Critique on New Build List

[lgfamily]

It's been several years since I built a computer. My, have things changed and soo many choices. Anyway, I will be using the computer mostly for business with some personal stuff like burning music and watching dvds thrown in. I need a dependable computer that will last for 2-3 years. (Maybe MS will have their new OS and its service pack out by then).


Update SAPPHIRE 100225L Radeon HD 3870 512MB 256-bit GDDR4 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail
Model #:100225L
Item #:N82E16814102719
Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy
In Stock
Mail-in Rebate

$129.99 -$10.00 Instant $119.99

Update ASUS RAMPAGE FORMULA LGA 775 Intel X48 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Model #:Rampage Formula
Item #:N82E16813131284
Return Policy:Limited Non-Refundable 30-Day Return Policy
In Stock
$288.99 $288.99

Update ASUS 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model DRW-2014L1T - Retail
Model #RW-2014L1T
Item #:N82E16827135156
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
$39.99 $79.98

Update Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250410AS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
Model #:ST3250410AS
Item #:N82E16822148262
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In Stock
$59.99 $59.99


Update Koutech IO-RCM620 USB 2.0 3.5"/5.25" Card Reader - Retail
Model #:IO-RCM620
Item #:N82E16820162016
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$24.99 -$8.00 Instant $16.99

Update Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor Model BX80562Q6600 - Retail
Model #:BX80562Q6600
Item #:N82E16819115017
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$189.99 $189.99


Update ENERMAX PRO82+ EPR625AWT 625W ATX12V Ver.2.3 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Retail
Model #:EPR625AWT
Item #:N82E16817194030
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In Stock
$179.99 -$10.00 Instant $169.99

Update Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
Model #:WD6400AAKS
Item #:N82E16822136218
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In Stock
$79.99 $79.99

Update mushkin 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model 996599 - Retail
Model #:996599
Item #:N82E16820146785
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$124.99 $124.99


Update Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - OEM
Model #:ARCTIC SILVER 5
Item #:N82E16835100007
Return Policy:Consumable Items Return Policy
In Stock
$5.99 $5.99

Update COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
Model #:RC-690-KKN1-GP
Item #:N82E16811119137
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$89.99 -$10.00 Instant $79.99


Update Creative 70SB088000004 7.1 Channels PCI Express 1x Interface PCI Express Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium - Retail
Model #:70SB088000004
Item #:N82E16829102024
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$99.99

 

[Onus]

Ok, here are my thoughts. You say you'll be using this for business, so I will assume minimal or no overclocking; stability is paramount. Also, keeping in mind that you do not mention any gaming, here are my comments on your parts.

SAPPHIRE 100225L Radeon HD 3870 512MB 256-bit GDDR4 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail
Overkill. A 3650 is sufficient in a non-gaming machine.

ASUS RAMPAGE FORMULA LGA 775 Intel X48 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Way overkill. This is a Crossfire board (for running 2 video cards). A P45 or P43 board will be sufficient here.

ASUS 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model DRW-2014L1T - Retail
Fine. You've chosen Retail, so it should include the software.

Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250410AS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
Not sure why this is here when you have the 640GB WD drive down a little lower in your list. Get two of those if you want two drives.

Koutech IO-RCM620 USB 2.0 3.5"/5.25" Card Reader - Retail
Fine. You may want to install this AFTER you have installed your other hardware, or you may end up with your primary hard drive at some high letter like G: or H:.

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor Model BX80562Q6600 - Retail
If you'll be doing a lot of multitasking, fine. Otherwise, consider an e8400 or e8500.

ENERMAX PRO82+ EPR625AWT 625W ATX12V Ver.2.3 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Retail
Supposed to be a very nice PSU, but you could get by with something like a Corsair VX-450 and save some money.

Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
Good drive; gets lots of recommendations.

mushkin 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model 996599 - Retail
You won't be overclocking. I like Muskin myself, but always buy sticks that run at their advertised timings on the JEDEC standard 1.8V.

Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - OEM
Not really needed. The stock cooler is fine for your build, and it has thermal compound already on it.

COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
Very nice case. I really like mine. Runs cool, has plenty of room, and minimal bling.

Creative 70SB088000004 7.1 Channels PCI Express 1x Interface PCI Express Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium - Retail
You may not need this. I would add it later if you don't like the onboard sound.

 

[cow_moo]

get a 4850 and better Psu and maybe not a ASUS BOARD MAYBE A GIGABYTE

 

[gators1223]

get ddr2 800 ram instead
and get a 8800gt for graphics card instead

 

[nishiki]

The motherboard is overkill...look for a motherboard way cheaper like an asus p5q-pro or p5q-e or for a bit more the p5q deluxe. You can also look at other P45 brand board from other maker like Gigabyte... The one listed is for hardcore gamer that use crossfire, and it's not your case.

For the cpu, the q6600 is a good cpu for multitasking, good choice...maybe could not se the difference between this and a dual core....i can't tell by experience since i don't own one. Maybe other can say more about it.

For the power supply, the enermax is very good but cost a lot, if i where you id look for a cheaper one...corsair is another good brand, good quality and quiet. Btw here i can find the enermax for cheaper than that... but since i don't know where u live.

for the hard drive maybe look for a bigger/faster one like the wd640 gb or the 640gb seagate barracuda 11. They do not cost a lot more... and if u get a cheaper motherboard....you will still save money overall.

For the soundcard maybe do not buy one now, try the one integrated on the motherboard since they are not that bad...