Proof my build- newbie

[jettmorrison]

I'm looking for some help with a build. Keep in mind that I've never build a puter before but I do have some basic knowledge and some people that are available to help should I get stuck.

I spec'd this system out yesterday but still have a few questions. Also keep in mind that due to finances, I will be adding a high-end graphics card at a later date (listed below). I do have a decent PCI card for the time being. I would like to over-clock this system once I get more familiar with how to do it.

This system will be used primarily for gaming and audio recording.

Questions:
1. Do I have the right specs for power?
2. Do I need to add an OEM cooler? Whatever that is.
3. I put two different harddrive options into the build. A single setup and a dual RAID configuration. Although I don't understand RAID setup right now, from what I've read, it's not extremely difficult.
4. I have two options for RAM listed below. 4GB at 2 x 2GB and 2GB at 2 x 1GB. Thoughts appreciated.
5. Anything else I'm forgetting or need to be aware of?


CASE
Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021


MOTHERBOARD
GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX All Solid Capacitor Intel Motherboard – Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128059&Tpk=Gigabyte+GA-P35-DS3L


CPU
Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor – Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037


CPU COOLER
Cooler Master Hyper 212 CPU Cooler
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-Details.asp?EdpNo=3486534&sku=C283-3022
or…
Tuniq Tower 120 P4 & K8 CPU Cooler – Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835154001


MEMORY
WINTEC 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 FB-DIMM ECC Fully Buffered DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Dual Channel Kit Server Memory - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820161178
or…
WINTEC AMPO 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820161172


HARDDRIVE
Seagate Barracuda 320GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive – OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148140
or…
2x Seagate Barracuda ES ST3250620NS 250GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive – OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148155


POWERSUPPLY
CORSAIR CMPSU-550VX ATX12V V2.2 550W Power Supply 90
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139004


VIDEO (at a later date. Have a sufficient PCI video card for now)
EVGA 640-P2-N824-AR GeForce 8800GTS 640MB 320-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130327
or…
EVGA 320-P2-N811-AR GeForce 8800GTS 320MB 320-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130082


DVD DRIVER/WRITER
Samsung SH-S203N Black SATA DVD+RW 20X8X16 DVD-RW 20X6X16 DL18X/12X Lightscribe DVD Writer OEM W/ SW
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151154&Tpk=Samsung+SH-S203N+SATA

 

[jeremyrailton]

Ok, here are some suggestions:

1. DO NOT buy server memory for a regular desktop! Sticking to 4 gigs is good, though . You can find plenty of 4 gig sets for less than $100

2. go for at least a 500 gig hard drive instead of trying to raid the smaller ones. That motherboard doesn't support RAID anyway.

3. DO NOT get either of those video cards. If you can afford it, get an 8800 GT or the GTS 512mb (G92) version (very important to get the 512mb version!!) Although, since you say you'll be upgrading later rather than sooner, there'll probably be something better out by then.

4. For the CPU cooler, you've listed 2 different price and cooling categories. the coolermaster is an excellent budget choice. If you can get the tuniq, that's a little better. You might also consider the Thermalright ultra 120 or the Zerotherm Nirvana. All great choices.

5. Final thought: it's usually a good idea to get the most power in a PSU that you can afford. The one you listed is good, and will power your system fine, but you might want to leave yourself room to upgrade in the future. It's annoying to get a new graphics card or CPU only to discover that you have to get a new power supply as well.

 

[amd_fanboi]

what he said... I think that for power, try an Corsair HX 620... that ought to be good for a single card system... overkill even

 

[zenmaster]

The PowerSupply is more than enough Power.
The 520w Corsair could be a good choice as well.
Slightly higher quality despite the lower wattage.
(HX > VX for Corsair)

I would consider the DS3R Gigabyte Board.
It has better Chipset cooling for High OCs/FSB speeds.
These will be needed to get the most out of your E8400.

The Q6600 is a great match for the DS3L since it does not need as fast a FSB to hit top performance.

 

[jettmorrison]

woops...I listed the wrong memory. Will look at a 520 mg hardrive. Thanks for the advice about the motherboard not supporting RAID...woohoo. That's why I'm posting.

Here's the sticks I am planning to use.
WINTEC AMPX 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820161183

 

[jettmorrison]

Will look at these two options for bigger harddrives.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148294
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148152

Zenmaster,
The DS3R Gigabyte Board...what brand is that?

 

[jettmorrison]

Zenmaster-
This board?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128048

OK guys...gotta get back to work. Getting too excited about this build but I gotta get some stuff done.

 

[mtyermom]

The replies you've gotten so far are excellent. Only thing I have to add is that you might want to consider spending a few more bucks on the ram and going with this:
G.SKILL 4GB(2 x 2GB) DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) 4-4-4-12 Dual Channel Kit $94.99 w/ free shipping

This board?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128048

No, that's the 'combo' board that supports both DDR2 and DDR3. You have no need for such a board.

This is the board yiou want:
GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS3R LGA 775 Intel P35 Motherboard $124.99

 

[jettmorrison]

Zenmaster-
So the Q6600 is better than the E8400 with this setup?

 

[amd_fanboi]

games and OC wise, the E8400 will be better, but for futureproofing and multitasking you can't beat a quad...

 

[jettmorrison]

The G.Skill 4GB is better than the Wintec 4GB sticks?

If I were to upgrade to a quad processor, could I still use the DS3R Gigabyte Board? What other board should I look at for a quad?

Thanks alot people...ROCK!!!

 

[WR2]

Q6600 is better option for audio editing - E8400 better option for gaming.
I'd recommend the E8400 as having a good chance to close in on Q6600 audio editing speed because of the higher clock. Both will work fine in the GA DS3R

I agree with zenmaster the 550VX is plenty PSU for you.
This Hard Drive: Seagate 7200.11 500GB $120

 

[WR2]

OEM cooler is the stock Intel CPU cooler that comes with the E8400 or Q6600.
If you're not doing any overclocking or very slight overclocking it will be fine. For more performance out of the CPUs with higher overclocks an aftermarket HSF/Cooler is a smart idea. Im not sure a $60 Thermalright Ultra 120 is what you need though. This is a case of "OK is good enough" unless you're looking for maximum overclocking. THG tested and recommended the $22 Coolermaster Hyper TX2.

5. Anything else I'm forgetting or need to be aware of?

As long as you have your OS, Monitor and Keyboard/Mouse you should be good to go. I notice you left out a floppy drive and that is OK. I think you might like having an USB Flash Drive as a floppy replacement and for easy backup of imporant files. A-Data 4GB USB Flash Drive $18

 

[jeremyrailton]

either processor will be great. there are at least 10 threads with lively debate about which one to get. there's no wrong answer. Those hard drives you looked at are too expensive. you can find a 500 gig for ~$100 and a 750 for ~$150. cache size will not make a whole heck of a lot of difference

 

[jettmorrison]

What about an open box harddrive? Here's a 750 gb for 119.00. Not a good idea?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148134R

 

[einstein4pres]

You've got plenty of power. I would be surprised if an Antec 380 wouldn't suffice (with expansion room) for you.

A 8800GTS-512 draws ~100W, the processor around 130W, and the rest not much at all. 500W anywhichway is plenty.

 

[jeremyrailton]

oem hard drives are safe, open box items are a little more risky, but it depends on the warranty offered.

people are arguing with me about power supply size. as i said, you're fine with your current setup. i only suggested a little more power for the future as you add more disks, fans, optical drives, get a more powerful processor, video card (or 2), etc. It's only something to consider, not a requirement.

 

[chuckm]

Stay away from the open box drive. Look at this cooler;
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233003