First time builder - parts list & couple questions

[new2building]

Hi and thanks for the help!

I am somewhat familiar with the inside of a computer having done some upgrades, but this will be my first time from scratch. Please note that I'm not really interested in overclocking or crazy cooling systems that aren't 100% necessary to the performance of my parts. Also, I would prefer having a quieter desktop.

My goals with the system are photo editing (I'm a semi-pro photographer) and gaming (I'd like to play Crysis, UT4, and Bioshock).

Here are the parts I'm looking at buying:

Chip: Q6600

Case: Antec P182

PS: Corsair HX520

Mobo: Gigabyte P35-DS3L

RAM: G.Skill 4GB (2x2) DDR2 800

Video: EVGA 8800GT

Already own:
DVD burner
CDRW
SATA HDDs

Questions:
1) Assuming I think this is the complete list of things I need (excluding software), do you see anything else that I would need to easily put this together?

2) Thermal compound / additional cooling. I've read that chips come with the appropriate compound already attached to the heat sink. Is it necessary to purchase more? Also, is the stock heat sink sufficient assuming I am not overclocking.

I really appreciate any advice you can give me. I'd like this to be a smooth experience with as little frustration as possible, which is why I'm trying to be so thorough. I do not want to get my shipment only to find I need additional supplies.

So, again, thanks for your time.

 

[DSF]

The stock heat sink is fine if you're not overclocking. If you find it's too loud for your taste, you can always get a quieter one later. As far as buying thermal grease, the heatsink comes with pre-applied thermal interface material, and you don't need anything else.

Your case comes with three Tri-Cool fans, which a lot of people seem to find too noisy on anything above low speed. If a quiet PC is important to you, you might want to look at buying some quieter 120mm fans from Scythe, Yate Loon, Nexus, etc. However, that's something that you can decide later after you've heard the Tri-Cools for yourself.

Speaking of your case, do you really need the p182? If you're putting a lot of drives in, maybe so, but a smaller case like the Solo (also by Antec) might do just as well for you and save you some money.

Since it's your first time, I'd look at some of the PC building guides online (mechBgon has one in a sticky at the top of this forum) and either print out the one that's easiest for you to understand, or make a checklist for yourself. There's also a video here demonstrating how to install a socket 775 processor and heatsink.

Here are some things to double-check:

1) Make sure all the front panel connections are in the correct orientations on the motherboard. As small and sometimes poorly labeled as the damn things are, even experienced builders can put them on the wrong way now and then.

2) Don't forget the power plugs on things like video cards and hard drives. Since you're using a modular PSU, make sure the power cords are firmly seated at both ends.

3) Make sure all four pins on the stock Intel heatsink are pushed in all the way until you hear a click. The fourth one can be a toughie.

4) Take the time to do a neat job with your cabling. It'll look nicer, make life easier when you want to change something, and allow better airflow.

 

[new2building]

Appreciate the response. I'm switching to the Antec Solo case because I think you're right and it will better suit my needs.

Also, thanks for the tips on the PSU. This is the first time I've heard of a modular PSU and it came very highly recommended.

 

[DSF]

Originally posted by: new2building
Appreciate the response. I'm switching to the Antec Solo case because I think you're right and it will better suit my needs.

Also, thanks for the tips on the PSU. This is the first time I've heard of a modular PSU and it came very highly recommended.

The Solo is a good choice, but only comes with one fan. It has one of the Tri-Cools that I mentioned as an exhaust fan. There are mounting holes for 2 92mm fans as intakes, but it doesn't come with any. You may want to buy an intake fan.