Pre-Build Critique is needed (Newbie)!

[mark_6360]

So this is what I'm looking at for my new build which is intended to be for video editing and graphic design. I included all the links to the parts on newegg.com. The price is a bit higher than what I'd prefer. Right now this adds up to around $1400. Is there anywhere I can make cuts to cheapen it up with out affecting the performance of the computer?

Pre-Build:

■Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case (http://tinyurl.com/2cbop9e)

■Intel Core i7-950 Bloomfield 3.06GHz 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor BX80601950 (http://tinyurl.com/24l666k)

■ZALMAN CNPS 9500 AM2 2 Ball CPU Cooling Fan/Heatsink (http://tinyurl.com/39sc6of)

■ATI 100-505605 FirePro V5800 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 CrossFire Supported Workstation Video Card (http://tinyurl.com/28your5)

■GigabyteGA-X58-USB3 LGA 1366 Intel X58 USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard (http://tinyurl.com/23sg6gq)

■APEX AL-D500EXP 500W ATX12V Power Supply (http://tinyurl.com/24gxtth)

■SAMSUNG Spinpoint F4 HD322GJ/U 320GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive (http://tinyurl.com/3ac25kd)

■SAMSUNG Spinpoint F4 HD204UI 2TB 5400 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive (http://tinyurl.com/2bl2zml)

■G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ (http://tinyurl.com/yho2z6l)

■Hanns·G HZ201HPB Black 20" 5ms HDMI Widescreen LCD Monitor 250 cd/m2 X-Contrast 10000:1(1000:1) Built-in Speakers 1600x900 (http://tinyurl.com/yce7ue9)

■Logitech Internet 350 Black 104 Normal Keys 8 Function Keys USB Wired Standard Keyboard (http://tinyurl.com/2gdg22)


Another problem I've hit is which operating system should i go with? I'm leaning toward Windows 7, but should it be 64 bit? 32 bit? Home Premium? Ultimate?


-Other Thoughts-
I am planning on using CrossFire, but right now all I want are the essential parts to get the computer up and running. I'll eventually add more RAM as well, and make upgrades as I go.




Thanks so much for your help!

 

[MadAdmiral]

You've got a major problem with that build. You've put in DDR2 when you need DDR3. You'll also want a Triple channel kit (3 sticks).

Another potential problem is that PSU. It's small and an absolute POS. Don't bother with any brands that aren't Antec, Silverstone, SeaSonic, Corsair or XFX if you want something that's good quality.

I'd recommend following the guidelines (the link is in my signature). I'm positive we can put together something that's better and will actually work.

As for the OS, definitely go with Windows 7 64-bit. Don't even bother with the other versions. I would either go with Home or Pro, but I can't state the exact differences off the top of my head. Take a look at Microsoft's website for what features each offer and see what you need.

 

[mark_6360]

Thanks for that link MadAdmiral. In case looking through those selected parts didn't give it away, I'm a COMPLETE moron when it comes to this haha. Thanks again though for your assistance. Definitely looking forward to learning some new stuff from all of you here.