Building a new gaming rig

ZaggyZaggy NullPointerExceptionThe Netherlands Join Date: 2003-12-10 Member: 24214Forum Moderators, NS2 Playtester, Reinforced - Onos, Subnautica Playtester
in Off-Topic
<div class="IPBDescription">What do you think?</div><b>My current rig:</b>

Case:
<a href="http://www.overclockersonline.net/index.php?page=articles&num=51" target="_blank">AOpen HQ45</a>

PSU:
<a href="http://www.silentpcreview.com/article289-page1.html" target="_blank">Antec Truepower II 430W</a>

CPU:
AMD Athlon™ 64 Processor 3200+

Motherboard:
<a href="http://www.hardocp.com/article.html?art=NjQz" target="_blank">Asus A8V Deluxe</a>

RAM:
Kingston 2x 512MB PC3200

GFX:
Prolink GF6600GT + <a href="http://www.zalman.co.kr/eng/product/view.asp?idx=163&code=013" target="_blank">VF700-Cu LED</a>

Sound:
<a href="http://www.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=1&subcategory=205&product=14257" target="_blank">Audigy SE</a>

HDD1:
<a href="http://www.samsung.com/Products/HardDiskDrive/SpinPointPSeries/HardDiskDrive_SpinPointPSeries_SP0802N.htm" target="_blank">Samsung 80GB SpinPoint P80</a>

HDD2:
<a href="http://www.seagate.com/ww/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2d1099f4fa74c010VgnVCM100000dd04090aRCRD&locale=en-US" target="_blank">Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 SATA 3.0Gb/s 320-GB Hard Drive</a>

DVDRW drive:
BENQ DVD DD DW1650

Why I want this rig replaced with something new:
Make a silent, well cooled and faster pc.
My current rig has an old 'n ugly case with bad airflow, no decent soundcard and a whining hdd (the sata one).
My budget is ~1000 euro.

<b>The new rig I had in mind:</b>

CASE:
<a href="http://azerty.nl/producten/product_detail/51/31808/pc-a16b.html" target="_blank">Lian Li PC-A16B, black</a>
decent, durable, plenty of space and well cooled.

PSU:
<a href="http://azerty.nl/producten/product_detail/52/10882/straight-power.html" target="_blank">Be Quiet Straight Power, 450 Watt, Retail</a>
Reason: lots of power on them 12V rails and silent.

MOBO:
<a href="http://azerty.nl/producten/product_detail/89/31462/ga-g33-ds3r.html" target="_blank">GigaByte GA-G33-DS3R,Retail</a>
Reason: ?

CPU:
<a href="http://azerty.nl/producten/product_detail/291/34425/core-2-duo.html" target="_blank">Intel Core 2 Duo,Boxed, E6750, Socket 775</a>
Reason: ?

CPU cooler:
<a href="http://azerty.nl/producten/product_detail/81/3920/scnj-1100p-ninja-rev-b-120mm.html" target="_blank">Scythe SCNJ-1100P Ninja Rev. B + 120MM fan</a>
Reason: silence the CPU.

RAM:
<a href="http://azerty.nl/producten/product_detail/177/4747/kvr667d2n5k2-2g.html" target="_blank">Kingston KVR667D2N5K2/2G, 2048 MB, DDR2, PC5300, 667 MHz, 2 x</a>
Reason: ?

DVDRW drive:
<a href="http://azerty.nl/producten/product_detail/153/14156/ad-7170s.html" target="_blank">NEC AD-7170S, Serial ATA150, black, OEM</a>
Reason: ?

HDD:
<a href="http://azerty.nl/producten/product_detail/125/26284/barracuda-es.html" target="_blank">Seagate Barracuda ES, 500 GB, 7200 RPM, 16 MB, SATA II</a>
Reason: ?

HDD enclosure
<a href="http://azerty.nl/producten/product_detail/85/2141/hd-silencer-2-0-zwart.html" target="_blank">SilentMaxx HD-Silencer 2.0 black</a>
Reason: silence the hdd.

GFX:
<a href="http://azerty.nl/producten/product_detail/160/33060/en8600gt-silent-htdp-256m.html" target="_blank">Asus EN8600GT SILENT/HTDP/256M,DDR3, PCI Express x16, 256MB</a>
Reason: adequate performance and passively cooled.

SOUND:
<a href="http://azerty.nl/producten/product_detail/?ID=12085" target="_blank">Creative SoundBlaster X-Fi XtremeGamer, Retail</a>
Reason: ?

The components I put question mark at are picked as fill ups, since I'm not that much into hardware, and just picked them because I thought they were right.
I play games at 1280x1024@60hz (my monitor's optimal setting)
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Comments

  • FaskaliaFaskalia Wechsellichtzeichenanlage Join Date: 2004-09-12 Member: 31651Members, Constellation
    Unless you aim for a "completely" silent system there is imho no reason to put in a fgx with passive cooling.

    As for the ram is that 1 2g stick or 2 1gb sticks?
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  • ZaggyZaggy NullPointerException The Netherlands Join Date: 2003-12-10 Member: 24214Forum Moderators, NS2 Playtester, Reinforced - Onos, Subnautica Playtester
    <!--quoteo(post=1637686:date=Jul 6 2007, 03:03 PM:name=Faskalia)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Faskalia @ Jul 6 2007, 03:03 PM) [snapback]1637686[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
    Unless you aim for a "completely" silent system there is imho no reason to put in a fgx with passive cooling.

    As for the ram is that 1 2g stick or 2 1gb sticks?
    <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    I've had bad experiences with active gfx coolers <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":(" border="0" alt="sad-fix.gif" />

    the RAM is 2x 1g stick:
    <img src="http://azerty.nl/_azerty/data/product/4/7/4/4747/img/1/N.jpg" border="0" alt="IPB Image" />
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  • SvenpaSvenpa Wait, what? Join Date: 2004-01-03 Member: 25012Members, Constellation
    Clickable link sais 2x 1gb.

    If you plan on gaming I'd strongly suggest to wait for nvidias next generation, it's supposedly 4 times faster (which is a bigger leap then from 7xxx to 8xxx). 256mb wont cut it these and future days. I also believe the passive cooling have made them downclock it quite a bit to be able to muster.

    The PSU seems a bit too skimped on. It works with what you have but perhaps with some strain. C2d takes quite some and if you plan on newer graphics cards they too would drain a large chunk of it.
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  • ZaggyZaggy NullPointerException The Netherlands Join Date: 2003-12-10 Member: 24214Forum Moderators, NS2 Playtester, Reinforced - Onos, Subnautica Playtester
    <!--quoteo(post=1637688:date=Jul 6 2007, 03:20 PM:name=Svenpa)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Svenpa @ Jul 6 2007, 03:20 PM) [snapback]1637688[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
    Clickable link sais 2x 1gb.

    If you plan on gaming I'd strongly suggest to wait for nvidias next generation, it's supposedly 4 times faster (which is a bigger leap then from 7xxx to 8xxx). 256mb wont cut it these and future days. I also believe the passive cooling have made them downclock it quite a bit to be able to muster.

    The PSU seems a bit too skimped on. It works with what you have but perhaps with some strain. C2d takes quite some and if you plan on newer graphics cards they too would drain a large chunk of it.
    <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    Waiting for a generation of videocards that perform well at dx10 might be a good decision indeed.

    About the PSU, I tried this <a href="http://www.extreme.outervision.com/PSUEngine" target="_blank">psu calculator</a>, and it says 252W?!
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  • SvenpaSvenpa Wait, what? Join Date: 2004-01-03 Member: 25012Members, Constellation
    My 3,6ghz Intel P4, 7800 gtx, 3 hdd, 2gb ram computer got 430w recommended. Set CPU load 100% and all the other things.

    I wouldn't go anything below 500w for a new computer but perhaps im wrong. Would it be many more $ to get a 500? Just to be on the safe side. Good that you checked on the 12v rails, theres quite many who have high wattage but then fails horribly at the rails.
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  • WarriorWarrior Join Date: 2003-02-16 Member: 13624Members
    edited July 2007
    Get a 8800 GTS 320MB if can afford it. If your budget cant afford a GTS and you dont mind not having DX10 support a Nvidia 7950 or Ati 1950 Pro can offer similar performance of a 8600 and are similar priced(may be cheaper). The 8600 will not be able to play DX10 games at a reasonable FPS to make the DX10 support worth while. In most tests Iv seen a 8600GT performs less then the DX9 comparisons and bombed the DX10 tests.

    I suggest a actually HSF instead of passive and get a e6420 and overclock it but if you need a silent PC then go with what you originally planned.
    Get 2 GB of ram. Will help in future games.

    Waiting is a endless cycle, something new is always around the corner.

    Another thing passivly cooled GPU is BAD. Even a 8600 can produce a good amount of heat and will no doubt have slower clock speeds making the other options even better for performance. IMO silent PCs will hinder a gaming PC and will not last long and you will be upgrading yet again.

    For motherboard I suggest this based on what I read
    <a href="http://azerty.nl/producten/product_detail/89/9965/ga-965p-ds4.html" target="_blank">http://azerty.nl/producten/product_detail/...a-965p-ds4.html</a>

    Edit: The 7950GT is more expensive on that site. The 1950pro is similar priced to a 8600 so the difference isnt that big. On newegg the price difference seemed alot more.
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  • ZaggyZaggy NullPointerException The Netherlands Join Date: 2003-12-10 Member: 24214Forum Moderators, NS2 Playtester, Reinforced - Onos, Subnautica Playtester
    Good advice, I definitely need a bigger PSU, since the gf8800gts is such a monster.
    Needs 400W and 26A on 12V O.o

    I think I'll buy high end for once, buying mid end more frequent isn't all that.
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  • WarriorWarrior Join Date: 2003-02-16 Member: 13624Members
    <!--quoteo(post=1637706:date=Jul 6 2007, 01:46 PM:name=Zaggy)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Zaggy @ Jul 6 2007, 01:46 PM) [snapback]1637706[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
    Good advice, I definitely need a bigger PSU, since the gf8800gts is such a monster.
    Needs 400W and 26A on 12V O.o

    I think I'll buy high end for once, buying mid end more frequent isn't all that.
    <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    Any decent 500 or 600 watt PSU should be fine.

    I suggest this one
    <a href="http://azerty.nl/producten/product_detail/52/8328/gamexstream-ocz600gxssli.html" target="_blank">http://azerty.nl/producten/product_detail/...z600gxssli.html</a>
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  • DOOManiacDOOManiac Worst. Critic. Ever. Join Date: 2002-04-17 Member: 462Members, NS1 Playtester
    Can't speak for anything else on your list, but the Creative SoundBlaster X-Fi is a great card. Best SB card in years. You'll like it.
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  • TestamentTestament Join Date: 2002-11-02 Member: 4037Members
    Do you really need Soundcards anymore? I heard modern mobos have great sound cards.
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  • Crono5Crono5 Join Date: 2003-07-22 Member: 18357Members
    <!--quoteo(post=1637729:date=Jul 6 2007, 11:23 PM:name=Testament)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Testament @ Jul 6 2007, 11:23 PM) [snapback]1637729[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
    Do you really need Soundcards anymore? I heard modern mobos have great sound cards.
    <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    Sound cards generally help performance since, afaik, all mobo sound uses CPU for processing. Also, sound cards generally have higher quality output with more channels and record much better. I personally would get a sound card and some nice speakers/headphones. But then, sound is one of those things that really makes the experience for me, usually more than graphics tend to.
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  • scaryfacescaryface Join Date: 2002-11-25 Member: 9918Members
    edited July 2007
    I don't think the passively cooled graphics card is worth the price since they generally take a big performance hit in exchange for their silence. I would personally invest in a water cooling system if you want quietness.
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  • sherpasherpa stopcommandermode Join Date: 2006-11-04 Member: 58338Members
    yep, i'l vouch for the creative X-Fi.

    i dont really buy pc gear; but decided my motherboard's sound processor wasn't up to the task so put this in.

    im a sucker for bass (so long as it isn't distorted), got it to a point where even the flat-sounding LMG in NS is now meaty. added bonus of all sound being processed on the soundcard, so takes some pressure off the cpu.
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  • ZaggyZaggy NullPointerException The Netherlands Join Date: 2003-12-10 Member: 24214Forum Moderators, NS2 Playtester, Reinforced - Onos, Subnautica Playtester
    New rig setup take 2:

    One pic showing all:
    <img src="http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/8661/setupse0.jpg" border="0" alt="IPB Image" />

    Individual linkage:

    CASE:
    <a href="http://azerty.nl/producten/product_detail/51/31808/pc-a16b.html" target="_blank">Lian Li PC-A16B, black</a>

    PSU:
    <a href="http://azerty.nl/producten/product_detail/?ID=8328" target="_blank">OCZ GameXStream OCZ600GXSSLI, 600 Watt, Retail</a>
    Reason: more watts, quality

    MOBO:
    <a href="http://azerty.nl/producten/product_detail/?ID=30656" target="_blank">XFX MB-N680-ILT9, Retail</a>
    Reason: good brand, good reviews

    CPU:
    <a href="http://azerty.nl/producten/product_detail/291/34425/core-2-duo.html" target="_blank">Intel Core 2 Duo,Boxed, E6750, Socket 775</a>

    CPU cooler:
    <a href="http://azerty.nl/producten/product_detail/81/3920/scnj-1100p-ninja-rev-b-120mm.html" target="_blank">Scythe SCNJ-1100P Ninja Rev. B + 120MM fan</a>

    RAM:
    <a href="http://azerty.nl/producten/product_detail/?ID=31153" target="_blank">G.E.I.L GX22GB6400DC, 2048 MB, DDR2, PC6400, 800 MHz, 2 x</a>
    Reason: quality, performance, OCing?

    DVDRW drive:
    <a href="http://azerty.nl/producten/product_detail/153/14156/ad-7170s.html" target="_blank">NEC AD-7170S, Serial ATA150, black, OEM</a>

    HDD:
    <a href="http://azerty.nl/producten/product_detail/?ID=13701" target="_blank">Hitachi Deskstar T7K500, 500 GB, 7200 RPM, 16 MB, SATA II</a>
    Reason: lower price, same #gb

    HDD enclosure
    <a href="http://azerty.nl/producten/product_detail/85/2141/hd-silencer-2-0-zwart.html" target="_blank">SilentMaxx HD-Silencer 2.0 black</a>

    GFX:
    <a href="http://azerty.nl/producten/product_detail/160/35868/geforce-8800-gts.html" target="_blank">XFX Geforce 8800 GTS,GDDR3, PCI Express x16, 320MB</a>
    Reason:speed, good brand, cheaper then club3d one!

    SOUND:
    <a href="http://azerty.nl/producten/product_detail/?ID=12085" target="_blank">Creative SoundBlaster X-Fi XtremeGamer, Retail</a>

    EXTRA:
    <a href="http://azerty.nl/producten/product_detail/?ID=2649" target="_blank">Logitech MX518, Zwart, silver, Retail</a>
    Reason: need a mouse that fits my hand a bit better, and I can use my old mx310 for my laptop
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  • SvenpaSvenpa Wait, what? Join Date: 2004-01-03 Member: 25012Members, Constellation
    edited July 2007
    "Reason: need a mouse that fits my hand a bit better, and I can use my old mx310 for my laptop"

    If your interested in razer (and are right handed) I'd suggest the deathadder. It has much improved comfort from the ambidext diamondback.

    I still think the gfx card has too little memory, double from 256mb or nothing but hey your on a strict budget. If I were you I'd prefer to buy a 7xxx generation card then get the next generation after 8xxx (9xxx i guess?). The 9xxx should be far superior the 8xxx ones, much greater then 7xxx-8xxx. I dont have any other source on this then what my good friend told me and I have no reason to distrust him on this matter.

    Think about some more hdd space perhaps, 500gb is definitively reasonable but more drives would give you better performance.

    Make sure 800mhz memories are supported by the motherboard (im unsure how whiny mobos are). Overclocking them would require some bad arse cooling to get anything worthy out of it.

    Scythe Infinity is better on cooling but ninja is quieter, so I've heard at least.

    Are you planning on OCing the CPU to 3ghz?
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  • WarriorWarrior Join Date: 2003-02-16 Member: 13624Members
    320MB is enough for 1280x1024 and blows away any comparable DX9 card.
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  • SvenpaSvenpa Wait, what? Join Date: 2004-01-03 Member: 25012Members, Constellation
    <!--quoteo(post=1637834:date=Jul 8 2007, 02:48 AM:name=Warrior)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Warrior @ Jul 8 2007, 02:48 AM) [snapback]1637834[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
    320MB is enough for 1280x1024 and blows away any comparable DX9 card.
    <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    320 is good at this very moment. Around the new year, no. If you simply wanna beat dx9 cards just buy anything above it, if you want to have a card that actually might play still non-existent dx10 games in good fps wait for next gen. Does resolution even matter on how much vid mem you have? Dosn't it load all the textures anyway?
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  • ZaggyZaggy NullPointerException The Netherlands Join Date: 2003-12-10 Member: 24214Forum Moderators, NS2 Playtester, Reinforced - Onos, Subnautica Playtester
    I believe resolution determines the size of the textures, which in term should determine the need amount of memory.

    the GF8800GTS should be sufficient for 1280x1024, not more though.
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  • ZaggyZaggy NullPointerException The Netherlands Join Date: 2003-12-10 Member: 24214Forum Moderators, NS2 Playtester, Reinforced - Onos, Subnautica Playtester
    New rig take 3 (Oh yes I'm taking my time :3):

    One pic showing all:
    <img src="http://img357.imageshack.us/img357/9679/setup2xn1.jpg" border="0" alt="IPB Image" />

    Linkage:

    CASE:
    <a href="http://azerty.nl/producten/product_detail/51/31808/pc-a16b.html" target="_blank">Lian Li PC-A16B, black</a>

    PSU:
    <a href="http://azerty.nl/producten/product_detail/52/10516/cmpsu-520hxeu.html" target="_blank">Corsair CMPSU-520HXEU, 520 Watt, Retail</a>
    Reason: extremely well reviewed, silent and efficient, example: <a href="http://www.silentpcreview.com/article692-page1.html" target="_blank">Review</a>

    MOBO:
    <a href="http://azerty.nl/producten/product_detail/?ID=35650" target="_blank">GigaByte GA-P35-S3,Retail</a>
    Reason: not too expensive, offering what I need. (couldn't find reviews or known problems)

    CPU:
    <a href="http://azerty.nl/producten/product_detail/291/34425/core-2-duo.html" target="_blank">Intel Core 2 Duo,Boxed, E6750, Socket 775</a>
    Reason: slightly cheaper then 6600, so meh.

    RAM:
    <a href="http://azerty.nl/producten/product_detail/177/4747/kvr667d2n5k2-2g.html" target="_blank">Kingston KVR667D2N5K2/2G, 2048 MB, DDR2, PC5300, 667 MHz, 2 x</a>
    Reason: fits with the rest, good stuff for not much money. (gets good reviews from buyers on the site)

    DVDRW drive:
    <a href="http://azerty.nl/producten/product_detail/?ID=35073" target="_blank">Samsung SH-S203B,OEM, Zwart, Serial ATA150</a>
    Reason: Burns more, is more silent and only a few euros more expensive, also: THIS. IS. SATAAAAAAA! no poking around with jumpers anymore!

    HDD:
    2x <a href="http://azerty.nl/producten/product_detail/?ID=12786" target="_blank">Samsung Spinpoint T166, 500 GB, 7200 RPM, 16 MB, SATA II</a>
    Reason: Not the cheapest ones, but the most silent! Buying two for RAID 0 performance and 1TB for plenty of space.

    GFX:
    <a href="http://azerty.nl/producten/product_detail/160/30339/geforce-8800-gts.html" target="_blank">ECS Geforce 8800 GTS, 320 MB, DDR3, PCI Express x16</a>
    Reason: Cheapest 8800GTS I could find there, doesn't get bad reviews, no known problems.

    SOUND:
    <a href="http://azerty.nl/producten/product_detail/?ID=12085" target="_blank">Creative SoundBlaster X-Fi XtremeGamer, Retail</a>
    Reason: Very decent soundcard, I wish to try out a good soundcard over onboard for once.

    EXTRA:
    <a href="http://azerty.nl/producten/product_detail/?ID=2649" target="_blank">Logitech MX518, Zwart, silver, Retail</a>
    Reason: need a mouse that fits my hand a bit better, and I can use my old mx310 for my laptop

    <MISSING COOLING PARTS>
    Reason: Saving my money, I'll see^H^H^H hear first what amount of noise it will make, then decide to buy anything to cool.
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  • WarriorWarrior Join Date: 2003-02-16 Member: 13624Members
    edited July 2007
    If I was you I would try and get a Evga video card. It may be more but I think it will be better in the long run. Spend the extra money and get a quality product. Did you double check to make sure that ram is compatible with the motherboard? Go to either Gigabyte or Kingston web site and try to find the compatibility table. There are some combos that will not work. Im unsure about that mobo. I dont buy stuff if I cant find any reviews about it.

    Edit: Not sure about the RAID 0 setup. I have raid 0 and I dont know if it helps. I load pretty fast but dont know if its the RAID or the overal fast computer.
    You can set it up to have the OS/utilities be on one drive and apps/storage/games on the other. Put the page file on both drives and the OS will determine which drive to use for the pagefile. I do plan to rip my RAID array apart and I will be using the two drive setup when I do.
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  • TestamentTestament Join Date: 2002-11-02 Member: 4037Members
    I posted my own thread, but it's misorganized and my ideas have had an overhaul lately.

    Any opinions on this rig?

    1xIntel Core 2 Duo E6300 Dual Core Processor LGA775 Conroe 1.86GHZ 1066FSB 2MB $192.30

    1xEVGA E-GEFORCE 8800GTS 500MHZ 640MB 1.6GHZ GDDR3 Dual DVI-I HDTV Out HDCP DIRECTX10 $472.34

    1xASUS P5B ATX LGA775 Conroe 965P DDR2 PCI-E16 3PCI-E1 3PCI SATA2 Sound GBLAN Motherboard $136.85

    1xCorsair XMS2 TWIN2X2048-6400 2GB 2X1GB PC2-6400 DDR2-800 CL 5-5-5-18 240PIN DIMM Dual Channel Memory $149.99

    1xWestern Digital SE16 320GB SATA2 7200RPM 16MB 8.9MS Hard Drive OEM 3 Year MFR Warranty $99.76

    1xSamsung SH-S183L Black SATA DVD+RW 18X8X16 DVD-RW 18X6X16 DL 8X Lightscribe DVD Writer $50.31

    1xAntec Sonata III Black ATX 16IN Mid Tower Quiet Case 3X5.25 2X3.5 4X3.5IN 500W 120MM Fan $150-ish

    I'm thinking of adding another HD down the road for storage, and I'm not sure if the PSU (and cooling) on this system is enough, nor if the processor is quite powerful enough. I'm not looking to destroy every game I come across at max details, I just want a solid system that will last me a while and give me potentional to upgrade piece-by-piece.

    Will this do that reliably? Where can I eke out better performance for around the same price, or lower?
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  • ThansalThansal The New Scum Join Date: 2002-08-22 Member: 1215Members, Constellation
    edited July 2007
    So, as every one is getting in on this.

    What are people's takes on Cases?

    The current case I have had some cooling issues (don't have the info on it atm), and I want to get a new one (along with new parts). What should I look for? I don't really care about sound in the least. It is in a room by itself, and I tend to have a rather noisy AC/Fan running any way. And looks mean nothign to me (I am lookign at the fuggen monitor, not the case)

    How many fans do I need? what placement? I figure a side fan and a front fan should do it (along with the PSU fans)
    Does brand matter that much? If I am getting a PSU along with it?
    Full tower? Mid Tower?
    would something like <a href="http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811162027" target="_blank">This</a> be ok?
    What should I be looking for?

    BTW, Testament are all those prices USD? you can get some of that for less (unless CDN = CAD)

    Sure, why not, here is what I ha/PSve assembled so far.

    CPU:
    <a href="http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16819115003" target="_blank">Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 Conroe 2.4GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80557E6600 - Retail</a> $222.90
    Not top of the line, but good enough.

    MOBO:
    <a href="http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16813121036" target="_blank">Intel BLKDP965LTCK LGA 775 Intel P965 Express ATX Intel Motherboard - OEM</a> $94.99
    Not very upgradeable, but at my rate of upgrading I don't think it will be a problem.

    RAM:
    <a href="http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16820134488" target="_blank">Kingston 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model KVR800D2K2/2GR - Retail</a> $88.99
    Should be enough

    Vid Card:
    <a href="http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16814130071" target="_blank"> EVGA 640-P2-N821-AR GeForce 8800GTS 640MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Video Card - Retail</a> $389.99
    640MB should be good, and I have had decent encounters with EVGA.

    Audio:
    <a href="http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16829102013" target="_blank"> Creative X-Fi 30SB073000000 7.1 Channels PCI Interface Sound Blaster - OEM</a> $85.99
    People here seem to think it is good, and I have been using an old SB Live for god only knows how long.

    HDD:
    <a href="http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16822148140" target="_blank"> Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3320620AS (Perpendicular Recording Technology) 320GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM</a> $79.99
    320gigs on SATA 3Gb/s

    Case:
    <a href="http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16811147033" target="_blank"> Rosewill R5604-TBK 0.8mm SECC Screw-less Dual 120mm Fans ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail </a> $59.99
    Expensive, but it looks nice (2 big fans, reviews look good). I really would like tips on this aspect.

    PSU:
    <a href="http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16817182016" target="_blank"> Rosewill RP500-2 ATX 2.01 500W Power Supply - Retail </a>
    Good reviews, 500W, has the cables I need, 2 12V rails. I guess this is Good?

    I also need to do a bit of shopping around (check zipzoomfly etc)
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  • WarriorWarrior Join Date: 2003-02-16 Member: 13624Members
    @Thansal
    Do you plan to overclock? If you do, that mobo will be crap. If you plan to OC, I can recommend a better one but is about 60 dollars more. To compensate you could go with a cheaper CPU, such as the e6420 which costs about 36 dollars less. Its has a better chance to overclock since alot of the newer e6600 suck at overclocking. Compared to last years 6600's, the newer ones have a reduced overclock ability. The 6420s are pretty good and 3.4ghz is possible.

    For PSUs I recommend either this one
    <a href="http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341001" target="_blank">http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16817341001</a>
    or
    <a href="http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139001" target="_blank">http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16817139001</a>
    The one you linked, sucks. The ones I linked are more expensive but are capable of providing enough power for now and future systems. The rosewill has problems with providing stable and enough power when loaded. If you dont want to spend the extra money, ok I wish you luck and hope you get a good one.
    IMO the PSU is the most important part and always should be good quality. I dont think you would want the PSU to fry or die because it cant handle it the loads.
    Other than that I think its a good setup.

    @Testament
    Looks good but I would suggest a e6420 as well. Its a little more then a 6300 but its the same thing with the 6600. The latest versions have just sucked at overclocking. And its pretty pointless to spend the money on a nice mobo and ram if you dont overclock. Especially considering how great the C2D are when overclocked. Being able to run at 3ghz at stock volts is awesome. The PSUs of cases suck, I recommend you buy a new one.

    *Disclaimer*
    Overclocking is not guaranteed and you may not be able to overclock any CPU regardless what date it was made. There is a chance that the 6600/6300 will overclock just fine, but based on what people have been saying they are doing poorly compared to the new CPU models. You could always do some research on some hardware forums to see what people think.

    Good luck with your builds.
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  • ubermenschubermensch Join Date: 2002-12-31 Member: 11692Banned
    edited July 2007
    <!--quoteo(post=1637698:date=Jul 6 2007, 04:23 PM:name=Warrior)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Warrior @ Jul 6 2007, 04:23 PM) [snapback]1637698[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
    Waiting is a endless cycle, something new is always around the corner.
    <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    I had to repeat this to myself while breathing deeply and slowly counting to 10 when I clicked the "Checkout" button buying my 8800GTX.

    Oh and OP, I have a BenQ 1620 drive and can say emphatically it's the best optical disc drive/writer of any sort that I've ever owned, in terms of media compatibility and low-coaster-creation, out of about a dozen. Unless your current BenQ is giving you hassle (or unless you want to keep your old rig intact) you may as well recycle it.
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  • ThansalThansal The New Scum Join Date: 2002-08-22 Member: 1215Members, Constellation
    Thanks for the notes Warrior.

    TBH, I have never bothered with over clocking before, and I don't know if I plan on doing it this time around or not.

    What is the better MoBo you would suggest any way? Oh, and would you say that a better cooling system would be required if I did decide to go the route of over clocking a e6420?

    Again, thanks, I really don't know squat about PSUs so just sorta grabbed a random one that looked semi decent.
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  • ubermenschubermensch Join Date: 2002-12-31 Member: 11692Banned
    edited July 2007
    <!--quoteo(post=1637727:date=Jul 6 2007, 09:59 PM:name=DOOManiac)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DOOManiac @ Jul 6 2007, 09:59 PM) [snapback]1637727[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
    Can't speak for anything else on your list, but the Creative SoundBlaster X-Fi is a great card. Best SB card in years. You'll like it.
    <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    2nd'ed

    <!--quoteo(post=1637823:date=Jul 7 2007, 07:37 PM:name=Svenpa)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Svenpa @ Jul 7 2007, 07:37 PM) [snapback]1637823[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
    "Reason: need a mouse that fits my hand a bit better, and I can use my old mx310 for my laptop"
    ...
    Think about some more hdd space perhaps, 500gb is definitively reasonable but more drives would give you better performance.
    ...
    <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    The mouse has to be the most subjective of all new PC parts, but my $0.02 is to get the timeless tried-and-true <a href="http://hardware.gotfrag.com/portal/story/34387/?spage=1" target="_blank">MS IntelliMouse Explorer 3.0</a>. Microsoft discontinued it some time around 2003 and recently put it back into production due to high demand. I upgraded to an MX518 because my old IntelliMouse died and I couldn't buy a new one, when I found out they re-released it I fell in love with it again and understand why most of CS's CPL players still use it.

    Also, on the hard drive, consider a <a href="http://www.storagereview.com/WD1500ADFD.sr?page=0%2C0" target="_blank">WD Raptor</a>.
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  • ubermenschubermensch Join Date: 2002-12-31 Member: 11692Banned
    <!--quoteo(post=1638544:date=Jul 11 2007, 10:36 PM:name=Thansal)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Thansal @ Jul 11 2007, 10:36 PM) [snapback]1638544[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
    TBH, I have never bothered with over clocking before, and I don't know if I plan on doing it this time around or not.
    <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    You might want to consider it.

    C2D e6600 + Tuniq Tower 120 air cooler + intel d975xbx2 mobo = almost guaranteed >3.0 ghz fully stable overclock.

    I'm running at 3.3ghz right now with that exact setup. All it takes is a little bit of forum research and then BIOS tweaks.

    For more info (than you could ever want) on the C2D/D975xbx2 overclocking combination, see <a href="http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=124131&highlight=comparing+Intel+D975XBX2+Asus+P5B" target="_blank">this</a> thread on xtremesystems.org.
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  • WarriorWarrior Join Date: 2003-02-16 Member: 13624Members
    <!--quoteo(post=1638544:date=Jul 11 2007, 07:36 PM:name=Thansal)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Thansal @ Jul 11 2007, 07:36 PM) [snapback]1638544[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
    Thanks for the notes Warrior.

    TBH, I have never bothered with over clocking before, and I don't know if I plan on doing it this time around or not.

    What is the better MoBo you would suggest any way? Oh, and would you say that a better cooling system would be required if I did decide to go the route of over clocking a e6420?

    Again, thanks, I really don't know squat about PSUs so just sorta grabbed a random one that looked semi decent.
    <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Was looking at this one
    <a href="http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813188019" target="_blank">http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16813188019</a>

    Friend of mine got this, a e6420, a tuniq tower for cooling and is running at 3.2ghz. The tuniq tower is 60 dollars but is the best air cooler. It is massive though. Only downside to that mobo is that it has limited/no overclocking for Quad cores. However it should be able to support future intel cpus that use the same socket. So if you plan to go quad and overclock that to, the mobo will be more expensive.


    @ubermensch The Badaxe2 mobo is great however I dont know if it has support for future cpu's. Nvidia has stated that the 680i will support them but I dont know if Intel said the same for theirs. I also believe its more expensive then the one I linked.

    Either one will be great.

    Overclocking is easy. Pretty much enable performance mode, type a FSB(front side bus), modify your volts to actually values instead of auto, reboot(hope it works lol) and enjoy. You may have to increase your volts to get it to boot depending on the CPU, your setting, and how much you increased the FSB speed.
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  • TestamentTestament Join Date: 2002-11-02 Member: 4037Members
    <!--quoteo--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
    BTW, Testament are all those prices USD? you can get some of that for less (unless CDN = CAD)<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    Canadian. We don't have Newegg here, either.
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  • ThansalThansal The New Scum Join Date: 2002-08-22 Member: 1215Members, Constellation
    <!--quoteo(post=1638559:date=Jul 12 2007, 12:36 AM:name=Testament)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Testament @ Jul 12 2007, 12:36 AM) [snapback]1638559[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
    Canadian. We don't have Newegg here, either.
    <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    mkay, doesn't really matter, if that was all in CAD then the prices are about right.

    @Warrior

    If I was to OC e6420 would you suggest getting different ram?

    TBH, I am leaning more on the lines of pickign up the better MoBo and CPU, however sticking with the E6600 and not OCing.

    At a latter date I can pick up better cooling and/or a different CPU (either get a quad core or get something better for OCing).

    Again, thank you for the help <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile-fix.gif" />
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