Can you guys please critique my system. First time builder!!

[vader1990]

This is my first ever build, so can you guys please critique it for me. I want the BEST possible price v. performance.

This is a public wish-list from newegg, it doesn't include all the mail-in-rebates and combo offers.

The final price is actually $60 less that what the wish-list says: its around $800!!

https://secure.newegg.com/WishList/MySavedWishDetail.aspx?ID=9135531

Thanks for the help guys!!

 

[aevm]

List the part names here. Newegg won't show that page. It asks for a username and password.

Is it a gaming PC? Any other uses?

Monitor size?

 

[V3NOM]

dude that's a private wish list. "....secure.newegg.com"

we cant see it.

 

[shortstuff_mt]

It looks pretty good. I would take a close look, however, at the 4870 1GB card since that is a crossfire board. If you go with the 4870 you will have the option of adding a second card later. You won't be able to add another Nvidia card on that board.

There isn't really any benefit to getting that expensive DDR2 1066 RAM. Get a quality DDR2 800 kit with tight timings that runs at 1.8v. This RAM is awesome and cheap:

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=N82E16820231209 $49.99

You should also get either the blue or black version of that HD. The Green version is slower.

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=N82E16822136218 $74.99

or

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 $84.99

For those who can't get to his list, here's a recap:

Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P

Sunbeam CR-CCTF 120mm "Core Contact Freezer" CPU Cooler

Antec EA650

COOLER MASTER Centurion 590

EVGA GeForce GTX 260 Core 216

Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz

OCZ Reaper HPC 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR2 1066

Western Digital Caviar Green WD6400AACS

LG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA

 

[vader1990]

Sorry.

I already have a Westinghouse 22'' LCD Flat Panel/Vista Ultimate x64/Speakers/Mouse/Keyboard. I will use it for mostly gaming, and some engineering work--matlab, solid, etc..

DVD BURNER: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136153
CASE: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119152
HDD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136298
GPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130398
POWER: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371015
RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227289
CPU COOLER: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835207004
CPU/MOBO: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.147897

It comes out to ~$800.

I really want this rig to run Crysis on 1680x1050, very high, with 35+ frames!! Will it?

 

[vader1990]

It looks pretty good. I would take a close look, however, at the 4870 1GB card since that is a crossfire board. If you go with the 4870 you will have the option of adding a second card later. You won't be able to add another Nvidia card on that board.

There isn't really any benefit to getting that expensive DDR2 1066 RAM. Get a quality DDR2 800 kit with tight timings that runs at 1.8v. This RAM is awesome and cheap:

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=N82E16820231209 $49.99

You should also get either the blue or black version of that HD. The Green version is slower.

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=N82E16822136218 $74.99

or

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 $84.99

For those who can't get to his list, here's a recap:

Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P

Sunbeam CR-CCTF 120mm "Core Contact Freezer" CPU Cooler

Antec EA650

COOLER MASTER Centurion 590

EVGA GeForce GTX 260 Core 216

Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz

OCZ Reaper HPC 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR2 1066

Western Digital Caviar Green WD6400AACS

LG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA

Thank you for the quick response. What is your opinion on this RAM. It is ULTRA CHEAP--$20, lol.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227269

I might get the $75 version of the Hard Drive then, thank you.

I hear that the Core 216 is slightly better than the 4870 1GB. So I think I want that card. Can you recommend me a good board to go with that card; and possibly make it a SLI? I want to play Crysis on High with very nice frames

Thanks!

 

[shortstuff_mt]

You get what you pay for with that RAM. It requires 2.1v and has slow 5-4-4-15 timings. The standard voltage for DDR2 RAM is 1.8v. Any RAM rated above that is already factory overclocked/overvolted. The RAM I linked above is awesome. It runs at 1.8v and has tight 4-4-4-12 timings. RAM that runs at 1.8v will run cooler, last longer, and have more overclocking headroom.

To have the option of SLI you will need a motherboard with an Nvidia chipset. Intel chipsets are much more stable and the GA-EP45-UD3P board is awesome. I would highly suggest getting a 4870 if you think you might want to add a second card down the road (even if the GTX 260 Core 216 is slightly faster). If you're dead set on that GPU and think you might want SLI, take a look at 780i chipset motherboards.

 

[vader1990]

You get what you pay for with that RAM. It requires 2.1v and has slow 5-4-4-15 timings. The standard voltage for DDR2 RAM is 1.8v. Any RAM rated above that is already factory overclocked/overvolted. The RAM I linked above is awesome. It runs at 1.8v and has tight 4-4-4-12 timings. RAM that runs at 1.8v will run cooler, last longer, and have more overclocking headroom.

To have the option of SLI you will need a motherboard with an Nvidia chipset. Intel chipsets are much more stable and the GA-EP45-UD3P board is awesome. I would highly suggest getting a 4870 if you think you might want to add a second card down the road (even if the GTX 260 Core 216 is slightly faster). If you're dead set on that GPU and think you might want SLI, take a look at 780i chipset motherboards.

I see your point. But doesn't that 800 RAM cost the same as my 1066 RAM? So will the tighter timings be better than the speed gain of the 1066? The cost appears to be similar?

Hmmmm....you pose an interesting point about the GPU? So, which 4870 should I get? The 512 MB one or the 1 GB card? AND, what if I DO NOT plan to SLI/Crossfire, and simply go with a single card solution [very likely], then is the Core 216 better? IS that mobo NOT GOOD for Nvidia cards--esp. Core 216?

Thanks for you help!

 

[shortstuff_mt]

I would rather have high quality DDR2 800 RAM than 1066. DDR2 1066 RAM is usually just overclocked DDR2 800 RAM anyway. The Core2Duo chips are not very sensitive to RAM speed. DDR2 800 RAM with tight timings will be just as fast as DDR2 1066 RAM with loose timings.

That motherboard will work fine with a single Nvidia card. It just seems a little strange to have a crossfire board with an Nvidia card. There's also a GA-EP45-UD3R that's similar, but with only 1 GPU slot.

I really like this card:

SAPPHIRE 100259-1GL Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102801 $239.99 - $15.00 MIR

 

[vader1990]

I would rather have high quality DDR2 800 RAM than 1066. DDR2 1066 RAM is usually just overclocked DDR2 800 RAM anyway. The Core2Duo chips are not very sensitive to RAM speed. DDR2 800 RAM with tight timings will be just as fast as DDR2 1066 RAM with loose timings.

That motherboard will work fine with a single Nvidia card. It just seems a little strange to have a crossfire board with an Nvidia card. There's also a GA-EP45-UD3R that's similar, but with only 1 GPU slot.

I really like this card:

SAPPHIRE 100259-1GL Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102801 $239.99 - $15.00 MIR

Here is a new build/wish-list on newegg, can you please critique this for me. You have been very helpful, and I really appreciate your help. I have taken a few of your suggestions and made necessary changes:

https://secure.newegg.com/WishList/MySavedWishDetail.aspx?ID=9137871


After ALL combos and rebates are applied the final total is $750.91...AN EXCELLENT PRICE

 

[shortstuff_mt]

You took a definite step backwards on the PSU. The Antec Basiq line are not very high-quality units. The EA650 in your original post is a much better choice.

You also took a step backward from the Sunbeam cooler to the Freezer 7 Pro. I would either stick with the Sunbeam cooler or pick up a Xigmatek.

XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233003 $36.99 - $10.00 MIR

XIGMATEK ACK-I7751 Retention Bracket - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233019 $8.49

I don't like to recommend cases, but you might want to check out the Antec 300 for the same price.

Antec Three Hundred Black ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042 $49.95

 

[vader1990]

You took a definite step backwards on the PSU. The Antec Basiq line are not very high-quality units. The EA650 in your original post is a much better choice.

You also took a step backward from the Sunbeam cooler to the Freezer 7 Pro. I would either stick with the Sunbeam cooler or pick up a Xigmatek.

XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233003 $36.99 - $10.00 MIR

XIGMATEK ACK-I7751 Retention Bracket - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233019 $8.49

I don't like to recommend cases, but you might want to check out the Antec 300 for the same price.

Antec Three Hundred Black ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042 $49.95

Sorry, I got it mixed up with another wish-list I made a while back. Ok, here's the re-re-re-vamped one, lol:

https://secure.newegg.com/WishList/MySavedWishDetail.aspx?ID=9137871

thx again, man.

 

[shortstuff_mt]

It looks good.

You should really post the components since anyone not logged into their newegg account won't be able to see it.

Recap:

OCZ Reaper HPC 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR2 1066
LG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA
SAPPHIRE 100259-1GL Radeon HD 4870 1GB
Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB
Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz
GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P
Sunbeam CR-CCTF 120mm "Core Contact Freezer"
Antec EA650 650W
Antec Three Hundred

 

[vader1990]

oh, thank you so much for all your help! I owe you one

oh, and thank you for posting the components too.

 

[kelfen]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102810

I'm going to get this for chirstmas man those 4870 went down in price. I not sure how much a difference the 1gb vs 512mb will affect performance

 

[vader1990]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102810

I'm going to get this for chirstmas man those 4870 went down in price. I not sure how much a difference the 1gb vs 512mb will affect performance

I was looking at some benchmark totals and apparently it makes enough of a difference to warrant the extra cost. The 1gb performs almost as well as the gtx 260 reloaded!! but either way the 4870 is a ballin card

 

[Shadow703793]

OCZ Reaper HPC 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR2 1066
LG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA
SAPPHIRE 100259-1GL Radeon HD 4870 1GB
Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB
Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz
GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P
Sunbeam CR-CCTF 120mm "Core Contact Freezer"
Antec EA650 650W
Antec Three Hundred

Looks good!

 

[vulture1162]

if you are going to get the antec three hundred check out buy it from micro center its like $15 cheaper. their parts don't seem to be cheaper but all of their cases do, strange?

http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0283272

 

[vader1990]

thanks for the help.

I was thinking about substituting the hd 4870 1gb with the gtx 260 reloaded. what do you guys think about this change? everything else will remain, including the mobo.

 

[aevm]

You'd lose the ability to add a second card later. I wouldn't do it.

 

[vader1990]

You'd lose the ability to add a second card later. I wouldn't do it.

I'm really only building this pc for fps's like Crysis and Call of Duty, etc. and for stuff like that GTX 260+ is better, right? I will probably play at 1680 or 1920 resolution.

Should I get a different mobo then? Is the 4870 a better card for my resolution? thanks guys!!

 

[aevm]

In Crysis, HD 4870 1GB > GTX 260 Core 216 > HD 4870 512MB, at both 1680x1050 and 1920x1200.
http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=3415&p=4
All 3 cards are very close anyway.

In Quake Wars, HD 4870 1GB> HD 4870 512MB > GTX 260 Core 216
http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=3415&p=6

I don't have CoD benchmarks right now and TBH it's a pain looking for them when I'm at home (on dial-up). I'll let you do that yourself if you want.

Considering that CoD scales extremely well with Crossfire and that SLI motherboards are flaky, I'd suggest keeping your current setup with HD 4870 1GB and P45. Maybe upgrade to GA-X48-DS5 for even better results in Crossfire, but that's about $100 more. It's worth it IMO only if you are almost sure you will add a second card and if you intend to play at 1920x1200. This article shows the difference:
http://www.tweaktown.com/articles/1472/intel_p45_vs_x48_crossfire_performance/index.html

 

[vader1990]

hmmm...well, in light of these new benchmarks, I think I'll go with ATI in this case. Do you think I should put another $20 down and just get the E8500, since I might OC it to 3.6-ish at some point? How much OC-ing do you think I can get on AVERAGE?

 

[DanielCD]

I heard OCZ doesn't work well with the gigabyte ud boards. I think gigabyte recommends mushkin, but corsair, gskill and any other known manufacturers should be fine.

I have a similar system, and I get 13000 in 3dmark06 with everything at stock (I got the superclocked version of the gtx260 though). I get 60FPS in Left 4 Dead with everything on high (I think I have vsync turned on though.. since it seems like its locked at 60FPS or something)... either way, it's very smooth -- same with Far Cry 2.

E8400 3.0ghz
EVGA GTX 260 Core 216 Superclocked
640GB WD Caviar Black
650W Corsair PSU
1066 DDR2 Mushkin 2x2gb (I think you only need 800 though.. I only got 1066 because I didn't know any better)
GIGABYTE UD3R
NZXT Tempest (keeps my CPU at 28C idle, never above 40C at full load -- haven't done too much monitoring on that though)

 

[aevm]

Yeah, Mushkin makes great RAM, +1 to that.

If you overclock then the E8500 is worth the extra $20 IMO. It has a larger multiplier so you can get to higher clocks without pushing the MB and RAM more.