new machine - compatibility pls

[rh71]

Ordering before 8/31 is over because of expiring rebates. Since my Athlon 2.08GHz is now ancient and I need a new PSU (fried) anyway, I'm putting together a new machine < $1k. Last time I kept up with hardware was when I built the Athlon so I need verification on compatibility. I pretty much followed the guide that's stickied but I wanted a double-check in case I messed something up.

http://img511.imageshack.us/my...=08302008041839xk6.jpg (cart - comes out to $800)

Also a few questions:
- 64 bit Vista - games/software? I play WoW and UT3 right now on XP. Would I have to find the 64-bit version of every single app I use? What about my current game-install discs then? 32-bit a lot less troublesome, no? I'm actually really tempted to stick with XP.
- ide hdds? I have 3 IDE HDDs that I'd like to hook up if possible. Solution?
- old sata hdd? My primary drive is a 300GB Maxtor SATA drive.. is this going to be a bottleneck? I don't recall anymore specifics about it so not sure if I should get a more modern hdd.
- arctic silver 3? I have the old stuff left from years ago. Is 5 really a must today?
- quad vs dual core? I do a lot of video capture (PVR) and tons of conversion. I also want to play the aforementioned games... I figure quad core is better?
- psu power? Already ordered the Rosewill 600w to throw into my old system until I put this new one together. Any problem using it on the new one here?
- I have a PVR as mentioned (and soundblaster mp3+) which are old PCI... will they work on this mobo?
- upcoming releases? The guide was an August guide... anything changing in the next month? Any component you think I should change?

 

[mpilchfamily]

Software doesn't need to be 64 bit to run on Vista 64.

If you need all 3 IDE drives then you can put one with the optical drive. Won't effect performance as long as its not the drive with the OS.

SATA is SATA. An older drive will not hinder performance.

No need for new TIM. No need for the new cooler either. The stock cooler that camoes with the CPU is all you need and probably performs as well if not better then the one your looking to buy.

It all depends. Some dual cores that are the same prices as the quads are fast with games. If you have applications that can utilize multiple cores then quad is better. If not Dual is all you need.

Roswill=not a very good PSU. You'll need something that is much better quality and will support your system better. The 8800GT isn't a exstramly power hungry card but you still need a good PSU. Personally i'd spend the $60+ on an ATi 4850. But anyway you'll want a good quality PSU like the Corsair VX 550.

 

[sswingle]

Quad core is definitely better for video conversion.

If your problem with 3 IDE drives is that most motherboards only support 2 now, you can try this:
http://www.cooldrives.com/idehadrtosap.html
I use one in one of my systems.

 

[Roguestar]

Get the ATI 4850 instead of the 8800GT.

You'll be fine with Vista x64 - I still do all my gaming and office work and stuff on it no problems, you can run anything XP runs.

 

[rh71]

well thanks to all, I've made the adjustments

- added corsair PSU (rosewill psu will go into my busted system so at least I have 2 working machines)
- asus 4850 GPU
- no cpu cooler
- added 640gb WD HDD

total: $944 shipped (hopefully this will last me another 5 years like before)

 

[DSF]

As long as you're not planning on a serious overclock it looks fine to me with the new changes.

 

[rh71]

think i can get it to 3.0ghz on the stock fan?

 

[DSF]

Originally posted by: rh71
think i can get it to 3.0ghz on the stock fan?

You should be able to, but that's not a guarantee. Temps aren't going to be great.

 

[sswingle]

I have my Q6600 running at 3.0 on stock cooling and after playing UT3 for a while my temps are around 55-57

 

[Roguestar]

After isn't the same temperature as during, though.

 

[rh71]

high temps shorten the life of the processor, correct? Will it cause lock-ups?

Now I'm thinking the $25 investment in another cooler (would need recommendations of a much-better-than-stock one) might not be a bad idea.

 

[DSF]

Originally posted by: rh71
high temps shorten the life of the processor, correct? Will it cause lock-ups?

Intel's chips are made to slow down to prevent damage from overheating. Instability could cause a crash, but overheating often just causes a serious slowdown.

Either way, it shouldn't be an issue at only 3.0GHz. When I said that temps wouldn't be great I didn't mean that they'd be approaching the limit. Just not as good as you'd see from some aftermarket coolers.

 

[Roguestar]

Originally posted by: rh71
high temps shorten the life of the processor, correct? Will it cause lock-ups?

Now I'm thinking the $25 investment in another cooler (would need recommendations of a much-better-than-stock one) might not be a bad idea.

Xigmatec Rifle 120mm fan-mount cooler.