Third Builds A Charm - But I Need Help

[DarkPhysalis]

Well technically it's not my third build, first PC I had was a Compaq and the second was one I had built for me by a local computer shop.

This one will also be put together by the same shop so I'll be getting the parts from them:
www.canadacomputers.com

So some things to consider are that I'll be getting the parts from what is listed on this site. Also I'd like to be able to upgrade in the future the amount of ram (from 2GB). One last thing to consider is that these prices are in Canadian dollars so they might seem a bit higher than normal to people in other countries.

First off cooling was something I neglected on my second PC. Will I have any issues you think with this build?

Not sure about the power supply either. Will it be fine?

Any compatibility issues or something of that sort I may have missed? Last thing I want to do is discover some sort of issues exists between some parts I picked.

Finally ram. I'm not sure what to get, I was going to go with this ram but I heard of some issues with this motherboard I picked
http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=010870&cid=RAM.475

One thing I want to have 2GB of ram yet I'm not looking to spend a small fortune on ram (around 250 is alright).

CPU
Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 2.4 GHz (1066MHz) 4MB L2 CacheSocket 775 Processor
379.99
http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=010887&cid=CPU.84

Motherboard
Asus P5B Deluxe/WiFi-AP Socket 775 Intel 965 Express + ICH8R Chipset Dual-Channel DDR2 533/667/800 Gigabit Lan Intel High Definition Audio Firewire PCI-Express x16 Graphics 6xSATAII 8 Phase Power Design WiFi-AP Solo Support Core 2 Duo Processor
232.99
http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=010806&cid=MB.157

Case
Thermaltake Xaser Tsunami VA3000BNA Aluminum Home Theater Tower (Black-Mirror Coating)
119.5
http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=005077&cid=CS.664

Ram
? (need help here)

Video Card
BFG GeForce 8800 GTS nVidia GeForce 8800GTS Chipset (500MHz) Shader Clock (1200MHz) 640MB (1.6GHz) PCI-Express Graphic Card 96 Stream Processor Shader Model 4.0 2x Dual-Link DVI-I HDTV TV-Out Support HDCP DirectX 10 SLI-Ready Built for Windows Vista
519.99
http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=011709&cid=999.243.390

Sound Card
Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeMusic 24-bit Crystalizer Dolby Digital EX Decoding Sound Card
99.99
http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=008511&cid=SC

Also I'm considering the Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Fatal1ty FPS 24-bit Crystalizer EAX Advanced HD 5.0 109dB SNR DTS-ES and DolbyR Digital EX Decoding Sound Card. I don't know if it's really worth it, I don't think it is but I thought I'd mention it.

HD
Western Digital Caviar (WD5000KS) 500GB SATAII 7200RPM 16MB Buffer (OEM)
192.99

HD 2
Western Digital Caviar (WD5000KS) 500GB SATAII 7200RPM 16MB Buffer (OEM)
192.99

Yes I want two HDs on this PC.

DVD Drive
LG GSA-H22L 18X DVDRW Black Internal, LightScribe W/Software (OEM)
http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=011430&cid=CR.184

Power Supply
Enermax FMA II EG-565P-VE ATX 2.2 535W SLI Power Supply ROHS SATA, PCI-Express x 2 and Convertible 24P Connector
109.95
http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=011141&cid=PS.808

Sorry for the trouble but with my last PC I neglected some things and I'd like to get it right this time. Also yes I am a bit of a newbie so any help is appreciated.

 

[skyguy]

Looks pretty good. What's your budget?

I don't have an ASUS mobo, but I have heard that they are a bit picky with OCZ RAM. I don't know if that was previously when there were issues but have since been sorted out.

 

[DarkPhysalis]

In terms of budget I don't want to go overboard and spend too much. I'm looking at anywhere from 2000CDN to about 3000CDN. Of course I want to keep it as low as possible, I suppose the sweet-spot would be around 2500CDN.

I'm the sort of person that buys a good PC and sticks with it for a while. The current PC I have hasn't been upgraded ever (other than adding a DVD burner) and has been with me for four years. So I want this PC to last quite a while at least.

I also did try looking on-line and also found some people complaining about that ram and motherboard. If anyone has any suggestions (either a different motherboard or ram) I'm all ears.

 

[DarkPhysalis]

Okay right now I'm looking at this ram:
Corsair XMS2 Dominator TWIN2X2048-6400C4D 2GB kit (2x1GB) PC6400 DDR2-800 CL 4-4-4-12 240-pin Memory Kit
http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=011696&cid=RAM.475

but at 389.99 it seems a bit pricey. I really wanted to go with something cheaper from OCZ but I'm worried about issues. I don't suppose anyone here has this board and OCZ ram and had it work fine (no issues)?

 

[DarkPhysalis]

Well after spending all this time looking at sites I've made a few changes:

Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 2.4 GHz (1066MHz) 4MB L2 CacheSocket 775 Processor

Asus P5B-E Socket 775 Intel 965 Express + ICH8R Chipset Dual-Channel DDR2 533/667/800 Gigabit Lan Intel High Definition Audio Firewire e-SATA PCI-Express Graphics Slots 6xSATAII Support Core 2 Duo Processor

Thermaltake Xaser Tsunami VA3000BNA Aluminum Home Theater Tower (Black-Mirror Coating)

OCZ (OCZ2P8002GK) DDR2-800 PC2-6400 Platinum XTC 2GB (2x1024MB) Dual Channel Kit

BFG GeForce 8800 GTS nVidia GeForce 8800GTS Chipset (500MHz) Shader Clock (1200MHz) 640MB (1.6GHz) PCI-Express Graphic Card 96 Stream Processor Shader Model 4.0 2x Dual-Link DVI-I HDTV TV-Out Support HDCP DirectX 10 SLI-Ready Built for Windows Vista

Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeMusic 24-bit Crystalizer Dolby Digital EX Decoding Sound Card

Western Digital Caviar 500GB SATAII (WD5000KS) 7200RPM 16MB Buffer (OEM)

Western Digital Caviar 500GB SATAII (WD5000KS) 7200RPM 16MB Buffer (OEM)

LG GSA-H22L 18X DVDRW Black Internal, LightScribe W/Software (OEM)

Enermax FMA II EG-565P-VE ATX 2.2 535W SLI Power Supply ROHS SATA, PCI-Express x 2 and Convertible 24P Connector

Total 2358.51 after taxes

I changed the motherboard and went with OCZ for ram. Don't know if I should actually go for the more expensive sound card still.

 

[skyguy]

The onboard audio is fine for most people. Unless you are an audiophile or want a top notch sound system or home theatre, just go with the onboard sound and give it a try. Save some money there....you can always add a sound card in later if you want.

 

[DarkPhysalis]

True, it would save me some money thanks; don't know why I didn't consider it before.

Well I think it might be time to take the plunge and go for this PC. My current PC feels like it's on it's last legs and it will be nice to start fresh with a new PC.

My current PC ran too hot, I just hope this one won't have the same issues. I believe the case I picked comes with fans (which I hope will be enough).

 

[skyguy]

C2D chips run very FAST and very quiet, so no worries. Just try to make sure you have 2 - 120mm fans for your case....1 for the front intake, 1 for rear exhaust and you should be fine. Get some silent fans, they're not expensive and make a great difference when your tower is sitting right beside you. $30 extra on the total build cost is peanuts, but it'll save you from sitting next to a wind tunnel

 

[DarkPhysalis]

I'm wondering if I should replace the fans the case comes with (if in fact it does come with fans). I assume the CPU comes with adequate cooling, it's not as if I need to go the extra mile and get something like water cooling I'd imagine.

I'll have to check their site and see what kind of fans they have for sale.

 

[skyguy]

Oh, my BAD. The Thermaltake Tsunami comes with decent fans, so no worries there. Sorry, didn't see that


That PSU though......it has 2 crappy little 80mm fans....not so sure about that. Might wanna look at getting a better PSU, seriously. Take a look at this one, highly recommended:
http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=010075&cid=PS.808

And this one's the bomb, top notch PSU at a very good price actually:
http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=012179&cid=PS.808

I'd go with the Seasonic, VERY quiet, very reliable, one of the BEST power supplies on the market.

 

[DarkPhysalis]

Thanks for the help, I'll have to check out both of those PSU. Price difference isn't too much and this isn't something you really want to hold back on just to save a little bit of money.

 

[skyguy]

EXACTLY. Wise move


Some resources to check PSU reviews:

The GURU:
http://jonnyguru.com/reviews.php

Other:
http://www.silentpcreview.com/section10.html
http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/other/display/atx-psu6.html
http://www.bytesizedreviews.com/index.php?rev_id=302&page=1&action=reviews (I know it says "ultra high end" but don't be misled, they are aren't brand new models but are still good for research)

 

[DarkPhysalis]

Thanks for the links I'm checking them out right now.

 

[DarkPhysalis]

Hate to admit it but I never had really considered Seasonic but after reading the glowing recommendations (by the last two links) of the SS-500HT and S12 600W I think I'll go with their 550W version.

That takes care of the PSU and cooling should be fine with the fans the case comes with (if not I can always replace them in the future).

Well thanks to your help I think I've finally made up my mind, can't imagine I've overlooked anything.

 

[skyguy]

Looks like you're good to go.

Yes, a 600w Seasonic is overkill for you. A 500w or 550w will do just fine.

I currently own a Seasonic, and it is head and shoulders above any other brand I've owned or tested. It is absolutely quiet, stable, and sexy too It simply is a stunning PSU, I'll never go back to any others after having this one. And that highly-rated Corsair PSU.....Seasonic makes it for them

Honestly, I'm not sure why more people don't get a Seasonic.....maybe because they don't sell 850w versions, or because they are a bit more expensive than other brands. But in this instance, you're definitely getting your money's worth at that price. I wouldn't even consider anything else.

Awesome choice! Your new system will ROCK. Send me a PM when you're done building, maybe some pics too. Good luck!

 

[DarkPhysalis]

Thank you, I think I'll head to bed now as I do have to (unfortunately) go to work tomorrow (past midnight where I am).

I think before work I'll probably head to the shop and see about picking up the parts tomorrow.

Well night all.

 

[DarkPhysalis]

One quick follow up question. I went with Windows Vista Home Premium OEM.

I heard that it includes both the 32 and 64 bit versions. So when I install which should I install?

 

[skyguy]

hhmmm.....I have the 32 bit version installed and works better than I had hoped (except drivers are a PAIN right now). I hear that program support, etc for the 64 bit version won't be as good and take alot longer.

I'd go with the 32, at this point I think it's more important to go for stability and reliability rather than a few more performance points. If you have a decent dual core CPU and 2 gigs RAM, with a decent vid card, then Vista 32 bit will run just fine.

And I'm speaking from experience here, not from what I read from other people.

I always go for reliability instead of a BIT better performance.

 

[DarkPhysalis]

True it would be a little better performance now but say in a year or so from now when things have improved (for the 64-bit version)?

I guess I can always buy the 64-bit OEM version again then but the thought of rebuying it in a year or so is annoying, add reinstalling Vista.