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Newbie needs help with new system build

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campap   09-08-2008 at 07:45:15 AM

Hey everyone, this is going to be my first built ever so I would need all the help that I can get!

So far I have these:

CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600, 2.4GHz

Mobo: Gigabyte GA-X48-DQ6 X48 ATX

Graphics: Geforce 8800 GT, 512MB

HD: Seagate 500GB 7200rpm SATA

Case: Cooler Master CM 690 Tower Case

PSU: Corsair 750W TX PSU

RAM: 4GB Corsair Kit DDR2-800 XMS2 2x 2GB

OS: Vista 32-bit

Monitor: Have not decided but will probably be 22"

I am not looking to overclock it. I am wondering if the components I chose would be suitable for a mid-range gaming rig. I am pretty set on the CPU and graphics actually but would appreciate any other suggestions.

Is 750W PSU overkill? I feel that it's quite a bit even since I am not overclocking. Would a 500W PSU be sufficient?

Thanks for the help!

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emp   09-08-2008 at 07:54:36 AM
- 0 +

I'm usually really big on Gigabyte boards, however you're getting ripped off right there. The X48 is basically a slightly cooler X38 chipset with "official" 1600FSB support, even though the X38 is just as capable of doing so.

Try this board instead, has all the same features, except for dual gigabit LAN (Only has one gigabit port, but do you REALLY need more than one anyway?)

DFI LANPARTY DK X38-T2R LGA 775 Intel X38 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813136045

The CPU is good, but I'd drop the 8800GT, if you want gaming I'd suggest you get a beefer GPU than the very low end of the midrange spectrum.

VisionTek 900244 Radeon HD 4870 512MB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814129113

Here's a slightly smaller PSU, but it's a PCP&C, the highest quality PSUs out there selling for a great price at the moment, I'd definitely get it.

PC Power & Cooling S61EPS 610W Continuous @ 40°C EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] %20Cooling

I would strongly advise you to get Vista 64, Vista 32 is, more than anything, an OS for legacy CPUs that cannot support the 64-bit instruction set. Not worth it at all getting it for a new build. But other than those minor changes above, it looks great.

------------------------------ Anxiously awaiting the Hydra 100 and the Hydra Engine...
www.lucidlogix.com
 Reply to emp
V3NOM   09-08-2008 at 08:15:47 AM
- 0 +

and X48's need DDR3! :O big nono :non: lol... 750W is overkill. use thermaltake's power supply calculator.

Message quoted 1 times
Reply to V3NOM
dirtmountain   09-08-2008 at 08:22:38 AM
- 0 +

You haven't said if you plan on crossfiring your graphic card. You've picked an excellent motherboard if you plan on going with a crossfire setup, but the graphic card you picked will only run in SLI. At about the same budget price as the 8800GT is a HD4850 at $150 after rebate, it's a faster card by a good margin and can be used in crossfire.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814102770
The 750w power supply is overkill unless you plan on crossfiring, the PC Power and Cooling 610w would also be an excellent choice for single GPU or crossfire. Other points would be RAM, get good quality DDR2 800 1.8v such as this Mushkin
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820146731
For hard drive the Western Digital 640GB is a fast HD with good space at $85
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822136218
While the Q6600 is an excellent CPU, it really needs overclocking to shine. Anyways, let us know if you're planning on crossfire in the future
The motherboard he picked is a DDR2 model, both X38 and X48 come in both depending upon the model


Message edited by dirtmountain on 09-08-2008 at 08:26:39 AM
Reply to dirtmountain
campap   09-08-2008 at 08:46:30 AM
- 0 +

Wow. Looks like I need more work with the system. I guess I also forgot to mention that I am not based in the US so I can't really get access to some of the parts given like the PSU and the mobo.

With regards to the mobo, are there other alternatives besides the LFI Lanparty one?

Other than that, thanks for the confirmation that 750W is overkill. I will get a smaller PSU. C

Cheers

Reply to campap
dirtmountain   09-08-2008 at 08:52:42 AM
- 0 +

If you are only going with a single graphic card, then a P45 motherboard would be an excellent choice and would save you money over the X38/X48. They also have some P45s with limited crossfire potential, for about $150. Here's a link to some benchmarks about crossfire, maybe it will help you
http://www.legionhardware.com/docu [...] id=761&p=2
Also a link to benchmarks with different graphic cards
http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=3341
good luck, keep up the research

Reply to dirtmountain
Crashman   09-08-2008 at 09:01:05 AM
- 0 +

V3NOM wrote :

and X48's need DDR3!



WRONG, the GA-X48-DQ6 uses DDR2. The GA-X48T-DQ6 uses DDR3. He picked the right motherboard for DDR2.

Reply to Crashman
jamesl   09-08-2008 at 09:35:43 AM
- 0 +

I don't believe you can go 2 x 2 memory with vista 32
vista 32 can only access 3 gigs of memory, that I'm sure of
and maybe I'm wrong on this, but I don't think vista 32 can't divide the 4 gigs of memory into 3
so if you have 2x2, it only uses 2 and ignores the other 2 completely, but maybe I'm wrong, maybe if will use 3 gigs of the 4

but what you should do is go with vista 64, that way you can use all the memory

Message quoted 1 times
Reply to jamesl
Crashman   09-08-2008 at 09:49:38 AM
- 0 +

jamesl wrote :

I don't believe you can go 2 x 2 memory with vista 32
vista 32 can only access 3 gigs of memory, that I'm sure of
and maybe I'm wrong on this, but I don't think vista 32 can't divide the 4 gigs of memory into 3
so if you have 2x2, it only uses 2 and ignores the other 2 completely, but maybe I'm wrong, maybe if will use 3 gigs of the 4

but what you should do is go with vista 64, that way you can use all the memory



No, Vista 32 will use any memory that's left after subtracting the upper addresses for things like mapping video memory. The 3GB+ that's normally left is enough: It's better than 2GB and almost as good as 4GB.

Reply to Crashman
V3NOM   09-08-2008 at 01:50:29 PM
- 0 +

hmm i always wondered about that but cbf researching it :P thanks crashman :)

Reply to V3NOM
emp   09-08-2008 at 04:35:56 PM
- 0 +

Any X38 board that accepts DDR2 is better than having to sell your limbs to be able to afford an X48 that brings nothing to the table.

------------------------------ Anxiously awaiting the Hydra 100 and the Hydra Engine...
www.lucidlogix.com
 Reply to emp
megamanx00   09-09-2008 at 11:09:04 PM
- 0 +

If you really want to go with an 8800GT then get an SLi board. If not then get a good P45 board since I don't see the point of getting an x48 board if you're not interested in crossfire when there are plenty of good P45 boards that will let you put that extra money to other areas of the system. My opinion though is to just go with a Radeon 4850 instead of the 8800GT.

------------------------------ Playing X-Men Origins: Wolverine Athlon 64 X2 5000+ @3.24 Brisbane | GIGABYTE GA-MA790X-DS4 | 4GB Mushkin DDR2 1066 | Plextor 760A| 2x 3850 512M CF| WD 1TB Black| Fortron Blue Storm II 500W | APEVIA X-Dreamer Black | Win XP Pro & Vista Buisness 32bit
 Reply to megamanx00
campap   09-11-2008 at 10:43:57 AM
- 0 +

Hey everyone, thanks for the suggestions so far. Here is the updated list of parts:

CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600, 2.4GHz

Mobo: Asustek P5Q Pro Intel P45 Chipset LGA775 ATX Motherboard

Graphics: Sapphire Radeon HD 4850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16

HD: Seagate 640GB 7200rpm SATA sata

Case: Cooler Master CM 690 Tower Case

PSU: Corsair 650W TX Series PSU

RAM: 4GB Corsair Kit DDR2 ddr2 -800 XMS2 2x 2GB

OS: Vista 64-bit

Monitor: Have not decided but will probably be 22"

How is that looking now? Oh.. I just realised that I do not have optical drives so if someone could suggest one, that would be great. And any good idea about a 22" monitor ?

Also since I am a total n00b with the whole system build thing... what about cooling? Do you reckon I would need any extra cooling or would the built in fans in the case be sufficient?

Reply to campap
campap   09-27-2008 at 11:15:31 PM
- 0 +

Latest update: Have decided to switch the CM690 case to Antec 900. A buddy of mine is hooking me up with a discount for the Antec 900.

For my system.. any extra cooling required or case cooling would be sufficient? I have read that 4850 can run pretty hot and I don't want to overheat anything.

Reply to campap
V3NOM   09-28-2008 at 01:15:13 PM
- 0 +

:( epic sigh... always have <3'd CM690 and WD 6400 AAKS! ditch the seagate :D

btw i have no experience but i do recommend the samsun ToC range of monitors in 22" or 24" or whatever you end up choosing :)

and yes you will need extra cooling if you want to overclock! Xigmatek HDT-S1283, S963 or core contact freezer will do the trick :)

Reply to V3NOM
Crashman   09-28-2008 at 09:11:51 PM
- 0 +

I prefer the Westinghouse 24", since you get so much for your money.

Reply to Crashman
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