New Build - Confirm Components

[BradF1979]

Just about ready to pull the trigger on this, would like some advice on a few pieces...

I'm 100% sold on the following parts but feel free to comment on them:

[*:c3c64605b8]Core 2 Duo E6600
[*:c3c64605b8]Gigabyte GA-965P-S3
[*:c3c64605b8]ZALMAN CNPS9500
[*:c3c64605b8]EVGA GeForce 8800 GTS
[*:c3c64605b8]WD Caviar 250GB 16MB CACHE SATA
[*:c3c64605b8]SAMSUNG 18X DVD±R DVD Burner With 12X DVD-RAM Write, LightScribe Technology Black SATA Model

These are the pieces I have concerns/questions about:

Sunbeam IC-SS-SVBK Black/Silver Steel ATX Mid Tower
- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16811166030

FSP Group (Fortron Source) AX450-PN, 12cm FAN, version 2.2, 2 SATA, PCI Express, 450W Power Supply
- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16817104954

CHIMEI 221D-NBC Black 22" 5ms DVI Widescreen LCD
- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16824252008

Creative SOUND BLASTER X-Fi Fatal1ty FPS 7.1
- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16829102189

WINTEC AMPX 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit
- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16820161063

Is the case/power supply sufficient for this system? I'm going to be looking at trying to get the CPU to 3.2Ghz on air alone (using the Zalman and the case fans). Can the power supply handle the overclock and the video card?

Anyone know anything about that LCD monitor? Reviews seem to be pretty good.

The memory... Good reviews on NewEgg and I saw another review on the internet that was good also. I know it's generic, but it's 4-4-4-12. I can get Corsair XMS2 DDR2-800 for the same price if I want 5-5-5-12 timings.

The sound card... ugh, is this really necessary? Anyone have comments on this card, it's outrageous!

 

[alcattle]

Some many questions

Strong start; Case and Video are very user dependent, If you have any way; look at what you are buying first and buy local to save a bunch on shipping.

Off the top, the psu is a good brand. It will run the system but might not give much headroom for the future.

Sound, how much do you need? The onboard sound has improved greatly in the current group of MB. You might try it to start and upgrade later if you feel the OB sound is lacking.

RAM, I do not know the brand, the specs are good. Make sure you check the voltage to what the MB uses as a default.

 

[BradF1979]

Good point on the sound. I think I'll drop it. The only places around here to buy components are ridiculously overpriced. NewEgg is charging me $50 for that whole bit to ship. That's a pretty good deal if you ask me.

Maybe since I dropped the sound I should go with the GTX card instead of the GTS?

 

[alcattle]

Hard to say, I would not buy an 8800 card myself but I am cheap ;[.
I would take a little saving and a name brand RAM. $10-20 more and you won't regret it.
Give some time for others to give their views and give a link to your wish list or cart.

 

[skyguy]

Actually that RAM is quite good......contains Micron D9 chips. So don't waste your money on the Corsair, they now have cheap'd out on their chips but still charge too much money. So you should be good to hit 3.2 ghz with that RAM.

As for the Zalman 9500, I have that. A couple comments. I can hit 3.0 on my 6300, so you should be able to hit 3.2 on your 6600 with a 9x multiplier. The Zalman looks sexy and will also help keep your mobo cool too. ONE downside though: it's NOT as quiet as they advertise when you turn up the fan beyond LOW. It's nowhere near 22-25 dba like they say, no way. So, it's a good HSF, not the best on the market, but good. But not as quiet as you might believe though. I modded mine to keep it quiet while pushing some good air. Just keep it in mind. If you want quiet and great cooling, get a Thermalright Ultra 120 and slap a Noctua 120mm silent fan on it....then you're laughin

 

[BradF1979]

I'm still concerned that the power supply isn't going to be enough. I'm not worried about future at the moment, just want to make sure it'll handle the CPU overclock, the memory, and the 8800 GTS.

 

[skyguy]

For very little more $$, I'd bump it up to a 550w, to be honest.

BUT, the issue isn't necessary getting more wattage, it's getting enough amps on the 12v rails that is the important thing. See what the GTS/GTX requires for amperage, and then check that against what the PSU will provide. Then you'll know for sure. Best to check now.

 

[BradF1979]

Therein lies the issue, the specs on the power supply say 18A on each of the 12V rails. However this topic:

http://forumz.tomshardware.com/hardware/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&p=1491365#1491365

It says it only outputs 29A on the 12V rail...

 

[Dr_asik]

18A on both 12V rails is not equal to 36A, no, 29A looks more realistic. Don't ask me why, but that's how it works. And 18A is fine by today's standards.

My Western Digital Caviar died on me after 2 years and since everyone seems to love and praise Seagate (and I do love my new Seagate drive), I'd go with a Seagate. But WD has a really good reputation too; I think I just wasn't lucky, any drive can break.

 

[skyguy]

Every single stinkin hard drive that EVER died on me was a Western Digital. I will never buy a WD again, no matter what the price/bargain.

My Seagates are GREAT. My Hitachi was also good, but was a backup drive, not a primary for speed.

 

[Dr_asik]

Hm that's interesting. So WD goes down the trash along with Maxtor then.

 

[skyguy]

Maybe, dunno. Could be my bad luck. But I've lost too much data on WD drives and now I'm paranoid.....I have 3 data drives instead of one now LOL.

But I'm just gonna avoid WD. I won't recommend them either, but everyone has their own preference, so each person has to decide I guess. If it ain't broke.......and my Seagates have performed admirably, so I'm sticking with them.

 

[PaulTa]

I don't know what your budget looks like, but I recently purchased this PSU for 130USD (including shipping).

http://www.silverstonetek.com/products-op650.htm

The stronger 12V rating might help you out a bit.