.

 

[someaznboy]

Originally posted by: BassBomb
How much do you actual game when you say "a little emphasis"?
If you are only gaming minimally (and at resolutions say under 1680x1050) I would probably reduce the graphics card

Build looks good, personally I would probably go for ddr800 unless you are overclocking. The price is not too bad either.

Well, I am playing WoW at the moment but I plan to get into more graphic intensive stuff like Crysis and Call of Duty soon. I want this to be a good build for a few years down the road with probably just a few upgrades when needed.

 

[someaznboy]

Originally posted by: modoheo
Great looking list, all compatible, should come together to produce a very high-performance system.

I assume you already have monitor, keyboard, case, etc? Since you may overclock, did you pick an aftermarket CPU cooler?

Yes, I have a BenQ 24" already so I'm planning to game at 1900X1200 resolution. Also am keeping peripherals I already have. As far as an aftermarket cooler, I had my eye set on the Zalman 9700. Think that would be good enough to get up to 3.6?

 

[DSF]

Originally posted by: jimmyslapnutz
Yes, I have a BenQ 24" already so I'm planning to game at 1900X1200 resolution. Also am keeping peripherals I already have. As far as an aftermarket cooler, I had my eye set on the Zalman 9700. Think that would be good enough to get up to 3.6?

It would be fine for getting up to that speed, but it's not a good price for what you get. The Zalman coolers are old designs, but Zalman continues to charge high prices for them. There are newer, better coolers for less money. Look for example at the Xigmatek HDT-1283 and its OCZ and Kingwin clones, the Scythe Ninja and Ninja Mini, Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro, Sunbeam Tuniq Tower, and several of ZeroTherm's offerings for products that match or beat the Zalman for less money.

Sounds to me like you're putting more than a little emphasis on gaming. (Not that there's anything wrong with that.)

 

[someaznboy]

Originally posted by: DSF
Since you're overclocking, the RAM is fine. If you're not trying to go past 3.6GHz though, BassBomb is right. You could pick up some nice 1.8V Mushkin DDR2-800 for $65 after rebate.

Generally speaking everything looks good, but I agree that you're being a little bit vague about how the machine is going to be used. If your monitor is 22" or less (and certainly if it's 19" or less) I would step the graphics card down since you said you're looking for bang for the buck. Especially if you bring the graphics card down, you could save yourself some money by buying a smaller PSU as well.

What features are attracting you to the P5Q Deluxe? If you aren't sure, then the P5Q Pro would probably suit your needs just fine, and if I'm not mistaken the combo deal on the P5Q Pro and HD4850 is still available at Newegg.

Well, I would like to Crossfire eventually and the 4870 seems like it will be the best card down the road for sometime. As far as the P5Q deluxe, Im not really sure but I just want a good oc'ing board that is stable and will give me great performance.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Nice mo-board and nice hard drive

 

[someaznboy]

Originally posted by: DSF

Originally posted by: jimmyslapnutz
Yes, I have a BenQ 24" already so I'm planning to game at 1900X1200 resolution. Also am keeping peripherals I already have. As far as an aftermarket cooler, I had my eye set on the Zalman 9700. Think that would be good enough to get up to 3.6?

It would be fine for getting up to that speed, but it's not a good price for what you get. The Zalman coolers are old designs, but Zalman continues to charge high prices for them. There are newer, better coolers for less money. Look for example at the Xigmatek HDT-1283 and its OCZ and Kingwin clones, the Scythe Ninja and Ninja Mini, Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro, Sunbeam Tuniq Tower, and several of ZeroTherm's offerings for products that match or beat the Zalman for less money.

Sounds to me like you're putting more than a little emphasis on gaming. (Not that there's anything wrong with that.)

Hehe, yeah I didn't realize it but I guess I do want a killer setup for future gaming. Thanks for all those cooling suggestions. I wasn't aware that there were so many better alternatives. Thanks for all the good helpful advice, guys, I really appreciate them.

 

[DSF]

Originally posted by: jimmyslapnutz

Well, I would like to Crossfire eventually and the 4870 seems like it will be the best card down the road for sometime. As far as the P5Q deluxe, Im not really sure but I just want a good oc'ing board that is stable and will give me great performance.

The P5Q Pro would do all of that and save you money, unless you need an eSATA port or S/PDIF optical out for your sound.

 

[someaznboy]

I forgot to mention that I already picked up a Rocketfish awhile ago from that Best Buy clearance deal. Do you guys think the P45 models are the way to go here if I plan to crossfire in the future? I've heard that the X48's are better performance but if it's not a huge deal I am just going to get a P5Q Pro.

Also, can anyone recommend me a solid DVD Burner based on your own experience? I would like a really quiet one if possible. Thanks.

 

[videogames101]

lol, I posted that exact same build in thread like 3 days ago.


good choices, rofl...


anyways, look at the samsung 203n for a burner, best one out there
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16827151154

 

[someaznboy]

Hey everyone,

After considering all of your advice and making a few decisions on my own I went ahead and ordered everything last night. Now comes the hard part! Wish me luck, guys. Again, I appreciate all of the helpful advice from you all.

Here's the Final Build:

Vista Home Premium 64

ASUS P5Q Pro

ASUS Radeon 4850

ASUS Black 20X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 20X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 14X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe

XIGMATEK HDT-S1283

Western Digital Caviar 640GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive

Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor

Rocketfish Aluminum Full-Tower Case

CORSAIR CMPSU-620HX 620W ATX12V v2.2 and EPS12V 2.91 Power Supply