Hey all,

This is my first build that I am doing on my on. I have always had custom computers put together by one of the many small computer shops in the Seattle area.

Here is my build so far:

CPU Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz 2 x 4MB L2 Cache LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor - Retail $279.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819115017

Motherboard ASUS P5E LGA 775 Intel X38 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail $229.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813131219

Memory Crucial Ballistix 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) $74.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820146565

Video Card EVGA 512-P3-N841-A3 GeForce 8800GTS (G92) 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 $339.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814130312

Hard Disk Drive Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST3500320AS 500GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache $119.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822148288

Case Antec Solo Black/Silver Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail $79.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811129018

Power Supply CORSAIR CMPSU-620HX ATX12V v2.2 and EPS12V 2.91 620W Power Supply $169.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817139002


Total: $1,294.93


I have actually been thinking of going with this power supply:

OCZ GameXStream OCZ700GXSSLI ATX12V 700W Power Supply 100 - 240 V - Retail $134.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817341002


And I was thinking I should probably get a different case. I am willing so spend up to around $150 for a case, so if anyone can recommend one that has room for a large HSF (Like a Zalman or something) I would appreciate it.

I chose this motherboard mostly so because it looked like a good one, and it supports PCIe 2.0 which I wanted since the graphics card does too.

What do you guys think? Anyone see any conflicts with my hardware, or anything I should change? Anything I should add? I am willing to spend a little more money if necessary so feel free to make any and all suggestions.

Thanks for your time and help,
Rawket

The Antec Solo case will fit a large HSF (including Thermalright Ultra 120 Extreme)
Compare that case to the CoolerMaster RC-690 and Antec 900 in about the same price range.

Either PSU would be a good choice. The main difference (besides price) is that the Corsair had modular cables and OCZ does not.

Good choices overall.

After looking over those cases I think I am going to go with the Antec 900. Also that Thermalight Ultra 120 Extreme looks pretty nice. I think I am going to get one, because I plan on overclocking my Q6600 to the 3.0-3.4 Ghz range. Will the Thermalight fit into the Antec 900 case (with the side door closed)? Also, as it pertains to overclocking, is that good RAM for doing it? (As I understand it the best RAM you really need for overclocking is DDR2 800).
If there is RAM that is better for overclocking, please let me know. I may actually go for 2x2GB sticks...

As for the PSU, what is the benefit of modular cabling? I have heard it takes up more space, but maybe that is wrong.

The OCZ power supply looks like it might go well with the Antec 900--they both have the blue lights in them. Will the OCZ power supply be enough (700 watts) to power my setup? Will the Corsair be able (620 watts) to power my setup? I am leaning towards the OCZ because it has 80 more watts, it's cheaper, and it will match the Antec 900. Unless, of course, modular cabling has a large benefit that I am not aware of.


Lastly, is there a display anyone can recommend to go with this system build? I would like a flat, wide screen, that costs in the $200-$500 range. I may be willing to spend more on a display if there is a compelling reason to do so.

Sorry for so many questions, I just want to get this thing right so I can order the parts this weekend.

Thanks,
Rawket

The Corsair power supply is a lot cheaper here;
http://www.buy.com/prod/Corsair-VX [...] 52646.html
There's a rebate on the 900 case which now makes it $80, hell I might have to buy one at that price!
A modular PSU will probably take up less space because you hook up the cables that you need and don't have extra wires to deal with. Nice rig, good luck with the build.

A good quality 400watt PSU would be enough to power your system (based on the video card's requirement).
Evga recommendation: 400watts and 26Amps +12volts A 600-700watt PSU would give more than enough power for anything other than a top end Crossfire (2x ATI video card) setup.

A modular PSU allows you to only use the PSU cables you actually need. It helps keep a windowed case looking uncluttered. A non-modular PSU needs good cable management skills to have the same uncluttered look.

For your overclocking goal DDR2 800 will do fine. If you sync up the RAM/FSB into the favored 1:1 ratio you'll end up with the Q6600 @ ~3.4Ghz and the RAM will be @ ~DDR2 775.

For your LCD monitor take a hard look at the Samsung 226BW $320 (plus $40 rebate).

Thank you all very much for the replies.

I am not too worried about the inside of my case looking perfect so I'm not very concerned with modular cabling. I am ordering all this stuff tomorrow morning, so I have until then to mull it over.

I am going to order my processor from: http://www.clubit.com./product_det [...] 8452&nav=3

I want to make sure I get a G0 stepping Q6600 and from what I have been reading some people are getting B3s from Newegg.

WR2: I took a look at that LCD--that thing looks pretty sweet. The only thing that worries me is I was reading that Samsung is producing different models of these things and it is a crap shoot which you are going to get. Apparently an "a" model doesn't perform as well as a "c" model. Not sure how much stock I put into what the people at Newegg are saying, but it does make me a little wary. On the other hand I do tend to like Samsung products, and this LCD appears to be good quality for the price.

Thanks,
Rawket

Take a look at the G.SKILL 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1000 for only $114.99 Instead of getting Crucial Ballistix 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) $74.99

Get the Radeon 3870 512MB instead of getting 8800GTS (G92) 512MB, you can always add another Video Card later for crossfire. Rememeber you can not do SLI on Asus P5E X38 Motherboard.
I also have Antec 900 with Thermalright Ultima-90 with side fan.

I appreciate the reply. I want the Crucial because of the better timings. I am going to stick with 2x1 GB for now and if I want I can get 2 more in the future. 4GB will be good enough for me.

As for the Radeon 3870s, I believe 1 8800GTS will outperform the 2 Radeon's in everything except stream processing.
(And for cheaper than 2 I might add)

Rawket

The 8800GTS G92 will outperform one HD 3870, but not two.

If you buy a 24" monitor or bigger, you should keep the option to add a second card. To do that, get the Corsair 620HX rather than the other PSUs mentioned above, and then combine (P5E+HD 3870) or (P5N32-E SLI+8800GTS G92) The Samsung 245BW is about $350 at FutureShop today. I know it's more than you wanted to spend, but it's worth it IMO.

If you get a 22" monitor you don't need either Crossfire or SLI and you
can get a cheaper mobo, like GA-P35-DS4 or GA-P35-DS3R or something from the P5K series.