Please help me with this system

[ibex333]

I already made this thread some time ago, but back then I couldnt afford to upgrade.
Now, some prices have droped and I am considering it again.

Please look at my build and tell me if all this stuff will work together well.



Case: My Antec SuperLanboy Case


MOBO

HD - My old 120GB HD

Video Card - My old 6600GT


DVD burner - My old LiteON

RAM
Are there any beter alternatives for ram that costs below $230? I did a lot of searching and reading, and I didnt find any better choices.

CPU Cooling - I'm thinking Zalman 9700, but it seems too big and too expencive. I only need as much cooling as required for my OC, and not a bit more. Please recommend something cheaper that fits my needs.

PSU
I have some questions about the PSU:

1)Can anyone tell me how should I calculate how much power I need for my system?

2)If you can suggest a better PSU under $100, I'm all ears.

3)Will this thing fit in my case? It says ATX 12v v2.2
ATX 12v is fine, but what is v 2.2? A different size?




My needs:

1) To OC the CPU to 3.0-3.2GHz
2)Enough power for Photoshop, Windows Vista.
3)Enough power for future 8800GTX upgrade.

 

[moosey]

your "mobo" links to a psu

 

[ibex333]

I fixed the link. It works now

 

[moosey]

asus board looks good. If a cnps9700 looks like too much for you, try the 9500 (also cheaper). Plus, you can get the PWM controlled fan version (9500AT).

 

[ibex333]

bump. Still looking for a thorough answer to my questions.

 

[Roguestar]

I've got the Zalman 9500 and it's doing great. Had no problems installing it or fitting it in the case despite the size, and it's performing pretty well too.

 

[ibex333]

What about the memory that I chose and the PSU? I these fine? I think this PSU is is powerful enough and will fit in my case, no?

 

[ibex333]

bump** still need comments on that memory.

 

[Roguestar]

Um, you didn't tell us which processor it is you're going to buy (unless I completely missed it)?

Assuming it's an E6300 or E6400 you could try this memory, and you would do well to read this thread too:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820144028 <- Better overclocker than that Kingston value RAM and only $2 more.
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=28&threadid=1966035 Core 2 Duo memory guide thread.


I have that PSU and it is pretty damn reliable. No problems whatsoever and enough amps to run my graphics card (the previous 500W NorthQ I bought was limp-wristed interior designer of the PSU world and couldn't, so I went out and bought the Hiper 580 as it was the only one in that range at my local PC store ).

 

[Maluno]

We need to know which CPU you are getting, and also what you mostly do on this computer. I know you said Windows Vista and Photoshop, so you will definitely need a lot of ram, but you also mentioned getting an 8800GTX in the future, so I am assuming you will be doing some gaming too.

TBH, your video card is the first thing that I would look at upgrading if you are going to be doing any gaming at all before you get the 8800GTX, and I would look at possibly going with a cheap card like a 7900GT which you can sell later just to hold you over until you have the cash to buy the 8800GTX.

 

[Maluno]

Originally posted by: Roguestar
Um, you didn't tell us which processor it is you're going to buy (unless I completely missed it)?

Assuming it's an E6300 or E6400 you could try this memory, and you would do well to read this thread too:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820144028 <- Better overclocker than that Kingston value RAM and only $2 more.
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=28&threadid=1966035 Core 2 Duo memory guide thread.


I have that PSU and it is pretty damn reliable. No problems whatsoever and enough amps to run my graphics card (the previous 500W NorthQ I bought was limp-wristed interior designer of the PSU world and couldn't, so I went out and bought the Hiper 580 as it was the only one in that range at my local PC store ).

Wow, I don't know anything about that ram, and I don't want to criticize your suggestion at all, but the reviews on newegg (I know, I know, they can't be trusted for a subjective analysis of the product), are pretty much all terrible. 22 reviews, and most of them are 1 egg.. :roll:

 

[AMCRambler]

I just bought this psu http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16817171013 and so far it's running everything I've thrown at it fine. Running an FX-55 chip, 7950GT vid card, 4 hard disks, 2 cd-roms and a partridge in a pear tree, lol. It's a nice power supply if you don't need the modular cabling. Not sure what they mean by the v2.2. That's weird. I assume it fits ATX cases though, otherwise there'd be some pissed off customers reviews.

 

[gerwen]

Originally posted by: ibex333
CPU Cooling - I'm thinking Zalman 9700, but it seems too big and too expencive. I only need as much cooling as required for my OC, and not a bit more. Please recommend something cheaper that fits my needs.

On a budget, i'd suggest this:
Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro

I couldn't ask for more from a budget cooler.
I've got my E6400(2.13) OC'd to 3.2, and it keeps it nice and cool. Ambient temp outside the case is 25C, CoreTemp reports 27C at idle, and ~45C full orthos load.

If you're on a budget, consider the Gigabyte 965P - S3 Mobo. Save you 30 bucks, and by all reports (including mine) is a good mobo and a capable oc'er.

 

[ibex333]

@Roguestar and Maluno

I am planning to go with e6400. What I mostly do is gaming, photoshop and might get into learning java or something like that.
I understand that the best upgrade for me right now would be a better GFX card, but since I would have to get a new PSU anyway I thought of upgrading the whole system aside from the case, HD, and Soundcard.

I might end up not upgrading at all at this time, because it could be wise to wait till Vista arrives and things settle down on CPU and Video Card market. Still I wanted to know if my planned build is good and get some suggestions because I was clueless when I made the post.


@gerwen

The gigabyte mobo is nice, and I'd get it but it has no firewire port, which is simply unaceptable these days. Mabe the manufacturer thinks that few people use firewire, but I'm an average user and I use it quite often to xfer video from my DV cam.