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First Time Builder -- Need Advice

Forum Homebuilt Systems : New System Build - First Time Builder -- Need Advice

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johnyeah   09-22-2008 at 12:04:17 AM
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Your choices seem fine. Maybe another motherboard other than the 750i like a P45 and if you don't mind ATI, I'd get the HD4850.

Oh and just get a SATA DVD Burner, no point getting a new burner with legacy IDE interface.


Message edited by johnyeah on 09-22-2008 at 12:04:55 AM
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TheReaper   09-22-2008 at 12:10:00 AM
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Thanks for your reply!

Let me ask you, why should I consider switching Motherboards? Is that one unreliable? For the P45, which manufacturer is good?

Also, did you mean to replace the Sony Optiarc with a SATA version? How can I make sure that I wont run out of SATA connections for all of my input devices?

Reply to TheReaper
johnyeah   09-22-2008 at 12:20:50 AM
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Okay first things first.

1. Your PSU has more than enough SATA power connectors. You might not have enough SATA cables that come with the motherboard (you'll need to check the packaging details), if not, just buy some more. You won't run out of SATA slots for all the input devices you've listed (there's more than enough connections even for future upgrades and additions).

2. You don't have to switch motherboards, except I prefer Intel Chipsets over Nvidia and Gigabytes EP45-DS3R is pretty solid and it's cheaper. Here's the link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] p45%20ds3r or you can combo it with ASUS P5Q Pro http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813131299 if you're getting that PSU (even better deal).


Message edited by johnyeah on 09-22-2008 at 01:08:34 AM
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coleman   09-22-2008 at 12:35:18 AM
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i would personal go with a hd 4870 instead of the gtx 260 2 save a little bit of money, depends what you prefer. here is toms review if you haven't already seen it


Message edited by coleman on 09-22-2008 at 12:48:49 AM
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dallasjoh   09-22-2008 at 12:51:00 AM
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johnyeah gives good advice. Go with the Asus P5Q-Pro MB and HD4850 video card. Can't go wrong with that setup.

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TheReaper   09-22-2008 at 02:18:08 AM
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Since I'm not well versed on the clockings of these new GPUs, are the 4870 and the GTX 260 about equal in power? I want something that'll last me a while.

And the Asus P5Q-Pro MB is reliable you said?

Reply to TheReaper
johnyeah   09-22-2008 at 02:22:35 AM
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Pretty much regardless of what the benchmarks say. In terms of real life gaming wise, the HD4850 will last you about as long as the 4870 and the GTX260. What I need to know is what resolution you plan to play games at? Depending on your resolution, I'd choose differently.

And yes, the P5Q-Pro is reliable (if you get a DOA board, it's luck, it happens).

------------------------------ "If you don't plan on listening, why ask?"
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TheReaper   09-22-2008 at 02:36:02 AM
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Ah. I wrote 4870 and meant 4850. Saving money is definitely a plus, and if it'll last me a good time, thats even better.

At the moment i'm using a 19inch monitor playing at 1280x1024. However, I hope to switch to a new 24 inch monitor sometime soon, after I have this rig built.

Reply to TheReaper
johnyeah   09-22-2008 at 02:39:07 AM
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Yeah, the 4850 handles 1680*1050 fine (I'm assuming you're getting a 24" with 1680*1050, if it's 1900*1200 then I'd get a 4870).

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TheReaper   09-22-2008 at 02:41:57 AM
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Yeah I was planning on getting a 24 inch with 1900 x 1200. So I'm assuming from your advice that the 4850 does not handle that resolution so well?

Reply to TheReaper
johnyeah   09-22-2008 at 02:57:08 AM
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At that high resolution, you definitely want to pitch in a couple more bucks for a the hd4870 or the gtx280, you can feel the difference compared to a 4850.

------------------------------ "If you don't plan on listening, why ask?"
 Reply to johnyeah
TheReaper   09-22-2008 at 03:01:17 AM
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I appreciate your help johnyeah. I'll definitely will go with the 4870 and the Asus P5Q-Pro.

So with the Asus P5Q-Pro I have to switch Memory then, as its memory standard is DDR2 1200, and the one I chose is DDR2 800, correct?

Reply to TheReaper
johnyeah   09-22-2008 at 03:59:43 AM
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It supports ddr2 800, don't worry about that part. I would get another memory though, preferably something like http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820146692 or http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820146731 or http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 820211188.

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johnyeah   09-22-2008 at 04:02:37 AM
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Just something I didn't mention before since you're a first time builder. Your system is capable of a significant amount of overclocking. Get a nice Fan/Heatsink like http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835233003 and http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835233019 and you're pretty set.

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TheReaper   09-22-2008 at 04:12:15 AM
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Whats the difference between those 2 Muskin sets of RAM you showed me? They look identical but one costs more than the other.

Reply to TheReaper
johnyeah   09-22-2008 at 04:21:40 AM
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Slight differences in their timings. It's not a big deal, so choose to your own discretion.

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TheReaper   09-22-2008 at 04:38:53 AM
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Cheaper is better for me at the moment.

I really do appreciate all your help!

Reply to TheReaper
johnyeah   09-22-2008 at 04:42:02 AM
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Well, once you made up your mind. Post the whole thing again, just in case I missed out on something.

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TheReaper   09-22-2008 at 04:58:28 AM
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Case: Cooler Master COSMOS 1000

RAM: mushkin 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)

CPU: E8400

Mobo: ASUS P5Q Pro LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard

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

PSU: CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply

Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive

CD/DVD Reader: ASUS Black 18X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM SATA DVD-ROM Drive Model DVD-E818A2T

CD/DVD Burner: LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model iHAS120-04

Reply to TheReaper
johnyeah   09-22-2008 at 09:03:04 AM
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MM, looks fine, Maybe you want to just get 2 Burner's instead? It's roughly the same money (doesn't really matter). Maybe add in the Xigmatek cooler that I mentioned earlier if you ever want to try overclocking a bit (it's easier and safer than you think). Check out the overclocking section of the forums.

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wah_gwan   09-22-2008 at 09:12:44 AM
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I dont know about the mobo.. Im a fan with gigabytes.. I love how they OC.

for the Video i would go 4870 .... Get a crossfire mobo also.... SLI.. just dosent make sence to me...

Message quoted 1 times
Reply to wah_gwan
johnyeah   09-22-2008 at 09:25:07 AM
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wah_gwan wrote :

I dont know about the mobo.. Im a fan with gigabytes.. I love how they OC.

for the Video i would go 4870 .... Get a crossfire mobo also.... SLI.. just dosent make sence to me...



Gigabyte would be great, but value wise the CORSAIR CMPSU paired with the ASUS motherboard is a decent amount better. The P45 is a XF motherboard, in case you didn't see his newest post.


Message edited by johnyeah on 09-22-2008 at 09:25:25 AM
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TheReaper   09-22-2008 at 03:31:03 PM
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Thank you for all your help !

With my current budget, I think this build will work out great for me!

Reply to TheReaper
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