My new Core 2 Quad System Spec.

[beyonddc]

I just purchased all my part over the weekends, this is what I got. What you think?

Case: COOLER MASTER Elite 330 - USD $9.99 after rebate
PSU: COOLER MASTER Real Power Pro 750 wattz - USD $69.99 after rebate
CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 - USD $279.99
Motherboard: MSI P6N SLI Platinum LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 650i SLI - USD $119.99 after rebate
Harddrive: Western Digital SATA 400GB - USD $49.99
Video Card: GECUBE GC-HD3850PG3-D3R Radeon HD 3850 - USD $179.99
Sound Card: CHAINTECH AV-710 7.1 Channels - USD $17.99
Memory: G.SKILL 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 - USD $79.99
DVD Writer Sony 20X IDE DVD Writer - FREE
DVD Reader: ASUS Black 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM ATAPI/E-IDE DVD-ROM - USD $14.99
CPU/Heatsink: ZEROtherm CF800 92mm CPU Cooler - USD $14.99 after rebate
Case Fan: APEVIA CF12S 120mm Case Fan - USD $4.99
IDE Cable: Rosewill RCW-407 18" /Ultra ATA Round Cable /UV Red - USD $5.01
Mouse: Logitech MX Revolution - $6.99 after rebate

Total USD $854.89

Lastly, I'll put my existing 200GB SATA HD and a 400GB IDE HD into this new computer so I'll have a total of 1TB in the end for HD storage.

 

[bamacre]

Harddrive: Western Digital SATA 400GB - USD $49.99
Link?

Ditch the motherboard. Get a P35 based board.

 

[beyonddc]

Originally posted by: bamacre
Harddrive: Western Digital SATA 400GB - USD $49.99
Link?

Ditch the motherboard. Get a P35 based board.

The HD was from black friday staples deal.

What kind of advantage I'll get from a P35 based board?

 

[bamacre]

Originally posted by: beyonddc

Originally posted by: bamacre
Harddrive: Western Digital SATA 400GB - USD $49.99
Link?

Ditch the motherboard. Get a P35 based board.

The HD was from black friday staples deal.

What kind of advantage I'll get from a P35 based board?

The P35 is just a better chipset all around.

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: beyonddc
I just purchased all my part over the weekends, this is what I got. What you think?

1st - Based on our feedback, can you change any of the components at this point?
2nd - In order for us to crow about your cleaverness at picking parts, we need to know HOW you plan on using this PC.
3rd - 4GB of memory? What OS do you plan on using?
4th - Regardless of how cheap it was, I wouldn't have picked the CoolerMaster PS. Some items you simply need quality not just a dirt cheap price.
5th - I'm so sorry that you didn't get the COOLER MASTER Elite 330 for FREE after rebate.
Even though I bought a couple of them I would not pick this case as MY personal PC enclosure. They're fine for cheap builds or to give away as freebies, but not for personal use.
For personal use I bought a CM Cosmos 1000 :thumbsup::laugh: $90 after rebate was very reasonable.

 

[Roguestar]

Heh, it's a bit late to post a rate my rig thread once you've gone and bought it.

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: Roguestar
Heh, it's a bit late to post a rate my rig thread once you've gone and bought it.

They have to learn lessons somehow...

 

[Roguestar]

At least he didn't go and buy an AM2 processor and a S939 board :laugh:. Could be worse .

 

[beyonddc]

Originally posted by: Blain

Originally posted by: beyonddc
I just purchased all my part over the weekends, this is what I got. What you think?

1st - Based on our feedback, can you change any of the components at this point?
2nd - In order for us to crow about your cleaverness at picking parts, we need to know HOW you plan on using this PC.
3rd - 4GB of memory? What OS do you plan on using?
4th - Regardless of how cheap it was, I wouldn't have picked the CoolerMaster PS. Some items you simply need quality not just a dirt cheap price.
5th - I'm so sorry that you didn't get the COOLER MASTER Elite 330 for FREE after rebate.
Even though I bought a couple of them I would not pick this case as MY personal PC enclosure. They're fine for cheap builds or to give away as freebies, but not for personal use.
For personal use I bought a CM Cosmos 1000 :thumbsup::laugh: $90 after rebate was very reasonable.

Answer to 1st: Nope, it's done deal. I bought it already.

Answer to 2nd: Software development, little gaming, pc virtualization (e.g. VirtualBox or Virtual PC)

Answer to 3rd: Probably 32bits Windows Vista Business or 32bits Windows XP Pro. I'm still debating right now. I know, I know... Windows in general when runnning 32bits cannot use more than 4GB of RAM but it can definitely use more than 3GB so I purchased 4GB of RAM. Also if I decided to upgrade to 64bits windows then I'll have room to add more RAM.

Answer to 4th: I thought the Cooler Master PSU was a good deal because it has a 80%+ efficiently. This is the link to my PSU - COOLER MASTER Real Power Pro RS-750-ACAA-A1

Answer to 5th: I missed the free after rebate deal! Argh!!!

I just received the case yesterday. It's actually that bad. I'll let you know when I start building it. I haven't receive the parts yet.

 

[beyonddc]

Originally posted by: Roguestar
At least he didn't go and buy an AM2 processor and a S939 board :laugh:. Could be worse .

eh... naw, definitely this year is not an AMD year. Even the new Phenom was a disappointment from most of the review I read.

 

[jones377]

Originally posted by: Roguestar
At least he didn't go and buy an AM2 processor and a S939 board :laugh:. Could be worse .

But he DID buy a SLI motherboard and a 3850, I think that almost qualifies

 

[beyonddc]

Originally posted by: jones377

Originally posted by: Roguestar
At least he didn't go and buy an AM2 processor and a S939 board :laugh:. Could be worse .

But he DID buy a SLI motherboard and a 3850, I think that almost qualifies

Yup, I realized that after I bought it! eh!!!!
I'm not planning to setup SLI anyway.

 

[SilentTweak]

SLI is a waste of money in my opinion. More Cards More Heat More Electric Bills. And a one card solution of say a 8800GTX is better than say 2 8600XT (I think that's roughly the same price range right?) But either, a one card solution is always better than getting 2 lower grade cards for the same price. And the one card always has better features (usually right?)

The only time I see SLI or Crossfire being worth anything is if you're getting 2 of the best cards in the world. Only then does it ever make sense to get SLI. But then again who can afford that? (Rich people lol)

 

[beyonddc]

Originally posted by: SilentTweak
SLI is a waste of money in my opinion. More Cards More Heat More Electric Bills. And a one card solution of say a 8800GTX is better than say 2 8600XT (I think that's roughly the same price range right?) But either, a one card solution is always better than getting 2 lower grade cards for the same price. And the one card always has better features (usually right?)

The only time I see SLI or Crossfire being worth anything is if you're getting 2 of the best cards in the world. Only then does it ever make sense to get SLI. But then again who can afford that? (Rich people lol)

Agree

 

[Toadster]

if you get a better board, you can drop the soundcard

 

[beyonddc]

Originally posted by: Toadster
if you get a better board, you can drop the soundcard

I thought it's always a good idea to get a soundcard isntead of using on-board sound because on board sound utilize the CPU more than the sound card.

 

[tjaisv]

Well u got a core 2 quad, so the cpu utilization of on-board sound would be insignificant. But either way, u have a decent mid-end system there all in all.

 

[Roguestar]

Originally posted by: tjaisv
Well u got a core 2 quad, so the cpu utilization of on-board sound would be insignificant. But either way, u have a decent mid-end system there all in all.

:thumbsup:

Originally posted by: beyonddc
Answer to 3rd: Probably 32bits Windows Vista Business or 32bits Windows XP Pro. I'm still debating right now. I know, I know... Windows in general when runnning 32bits cannot use more than 4GB of RAM but it can definitely use more than 3GB so I purchased 4GB of RAM. Also if I decided to upgrade to 64bits windows then I'll have room to add more RAM.

You'll probably only see around 3.25GB if you're lucky, so don't be too surprised.

 

[beyonddc]

Originally posted by: Roguestar

Originally posted by: tjaisv
Well u got a core 2 quad, so the cpu utilization of on-board sound would be insignificant. But either way, u have a decent mid-end system there all in all.

:thumbsup:

Originally posted by: beyonddc
Answer to 3rd: Probably 32bits Windows Vista Business or 32bits Windows XP Pro. I'm still debating right now. I know, I know... Windows in general when runnning 32bits cannot use more than 4GB of RAM but it can definitely use more than 3GB so I purchased 4GB of RAM. Also if I decided to upgrade to 64bits windows then I'll have room to add more RAM.

You'll probably only see around 3.25GB if you're lucky, so don't be too surprised.

At least I see 3GB so it's still more than 2GB.
RAM is dirt cheap these days anyway.

 

[Roguestar]

Originally posted by: SilentTweak
SLI is a waste of money in my opinion. More Cards More Heat More Electric Bills. And a one card solution of say a 8800GTX is better than say 2 8600XT (I think that's roughly the same price range right?) But either, a one card solution is always better than getting 2 lower grade cards for the same price. And the one card always has better features (usually right?)

The only time I see SLI or Crossfire being worth anything is if you're getting 2 of the best cards in the world. Only then does it ever make sense to get SLI. But then again who can afford that? (Rich people lol)

Newbie post of the year! For your 4th post that's pretty good .

SLI and Crossfire are only useful if you have to run Crysis on a 30" display - then get yourself 2 8800 Ultras and you're set for the next few years.

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: beyonddc

Originally posted by: Roguestar

Originally posted by: tjaisv
Well u got a core 2 quad, so the cpu utilization of on-board sound would be insignificant. But either way, u have a decent mid-end system there all in all.

:thumbsup:

Originally posted by: beyonddc
Answer to 3rd: Probably 32bits Windows Vista Business or 32bits Windows XP Pro. I'm still debating right now. I know, I know... Windows in general when runnning 32bits cannot use more than 4GB of RAM but it can definitely use more than 3GB so I purchased 4GB of RAM. Also if I decided to upgrade to 64bits windows then I'll have room to add more RAM.

You'll probably only see around 3.25GB if you're lucky, so don't be too surprised.

At least I see 3GB so it's still more than 2GB.
RAM is dirt cheap these days anyway.

Hmm... 1GB unused because "RAM is dirt cheap"?
You can get a Soundblaster Live 4.1 card dirt cheap too. At least that would actually be usable.

 

[beyonddc]

Originally posted by: Blain

Originally posted by: beyonddc
At least I see 3GB so it's still more than 2GB.
RAM is dirt cheap these days anyway.

Hmm... 1GB unused because "RAM is dirt cheap"?
You can get a Soundblaster Live 4.1 card dirt cheap too. At least that would actually be usable.

Actually I've decided not to put my Chaintech 7.1 card into the system. I decided to put that into my HTPC so that I can use the optical output to connect to my receiver.

Instead I'll put this one Diamond X71 7.1 Sound Card. It's probably about the same quality as the chaintech.

 

[flexy]

nice specs....getting similiar in a few, although 8800GTS and dfi LP P35 based. Overclocking galore..shooting for 4x3500 on Q6600

Excited...darn i have that old A64 machine for a long time now.....but it served me well. But now its vista time and crysis and all those goodies.

Yes...4GB is dirt cheap..and if you want to utilize dual channel you can either get 2x1GB (which might be a bit tight)....or 2x2GB.....since you need two identical sticks. (correct me if i am wrong). Therefore 4Gb !

 

[beyonddc]

Originally posted by: flexy
nice specs....getting similiar in a few, although 8800GTS and dfi LP P35 based. Overclocking galore..shooting for 4x3500 on Q6600

Excited...darn i have that old A64 machine for a long time now.....but it served me well. But now its vista time and crysis and all those goodies.

Yes...4GB is dirt cheap..and if you want to utilize dual channel you can either get 2x1GB (which might be a bit tight)....or 2x2GB.....since you need two identical sticks. (correct me if i am wrong). Therefore 4Gb !

aahh... that's a good question. The 2x2GB RAM I bought supports dual-channel. If I install it on a 32bits OS, do I still get dual-channel capability?

 

[jeebus2121]

aahh... that's a good question. The 2x2GB RAM I bought supports dual-channel. If I install it on a 32bits OS, do I still get dual-channel capability?

The operating system is not part of the equation. On the motherboard there will be either two or four DIMM slots. If two, then dual-channel is assumed. If four, the DIMM slots are normally colored (e.g., two yellow, two black) to show the slots that must be occupied in pairs in order to have dual-channel functionality.

What others were mentioning to you concerning 4GB of RAM is that without PAE, Windows 32-bit operating systems address about 3.12GB RAM (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929605/en-us).