Some questions about my first build.

[MRSMO]

Case
Antec 300 ($60)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042

CPU
Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8400 - Retail ($165)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037

Motherboard
GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail ($85)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128337

RAM
CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail ($70)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145184

OR

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ - Retail ($100)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231122

Graphics Card
PNY VCG88512GXEB-FLB GeForce 8800 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail ($115)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814133232

PSU
CORSAIR CMPSU-450VX 450W ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Retail($70)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139003

Hard Drive
Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136218

DVD Drive
LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner Black IDE Model DH-20A4P-04 - OEM ($22)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106228

About a month ago I tried upgrading my current computer so i've already bought the PSU and Graphics Card but since I found out the PCI-E slot is faulty I've decided to try building one, i've selected a handful of parts. My biggest concern is the Power supply, since everyone else seems to be getting power supplies in excess of 500 to 600 watts although I hear that the wattage is not as important as voltage per rail; I would just like some clarification about if it will work with the given parts. I'm also wondering about the motherboard, some tell me to get a P45 and other Intel mobos while others say the P35 that I chose is just fine. Which RAM should I choose? They look functionally identical but one costs 30 dollars extra. And I know this sounds a bit naive, but the CPU should come with its own heatsink and thermal paste right? Lastly, do you think you could give me some advice on how to not utterly ruin everything while putting this together?

 

[mford66215]

That cpu should come with a heatsink/fan, but seriously consider getting an after market one anyway for better cooling and longer cpu life - with added bonus of overclock potential if wanted.

Power supply is VERY important, but I dont' have any recommendations for you - Toms has started a PS review....well it's not finished yet, so there.

Difference between the ram (if all timings are the same) is most likely either brand vs. off brand - or (just as likely) actually better ram that ties into the overclock potential mentioned before.

Advice on not ruining things? BE SURE TO GROUND YOURSELF AND THE EQUIPMENT SO YOU DON'T STRAY SPARK FRY EVERTHING!!!!!!

Also, find one of the many 'how to' video's on assembling a PC if you need one, many of them are excellent guides on how best to put it all together.

 

[MRSMO]

Thanks for the reply, I have no plans on overclocking but i'll consider the cpu fan further down the road if the initial build goes swimmingly.

 

[skywalker9952]

I have the same CPU mobo and ram as your are looking at getting. I have the Gskill ram but I bought it 5 months ago and paid $20 less, so maybe get the corsair. I ran a similar setup (3870 instead of the 8800GT) off of a 500W antec so I think your 450W corsair will be fine. I got supposedly one of the best aftermarket fans the Xigmatek S1283 along with AS5 and it did very little for my temps versus the stock heatsink. Good luck

 

[Onus]

Of those two, get the G.Skill RAM. It will run at the JEDEC standard 1.8V; well hopefully it will, as it says 1.8-1.9. I prefer RAM that just says 1.8V.
I would choose either this A-DATA 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - $60 and free shipping:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211188
or this mushkin 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - $50 after $20 MIR and free shipping:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146731
I've used both and they've worked well.

Corsair PSUs are good.

I'd choose a P45 over a P35, but that's just me. I've built with both, and haven't seen a notable difference.

 

[dirtmountain]

The Gigabyte P35 is a great board, but since it's competing at about the same price as the P45s, i'd usually recommend a P45. Either way you're not going wrong. The Corsair 450w is a great power supply and can easily handle the your CPU. a 8800GT, a few hard drives, over clocking and 4 or 5 120mm fans without a sweat. It's a good power supply. I'd pick a quality 2x2 GB DDR2 800 low latency RAM that runs at 1.8v stock. You'll have fewer hassles with it. $50 after rebate.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146731
What OS and you probaly want to get a SATA burner, not the IDE one.
Good rig.

*edit* jtt beat me to it. +1 to jtt as usual

 

[aevm]

Your PSU should do. Too bad you didn't ask before buying. A 650TX is only a few bucks more at www.buy.com.

I'd pay $2 more and get a GA-EP43-DS3L. Newer chipset, more SATA ports, higher fsb.

 

[MRSMO]

Alright, thanks for the advice, I really appreciate it.