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First Build-noob questions

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Never built a computer before and am not too knowledgeable about hardware. Have been researching the idea of building my own the last few weeks, as my laptop is pathetically out of date. I'm going to be using this comp to play some games like Oblivion, use photoshop, other basic functions. Here is what i'm looking at:

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E6750

MB: Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3P

GPU: Asus 8800GT 512MB SLI

PSU: OCZ Gamestream 700W

Heatsink/Fan: Zalman CNPS9700

Memory: Crucial 240-pin DDR2 800

DVD/R: ASUS DRW-2014L1T

HDD: WD Raptor 150GB

Case: Antec p182

My main questions are:

Is there a better choice for a motherboard at the price point ($150)? Should I consider an SLI compatible MB to better future proof? I mainly picked the gigabyte MB because it seems like they might OC well. I am considering doing some OC at some point in the future with this rig. As an aside is the x38 chip set worth an extra $50-$100?

Memory, how much should i get and in what configuration? It seems like ddr2 800 is the way to go, would it be alright to buy 4 1GB memory sticks? I've heard that 4GB of memory is best for running vista but I've also read that a 2x2GB configuration is best. I have only seen Crucial DDR2 800 in the 1GB size on NewEgg.

My PSU, overkill?

Does anybody know of any compatibility issues between any of these components?

I am also in the market for a monitor, what size/resolution would be best considering my graphics card? Any brand/model suggestions would be appreciated.

Since this is my first time *haha* I'd appreciate any comments or suggestions on this build. Would love to keep this as close to $1000 as possible.

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You could look at the GA-P35-DS3L or DS3R they are cheaper with a few things removed. Same quality. Unless you are getting SLI today there is no point to an SLI mobo, by the time you think a second card will get you better performance it will be better to purchase the next BEST single card solution. x38 is prolly not worth it for you unless you are upgrading in the near future.

4x1gb is better for CAS timing (latency) this will generally get you more bandwidth. 2x2 is better for upgrading for obvious reasons. Dont think Crucial has released there 2gb modules yet. OCZ, Patriot and Geil have great ones out though.

Its hard to go overkill on a PSU. That choice is solid and should do you for a few years, including any upgrades you do.

20 or 22 inch would be best even 24" or 27" if you splurge but youll find that the 8800GT wont handle all eye candy at those higher res's on games like Crysis.

So get it cheaper, change the mobo to above suggestions unless you need something inparticular thats on the board you chose. Raptor could be changed for a 400-500 WD or Seagate they are close to the same perfomance bar the access times. P182 could be changed for something like Antec 900.
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Chose a different psu, too many users have issues with 8800gt and tough powers. Antec, Pc Power and Cooling, OCZ, Corsair, fsp group all make great psus You could save money by going with a single 8800gt now and 2 gigs of ram. (2x1 gb sticks) Than in the future or if you feel the need once your system is built, you can order another 880gt and the other 2 gb of ram.

I would go with ram timings of 4-4-4-12 and ensure that you use a 64bit OS if you plan to use over 3 gigs of ram.

hmm, personally i would go for the q6600 (G0) stepping of course instead of ur e6750, it cost a lil bit more but i really think its worth it. best quad/price/performance out there for the buck, so easy to OC on air alone. 3.0ghz easily achievable. if you are building a new rig, might as well build a good one that lasts you several years right? duo is good, but i think quad is so much better. im certain future games/softwares will make use of the 4 cores more so than 2. save up a lil bit more and get the 8800GTS (512mb)(g92) version, that card is rockin solid. just my 2 cents.

looking at this for memory: GeIL 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800, has 4-4-4-12 timings, plan on running vista at 64bit.

smoked, what do you mean by "issues with 8800gt and tough powers"? The psu i have chosen is an OCZ as you recommend.

I considered a q6600, but wasn't sure if it was worth the extra $90. I won't be doing any video editing but will be encoding audio files. Is multitasking capability significantly increased with simple programs with quad core? Improved multitasking with a program like say photoshop? Also, seems that newegg does not ensure GO stepping version. As an aside, what does this distinction refer to: GO stepping vs. B3?

I've read that the 8800GTS' don't significantly outperform the 8800GTs. Any other opinions on this? I am still deciding on a monitor, trying to choose between 22" or 24". Would decision between 8800GT vs 8800GTS impact monitor choice?

Again, thanks for the help.





i can honestly say, i've used both processors before, and the multitasking ability of the q6600 is alot better than the duo. it handles many cpu intensive programs simultaneously like cake. i do diff types of editing including audio/video/and image. and it puts out results in a short period of time. so i would definately definately go for the q6600.
90$ for 2 more cores = how can u say no?

as for the G0 vs b3 stepping, processors with b3 stepping can't OC that great, people have trouble pushing the q6600 (b3) beyond 3ghz. while the new stepping G0, people easily OC it beyond 3ghz. frankly, im starting to believe the q6600 should just be sold with 3.0ghz core speed ;)  (qx9650? wut qx9650 heh) and it runs cool, so aircooling (i use a zalman CNPS 9700) is more than enough for a 600mhz OC to 3.0ghz without increase voltage. that is why everyone wants a G0 stepping processor.

hope that helped....u can read more about G0 vs B3 stepping here
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/overclocking-intel,review...

one more 2 cent from me, i wouldn't run vista at all, thats just my personal preference, its too power hungry

i would just run xp sp2, also, sp3 is coming out soon. u should look out for that, but yet again, sp1 is also coming out soon for vista. imho, i would chose xp for sure. but i dunno what changes are gonna be implemented into the sp1 of vista just yet. maybe it'll be better? (laugh) hope that helped.

OK, After looking into all of your suggestions and doing more research here's where I am:

CPU: E6750 or Q6600 still could use input on this. Is quadcore really worth $90 more? Right now with the e6750 the build is around $1300, q6600 pushes me closer to $1500 than originally desired.

MB: GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L

GPU: Asus 8800GT

PSU: Antec NeoPower ATX12V 650 I am leaning towards modular psu's, although this drastically reduces the number of choices. Am I being foolish for caring about modular? Seems like many of the higher end PSU's are not modular.

Mem: GeIL 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 800

HS/Fan: Zalman 9700

HDD: Western Digital Raptor WD1500ADFD 150GB or a slower, cheaper, larger WD/Seagate drive. Any suggestions on HD configurations for Vista, should I use multiple drives? If I get the Raptor I'd like to add a larger storage drive later. I am researching and learning about RAID, should I consider this?

DVD-R: ASUS 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe

Case: SILVERSTONE Kublai Series KL02B

Any thoughts?

Go with either a Tuniq Tower 120 or an Thermalright Ultra 120 Extreme are the two top dogs that will allow cooler overclocking temps. Also the cooler on that 8800GT is horrible, go with the duel slot cooler 8800GTS 512MB card instead for not much more.


By systemlord at 2007-11-13


By systemlord at 2007-11-13

Okay, I think you might have sold me on the q6600, I will just have to make sure I get GO stepping.

I was hesitant to get vista at first, but after doing some research I got the impression that XP would soon be outdated. It seems now that I need to look into this further before I make a decision.

Is this a significantly better choice for GPU?

GIGABYTE GV-NX88S512H-B GeForce 8800GTS (G92) 512MB

I have heard that 8800GT can easily be OC to the performance levels of GTS. Is GTS really worth it? What is a better 8800GT choice? Unfortunately, most of the 8800GT cards are out of stock at newegg...

Carmando said:
Is this a significantly better choice for GPU?

GIGABYTE GV-NX88S512H-B GeForce 8800GTS (G92) 512MB

I have heard that 8800GT can easily be OC to the performance levels of GTS. Is GTS really worth it? What is a better 8800GT choice? Unfortunately, most of the 8800GT cards are out of stock at newegg...


Tom's Hardware was able to OC the 8800GTS 512MB card from 650MHz to 776MHz, the highest OC on an Nvidia card. Plus the duel slot cooler is much better than the 8800GT's poor cooler.
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