Virgin Builder, Virgin Build

[bighugematt]

Looking for input on my first build...

I am trying to build a mid/high end Gaming / Media PC for excellent game play, multimedia, hd movies and tv/dvr capabilities and so far this is what I am leaning towards (see below).

My questions are:
1. Is it all compatible?
2. Is it all good stuff?
3. Will it be a good mid/high end gaming/media PC when it's built?
4. Am I missing anything?
5. I can buy it all for $1500 but could I sell it for $2000 after it is built?

CASE: Apevia X-Navigator ATX Mid Tower with 500W dual 12V power supply
PROCESSOR: Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 2.66GHz
MOBO: Foxconn X38A LGA 775 ATX Intel Motherboard
MEMORY: A-Data 4GB (2 x 2GB) SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)
GPU: Diamond Viper Radeon HD 3850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x 16
HDD: 1 x 250GB Seagate Barracuda 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s
2 x 500GB Samsung SpinPoint T Series 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s
ODD: 1 x LITE-ON Blu-Ray DVD Player (SATA)
1 x LITE-ON 20x DVD Burner with LightScribe (SATA)
SFX: Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer 7.1 Channel PCI
OTHER: Rosewill 10/100/1000Mbps PCI-Express Gigabit Lo-Pro Network Card
Rosewill 52-in-1 USB 2.0 Card Reader
Rosewill NEC 4+1 Port USB 2.0 PCI Card
Rosewill 2x Serial and 1x Parallel Port PCI Card
OS: Microsoft Windows Vista 32-bit Home Premium

My thanks for your input in advance.
- Matt

 

[amd_fanboi]

Antec 900 case
E6750 -> E8400, if you can find it or the q6600, depending on how much video encoding you want to do.
mobo; i suggest a different one.
HD3850 -> HD3870X2 (this is a high end build, right?)
you're missing a PSU. I reccomend a high wattage PC power and Cooling one

are you planning to overclock?

and these are PCs.. don't be expecting to sell for a profit.

 

[neoxblu1]

You need an 64-Bit Operating System for 4GB of ram.


Case: Antec 900 really good cooling case.

Processer: E8400 or Q6700

Video Card: Nvidia Geforce 8800 512mb GT or GTS (G92)

PSU: 700W (Choose and PC Power and Cooling or Thermaltake)

Motherboard: Asus Maximus Formula is very good board.


For conerns about Sound and Network card, the motherboard comes with a pretty good sound card, and its onboard network should be fine.

 

[bighugematt]

There actually is a 500W PSU in the case I have listed.
And what exactly is overclocking - I really am a virgin here.

 

[neoxblu1]

Overclocking is forcing your CPU to run at a higher clock speed than listed in manufacturers specifications.

Overclocking a CPU increases its performace, but it can result in system instability and can cause damage.

-- Thats a good definition.

Since your a Computer Virgin I prefer you not to try overclocking yourself.

P.S. Im not saying you will, but lets say you actually do go with the E8400 or Q6600/6700 and get an Nvidia 8800 GT or GTS (G92) im not sure the PSU that comes with the case will be strong enough. Im not a computer genus with the Power part but im pretty sure it wont be enough.

 

[chuckm]

Stay away from that case/power supply combo. Apevia PSU's are a 911 call waiting to happen. If you want a combo go with one of the Antec's.

 

[bighugematt]

But the Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 is a 64-bit supported chip, is it not neo?

 

[neoxblu1]

Ok...

Processers: Are Intel and AMD
Rams: Are Crucial, Corsair, and Patriot.
Operating Systems: Are Windows (xp/vista) and linux

Now...
32-Bit operating systems do not take full advantage of the 4GB, this is why you need to get a 64-bit operating system, so your computer will take advantage of all 4GB of ram.

Dont get operating system and processer mixed up.


Some solutions you have is to get the 64-bit version of windows vista.

 

[bighugematt]

I know the differences - I just thought you meant it as a generality and that everything had to be 64-bit compatible. Okay so I'll be getting Vista 64-bit then. And thanks to all of your suggestions I think I'll be getting a the Antec 900 case, a Rosewill 850W power supply, Q6600 processor, a GeForce 8800 GTS(G92), and the Asus Maximus Formula MoBo. I assume with this setup I can overclock - but how do I go about doing that exactly??

 

[lunyone]

Okay here are a few things to consider.
Mobo - Why buy a $250 mobo when a p35 Gigabyte DS3R can do the same and cost $120 cheaper?
GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS3R LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Dynamic Energy Saver Ultra Durable II Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128086

PSU - For what you have for a system, the 850w PSU is WAAAY overkill. I'd go with a more reputable company and go with this:
It's $120 and has a 5 yr warranty too. It's still alot, but leaves room for upgrades later.

PC Power & Cooling S610EPS EPS12V 610W Continuous @ 40°C Power Supply 100 - 240 V UL, cUL, CE, CB, TUV - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703005
or
$105 shipped - $10 MIR = $95. Plenty of power with 40A on the 12V rails, which is rated at 50C!!!
Corsair HX Series CMPSU-520HX 520W Power Supply Retail ***Free Shipping***
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=373100&prodlist=celebros
or
$139 - $25 MIR = $114!!! Best buy right now for the $!! Has 50A on the 12V rails and is modular (which means you'll have less wires in the case, only use what you need)!
Corsair HX Series CMPSU-620HX 620W Power Supply Retail ***Free Shipping***
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=373110&prodlist=celebros

You can even get buy with a cheaper solution if you want, but these 3 PSU's all have 5 yr warranties and are one of the best you can get for the $. You can decide, but I'd start out with one of the ones that I've listed. You won't be disappointed with any of them.

CPU - I'd stick with the q6600 if your doing alot of encoding and such, or I'd go with the e8400 for gaming. The q6600 at stock speed is nice, but the higher stock speed on the e8400 will make some differences on most games, so that is why I'm suggesting that to you. You can OC these chips later, if you so desire, but right now I'd stick with the e8400.

GPU - The 8800gts (g92) GPU is a nice card and should be fine for whatever you throw at it. If you want a little more GPU power than the AMD 3870x2 would be the one to get. It's about $140 more than the 8800gts (g92), so I don't know if that is a major factor or not.

Case - Stick with the Antec 900 or even the Cooler Master 690. Both are solid and keep things cool with their fans and designs.
CM 690 link, it can be had for around $50 at times after MIR's, so keep an eye on it.
COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119137

 

[bighugematt]

Excellent post lunyone! By the way, I can't use a P35 MoBo if I need Firewire, right? Anyway, it looks like I have more to think about. But it seems that no matter what my specs are, I can't get everyone to agree. There are just too many options. I definitely want to get high-end performance but I do also want to find deals. I've found NewEgg to be very good - need to check out zipzoomfly now. Thanks again.

 

[HamRadio]

consider this CAS4 DDR2 RAM since it has better timings (4-4-4-12) for OCing:
CORSAIR XMS2 DHX 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)

if you are looking for good deals, subscribe to the newegg newsletter with the promo codes in it. the promo codes usually take another $10-$40 off the price of an item that is already on sale. signing up is free but i can't recall the url. (it is somewhere on newegg)

 

[lunyone]

Excellent post lunyone! By the way, I can't use a P35 MoBo if I need Firewire, right? Anyway, it looks like I have more to think about. But it seems that no matter what my specs are, I can't get everyone to agree. There are just too many options. I definitely want to get high-end performance but I do also want to find deals. I've found NewEgg to be very good - need to check out zipzoomfly now. Thanks again.

CAS4 DDR2 would be the best. I just don't see the point to getting a X38 mobo for $250 or so when a p35 mobo for alot less can do what you want. If you want firewire, you can always use a add in card if you like. The Abit IP35-e is the cheapest OC'ing friendly mobo out right now. It's going for $75 after a $30 MIR!!! This mobo has been used alot for OC'ing. Just go over to anandtech.com's forum and see for yourself.
ABIT IP35-E LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813127031

Abit IP35-e OC'ing link:
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=29&threadid=2063989&enterthread=y

If you want Firewire on the mobo, than this will do too: It's only $130 shipped!!!
ASUS P5K LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131180

 

[chuckm]

Go with this board;
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131225
and this power supply;
http://www.buy.com/prod/corsair-520w-sli-certified-modular-atx-power-supply/q/loc/101/203270716.html

 

[medjohnson77]

Just my two cents worth,

If your going with the Rosewill RX-850 watt do not listen to the hype about getting a different unit! Go to Jonnyguru.com and look in the review section. They tested both the RX-750 and RX-850. The RX-750 was the 2x80mm cooling fan setup and got the Jonnyguru stamp of approval because it tested so well, and put out clean stable power! The RX- 850 watt was the same unit for the most part did just as well on the test, but was a single 120mm fan set up and didn't do as well on cooling the PSU. So It didn't get the stamp of approval based on this alone. Rosewill now has the RX-950watt which is the same Quality just more watts and newegg has them for $179.00 right now with a $70.00 dollar mail in rebate, = $109.00 after rebate. Yes this my be overkill but leaves you with plenty of room if you want to expand down the road. Some of the same parts that PC&cooling use to build there PSU were found in the Rosewills new RX series. The only thing that is better about PC&cooling IMHO is the 5 year warranty. For price, Quality of the new Rosewill units and to top it all off they are the best looking PSUs out there you can buy! I choose not to go with a modual design simpley because more conection points which can cause conection problems down the road.

If your trying to build custom units and are new to this and don't have much knowledge then I would not recomend trying to sell to public untill you get some experience behind your belt, which means alot of research! Do I think this system with a better motherboard and a better grafix card, like the 8800GTS 512Mb (G92) or the 3870X2 is worth $2000 grand, no I don't, because you have said yourself you are new to this and thats a $400 to $500 markup for only about 13 hours worth of work to build if that. But then again it is worth what someone will pay for it. Good luck with your build, I have the Rx-750 in mine and it is a awsome PSU, very stable very sharp!
1@ NZXT Alpha Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case with open Window
1@ Rosewill RX750-D-B ATX12V v2.2 & EPS12V v2.91 750W power supply
1@ ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe wireless edition AM2 Nvidia nforce 590 SLI mcp atx amd motherboard
1@ AMD Athlon 64 x2 6400+ Windsor 3.2(stock can be over clocked to 3.7 stable!) GHz Socket AM2 125W Dual-core Processor
1@ Rosewill RCX-Z940-SL92 mm 2 ball CPU cooler
2@ OCZ Gold 2GB STicks 240 pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800(PC2 6400) can go up to 8GB with Mboard. 4GB on the board
1@ Seagate Sata/300 Barracuda 3.5" 500GB 16Mb Cache 3Gbs 7200Rpm
1@ Samsung SH-S203 DVD+R/-R 20x Sata retail ver. with lightsribe
1@ BFG 8800GTS Grafix card 512MB on board DDR3 Ram This is the one that beats the GTX/GT in almost every bench mark!
1@ MI keyboard USB 2.0 plug and play, with 15 hot keys 1@Optical mouse
3@ 120mm case fans with blue lcd lights
2@ 80mm fans in the RX-750watt power source with blue lcd lights

 

[medjohnson77]

The fact is that your not going to get everyone to agree, but do your own research and make an informed choice. Most people here Rosewill and count it out without knowing anything about it other then past model's that were crap. Yes Rosewill has had a shaddy history when it comes to PSU's. They sub out to many different contractors to build alot of different makes, but with the RX series they have gotten back on track. The test done on Jonnyguru proves all, not someones oppinion but hard facts and test results that prove it is a quality PSU.

 

[lunyone]

The fact is that your not going to get everyone to agree, but do your own research and make an informed choice. Most people here Rosewill and count it out without knowing anything about it other then past model's that were crap. Yes Rosewill has had a shaddy history when it comes to PSU's. They sub out to many different contractors to build alot of different makes, but with the RX series they have gotten back on track. The test done on Jonnyguru proves all, not someones oppinion but hard facts and test results that prove it is a quality PSU.

This is generally true about the mid/lower end models. Their RX series is quite well. I just don't see spending $190 + $10 shipping for the 950w version and waiting for the $80 MIR to come back, if you don't have any issues there. Yes $120 for a 950w PSU is nice, but I think that isn't the best option, IMHO. Each person has different opinions, so you'll have to do your research and make an informed decision.
Rosewill RX950-D-B ATX12V v2.2 & EPS12V v2.91 950W Power Supply 100 - 240 V TUV, FCC, UL, CE, ROHS - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182097

 

[medjohnson77]

It's $179.00 free shipping and a 80.00 Rebate. I don't like waiting on rebates either, but 99.00 for a Quality 950watt PSU. I cant pass that up on my next build. And given his needs it may be overkill but like I said, 99.00 after rebate, and the option of running the next generation grafix cards X2 with in SLI or crossfire with no worries of lack of clean power, thats a great selling point down the road if he decides to get rid of or keep it. Just mho

 

[Shadow703793]

This is generally true about the mid/lower end models. Their RX series is quite well. I just don't see spending $190 + $10 shipping for the 950w version and waiting for the $80 MIR to come back, if you don't have any issues there. Yes $120 for a 950w PSU is nice, but I think that isn't the best option, IMHO. Each person has different opinions, so you'll have to do your research and make an informed decision.
Rosewill RX950-D-B ATX12V v2.2 & EPS12V v2.91 950W Power Supply 100 - 240 V TUV, FCC, UL, CE, ROHS - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182097

NEVER! NEVER GET A ROSEWILL PSU! Get a Corsair or a PP&C.
See:
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=108088
for PSU tire listing. I don't know why people want to always skimp on the PSU, esp. in a high end build. And the PSU is like the blood of the system if its bad you are GOING to have problems garenteed. Also more watts do not equal a better PSU, its the #of amps on the esp. on +12 rail and the quality of the parts used in the system.

 

[Shadow703793]

My recomendations:

P35-DS3x or P5K-x
2GB+ DDR2 800
320GB+ 7200.11 HDD (make sue it is a 7200.11. they almost as fast as a Raptor)
Any case that you like/fits your budget
8800GT 512 or 9600
Corsair 520HX/550VX/450VX (in order from best to lower) or PP&C 610
Any additional DVD RW,etc you want.

All this should be about $800-850.

 

[ImajorI]

Listen to Lunyone, chuck and shadow - I wouldn't buy a Rosewill anything for my build, especially a PSU

 

[chuckm]

Just did my daily site checks, buy.com has a great deal on this power supply again, you can't beat it with a stick;
http://www.buy.com/prod/Corsair-VX-550W-Power-Supply/q/loc/101/205852646.html

Rosewill DOES sell a few nice cases, here's one I've used on 2 builds and will probably use it for mine;
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?item=N82E16811147083

 

[Shadow703793]

^ Good choice on the 550VX. Don't know about the case so can't comment on that.

 

[medjohnson77]

Shadow, you don't have a clue! If you have test results to back up your unproven claim about the Rosewill RX- series then post them. If not your advise is just another fanboy's or haters guess at the quality of PSU. Thats just a fact, period. If the Rosewill Rx series is such a crap PSU then why did It get Jonnygurus approval?? Why is it made with some of the parts PC& cooling use in there PSU's?? Why would Jonnyguru say the Quality is very good if its not. Why did it pass clean out put power and stress test's?? You and some others here that give this advice that has no facts to back it up are intitled to your mistaken point of views, but thats all they are, and not very good advice. By the way, If your really wanting to know more then you think you know for sure, the Rosewill Rx series is also noted for the fact that it has 4 rails but acts as a single rail given the fact that anyone rail can put out the full 60Amp rating for the RX-750 watt models. As Jonnyguru said this is how a Quad rail should be designed so maybe some of these other brands you recommend can take a lesson from Rosewill cuz from my research none of the brands you recommend have this design. Come to think of it my RX-750 looks better then any PSU I researched and has been running very stable in my highend AMD system with no problems at all. Must just be one of the lucky ones, but as CCR sings " It ain't me" :lol:

 

[SirCrono]

First of all, stay away from that generic no name PSU that comes with the case, get a good one (I personally prefer high efficency models, but I have serious aviability issues here in my country), second of all, get a HD3870 or a geforce 8800gt, they'll serve you much better.

Maybe you can sell the PC for a profit, but after going to the pain it'll be putting it together you'll grow quite attached to it, that's for sure.

On a smaller note, the antec 900 case that has been suggested above is quite a good choice.

Also, before jumping at a 64 bit version of an os check the compatibility of your most used programs and a 64 bit OS, were I in the same position as you I'll go with a 32 bit OS and just "lose" about 750 MB of ram.