I am trying to build a computer that will primarily be used to handle unwieldy MS Office applications for work (i.e. 100+ MB spreadsheets with lots of number crunching) along with some document creation (Word to PDF mostly). It will be running Windows XP Pro (I assume I should go ahead and get 64-bit) and Excel 2007. I don't want to go with integrated graphics, because at some point I may decide there is a game that I want to upgrade my graphics card for, so I'd like to have that ability. Price isn't a big concern, but I'd rather stay more in the best value range than on the bleeding edge. Running quietly doesn't trump speed, but should be a consideration. I am willing to overclock.
Here is what I am looking at currently:
Case: Antec Solo
PS: Corsair 520HX
CPU: Intel Q6600
Mobo: GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3R
Memory: CORSAIR Dominator 2GB DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500)
Video Card: EVGA 256-P2-N541-T2 GeForce 7600GS 256MB
Hard Drive: Western Digital Raptor WD1500ADFD
DVD: LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model LH-20A1L-06
Heatsink: Thermalright Ultra-120 Extreme CPU Cooler
Specific Questions:
1) Is it worth it to me to upgrade to the Corsair 620HX? I don't think it is necessary.
2) Do my CPU, Mobo, Mem, VC combo work together? Would it be worth it to go ahead and get 4GB of RAM?
3) Will the Thermalright heatsink fit in the case?
4) Am I heinously bottlenecked anywhere? Is RAIDing Raptors a good option for me when I am dealing with a lot of opening, closing and saving of huge office files?
Thanks for any input. I've probably read hundreds of these threads, but I am only a very occasional system builder. My last one was the computer I am using now and replacing, an old P4 Northwood.
(Edited to add links)
Here is what I am looking at currently:
Case: Antec Solo
PS: Corsair 520HX
CPU: Intel Q6600
Mobo: GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3R
Memory: CORSAIR Dominator 2GB DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500)
Video Card: EVGA 256-P2-N541-T2 GeForce 7600GS 256MB
Hard Drive: Western Digital Raptor WD1500ADFD
DVD: LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model LH-20A1L-06
Heatsink: Thermalright Ultra-120 Extreme CPU Cooler
Specific Questions:
1) Is it worth it to me to upgrade to the Corsair 620HX? I don't think it is necessary.
2) Do my CPU, Mobo, Mem, VC combo work together? Would it be worth it to go ahead and get 4GB of RAM?
3) Will the Thermalright heatsink fit in the case?
4) Am I heinously bottlenecked anywhere? Is RAIDing Raptors a good option for me when I am dealing with a lot of opening, closing and saving of huge office files?
Thanks for any input. I've probably read hundreds of these threads, but I am only a very occasional system builder. My last one was the computer I am using now and replacing, an old P4 Northwood.
(Edited to add links)