My 1st PC Build

Hi guys, I am relatively new to the whole concept of constructing your own computer. I have watched several tutorials and have been convinced it is the way to go. Since it is my first time constructing my own computer I would like your opinion on my build of choice. This system is intended to be future proof and leaning towards a gaming rig set up.


Motherboard: Core 2 Quad processor Q9650 BOX goods + P5Q-E (CPU+Mobo)
RAM: Patriot PSD36G1333KH (PC3-10600-2GBx3)
Graphics: WinFast GTS250 512MB
Hard Drives: Western Digital Caviar WD10EADS
Optical Drives: Liteon /Pioneer
Case: Antec 183 / Cooler Master CM 690 (RC-690-KKN2-GP)
Power Supply: Antec CP-850 / Antec Earthwatt EA-650
CPU Cooling Fan: Xigmatek Dark Knight S1283V

I am not sure if this is all the parts that are necessary for my computer to work. Oh and I should mention that I live in Japan so some parts, if googled, may only show up on japanese websites.

Need a copy of windows if you don't already have one. Also don't forget thermal paste (Artic silver etc) for the heatsink.

Also the P5Q-E is this what you're talking about ? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813131296

That mobo uses DDR2 1200 can't use DDR 3 with it. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] C2%209600)

or better yet download the manual from asus and check the supported memory list if you want to take it easy.

Core i7-920 BOX goods + Asus P6T: is this an example of a i7 cpu+mobo combination? It is only slightly more expensive, about $50 USD more than my original cpu+mobo combination

I am estimating my total budget to be around 120,000 Yen which is equivalent to about $1220 USD.

Well, DDR2 is DDR2 and DDR3 is DDR3.
They are different types of memory, as in not the same, as in 1 will not work in the other slot.

DDR3 does not have twice the memory bandwidth than DDR2, and the same frequency they would have the same bandwidth, so for it to be twice as fast as DDR2-1066 (PC2-8500) you would need a DDR3-2133 (PC3-17000), which I don't think exists yet.

If you want a quad, then the i7 and a P6T is the way to go. It is a MUCH more capable cpu. I think it is well worth the $50 difference.

For gaming, get the best vga card you can afford. A GTS250 is good, but something like a GTX275 is more appropriate to a i7 system.

Be certain that your dvd burner is a SATA(not ide) model. cabling is much cleaner.

With 6gb of ram, you need a 64 bit OS. Vista home premium 64 bit is good. You might want to use windows-7 64 bit initially instead. In October when the official release is available, you will have to do a clean install again. No upgrade will be supported.

For performance reasons, I would use the WD caviar black 1 tb drive instead.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822136284

Get a small tube of thermal grease. AS-5 or MX-2 are good.

Antec psu of 600 watts and over are good. Corsair, Seasonic, PC P&C are also quality units.

A case is a personal choice, both are good. I suggest you download and read the manuals first and see which one makes more sense to you.
Download the motherboard manual while you are at it also.


---good luck----

I7 all the way. 775 quad isn't worth it anymore

Gpops that's a nice old build. Unfortunately the time of Socket 939 is well past. The 4800 x2 for socket 939 is no longer in production and it's the fastest chip for Socket 939 outside of the opterons. That's probably why the price is going up on them.

Not to be harsh but if you're interested in gaming why did you use a 9400GT? That might run something from '03 well but that's it.

Does anyone have experience with the Coolermaster CM 690? If so, would my indicated fan + the asus P6T motherboard fit inside the case?
Otherwise I would probably go with the Antec 183 case and stick with the Earthwatt 650. The antec CP-850 is a bit expensive for a psu.