First Time Builder. Would love some help!

[Plic]

Hello all! This is the first time I've tried to build my own computer. First time posting in a forum for that matter. I did some research for a couple days and the following parts are what I've come up with. I'd like some experienced people to critique it, which is why I have come here. I'd like to know if all parts are compatible or if I've gone overboard on any specific parts. I wouldn't mind knocking $100-200 off the total price, but that isn't necessary.

*Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021

GIGABYTE GA-X48-DS4 LGA 775 Intel X48 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128336

Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 Yorkfield 2.83GHz LGA 775 95W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80569Q9550 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115041

SAPPHIRE 100251SR Radeon HD 4870 X2 2GB 512-bit (256-bit x 2) GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102768

Antec Signature SG850 850W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371018

mushkin 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model 996587 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146731

*Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319

SAMSUNG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model SH-S223Q - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151173

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 32-bit English 1pk for System Builders DSP OEI DVD - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116485

Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100007

*XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233003

*XIGMATEK ACK-I7751 Retention Bracket
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233019

A couple specific questions: Will the RAM work with my MOBO? A friend said it might not. I am also wondering if the case and PSU are a bit overboard. Should I go with the Antec 900 and maybe a bit smaller PSU? Thanks in advance for any help!

Chris

 

[antiacid]

if you want to save 200$, just go for a 4870 instead of an x2. Depending on your resolution, it shouldn't affect the performance too much.
As for the PSU, it is efficient in the midrange so even if you only draw 400w, you'll still have "cheap" power and it's got good protection on the line. You really can't go wrong with that one.

 

[mexpedip]

The RAM will work fine.

You could very easily use the Antec 900 or 300 but if you have the money then the 1200 is a great choice.

Switch your OS to the 64 bit version.

 

[r-sky]

new cooler...

XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler - Retail

$31.99
($21.99 after $10.00 Mail-In Rebate)

XIGMATEK ACK-I7751 Retention Bracket - Retail $6.99

 

[aevm]

Change the MB to something cheaper like GA-EP45-UD3P or P5Q Pro. You don't need X48 with a HD 4870 X2 because you don't need Crossfire. That should save you $100.

Change the PSU to PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750W and save about $150.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703019&Tpk=Silencer 750W

Your original choice of MB and PSU make perfect sense if you want to add a HD 4870 1 GB later for Triple-Crossfire. If that's right, then ignore what I just said and go with the GA-X48-DS4 and the 850W PSU. If all you want is the HD 4870 X2 (and maybe a cheap HD 3450 later for monitors #3 and #4, or not even that) then the MB and PSU I mentioned will save you cash.




You could save $60 when buying the case with this NZXT Tempest. It's got 6 fans
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146047&Tpk=NZXT Tempest





+1 for the Xigmatek HDT-S1283 and the 64-bit Vista Home Premium.

 

[tanger]

Also, get the WD black, look up the difference at WD website. No sense in waiting for that slow HD when everything else is quick. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319

 

[Plic]

I changed my list to include the antec 900, the WD black and the recommended CPU cooler. Aevm, you recommended the Tempest case, how does that compare to the antec 900? As for the 32-bit vista, i have read a couple times that it isn't very compatible with the monitor i currently have (Acer P243WAid).

Now back to the motherboard and video card. I don't know very much about computers so i guess i should state what I'll be using it for so you helpers have more to go on - Gaming. I've never had a computer that could run new games on high settings (my current computer is now 5 years old) and i would like to. I play pretty much all types of games (FPS, MMO, RTS, etc). I'd like the computer to last at least a year or two before having to upgrade.

Your original choice of MB and PSU make perfect sense if you want to add a HD 4870 1 GB later for Triple-Crossfire. If that's right, then ignore what I just said and go with the GA-X48-DS4 and the 850W PSU. If all you want is the HD 4870 X2 (and maybe a cheap HD 3450 later for monitors #3 and #4, or not even that) then the MB and PSU I mentioned will save you cash.

I currently have two monitors and plan on using just the new one for the new comp and leaving the old one with my old comp. As for the triple-crossfire, i guess i don't know if i want to or not . Money isn't really an issue and i'd like a very nice gaming computer. Would it be a good idea to triple-crossfire down the line? If it will help keep 50-60 fps on FPS games a couple years from now, then i guess yes, i would like to. I'd appreciate any more information you could give me or a link to a post that would help me understand. Thanks for all the help so far and look forward to more!

Chris

 

[aevm]

TBH not much difference between Antec 900 and NZXT Tempest. Similar looks, similar prices, excellent cooling.

Sure, the Antec 900 is a great choice. I like that you can turn down the fans to reduce noise when not playing. I don't like that you can't turn off the lights, but that's an easy mod if you're interested.

Compatibility between Vista and monitors - beats me. Maybe if the monitor comes with software and you actually install it, otherwise I don't see how that can happen.

I think triple Crossfire makes sense if you intend to add the third GPU pretty soon. If it's going to be in a year or two or more then it makes less sense. I'm pretty sure that by 2011 there will be $300 cards that will beat the HD 4870X2+HD 4870 combination, and you can just buy one of those at that point.

 

[Proximon]

I have nothing to add really, except my support for Vista 64 and a reminder to also get the support bracket for the cooler.