Advice on new build.

[LouisM]

Hi everyone,
I am based in the UK and looking to build my own spec, to have an idea of what im looking for i am always on the computer, wether its browsing the net or watching movies, i do alot of downloading (mostly movies) and i wish to connect the desktop to my LCD TV (its not a TFT) but does have a HDMI and a DVI port at the back of the TV so would require a suitable graphics card that i could connect the tv to... also a good digital tv card so im able to record aswell when im not around.
I prefer not to wait too long when starting applications/programs, preferable instant loading time or as min as possible so anything that would help that would be good..
i have a compiled a spec that i think that would be good enough but would like some feedback/advice from people in the know..

Processor (CPU)
Intel® Core™2 Duo E7400 (2 X 2.80GHz) 1066Hz FSB/3MB L2 Cache
Memory (RAM)
2GB CORSAIR DOMINATOR 1066MHz - LIFETIME WARRANTY (2x1GB) (possible future increase to 6-8GB)
Motherboard
ASUS® P5QL: DDR2, SATAII, PCI-e x16, 3 PCI, 2 x PCI-e x1
OS
Vista 64 bit or 32bit (advantages??? ram increase with 64bit i know)
1st Hard Disk
60GB OCZ SOLID SERIES SATA II 2.5" SSD
DVD Drive
22x DUAL LAYER LIGHTSCRIBE DVD WRITER ±R/±RW/RAM
Graphics Card
512MB RADEON HD 4830 PCI Express + DVI (or even 4850)
PSU
550-650 W (not sure if thats ok and no clue which brand to go for)
Case
NO IDEA (sorry)

There will be a second HD aswell for storing all my files, so the SSD is ony for OS and program files (want it to run smooth and fast).
This is pretty much the basics that i would like.. if there is something cheaper that would do the same job then im all for it, likewise if there is something that needs to be better but slightly more expensive then again im all for it..

In conclusion i just want a super fast (within budget(500-650 pounds sterling) computer with minimal loading time with windows.. and loading application.. Copying and transfering files from one place to another, and something that would give me an excellent picture on my tv. ( HD LG 32inch 720i)

Im not into gaming on the computer as i have my xbox for that, i do dable in photoshop a tiny bit as a hobby but nothin serious what-so-ever.

Thanks for taking the time and appreicate ur help
Louis

 

[LouisM]

EDIT: not really into overclocking as i really dont want to mess around in the bios..
thanks

 

[peanutpc]

Hi everyone,
I am based in the UK and looking to build my own spec, to have an idea of what im looking for i am always on the computer, wether its browsing the net or watching movies, i do alot of downloading (mostly movies) and i wish to connect the desktop to my LCD TV (its not a TFT) but does have a HDMI and a DVI port at the back of the TV so would require a suitable graphics card that i could connect the tv to... also a good digital tv card so im able to record aswell when im not around.
I prefer not to wait too long when starting applications/programs, preferable instant loading time or as min as possible so anything that would help that would be good..
i have a compiled a spec that i think that would be good enough but would like some feedback/advice from people in the know..

Processor (CPU)
Intel® Core™2 Duo E7400 (2 X 2.80GHz) 1066Hz FSB/3MB L2 Cache
Memory (RAM)
2GB CORSAIR DOMINATOR 1066MHz - LIFETIME WARRANTY (2x1GB) (possible future increase to 6-8GB)
Motherboard
ASUS® P5QL: DDR2, SATAII, PCI-e x16, 3 PCI, 2 x PCI-e x1
OS
Vista 64 bit or 32bit (advantages??? ram increase with 64bit i know)
1st Hard Disk
60GB OCZ SOLID SERIES SATA II 2.5" SSD
DVD Drive
22x DUAL LAYER LIGHTSCRIBE DVD WRITER ±R/±RW/RAM
Graphics Card
512MB RADEON HD 4830 PCI Express + DVI (or even 4850)
PSU
550-650 W (not sure if thats ok and no clue which brand to go for)
Case
NO IDEA (sorry)

There will be a second HD aswell for storing all my files, so the SSD is ony for OS and program files (want it to run smooth and fast).
This is pretty much the basics that i would like.. if there is something cheaper that would do the same job then im all for it, likewise if there is something that needs to be better but slightly more expensive then again im all for it..

In conclusion i just want a super fast (within budget(500-650 pounds sterling) computer with minimal loading time with windows.. and loading application.. Copying and transfering files from one place to another, and something that would give me an excellent picture on my tv. ( HD LG 32inch 720i)

Im not into gaming on the computer as i have my xbox for that, i do dable in photoshop a tiny bit as a hobby but nothin serious what-so-ever.

Thanks for taking the time and appreicate ur help
Louis

E7400 is a great choice for budget pc, make sure you get a nice aftermarket cooler for your processor. Xigmatek S1283 with Retention Bracket is a great cooler and its cheaper than other high performing cooler on the market.

Asus P5QL/P43 is a no no... spend little more and go for the P45 with ICH10R. ICH10R give you option to add another hard drive/SSD in raid.

I have 2 x 64GB SSD in raid 0 and it kicks ass... boots Vista within 15 sec.

While you're buying ram, just go for 4GB. Not big difference in price with 2GB & 4GB. And go with different manufacture. Corsair is way overpriced. Go with Patriot or OCZ, great price and great performance.

 

[LouisM]

thanks for the response peanutpc..

not too sure what MB you are talking about..

and what make/model is your SSD... there are so many and huge difference in prices.. what ones are u using and would i need a raid controller card or is that build in the MB?

and will defo go for the Patriot RAM.. been reading reviews and it seems to be the better choice.. (4GB means i need a 64 bit then)

 

[peanutpc]

If you go with the Intel processor, make sure you get a mb with Intel P45 north bridge & ICH10R south bridge. AMD processor, AMD 790GX/FX north bridge & SB750 south bridge.

Intel ICH10R & AMD SB750 south bridge have built in raid controller.

I have 2 G.Skill 64GB SSD. Model #: FM-25S2S-64GB

If you're in a tight budget, I'll give you 2 option.


AMD rig.

CPU: AMD Athlon 64 X2 7750 2.7GHz(Dual Core) or AMD Phenom 8750 BE 2.4GHz(Triple Core)
MB: BIOSTAR TFORCE TA790GX or ASUS M3A78-T (both 790GX/SB750)
Ram: Patriot PC2 8500 4GB model#: PDC24G8500ELKR2
HDD/SSD: 1 x G.Skill 64GB SATA II SSD model#: FM-25S2S-64GB
GPU: Any cheap ATI 4830
PSU: Cheap 550w will do the job.
HSF: Xigmatek S1283

Intel rig.

CPU: Intel E7400
MB: Asus P5Q SE/R or GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3LR (both P45/ICH10R)
Ram: Patriot PC2 8500 4GB model#: PDC24G8500ELKR2
HDD/SSD: 1 x G.Skill 64GB SATA II SSD model#: FM-25S2S-64GB
GPU: Any cheap ATI 4830
PSU: Cheap 550w will do the job.
HSF: Xigmatek S1283 Dark Knight (come with 775 socket retention bracket)

OS: Vista Home Premium 64bit. When you're buying a OS, buy an OEM version, its alot cheaper than the retail.

 

[theAnimal]

PSU: Cheap 550w will do the job.

The PSU is the most important component in your system. Don't go cheap.

Antec Earthwatts is a good quality budget PSU. 400-500W is plenty.

 

[peanutpc]

Antec Earthwatts is cheap too... its under $70.

 

[theAnimal]

Antec Earthwatts is cheap too... its under $70.

It's low-priced, but good quality. Most cheap PSUs are junk.

 

[LouisM]

would definitely not get a cheap psu as i know they are important.. about 40-50 pounds on a psu is a good price...
Does anyone know how much is a good price to pay for a good SSD, as above mentioned looking at the G.Skill 64GB SATA II SSD model#: FM-25S2S-64GB?
thanks

 

[LouisM]

anything similar to the Patriot Ram as i am unable to find anyone in the UK that sells that brand of memory?

 

[LouisM]

Here is an updated spec with prices...
Any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated

ASUS P5Q SE/R iP45 Socket 775 8 channel audio ATX Motherboard
£85.74
Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Socket 775 (3.0GHz) 1333FSB 6MB L2 Cache
£139.99
64GB G.Skill 2.5" SATA II SSD (MLC Flash) 155/90MB/sec read/write speed
£129.38
2Gb Patriot DDR2 PC2-8500 ELK Dual Channel kit (5-5-5-15)
£68.31
OCZ Fatal1ty 550w Silent SLI Ready ATX2 Power Supply
£63.24
Asus ATI Radeon HD 4850 512MB GDDR3 - Retail (90-C1CLC0-J0UAY00Z)
£114.99

Antec 902 Nine Hundred Two
£99.99
22x DUAL LAYER LIGHTSCRIBE DVD WRITER ±R/±RW/RAM
£22.00

All this comes to a total cost of 723.64 pounds... i was hoping to be a little under budget so if anyone can advise on other components then that would be great.
Many thanks
Louis

 

[theAnimal]

Change the RAM to 2x2GB of DDR2 800 from Corsair, Kingston or Mushkin rated at 1.8V, no point in that RAM if not OCing.

Change the PSU to Antec Earthwatts 430 or 500, better quality.

Other cases to consider are Antec 300, Coolermaster 590 or 690.

Since you're on a budget, drop the SSD and replace with WD Caviar Black or Caviar SE16.

Read this article on SSDs.

 

[LouisM]

Antec 300 Three Hundred 49.99
Kingston 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2 800MHz/PC2-6400 HyperX Memory Non-ECC CL5 £42.99
Antec EarthWatts 500W 80%+ Efficiency PSU 58.28
(Saving 80 pounds to previous post calculations.. i like!!!!)...

Im too keen on the SSD to change my mind to be honest.... i REALLY REALLY WANT ONE!!! :-(....

 

[LouisM]

Ps. views on a SAS Hard drive? tried to look them up and compare them to SSD but dont have a clue....

 

[LouisM]

anyone?

 

[theAnimal]

anyone?

AFAIK SAS drives require an expensive controller card.

 

[LouisM]

so i should stick with SSD then, i know u told me to drop it for the WD caviar black.. but i dont mind spending the little xtra for speed/performance..

 

[LouisM]

RIGHT... just bought everything now should be here on friday.. these are the list of components that i bought... please give me your thoughts wether bad or good..
Thanks

Antec EarthWatts 430W 80%+ Efficiency PSU - 80mm Fan 4x SATA PCI-E
Antec Nine Hundred 900 - Gaming Case with 200mm Top Fan - No PSU
Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Socket 775 (3.0GHz) 1333FSB 6MB L2 Cache Retail Boxed Processor
HIS HD 4850 IceQ 4 512MB GDDR3 Dual DVI HDCP HDTV out PCI-E Graphics Card
ASUS P5Q SE/R iP45 Socket 775 8 channel audio ATX Motherboard
OCZ 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2 800MHz/PC6400 Titanium Memory CL4(4-4-4-15)
Western Digital VelociRaptor 150GB Hard Drive SATA-300 10000rpm 16MB Cache - OEM

In total cost me 724 pounds sterling (delivery included)

 

[LouisM]

should i invest in a cpu cooler of gpu cooler? i wont be doing any overclocking if that makes a difference
thanks

 

[theAnimal]

should i invest in a cpu cooler of gpu cooler? i wont be doing any overclocking if that makes a difference
thanks

The HIS cooler is very good, and the stock CPU cooler should be fine if not OCing.

 

[LouisM]

good to know, thanks theAnimal...

I just realised i forgot to add an optical drive... can anyone advise me on which one to get... looking for a dual layer dvd burner...

thanks

 

[theAnimal]

good to know, thanks theAnimal...

I just realised i forgot to add an optical drive... can anyone advise me on which one to get... looking for a dual layer dvd burner...

thanks

Pioneer 216DBK is good.

 

[LouisM]

theAnimal... your a credit to this website and i thank you very much for your help... but theres one more thing i need to ask u and the good people of tomshardware... what cables if any do i need to purchase to connect everything together that dont come with all these nice little items im getting..
Many thanks

 

[theAnimal]

No problem.

You shouldn't need any extra cables. Good luck with your build!

 

[LouisM]

im having everything delivered 2morrow morning (friday) (par the dvd drive, forgot to order it with the everything else, just use an old one for now).. will keep u posted with how it goes... cant wait.... might private msg u if u dont mind if i need help...