Help Me Find The Best Case

[blove145]

My initial plan was to build around the ASUS P5B Deluxe mobo but after comparing it to either the GIGABYTE GA-P35C-DS3R and the ASUS P5K3 DELUXE I would much rather have something that i could upgrade later down the line. I'm not into overclocking but wouldn't mind doing so. PC will b used for photography,photoshop,watching movies and a little gaming. I have a hard drive,2 optical drives that connect via SATA and an Ultra X Connect PSU. Not sure if i can transfer all that stuff over but thats why im here. )

I've read a few reviews for both mobos mentioned above and am leaning more towards the Asus.

I've also decided on the GeForce 8800GTS 640M, will need the dual display.

So now i need help deciding on a CPU and memory. I have no desire for DDR3 so DDR2 will be just fine.

Was also thinking of replacing my tower with something lighter that can comfortably fit the GeForce gfx card.

I think thats pretty much it. Thanks to every1 that has helped me thus far and that will continue to help me in the future. )

Take Care

 

[blove145]

I also plan to install Windows XP. Not sure if i should go Vista rite now as I have read people were having so many issues with it.

 

[drakore]

ASUS P5K Deluxe or Gigabyte GA-P35-DQ6, both are great boards.

I would take a look at the 2900XT, outperforms the 8800GTS 640MB right now.

CPU, depending on when you want to buy it.... e6600 or 6420 now, e6750 or 6850 july 22nd. I doubt you need a quad core, if you buy one it will be fairly pointless.

What wattage is you PSU? If you need a psu then go for the corsair 520HX.
For memory go with something like crucial ddr2-800. they are on sale now, and are excellent performers.

If you have any questions, you can PM me

 

[fire400]

asus is clearly better. he wants the best, let him have the best.

2900XT, problems. mostly ATI-fans just stickin' with crappy ATI 2000 cards. 8800 all the way.

get a cheap core2 E6300 or E6350, no difference except for the 2mb cache, you probably won't notice too much of a difference in real world performance anyway. what matters is that you overclock it past the shores of hell.

corsair is a good PSU, 520w ain't gonna cut it though if you want dual graphics cards.

RAM, any DDR800 stuff will give you good overclocks.

if you have any questions, post it here, 'cuz if you PM, others won't be able to benefit.

GG kids

 

[blove145]

thanks for the replies guys.

drakore, i think i'll go with the quad core since the price will drop. Photoshop uses alot of cpu power and i found some tests that show that photoshop actually uses all 4 cores so i can benefit from that greatly.

I'm not sure of the wattage of my PSU. Its around 3 years old, Ultra X Connect. I'm not familiar with the Corsair 520HX. I prefer something like the Ultra X Connect as its less clutter in the case.

fire400, what kind of PSU will i need to run 2 graphics cards. For now I will just have 1 but if i plan to upgrade, i may as well get the right PSU now.

The last thing I need help finding is a case that will fit all of this stuff. Especially the 9" 8800 gfx card. I would like something light, that doesnt get hot so easily. I'm open to any suggestions you guys may have. I was looking @ something like the smaller body types but those only house mini ATX mobo's and i definitely want something thats easy to put everything into.

thanks again
take care

 

[Roguestar]

You should also cross-post this thread in General Hardware:
http://forums.anandtech.com/categories.aspx?catid=27

- The Corsair 520HX is not only great quality but has modular cables so no clutter.
- The 8800GTS would do you well.
- Don't listen to fanboy talk like "asus is clearly better. he wants the best, let him have the best.". Read the reviews on AnandTech, read the motherboard forums here and the newegg reviews. Make your mind up based on that.

 

[blove145]

OK, here is where im @ so far with my future build...

Intel Core?2 Quad Q6600, 2.40 GHz

ASUS P5K DELUXE/WIFI-AP LGA 775 Intel P35

GeForce 8800GTS 640MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Video Card

Corsair HX620W PSU

Crucial Technology 2GB PC2-6400 Non-ECC DDR2 DIMM for Desktop

I still need help in finding a case that will fit all this comfortably and that can be lightweight as possible but also good in noise reduction.

Thanks again to all who have helped....thanks
take care