New I5 Build, comments before order (2 days)

[bluesz]

First time to build a system.
I plan to build the new system to replace my old P4 2.4G (Dell Dimension 4600).
I mainly use the desktop for programming (Fortran, Matlab, R), P2P online video (PPstream, pplive), games occasionally (not that enthusiastic, most games are pretty old such as starcraft, warcraftIII, Heroes IV, Diablo), websurfing.

I might overclock a little bit (maybe around 3.5G). Not much interested in SLI/Crossfirex. Fairly flexible budget.
Plan to make the order by this Friday.

Thanks for your final advice.


1 CPU $185

Coupon Code: COOL15 (Exp 10/16).

http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=I5-750BOX&c=CJ

2. Motherboard UD2 $100
Coupon Code: TRICKORTREAT
http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=MB-P55M-D2&c=CJ

3


RAM $95

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231279

2+3 $185

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.264221


4
$25
Samsung SH-S223L 22X SATA DVD Burner
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=10010714&prodlist=celebros





5. Graphic card $65

HD4670
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125277

Geforce 9600 GSO $40
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121320&nm_mc=AFC-Bensbargains&cm_mmc=AFC-Bensbargains-_-NA-_-NA-_-14121320

6. Case + PSU $95


case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042 $55
PSU 400 W
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139008 $40

Combo

PSU 550W + DVD-Burner

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.269812


7. HD $55

$5 off w/ code VAMPIRE5, ends 10/18
http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=HD-HD502HJ

Samsung
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152181


8 Monitor (already bought) $170

Samsung 2333SW LCD monitor + Logitech wireless MK300 keyboard and Mouse

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?sku=A3111256&cs=04&c=us&l=en&dgc=BF&cid=7421&lid=197378&acd=10549103-889052-

9 HSF $30

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065


Questions:

(1) Is HD 4670 on par with Geforce 9600 GSO for video quality?

HD4670
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125277

Geforce 9600 GSO $40
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121320&nm_mc=AFC-Bensbargains&cm_mmc=AFC-Bensbargains-_-NA-_-NA-_-14121320

(2) Is PSU 400W sufficient for reasonable overclock for CPU (around 3.5G) with HD4670 or Geforce 9600 GSO?
Generally, How often should we change a new PSU?

For future proof, I might choose the motherboard Gigabyte UD3R or UD4P

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.264219

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.264218

Is 400W enough for them with HD4670 or 9600 GSO?


I don't think I need a very fancy graphic card like HD4850 or even higher in the mean time. Also,the efficiency of PSU deteriorates as it ages, I am not sure if I am right in interpreting that it should be replaced in 2 years?

If so, I choose 400W + Motherboard UD3R or UD40 now, and then upgrade it with 650W with HD4850 or higher 1-2 year later.


Thanks for your advice.

 

[cory1234]

Looks like a solid build.
I have a few suggestions:

If you planning on getting Starcraft 2 I would recommend getting this graphics card:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150441

That card should run most games on decent settings.

Since you want to overclock, your definitely going to want more power. I would recommend 550w at a minimum.
This motherboard is better for overclocking also...the board you have is the entry level.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128401&Tpk=p55%20ud3r

Look around for prices. You can usually find good combo deals on ewiz or newegg.

 

[bluesz]

Updated questions:


(1) Is HD 4670 on par with Geforce 9600 GSO for video quality?

HD4670
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125277

Geforce 9600 GSO $40
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121320&nm_mc=AFC-Bensbargains&cm_mmc=AFC-Bensbargains-_-NA-_-NA-_-14121320

(2) Is PSU 400W sufficient for reasonable overclock for CPU (around 3.5G) with HD4670 or Geforce 9600 GSO?
Generally, How often should we change a new PSU?

For future proof, I might choose the motherboard Gigabyte UD3R or UD4P

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.264219

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.264218

Is 400W enough for them with HD4670 or 9600 GSO?


I don't think I need a very fancy graphic card like HD4850 or even higher in the mean time. Also,the efficiency of PSU deteriorates as it ages, I am not sure if I am right in interpreting that it should be replaced in 2 years?

If so, I choose 400W + Motherboard UD3R or UD40 now, and then upgrade it with 650W with HD4850 or higher 1-2 year later.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.265998

 

[The_Bman]

I just built a nearly identical system, incl. the same CPU+cooler/MOBO/Video/PSU:

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/272160-31-core-photo-video-webdev-time-builder

This review of the 400W Corsair PSU says it essentially could have been rated higher (450W or 500W), based on performance. So I think it's a good one.

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/750

I am waiting for my Windows 7 DVD to arrive next week to overclock. So I have not installed an OS, but I've successfully POSTed, flashed the BIOS and run a Linux OS CD. With the Hyper 212 Plus cooler and the Centurion 534 case, the i5-750 is running around 30* C idle according to the BIOS.

Also, this review at Anandtech says the Gigabyte UD2 is fine for overclocking and gets their Gold Editors' Choice award:

http://www.anandtech.com/mb/showdoc.aspx?i=3652&p=20

So I feel good about the build, but next week's Windows install will put it to the test.

 

[cory1234]

1) The 4670 and the 9600 gso are pretty much even. They go back and forth on benchmarks so its up to you.

http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,2845,2330177,00.asp

2)
I still think that getting a higher watt power supply will save you in the long run. Most reputable ps manufacturers have good warranties (3 years+)
I wouldn't worry about replacing your ps unless it dies..and it should be still under warranty if it does.

ps. Some of the lower end models of P55 have been known to burn up from overclocking pretty quickly.

 

[The_Bman]

So here's 550W Corsair for $58 at ZipZoomFly after a $30 MIR:

CORSAIR CMPSU-550VX 550W Active Power Supply Retail

That should cover you.

cory1234: On the P55 MOBO's burning up, have you seen any reports specific to the Gigabyte UD2?

 

[cory1234]

No, I think you should be fine with that one. Here is the link to toms feature:

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/budget-p55-motherboard,2436-15.html

The three bad ones were ECS, Asrock, and MSI.