robo's first build

[roboman]

Long time reader, first time poster - flame on, I know. Anyways, to the build.

Use: This new computer will be used for Adobe CS3, web development, other graphics applications (very rare for 3d), and light gaming (HL2, UT3, etc).

Budget: I'd like to keep everything around $1,000 or as close as possible. I'm willing to spend a little more if it worth the performance. I won't be purchasing a monitor, keyboard/mouse or cd/dvd drive as I already have these parts.

Part list: http://secure.newegg.com/WishL...WishListNumber=9253266
Possible other cases: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811144197
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811146041
Will all 3 of these cases work with my system? I think so but not sure.

I'm thinking about getting the Q9400 instead of the Q6600 for a few reasons: faster FSB, 45nm, and 2.66Ghz. Is it worth the extra $100 or just stick with the Q6600?

I also plan on doing a little OCing, just to get either of these two the 3.0Ghz mark - I just plan on changing the FSB in the bios. I don't want to do much more at this point.

So, how does everything look?

 

[nerp]

We can't see your wish list until you share it. Sorry. . .

Wait n/m. My bad.

Anyway. .. Looks good.

Any reason why you're going to use XP? Sure would be a shame to give up so much memory for hardware addressing.

 

[DSF]

If you're only going to go to 3 GHz there's no real reason to spend the extra money. You could also go down to a 550VX with no problems. (Even a 450VX would probably be plenty, but I'd go with 550.)

 

[Roguestar]

If you were a long time reader wouldn't you have read the sticky about what things we need to know for your list?

Anyway - there is cheaper memory than that which you've selected, and you could get 64-bit Vista instead of 32 and not be able to use all your RAM.

 

[roboman]

I thought I included everything that was needed, if I missed something let me know and I'll inform you.

nerp - I'm going to use Vista 32-bit, not XP.

Roguestar - Yeah I was thinking about getting some cheaper memory (and still might), but not sure yet. I really don't know about 64-bit Vista. I've been reading up about it, and what I've seen it that it's came a long ways, but not to a point to switch unless you need more than 4GB of ram. At this point, I think 4GB should be alright for me, and I really don't want to deal with problems with applications due to 64-bit Vista.

DSF - thanks for the tip about the PSU, I may drop down to the 550VX.

Thanks for the replies everything. Any insight about the cases I posted? Also, any pointers for a 1st time builder for installing everything?

 

[JackMDS]

Welcome to AnandTech's General Hardware Forum.

When you get the stuff put the Mobo on a table under its static bag.

Install the CPU and the HSF. Insert the memory, and the Video card.

Put next to the Mobo the power supply connect it where needed and run the bare system.

Put it carefully into the case only if it is working OK outside.

(Look at the manual and find which pins need to short on the front panel header to switch the system On).

P.S. I even add on the table the HD and the CD-ROM and load the initial OS on.

 

[Roguestar]

Originally posted by: roboman
Roguestar - Yeah I was thinking about getting some cheaper memory (and still might), but not sure yet. I really don't know about 64-bit Vista. I've been reading up about it, and what I've seen it that it's came a long ways, but not to a point to switch unless you need more than 4GB of ram. At this point, I think 4GB should be alright for me, and I really don't want to deal with problems with applications due to 64-bit Vista.

I've never come across any programs that will work in Vista x86 and not Vista x64. I've been using the 64-bit version for a year and a half and I've never had any driver trouble or compatibility problems.

 

[roboman]

Final changes made: http://secure.newegg.com/WishL...ishListNumber=10516448

I lost all my tools, so I gotta get new ones. $850 after rebates. Not bad, i must say.

Any final comments about this system or anything for a first time builder?....besides don't shock it? (I probably will....eeek)