New Build Opinions and Help Would be Appreciated

[Shaker8]

Hey Guys,

I need to run this new system by you pros and experts here at anandtech.

This build is for my uncle, and its primary purpose is going to be for playing WOW, mp3 and internet(For now).

I want it to be Ready as it can be to upgrade to vista when he chooses to do so, sans the video card, i think this should be good. Tell me if I am wrong.

Okay based most off this off the Midrange overclocking article HERE, and searching through the forums for suggestion made to others like me.

I have selected these components so far max budget is $1500

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E4300 Allendale 1.8GHz
HS/F: Cooler Master Hyper 6+
MOBO: ASUS P5B-E
RAM: SUPER TALENT 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)
VC: EVGA T2 GeForce 7600GT 256MB
PSU: SeaSonic EPS12V 500W Power Supply 100
HD: Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD3200KS 320GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
OD: SAMSUNG Black 18X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 2MB Cache SATA DVD Burner With LightScribe Technology - OEM
DIS: IPOD READY!!!! ViewSonic VX1945wm Black-Silver 19" 5ms DVI Widescreen LCD Monitor
OS: Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 SP2b w/Upgrade Coupon for Vista - OEM

All wrapped up in this JET ENGINE

The case is already been bought beacause of a great deal at COMPUSA on it ($50)

With the case and all rebates figured in its all right under $1300.

Look guys i haven't built a computer for awhile and of course technology hasn't waited around on me, so i got more than a few question for you about the above components and whether there right for this build and me.

1. The CPU - Okay everything I have read says that this chip is the easy to over clock and should easily be able to do at least 3ghz (3.6 in the review). I know that some people haven't been getting as good results as that
but considering the mobo and ram will a clock above 3ghz be attainable? If not then should i go with the e6300 or 6400?

2. HS/F - this was a tough choice the Tuniq tower will not fit in this case(I did a search and apparently a couple of people in other forums had this idea) . Apparently that huge 25cm fan sticks in about an inch, the case itself is 7.9 inches depth wise so i have about 6.9 inches to play with for a hs/f on top of a CPU on top of a mobo. Considering that the tuniq tower is 15.5 centimeters and 15.5 centimeters = 6.1023622 inches lets just call it 6.1 inches, I am guessing that mobo mounted with cpu is more than 0.8 inches in most cases then. So the Hyper 6 is only 14.3cm a little under half an inch less is it going to work? The poster in the other forums said that the tuniq was close but you would need lots of duck tape to get the side door to close?

3. MOBO - This mobo was the alternate in the over clocking guide I like the extra features over the gigabyte board and the fact that its an ASUS. I have read lots of reviews and tons of post on forums and there doesn't seem to be any issues that a) haven't been resolved b) aren't that serous that i have found out but the question is does it get the andandtech community's seal of approval over other boards at this price range.

4. RAM - Went with this RAM per the recommendation from the guide. It has really good timing for DDR2-800 and its at a good price point. Just two question a) is it overkill for this mobo/cpu b) if so should i go with DDR2-800 at less timing and save a little money or c) DDR2-667 and save alot?

5. Video Card - Since he is waiting for Vista to mature he is going to wait for DX10 video cards to mature as well, this card was recommended seems like a good performer at the price point. Will this card allow him to play WOW at max settings and last him a year or so till vista and DX10 get a little gray on em?

6. PSU - Is the Sea sonic the best PSU for the job or is it overkill would the Sunbeamtech NUUO 550W be good enough! its the same wattage modular and has a pretty high score on jonnyguru website, the only reason i didn't include it is because of some cap thing but is this PSU going to get above 47c when theres a 25cm and a 14cm blowing in the case even if I am overclocking it?

7. Displays - He wants this monitor for it features mainly the IPOD thing. My concern is it supports a strange resolution 1440 x 900 will this be a problem for games or the videocard?

8. OS - Okay what is an upgrade coupon? does it mean when he is ready to upgrade to Vista he gets to do so for free or the he gets a discount. Sorry to ask this but new eggs blurb about it was confusing.

Thanks for any help in advance guys, sorry for such along post just alot of question and you guys are the best at sorting this stuff out :thumbsup:

 

[Shaker8]

*BUMP* it was down to page two

Look i know theres alot questions and its a long post but can you throw a dog a bone please

 

[moosey]

MOBO is fine

PSU: You picked a great unit, way better than Sunbeam. However, it is a bit overkill for your setup but that certainly won't hurt. I also don't know what your future upgrade plans will be so it could be nice to keep it.
However, the 430W version would probably run that setup just fine
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817151023
This Enhance is also nice and can save you quite a bit
http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=PS-E5150GH
Silverstone
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817256001

VIDEO CARD: should be fine for the few months you're waiting to upgrade.

RAM: The SuperTalent should be fine. If you want DDR2-667, the multi on that chip is 9 so 9x333(DDR2-667) is gonna ~3ghz.
This is also a nice set of the DDR2-800
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820220144
The savings going to ~667 RAM aren't really a whole lot, so its up to your budget
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145015
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820227118

 

[Shaker8]

Thanks Moosey for the reply,

Will the 430w SeaSonic unit be enough to support an overclock and a monster video card down the road (i.e. 8800 series)

I didn't see that Patriot Ram before thanks! is Patriot a better know company than SuperTalent I haven't heard of either before?

Once again thanks for the help.

 

[moosey]

If you're concerned about going w/ a different PSU and can afford your initial choice, stick with it, it's a great unit.
As far as the RAM, both were/if not still are, using Micron ICs in their RAM and both should be fine choices.

 

[Shaker8]

Thanks Again for the reply mate,

The 500w it is then, the budget goes up to 1500. Just trying to save him as much as possible in case he discover that WOW isn't the only game you can play on the pc and wants to upgrade his graphics card.

For the Ram i will stick with the SuperTalent then since there the same chips and should have the same overhead(theoretically), and since i don't know one company over the other I will go on looks. The SuperTalent is blue which will look good in this case if i can figure out how to mod it to include a side window.

 

[Midnight Rambler]

Scrap the Seasonic PS and go with a Corsair PS instead. They're built for Corsair by Seasonic, have a longer warranty, and AR they are even cheaper.

520W model can be had for $99 AR, the 620W for $124 AR.

I bought the 620 and am VERY pleased with it.

 

[Shaker8]

Yes i was looking at the Corsair PS 520w on NEWEGG many of the reviews stated that it ran warmish to hot? is this an issue to be concerned about? I didn't know Seasonic made them will look at them again, Thanks

 

[moosey]

Originally posted by: Shaker8
Yes i was looking at the Corsair PS 520w on NEWEGG many of the reviews stated that it ran warmish to hot? is this an issue to be concerned about? I didn't know Seasonic made them will look at them again, Thanks

Not an issue, either is a top rate PSU

 

[Shaker8]

Hey Guys,

Thanks for all the help NewEgg Has the Seasonic and Corsair units priced nearly the same so still looking into which one to go with.

If everything is all right with this build then I will proably go with what i posted but i really need an answer to about the Hyper 6 H/SF and whether it will fit the AeroCool case we have.

Thanks again for all the help.