What do you think of this config?

[ilorraine]

Hi everyone,

My husband and I are having a PC built soon- this is the configuration we came up with based on our budget and needs. We will be using it for graphics work, some video editing, and games

I'd appreciate any comments or suggestions you might have:

1. Intel® Desktop Board DP45SG (BOX/BLKDP45SG)
2. Intel® Core™2 Quad Processor Q9400 (6M Cache, 2.66 GHz, 1333 MHz FSB)
3. PowerColor PCS HD4670 1GB DDR3 - Product Name : AX4670 1GBK3-P
4. Kingston 2GB DDR3 PC3-11000 CL7 240-Pin DIMM Kit (2 Units)
5. PCI firewire card
6. Asus WL-BTD202 bluetooth dongle
7. Seagate Barracuda® 7200.11 Desktop Hard Drives 1 TB (2 Units)
8. Lite-On iHAP422PATA SmartErase & LightScribe (2 Units)
9. Windows XP Professional OEM
10. Logitech NewTouch™ Keyboard 200 - USB
11. Logitech Optical Mouse USB
12. Logitech R-20 2.1 Speaker System
13. Orion 9801/02/05 s.black case only
14. Zeno SP-ATX-Z600W Power Supply
15. Samsung SyncMaster 2233SW 22" Widescreen LCD Computer Display (Black)
16. Powercom Ace 1000VA UPS

Thanks!
Lorraine

 

[myrddral]

Hi!

Nice config, it will do the trick, just some suggestions:

- i would go for a HD4770 card because of it's GDDR5 memory (+~20-25% performance for extra £20)
- you'll have 2 firewire connectors on the board, no need for extra card.
- i would go for a windows 7 upgrade
- i dont feel so confident with this Spire PSU. i would go for a 85+ certified Corsair, OCZ branded one because of my good experience.

cheers

 

[jsc]

Hi, welcome to the forums.

#1. Intel MB's tend to be good stable motherboards, but not good overclockers. I prefer Gigabyte.
#3. Check the Graphics section here for an article on best video cards for the money:
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/best-graphics-card,2362.html
#4. I am one of those who thinks that DDR3 memory is pretty much wasted with a Core2 CPU.
#4. Kingston generally makes good, but not great, RAM. And get 4 GB - especially for graphics and video editing.
#5. I don't know about the Intel motherboards, but my Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P has one Firewire port on the back panel and a header for a second one on the board itself.
#7. Avoid the .11 drives. Seagate had some nasty firmware problems with some of them. Either go with the newer 7200.12's or Western Digital.
#8. Why two DVD/RW's? And Lite-On? I've had 3 fail within a year (one - mine and two friends' computers). My first choice is Samsung, followed closely by LG.
#9. I'd recommend downloading the 32 and 64 bit versions of Win7 RC1 with the appropriate keys. Free. And you can try both versions. And it will work until next year, when Microsoft expects you to buy which ever version you choose.
#14. Better PSU. Corsair, PC P&C, Antec Earthwatts, Seasonic, Enermax.

I normally do not recommend waiting, but this fall i5 and the P55 motherboards will be here. I do not think that Socket775 is dead, but it's certainly moribund. If you do not desperately need a new computer this instant, I think now is a very good time to wait and see what is going to happen.

And why not build the computer yourselves?

 

[obsidian86]

if you open to amd tho hmmm

 

[ilorraine]

Thanks so much for the quick replies, myrddral and jsc! - you've given us a lot to think about. We're looking to get this in September or October.

 

[ilorraine]

if you open to amd tho hmmm

Yes, Obsidian- we are open to AMD... what are your suggestions?

 

[Helloworld_98]

In October the Core 2's will be long gone, you should be looking at the Core i5's and Core i7 8xx's which will be released in September, or look at the AMD Phenom II line.

 

[obsidian86]

amd phenom2 945 same price as q9400, 785x or 790gx am3 board the 4670 is a lil light i'd look at a 4770 or 4850 for graphics