Pick apart my soon-to-be set-up

[Operandi]

Originally posted by: MaDfLaMe37
So I've come to the conclusion that I'll want to overclock the CPU/GPU and I'm thinking that my current PSU (a 430W) might not cut it. So I was looking through the most recent buyer's guide and they went with a Enermax EG565P-VE FMA2.0 SLI 535W on the high-end system which is actually a couple dollars cheaper than the SeaSonic. Would there be any problems/reasons not to swap these two?

Also, is there any truth to what GuitarDaddy said about the Chaintech allowing good overclocking with the new BIOS? Or should I look at a different mobo? If so, which one would you suggest?

430 watts is more then you would ever need for that system, I would stay with the Seasonic.

You're overclocking will be determined by the motherboard, CPU cooling, and just how good the particular chip you have is.

 

[MaDfLaMe37]

So what would you suggest for the mobo? What would be a better alternative?

 

[Operandi]

Originally posted by: MaDfLaMe37
So what would you suggest for the mobo? What would be a better alternative?

I don't overclock but I typically go with MSI and Aopen.

 

[MaDfLaMe37]

Alright, well after reading a couple reviews and some comments from people over at Sharkey Extreme I've decided that I'll do just fine with the Chaintech mobo.

Check my first post for the final product!

 

[MaDfLaMe37]

I'm doing some price cuts... Dropped the mouse pad and switched the PSU to a higher-wattage, lower priced--yet quality PSU. Also, I won't really need the router, right? I can just hook up using my mobo?

We already have a router at my house and I won't need one when I go to college.

 

[MaDfLaMe37]

Also, I need to get a power strip...

How high of a surge protection do I need?

 

[Operandi]

No, you don't need a router but I would recommend a better firewall then what comes with XP. I'm using Norton Antivirus 2005, I recommend it.

Regarding the PSU I still think you're better off with the Seasonic PSU, it's just an overall better unit in my opinion. If you're trying to save money you can easily go with the 380 watt S12, having more power then you need isn't going to be much of a help in pushing your overclock further.

And what's with the $47 Saitek keyboard? That would seem like a good place to save some money.

 

[MaDfLaMe37]

Ahh, yes... The KEYBOARD!

Have you seen this baby?!

CLICK

 

[hardwareuser]

lol. thanks, Pentium guy. I heard the VX needs to run at pretty high voltages requiring a fan though?

 

[Operandi]

Originally posted by: MaDfLaMe37
Ahh, yes... The KEYBOARD!

Have you seen this baby?!

CLICK

I have actually, I don't really like it.

 

[MaDfLaMe37]

lol well I'm sorry you feel that way...

It all boils down to how much support I'm going to get from my grandparents... I'm ready to fork over about $800 right now and my grandparents said that they would go half-and-half with me while they were visiting for my graduation but they've already given me $1,000 towards college and another $100 for use with whatever I want. So I'm going to talk to them and see if the deal still stands. If not then I'm going to have to borrow some cash from my parents and in that case I might do a few price cuts (ie: cheaper mouse/keyboard, smaller display).