Search
Sign in with
Sign up | Sign in

New Build - Few Simple Questions

Last response: in Systems
Share

I'm getting ready to build a new system. Currently I've put the following together on newegg:

Motherboard: ASUS P5Q Pro LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale 3.16GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8500 - Retail
PSU: Rosewill RX950-D-B 950W ATX12V v2.2 & EPS12V v2.91 SLI 8800Ultra SLI CrossFire Ready Active PFC Power Supply - Retail
Video Card: ASUS EAH4850 TOP/HTDI/512M Radeon HD 4850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail
HD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST3500320AS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
Case: LIAN LI Lancool PC-K7B Aluminum/ SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
Optical: LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model iHAS120-04 - OEM
Memory: Patriot Extreme Performance 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model PDC24G6400LLK - Retail

It's been about 6 years since I've built a computer so I'm a little out of the loop on new technology. I don't plan on doing any overclocking. I will be gaming some, maybe WoW or Starcraft 2 when it comes out, but mostly it'll be used for software development and general computing.

Does anyone see anything that doesn't really fit or could be better? Also should I get Vista 32 or 64? I've read mixed reviews. If Vista 32 doesn't even take 4 GB of memory I wanted to go with the 64 version, but I've also read it has all kinds of problems with drivers, etc.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

More about : build simple questions

Register or log in to remove

V64 is much better these days, i made the switch, and i have had absolutely no driver issues so far. And im glad you picked a SATA HDD and CD/DVD Drive

If you can spare it get a HD 4870 512MB, and to me the PSU looks like overkill tbh.

I just got the big PSU because it was in a combo deal with the CPU for $150 off. I'll see if I could save some money by getting a smaller one. What size do you recommend? I plan on adding an additional 500GB (same one) HD whenever I need the space.


Also I keep hearing about certain brands to stay away from, is there a certain PSU brand I should stick with?

Rosewill PSU's are a no-no, especially a $255 dollar one. Pick up a Corsair 750TX or PC Power & Cooling 750W PSU and it will be plenty for your setup even if you add another GPU down the road.

CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... $109.99 - $20 MIR

or

PC Power & Cooling S75QB 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI NVIDIA SLI Certified (Dual 8800 GTX and below) CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... $124.99 - $35 MIR

The 640GB HD's are faster due to higher density and are about the same price.

Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... $74.99

That RAM requires ridiculous voltage to get its timings (2.2v). Pick up this G.Skill RAM that only requires 1.8v - 1.9v to get the same timings. It's much better RAM.

G.SKILL PI Black 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... $59.99

Everything else looks good. What resolution will you be gaming at? If it will be 24"+ you may want to take some of the money saved from the PSU and pick up a 4870 1GB GPU.

64-bit Vista is very stable now, and I haven't run into any driver problems with it. You'll be fine unless you try to run very old hardware.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... $99.99
Related ressources
Ask the community

Does 64-bit Vista have any down fall to applications or is it just hardware related?

For instance, I read somewhere (you never know a good source) that Photoshop CS3 doesn't run on the 64 version...

I'm going to be running dual 22" HD widescreens from my vid card since it has dual DVI out.
Register or log in to remove
 
Ask the community
Read discussions in other Systems categories
!