Tom's Hardware > Forum > Homebuilt Systems > New System Build > Advice on first build
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TomNJ   01-09-2009 at 08:38:46 PM

Newbie here, working on specs for new build. I've upgraded my old computer over the years (memory, new hard drives, PSU, etc.), so I've been under the hood before, but this is my first do-it-yourselfer. This is what I've come up with so far (and I hadn't realized it would be so hard to choose parts -- so many choices! This forum has been a godsend.)

Intel Core 2 Quad 6600
Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P
Mushkin 4 GB (2 x 2 GB) 240-Pin DDR2
Corsair CMP-SU 750TX
Antec 900
Two hard drives, probably a WD 640GB, and will install my older IDE as a backup and to move data.
Midrange video card, not sure which.
DVD-RW

I do not plan to overclock. High-end uses are downloading/editing home videos from camcorder; scanning/editing photos. My kids don't play too many PC games, but they do like those online interactive games where your character inhabits a virtual world with other users; those seem to be a drain, but I'm guessing it won't be an issue on this machine.

My questions:

1. Any problems with the mobo/case? Play nicely together?
2. Is 750W PSU overkill?
3. Cooler reco for this case/CPU/mobo? I want to make sure it fits.
4. Is a second, DVD-ROM drive overkill? My kids still play PC games, so I need to read CDs, but I will be burning DVDs from my camcorder videos.
5. Does anyone need floppy drives anymore? On my old computer, the floppy didn't work, and the BIOS didn't support booting from CD so I couldn't create an emergency boot CD. Not sure if that's an issue anymore.

Thanks in advance. I am learning a ton on this site.

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IH8U   01-09-2009 at 08:46:59 PM
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1. No problems
2. Slightly, you should only need a 500W - 550W for your needs
3. I had a Noctua NHU-12P in mine, so HSF clearence isn't really an issue
4. DVDR/RW drives are very common nowadays, they run about $25 on newegg for a SATA version (20x)
5. There is no need for a floppy drive, as most motherboard manufacturers include restore disks with their boards (gigabyte is good for this, called rescue disk).

A suggestion for a video card that should last you a while is a 4850 (prolly overkill, but a good bang for the buck card nontheless).

I'd also just get a USB enclosure for your old IDE hard drive instead of installing it inside the PC.

Reply to IH8U
kubes   01-09-2009 at 08:54:41 PM
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PSU: PC Power & Cooling. Should also give you a bit of breating room. Very solid psu. Your otherone is a bit overkill
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817703005

you can probally get away with a 9600 gt or a 4830. Both of these are solid cards, for the types of apps your talking about. If you however think your kids might get into some more graphic intenesive games in the next 3 years might want to think about the 4850 or gtx 260.

No need for floppies anymore. Either USB sticks or cds will do the trick.

I'd say a second DVD-Rom is not nessarary unless you plan on doing a bunch of dvd ripping. I say you really don't need it and save yourself the $25 bucks.

Just about any cooler will fit inside this case. I know there's one which requires you to take out a fan but I can't remember it off the top of my head, but in general tunic tower or xig will do the just fine. Very solid case btw.

Other than that looks like ya did a great job on your homework. Solid build.

Reply to kubes
Akebono 98   01-09-2009 at 09:21:32 PM
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+1 on the PC P&C 610 PSU--it's going for a great price right now at Newegg.

I'd go with a 4850 512MB video card (try Sapphire for good value), which leaves you the option to do a decent Crossfire on that UD3P mobo down the road, with the same PC P&C 610W PSU.

If you're not overclocking, then you can just use the stock CPU cooler, especially since you are going with the Antec 900 case.

Reply to Akebono 98
TomNJ   01-09-2009 at 10:11:01 PM
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I can go with the stock CPU cooler if not overclocking?

Reply to TomNJ
kubes   01-09-2009 at 10:13:30 PM
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ya the stock cooler will probally be ok since you are getting such a decent case. the antec 900 really does a great job of creating good air flow throughout the case.

Reply to kubes
TomNJ   01-09-2009 at 10:25:53 PM
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Thanks a million to everyone for the help. Much appreciated. Can't wait to give this a go. My wife keeps telling me I need a new hobby. :)

Reply to TomNJ
geofelt   01-09-2009 at 10:49:31 PM
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What you listed would work fine. I have a few suggestions:

Unless you have a need for some specific feature on the gigabyte udp3, consider the ds3l mobo; is is somewhat cheaper:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813128345

Consider the Antec 300 case:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811129042
It's cheaper, with free shipping(watch that, shipping can cost $20).
It will cool as well as the 900, but no "bling lights"

The 750w corsair unit is a good one, but more than what you need, and costs more than you need to pay.
PC P&C makes some of the best quality units out there, and it seems that they are giving nice rebates now.
One of their units in the 500-610 watt silencer series is good.

A sata dvd r/w combo drive is all you need. I like Samsung because it is quiet.

I did not include a floppy on my last two builds. A usb thumb drive will suffice. There were no withdrawal pangs or regrets.
Current motherboards all boot from cd, and usually usb also.

Go to the web site of the kid's most demanding game and see what the vga suggestions are. Even the most basic of vga cards today perform very well.
In the absense of other knowledge, look at this EVGA 9600GT:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814130360
1) I like the two slot cooler to get the heat directly out the back instead of recirculating.
2) EVGA has great customer support.
3) EVGA has a 90 day "step up" period which lets you trade your card in for a better one if you should change your mind.

The stock cooler will work. Under load, the fan will spin up, and create some noise though.
If you want, the Xigmatek S1283 cooler is one of the best, and relatively inexpensive:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835233003

I would suggest the optional backplate mount to avoid those tricky pushpins.

---good luck---

Reply to geofelt
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