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Please advise on my $2,000 Intel Build ;)

T

TheRedEagle

Junior Member
Hey guys,

It's been a while since I've posted here, but you were all so great in helping me build my first system (almost three years ago), so I figured I'd try to get some advice on my second system! This time around I'm going to stick with Intel, and I'll be using this computer for gaming, music recording, light video-editing, and general use (web surfing, word processing etc). I've settled on trying to keep the system near $2,000.

I've been lurking on these forums, reading endless reviews, comparing and contrasting hardware, and studying up for the last ten days. Ten days ago, I knew virtually NOTHING about the current pc trends, so you've all been a great help. This is what I've come up with:

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Motherboard: ASUS "P5GD2 Deluxe" 915P Chipset Motherboard For Intel LGA 775 CPU -RETAIL

http://www.newegg.com/app/View...=13-131-506&depa=1

Processor: Intel LGA 775 Pentium 4 540 3.2 GHz, 800MHz FSB, 1MB L2 Cache w/ Hyper Threading Technology - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/app/View...=19-116-183&depa=1

System RAM: CORSAIR VALUESELECT Kit 240-Pin 1GB(2 x 512MB) DDR2 PC2-4200, Model VS1GBKIT533D2 - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/app/view...=20-145-526&depa=1

Video Card: Chaintech nVIDIA GeForce 6600GT Video Card, 128MB DDR3, 128-Bit, TV-Out/DVI, PCI-Express, Model "SE6600G" - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/app/View...=14-145-098&depa=1

Sound Card: Creative Labs Sound Blaster Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Value Sound Card, Model "SB0400" - OEM

http://www.newegg.com/app/View...=29-102-175&depa=1

Hard Drive 1: Western Digital Raptor 36.7GB 10,000RPM SATA Hard Drive, Model WD360GD, OEM Drive Only

http://www.newegg.com/app/View...=22-144-200&depa=1

Hard Drive 2: Maxtor 250GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive, Model 6B250S0, OEM Drive Only

http://www.newegg.com/app/view...=22-144-358&depa=1

Case: ANTEC Silver Aluminum Performance 1 Series ATX Mid-Tower Case with Swiveling Front Control Panel features
LED Display, Model "P160"

http://www.newegg.com/app/View...=11-129-141&depa=1

Power Supply: Antec 480 watt 120mm fan ATX 12V v2.0 power supply, Active PFC, Model "NeoPower"

http://www.newegg.com/app/view...=17-103-924&depa=1

Extra Case Fan: Antec All Clear 120mm SmartCool Thermally Controlled Case fan, Model "75012"

http://www.newegg.com/app/View...=35-129-033&depa=1

DVD/CD Burner: NEC 16X Double Layer DVD±RW Drive, Silver, Model ND-3520A, OEM

http://www.newegg.com/app/View...=27-152-040&depa=1

Mouse: Logitech Laser Cordless Mouse (Blue/Black), Model "MX1000" -RETAIL

http://www.newegg.com/app/view...=26-104-158&depa=1

Keyboard: Microsoft Natural Keyboard Elite PS/2 104keys

http://www.newegg.com/app/view...=23-109-126&depa=1

Speakers: Creative Inspire T5400 5.1 Speakers -RETAIL

http://www.newegg.com/app/view...=36-116-137&depa=1

Monitor: SAMSUNG SyncMaster 997DF-T/T 19" DynaFlat CRT Monitor -RETAIL

http://www.newegg.com/app/View...=24-001-166&depa=1

Floppy Drive: SONY Beige 1.44MB 3.5Inch Floppy Disk Drive, Model MPF920, OEM

http://www.newegg.com/app/View...=21-103-109&depa=1

Printer: CANON PIXMA IP4000 Photo Printer, 25PPM, 4800 x 1200 DPI, Color/B& W

http://www.newegg.com/app/View...=28-102-154&depa=1

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Overall, this setup prices out to about $2,150 at the moment. I've been using Newegg, ZipZoomFly, and Pricegrabber (although I'd prefer to buy from Newegg if at all possible). I'm willing to pay that much if the system performance will live up to what I'm spending..

My questions for you are as follows:

1) RAM: My motherboard, as I understand it, supports my CPU's "quad-pumped" FSB speed of 800 mhz. From what I've read, it seems that the best setup is to run memory which synchronizes to this (i.e... if it were just DDR, pc3200 running at 400 mhz would be running in sync with my CPU/mobo). However, the DDR2-533 that I've been looking at is actually cheaper than the DDR2-400, so that's what I've been looking into buying. What would happen if I ran DDR2-533 in this setup? Would it clock down to match the processor/mobo?

2) Hard-drive setup: My theory is that I will use the WD Raptor 360 as my "operating system / application / install" drive, from which I'll run my programs etc., but not actually store any large files on. I would then use the Maxtor 250 GB 7200rpm drive (which does have a 16mb cache, by the way!) as my main storage disk. I also plan to throw another Maxtor 120 gb 7200 rpm drive that I own into the setup. Are these good ideas?

3) Over-clocking: From what I've read, the setup I'm buying seems to be very friendly to over-clocking. Meaning... once I finally learn how to overclock (I've never tried!), I would have a good rig for doing so. Is this correct?

4) Sound Card: I am leaning towards the Audigy 2 Value model instead of the Audigy 2 ZS for several reasons; a) it seems like the Value is the same as the ZS, but is just missing the firewire port and a few 6.1 features b) the price, and c) I don't need the software/games with the ZS bundle. Anything I'm missing here?

5) Power Supply: Is the Neopower 480W overkill for this system? It's funny... to be spending more on the power supply than the case itself (which is Antec's top model!), but for some reason, with all the expensive components in this rig, it feels right to me. Please advise on what you think my power draw will be like in this setup, and what room I'll have to upgrade in the future.

6) Cooling: Right now, I'm looking to purchase an additional 120mm fan (the Antec "smart" fan..) to supplement the standard 120mm that is included with the Performance One case. I would use the smart fan as exhaust in the rear of the case, and the standard fan in front of the hard-drive cage as an intake fan. Do I need this much cooling, and how noisy do you think it might get?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

My goal with this system is to have a cutting-edge computer that's a solid performer for games and mulitimedia in the present, and highly future-proof (hence, my choice of the 915 chipset) for a planned upgrade a few years down the line. Hopefully, I've drawn the right conclusions from my research and picked quality parts all across the board.

Sorry to make such a long post... It's just kinda the way I work. If you stuck with me and read all of that, I'd love some of your feedback. Let me know if there's anything you think I should be doing differently with this system.


Thanks!!

TheRedEagle

EDIT: links should be working now 🙂
 
Originally posted by: TheRedEagle
My questions for you are as follows:

1) RAM: My motherboard, as I understand it, supports my CPU's "quad-pumped" FSB speed of 800 mhz. From what I've read, it seems that the best setup is to run memory which synchronizes to this (i.e... if it were just DDR, pc3200 running at 400 mhz would be running in sync with my CPU/mobo). However, the DDR2-533 that I've been looking at is actually cheaper than the DDR2-400, so that's what I've been looking into buying. What would happen if I ran DDR2-533 in this setup? Would it clock down to match the processor/mobo?

2) Hard-drive setup: My theory is that I will use the WD Raptor 360 as my "operating system / application / install" drive, from which I'll run my programs etc., but not actually store any large files on. I would then use the Maxtor 250 GB 7200rpm drive (which does have a 16mb cache, by the way!) as my main storage disk. I also plan to throw another Maxtor 120 gb 7200 rpm drive that I own into the setup. Are these good ideas?

3) Over-clocking: From what I've read, the setup I'm buying seems to be very friendly to over-clocking. Meaning... once I finally learn how to overclock (I've never tried!), I would have a good rig for doing so. Is this correct?

4) Sound Card: I am leaning towards the Audigy 2 Value model instead of the Audigy 2 ZS for several reasons; a) it seems like the Value is the same as the ZS, but is just missing the firewire port and a few 6.1 features b) the price, and c) I don't need the software/games with the ZS bundle. Anything I'm missing here?

5) Power Supply: Is the Neopower 480W overkill for this system? It's funny... to be spending more on the power supply than the case itself (which is Antec's top model!), but for some reason, with all the expensive components in this rig, it feels right to me. Please advise on what you think my power draw will be like in this setup, and what room I'll have to upgrade in the future.

6) Cooling: Right now, I'm looking to purchase an additional 120mm fan (the Antec "smart" fan..) to supplement the standard 120mm that is included with the Performance One case. I would use the smart fan as exhaust in the rear of the case, and the standard fan in front of the hard-drive cage as an intake fan. Do I need this much cooling, and how noisy do you think it might get?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

My goal with this system is to have a cutting-edge computer that's a solid performer for games and mulitimedia in the present, and highly future-proof (hence, my choice of the 915 chipset) for a planned upgrade a few years down the line. Hopefully, I've drawn the right conclusions from my research and picked quality parts all across the board.

Sorry to make such a long post... It's just kinda the way I work. If you stuck with me and read all of that, I'd love some of your feedback. Let me know if there's anything you think I should be doing differently with this system.


Thanks!!

TheRedEagle
Click to expand...
1GB PC3200 (2x512)... I don't much care for any "Value" type memory.

Get an 875PE based MB & Socket 478 Northwood. A 915 isn't a 925.

A good AGP card will carry you a long way.

Drop that single Raptor in favor of a pair of SATA Seagates @ RAID 1 (partition for Windows drive).

Don't worry about OCing. A strong Northwood will do what you ask.

A NeoPower might be overkill. But you're building a base to work off of... get it.



 
i wouldnt buy intel, but thats me, and i see you plan on a intel system so each to his own

buying the faster ram, all you need to do is set FSB:RAM at a 1:1 in the bios. the CPU FSB is 200, jus set the RAM to 200 too and your good. i dont read up much on intel, but i understand that the 925 chipset >>>> the 915chipset

blain obviously has more experience than me, but i cant see why he suggested going AGP and socket 478, especially with PCIe gettin into swing.

in all honesty, and not to be fanboy-ish, you could easily get a better system for the same money if you went AMD, maybes even an equivalent system for less money. thats just my opinon though.

i agree completely with dropping the raptor, they're just a waste, specially the 36Gb version

i have the case your looking at, i love it and i think you will too!

please before you buy just check out AMD Athlon64 set ups. try make one that will cost the same as this intel rig your planning and then maybes people here can tell wether its better or not.

a 6600GT i dont think will give you a great lifespan, i'd aim 6800GT
 
nice plug there plumcuda1

actually yeah, plumbcuda's intel rig looked mighty fine, (i was wondering why he even wanted to start a fresh)
but would still need a few extras adding to get what you want though
 
The benches I've seen don't show much difference between 875PE & newer chipsets. Same with AGP 8X and PCI Express.

"My goal with this system is to have a cutting-edge computer that's a solid performer for games and mulitimedia in the present, and highly future-proof"

I don't think many of the main hardware components will serve him very well 2-3 years down the road. So for his situation, he should shoot for the biggest bang for the buck. 😉 And forget about trying to predict 2-3 years out.
 
Originally posted by: Blain
The benches I've seen don't show much difference between 875PE & newer chipsets. Same with AGP 8X and PCI Express.

"My goal with this system is to have a cutting-edge computer that's a solid performer for games and mulitimedia in the present, and highly future-proof"

I don't think many of the main hardware components will serve him very well 2-3 years down the road. So for his situation, he should shoot for the biggest bang for the buck. 😉 And forget about trying to predict 2-3 years out.
Click to expand...


i see where your coming from, biggest bang for the buck is probably best. nothings future proof but some stuff will last longer than others
 
MY suggestion (and yes I did see the thread title) would be to move down (price-wise alteast, it's actually faster in performance) to a socket 939-3200+ with a better video card. Note also that with the A64 rig you are a bit more future proof because you can have SLI (2 video cards, get one now and another down the line when prices drop). Also you could get a better video card (say a 6800GT).
Depending on your preferences, you could easily get a better system for 1400 or so USD. That's assuming that you don't need top of hte line everything, and your willing to settle on things that are cheaper but not noticeably worse. (see the MX510 mouse)
 
I'd go for a 915PE MSI, they make awesome mobos for the p4, plus corecell lets you overclock a good amount with the least amount of risk
we have 2 Intel builds in our home, 2 prescotts, both 3.0 one is 775, one is 478, and I have an 865PE, and my dad a 915P(or PE) cant remember now, almost exactly the same. both are safe bets, though mine was cheaper, if 775 lasts.. you'd be kicking yourself.. if it doesn't 2 or 3 years from now you won't be reflecting on 'oh how well i did by not spending 50 or less dollars and going with 478' the only reason I went 478 is the fact that I got an awesome deal, that let me already put away money for a new machine down the road.
 
Nah. 775 It won't last.

Intel had already gone on-record as saying when the dual-cores hit, they will have to change the pinouts all over again.

LGA775 won't last past 2006.
 
Ten days ago, I knew virtually NOTHING about the current pc trends,
Click to expand...

The current trend is to buy AMD Athlon 64, People are straying away from Intel for many reasons, AMD Is faster for less $$$$, AMD is offering the latest technology while Intel is offering Chips loaded with design issues, and AMD is offering 64bit support while Intel sticks to dying 32bit.

You won't make a mistake by choosing AMD. They are not Intel knockoffs by any means and were once a subcontractor for Intel to produce 8086 chips. AMD has been around for almost 35 years they are a company with a lot of experience and a good buisness partnership with IBM.

Disclaimer
I am currnetly writing this on an Intel Based Machine, I own a few amd and a few intel boxes.
 
Hey guys, thanks for all the advice! I was working the past few days and unable to get home and post. I have several more questions regarding your suggestions.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
1) RAM / MOTHERBOARD: One of the reasons I chose to go with a DDR2 setup is because I felt like... if socket 775 was the future for Intel (and would become more widely accepted in, say, the next 2 years) I wouldn't mind spending the extra $75 or so for the more expensive motherboard + RAM (thus making room for adding more DDR2 RAM in a few years, as opposed to having to buy the older DDR). Now that's assuming equal performance between DDR + DDR2. However, after thinking about it a bit more, I realize that there really is no performance gain with buying the Corsair "valueselect" DDR2 for $217 from Newegg (that includes sales tax + shipping), as opposed to getting an equivalent DDR setup (which will actually have lower latencies).

Bearing that in mind, I think I might want to make a change to the "ASUS P5GDC Deluxe" motherboard ($173, with shipping and tax) instead of the "Asus P5GD2 Deluxe" ($201, with shipping and tax). The P5GDC lacks a few features of the P5GD2, specifically a wireless LAN port and the four extra SATA connecters from the Silicon 3114R controller. However, it has support for both DDR AND DDR2, which would allow me to go with DDR and at the same time have room for a possible upgrade to DDR2 (if it ever became more realistic).

Here's a link to the motherboard:

ASUS "P5GDC Deluxe" i915P Chipset Motherboard For Intel LGA 775 CPU -RETAIL

http://www.newegg.com/app/View...=13-131-519&depa=1


If I were to make this change, I would look to get this RAM, which would cost the same as the DDR2 that I was looking at ($219 for the XMS DDR, as opposed to $217 for the ValueSelect DDR2) while offering lower latency.

Corsair XMS Extreme Memory Speed Series, (Twin Pack) 184 Pin 1GB(512MBx2) DDR PC-3200 - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/app/View...=20-145-450&depa=1

What do you guys think of this? Also, what would be the overclocking ramnifications of the XMS DDR PC-3200 versus the ValueSelect DDR2?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

2) Hard-drive: Is the WD Raptor 360 overrated? At $123 (with shipping and sales tax) and only 37 GB of storage, I was planning on using this drive only to install my OS and Progams/Games. I prefer to isolate my actual storage of data files on a seperate hard drive from my OS, to protect the data from possible problems on the OS drive as well as make re-formatting much easier.

My question is.... what actual real performance gain will I see from running my OS/Programs/Games off of the Raptor, as opposed to running off of a good 7200 RPM drive? Would I be better served by taking the $100-125 for the Raptor and either A) buying something cheaper or B) spending more on, say, the graphics card and/or processor?

I'm still planning on buying the Maxtor 250 GB drive.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

3) Case / Power Supply: I am actually pretty happy with my choice of the Antec Performance One case, and that's what I'll be buying.

As far as the power-supply goes, I feel like the NeoPower is probably just a tad bit more than I need. I would like to learn how to overclock, but I think I'll probably wait a year or so after I buy the system to do so. Keeping that in mind, I still feel like the NeoPower wouldn't be a bad investment... first of all because it's obviously a sweet power supply that can handle this system, but also because it seems of the quality that I can probably use it in my next system as well, and it will still be great.

If I were to buy a different one, I would probably get this:

Thermaltake W0014 Silent Purepower 480W with Black housing - Xaser Edition ATX 2-Fan Power Supply

http://www.newegg.com/app/View...=17-153-007&depa=0

Which would cost me $68 (with shipping and tax) as opposed to $136 for the NeoPower from Newegg. So I could save myself $68 and still have a pretty good PSU. Hmm... gonna have to think about this some more 🙂 What do you think?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

I recognize the benefits of the AMD platform, but I'm going to be building and Intel system this time.

Thanks for all of your advice!

-TheRedEagle
 
The 36GB Raptor isn't overrated, look at benchmarks. Its not any faster than a new 7200 RPM drives these days. If you want a faster harddrive, go with the 2nd gen Raptor, the 74GB one. It's much faster.
 
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