First system build in a few years...please comment / advise

[mitchelt]

*Motherboard and Memory have been updated.

Hi:

I haven't built a system in quite a few years due to Dell deals. I thought it was time for a new PC and wanted to build one.

As you review the system please keep in mind that I due not overclock and want a stable system. I will use the system for doing web/graphic design (no 3D stuff, mainly products that Adobe sells) and of course FPS games.

Here is what I was thinking about:

• 
  - Antec PERFORMANCE TX TX1050B Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 500W ATX12V v2.0 Power Supply - $129.99
  
  - Intel BOXD975XBXLKR Socket T (LGA 775) Intel 975X ATX Intel Motherboard - $269.99
  
  - ATI 100-435801 Radeon X1900XT 512MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card - $322.99
  
  - Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 Conroe 2.4GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80557E6600 - $369.99
  
  - CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 675 (PC2 5400) Unbuffered System Memory Model TWIN2X2048-5400c4 - $190.00
  
  - QTY2 each: Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD2500KS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM - $155.98
  
  - SONY Black IDE DVD-ROM Drive Model DDU1615/B2s - OEM - $19.99
  
  - NEC 16X DVD±R DVD Burner Black IDE/ATAPI Model ND-3550A - OEM $29.25
  
  - Antec 75001 80mm 2 Ball Case Cooling Fan - $5.99
  
  - Antec Model:75009 92mm Temperature Sensor SmartCool Case Fan - $13.99
  
  Subtotal: $1,378.15

Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

Mitch

 

[Bobthelost]

Not too sure about the RAM, for that money you can get DDR2 800 (but i can't get the damned link to work :| )

 

[mitchelt]

Originally posted by: Bobthelost
Not too sure about the RAM, for that money you can get DDR2 800 (but i can't get the damned link to work :| )

I'm not an expert on RAM but I could have swore I read something about this motherboard needing 1.8v RAM and I think DDR2 800 is more than 1.8v?

I'm not "attached" to the ram I have chosen, I think I used Crucial's web site to help figure out which one this motherboard should use.

Mitch

 

[acegazda]

I think c2d mobos have that restriction. Still, you should get either corsiar valueselect, or ocz gold, both ddr2-667. For the case, get a lian li pc7b+2 for the case and add an enhance 5140gh or an enermax liberty 400w. That will come to ~$150, you can ,ake up the $20 and then some by getting the RAM I suggested. If you want to replace the 120mm fans the lian li has, get yate loons from jabtech. I take it you're not ocing?

 

[mitchelt]

Thanks for the advice...I'll check out the equipment you mentioned.

Mitch

 

[mitchelt]

Originally posted by: acegazda
I think c2d mobos have that restriction. Still, you should get either corsiar valueselect, or ocz gold, both ddr2-667. For the case, get a lian li pc7b+2 for the case and add an enhance 5140gh or an enermax liberty 400w. That will come to ~$150, you can ,ake up the $20 and then some by getting the RAM I suggested. If you want to replace the 120mm fans the lian li has, get yate loons from jabtech. I take it you're not ocing?

I'm wondering why you are recomending the Lian-li case and the Enermax PS? The Antec case is just as nice and has a more powerful and highly rated PS. Am I missing something or is it personal taste?

I agree about the ram...I will get something different.

And yes...I will not Overclock the system.

Thanks!

Mitch

 

[Bobthelost]

Lian lis are nicer cases than antec ones. I say that as the proud owner of a P150 and P180, both of which i'm very pleased with.

The PSU is not a better one, it's a 500W TPII or SPII, either way it's an inferior choice to an enermax liberty or seasonic (etc. etc.) let alone that enhance which looks very tempting. It's not about power output, but reliablity and how long the PSU will last.

 

[acegazda]

lian li is king for quality, cooling and looks, and the balance between them. That antec comes with a smart power psu, which is most certainly inferior in quality to anything enermax, enhance, seasonic etc. can put out. More quality for a similar price is what I'm asking you to consider. If you don't like the lian li cases, then get a cooler master centurion 534 or something, then you save even more.

 

[jpeyton]

Looks perfect.

 

[mitchelt]

Originally posted by: acegazda
lian li is king for quality, cooling and looks, and the balance between them. That antec comes with a smart power psu, which is most certainly inferior in quality to anything enermax, enhance, seasonic etc. can put out. More quality for a similar price is what I'm asking you to consider. If you don't like the lian li cases, then get a cooler master centurion 534 or something, then you save even more.

I see...thanks for pointing that out. I am not in love with the Antec Case, I just thought it would fit my needs and not have to worry about making sure the PS would fit in the case...I always purchased a case that had a PS.

I looked at the "LIAN LI PC-7B plus II" on NewEgg and it looks nice! Mainly becasue it appears solid, plain (I like plain) and does not have a stupid door that covers the front...I hate doors.

I looked at some of the Enermax PS's and I guess if I buy the case w/ no PS and a seperate PS I am only looking at about $23-$30 more than the Antec case...I think I can live with that!

Thanks for all your help and patience!

Mitch

 

[mitchelt]

Originally posted by: Bobthelost
Lian lis are nicer cases than antec ones. I say that as the proud owner of a P150 and P180, both of which i'm very pleased with.

The PSU is not a better one, it's a 500W TPII or SPII, either way it's an inferior choice to an enermax liberty or seasonic (etc. etc.) let alone that enhance which looks very tempting. It's not about power output, but reliablity and how long the PSU will last.

Thanks for the info...see my post above. I think I may just switch cases and go with a seperate PS.

Thanks!

Mitch

 

[acegazda]

Yeah, the antec you were looking at had a lot of plastic in front, another way to tell a cheap case.