suggestions please

[jp550]

Hi

I've waited for a while on building this computer but i am getting ready to build it now. I have a few questions regarding this build: First im open to any suggestions regarding it, and how to make it better (but not for any more money)

I also like the idea of having a smaller hd for windows some software. i was originallly leaning towards the raptor 74gb. But it is really expensive. How much of a performance gain is it really? Do you think it is worth it to get the raptor as a system/softwaree drive? is the difference very noticible?

also right now my motherboard is the intel d975xbx. Ive heard that the 965 chipsets are coming out with conroe in late july early august. but i really dont want to wait that long for this build.
Right now i am under the impression that the D975xbx is the ONLY board that supports conroe right now right?

Are there any better boards for preferably less money than this one coming out soon?

Here is my lists of parts for the computer. I plan on maybe overclocking this cpu a little and getting the conroe a few monthes after it comes out. Is the 930 a good choice? or should i go to a lesser cpu and overclock that?

Case: Thermaltake armor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16811133154

Power supply: Antec truepower 2.0 550 watt
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=270001

cpu: intel pentium D 930 3.0ghz
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=80851

hd 1: wd raptor 74gb
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16822144160

hd2: Wd caviar 250gb
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=101220

gfx: evga 7600gt 256mb
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16814130283

burner: lighton lightscribe
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=170677

ram: corsair xms 2gig
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=85016-16

mobo: d975xbx intel
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=240995

mouse g5
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=211158

keyboard logitech generic
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16823126167


the grand total of that w/shipping & tax is
$1366.25

I would like to shave some off of that if its possible...any ideas??

thanks lots

 

[scorch]

You may be able to save money with an asus main board. I have built quite a few with the asus and have had no problem. Intel and Asus are the only boards I have been using on builds. I don't know about Core2 capeability, I havent seen anything definate yet or mabye I am not looking in the right place on the intel website. One thing I didn't see on your build is the operating system.

 

[jp550]

Hm to my understanding the only board now that supports conroe is the intel one right now. does anyone know when the next conroe compat. boards will come out? How does my rig look so far?

ps..i have windows home xp already so i dont need to get one 8)

 

[jp550]

any ideas?

 

[jp550]

how would two regular 80gb western digital drives in raid 0 compete with the raptor?

thanks

 

[rabidbunny]

I don't know much about hard drives. I wouldn't think that a 10,000 rpm drive would be a huge difference from a normal sata drive @7,200 rpm... I think it depends on the read speed and how many platters per arm..

The other thing to consider is the amount of heat in your pc. Since you are using an Intel cpu, your inside temps will be higher than an AMD cpu most likely. And it all comes down to your cooling in your case, the case's airflow, your heatsinks, other components, and your harddrives. Typically, the 10,000 rpm drive is hotter than a normal sata drive @7,200 rpm. I do not know how much hotter though.

I guess if you have the money and want to spend the money on a 10,000 rpm drive and a normal 7200 rpm drive, then go for it. If you wait, you may find that the capacity for 10,000 rpm drives has gone up for the same price, (I've seen 150gb 10,000 rpm drives out there).

If it were me, I would just stick with the normal 7200 rpm drive for now for the price and upgrade later when you feel the need to upgrade your OS and game drive/s.

Any more pointers?

 

[jp550]

so u think just stay with an 80 gig hd for the system drive? I think i'll probably do that it saves some cash...thanks.

any more ideas regarding the other parts of my build?

thanks

 

[rabidbunny]

Well, if you do a decent amount of gaming, then you should probably go for at least a 160 gb harddrive to start off with unless you have a USB harddrive to store all of your other data on... If not, then an 80 gb harddrive should do it for now.
I am using a 60 gb harddrive with at least 5.5gb of music, and alot of other crap and it still has about 20gb left. I am going to get a larger harddrive though since space is going.

On the other hand, you should get the WD caviar you had listed. But it's ATA 100 and I believe your motherboard can stand an SATA connection (most new boards do) so you are wasting your speed with an ATA 100 if that 's going to be your primary hd with games and the OS.

If you are going to get a harddrive other than the raptor, then you should definately look for a SATA 3.0gb/s harddrive since it looks like your motherboard can handle the latest drives. For a secondary drive that's going to be used for storage NOT for games and the OS, then you can get an ATA drive also..

Again, you can always upgrade later when you have the money.

so u think just stay with an 80 gig hd for the system drive? I think i'll probably do that it saves some cash...thanks.

Well, the price difference between an 80gb harddrive and a 160gb harddrive is not that much. (only about $10 at most, but check out what you want)

Otherwise, your system looks good. I dont know if you really need the litescribe drive. That can save a few bucks. If you change your motherboard, then check, and double check your components for compatibility. Let me know what harddrive you chose. Samsung drives are supposed to be excellent along with WD and Seagate.

 

[kyman73]

Just my 2 cents but if you have the $$ for a raptor and a 250gb Caviar you might be better off buying another 250 gb caviar and raid that. Over 30% more space in there, save some cash, and you will have your whole system faster, instead of just running windows and a few programs off of your raptor.

**note** Most people can make do with 250gb worth of space, me on the other hand tore through my 250gb HD within 3 months and am now at
570 / 680 (3 x 250 gb HD's, damn formatting space loss). So take what I say with a grain of salt...

GL with your new system =)