general build

tdk000

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I'm planning to try my first build. I have the case an Eagle Tech ET-CAV2 aluminum. It has 2 80mm fans. I'll be using it for internet access, gaming, photo editing and would like to use it as a TV. I'm thinking of the following components:
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600
Windows Vista Ultimate 64 bit (should I just get OEM or is there a good reason to get retail?)
Gigabyte GA-P35 DS3R http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128050 or
MSI P35 Neo2-FR http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130098 or
Foxconn P35A-S http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813186124 or
Gigabyte GA-P35C DS3R
2 or 4 GB of memory
OCZ platinum revision 2 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227139 or
Corsair SMX2 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145034 or
Crucial Ballistix http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146565
DVD Burner Liteon http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106070
DVD ROM ASus http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135151
power supply Apevia 680w http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817148022
video EVGA Geoforce 8800GTS 320 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130082
I want a 19 or 20" monitor and need suggestions on keyboard and mouse, tv tuner, speakers. Also do I need extra fans, heatsinks whatever. I may try overclocking in the future.

Thanks
 

emp

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The power supply is just crap, don't get it. You need a decent one that can actually power properly a system like that (i.e. Corsair 520HX or Antec NeoHE 500).

All that ram sounds ok, however I tend to prefer Crucial Ballistix, but you won't go wrong either way. And there's no doubt you should get the GA-P35-DS3R over the other boards, it's pretty much the BEST P35 board out there, especially since DDR3 support is worthless at this point.

In my opinion the ONLY Vista version that isn't a complete waste of money (but still overpriced) is the Home Premium 64, the others are just simply not worth getting. I'd get the retail if you can spare the extra $100 and you like formatting your system as much as I do, just so you don't have to deal with M$ customer support every time you want to do a clean installation.
 

akhilles

Splendid
^^^ couldn't agree more. I've been recommending ballistix cuz it's micron d9 chip for dirt cheap. My ocz costs about the same, but doesn't o/c as well. But I got the ram for half the retail used. Can't complain. lol.

Other good o/c ram is G.Skill HZ (BLACK) & Buffalo Firestix (red).

If you go 64-bit, get 4 gigs of ram. 32-bit sees up to 3.5gb.

For mobos, I would touch only DS3R, ASUS P5K & ABIT IP-35-E or deluxe or pro. The rest can go to the landfill. :) Except for x38 boards.

The case is this?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811117082

It has an 80mm intake & 120mm exhaust & no other mounting holes. No need for more fans.

This looks hot, but it's out yet:

http://www.in-win.us/b2/b2.html?PHPSESSID=239e827976110ea068dee1a2a27b6b22

Get at least a Freezer 7 Pro if you want to overclock:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186134&Tpk=freezer%2b7%2bpro

As for a good psu, get at least a tier-3:

http://www.tomswiki.com/page/Tiered+PSU+Listings?t=anon
 
Another vote for GA-P35-DS3R and Corsair 520HX. I think you'll be fine with 2 GB of RAM, at least for a while. Drop the DVD-ROM, the burner can also read.

I would save some money by going with 2 GB of RAM (rather than 4), OEM Vista (rather than retail), onboard audio (no sound card for now), cheap mouse and keyboard. Then I'd blow the savings and get an 8800 GTX instead of GTS :lol: You can always improve the mouse or add RAM later. If you like the idea get the Corsair 620HX, not 520HX.

Samsung, Viewsonic and LG make pretty good monitors as far as I can tell from personal experience. Make sure you get your monitor from a local store and you can check for dead pixels first, or make sure you can return the monitor without penalty if you find dead pixels at home.
 

emp

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I don't see why he should get the 620 over the 520 though... The 520 alone can output 40A on the 12V rails, that's way more than enough for any card out there and also closing in to the SLI territory.
 


Only reason would be that the 620 would give him a bit more head-room should he decide to do a major overhaul in a few years or less. Either one would be a good choice in this case.
 
You get better efficiency from the PSU if you don't get too close to its maximum output. From the charts I've seen, after about 70% the efficiency starts dropping ==> more heat in the case and higher electricity bills.

But sure, if the budget is limited by all means the 520HX will do.
 

emp

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honestly... unless you're running a dangerously big raid array I see no reason for the 620 to even exist, since the 520 already outputs 40A which can power any card and beyond, and the 620 is already dangerously close to SLI territory with a 50A output but just not quite there yet, which makes it easy money for the Antec TruePower Quattros and PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750.

And on top of that you're wasting more power due to efficiency not reaching it's peak until around 60-70% load, but then again I suppose some people that don't know how much power their systems REALLY need and how it work would feel much better with a more powerful unit.

Anyway both units are still top notch quality and you can't go wrong either way, just a PSU madman's ramblings... nothing else.
 

tdk000

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I forgot to add that I'm planning on adding 2 500 gb hardrives.

"The case is this?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811117082"

It is the same case, except silver and no power supply.

I'll also need a wifi card- I don't know if everything will fit.

I'll look into the power supplies.

I was planning on the second dvd drive to make copying easier.