another first build thread

[corban]

hey folks, this is my first post here, and first build. i'm a newbie so I appreciate any input. here's what I've got:

ASUS Motherboard C2D P5L-VM 1394 945G Conroe LGA775 1066FSB DDR2 Audio VGA GBLAN

Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 320GB SATA2 3GB/S 7200RPM 16MB Cache NCQ Hard Drive

Samsung SH-S182 DVD+RW 18X8X16 DVD-RW 18X6X16 DL-8X DVD Writer IDE Black OEM W/ Software

Corsair Value Select PC2-4200 1GB DDR2 240PIN DIMM Memory

Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 Dual Core Processor LGA775 Conroe 1.86GHZ 1066FSB 2MB

it's for my recording studio, for audio processing, not gaming. it needs to be portable so I'll be putting it in a rackmount case from Norco. Any input there is welcome. I chose the processor because it has integrated firewire and video, with the older i945 chipset which supports dual monitors as opposed to the new i965 chip which doesn't. I do not need amazing graphics here, just decently reliable dual monitors, and it seems cheaper to get it integrated than have to buy a separate dual video card. I'm pretty budget conscious. I'll probably get another gig of RAM soon enough, as well as a small system drive. I don't know anything about overclocking so I probably won't do it, although I am willing to learn.

My questions are:
1) any conflicts here?
2) is integrated video an acceptable solution for my needs?
3) i can get the e6400 on sale for only $45 more. is it worth it?
4) how is that RAM?
5) any suggestions on keeping this all nice and quiet?
6) what should I be looking at for a power supply?
7) any other suggestions?

many thanks in advance.

[newbuilder14]

1. Nope, looks good, however change the DVD drive to a Liteon drive, they have software, too.
2. Yes, check it out first at least.
3. Not really, not if your not overclocking, only advantages is 8 multiplier.
4. RAM I suggest you get the Corsair Value Select DDR2 667. 1gb should be fine.
5. It should be quiet as long as your case has a couple of quiet fans.
6. For the power supply, look for something pretty mediocre, 450w at most. Look at Fortron Source or Antec.

[newbuilder14]

If you want solid performance, look at the e6600 and an Asus P5B motherboard.

[corban]

cool thanks guys. i've been wondering, what's the difference between those different kinds of ram. What does the 667 mean, is it faster?

[Mr.Ferrari]

First of all..Make sure your kit of ram is dual channel. I.E not 1 stick, but 2x512mb sticks.

DDR2 667 is the manufacture's guranteed speed for the ram.

Faster..well without going into too much detail..technically for your case, no. Intel Core 2 Duo processors operate at a native fsb of 266, this is multiplied by 4 to give you the number you see when you look at the processor spec sheet. 1066.

DDR stands for Double Data rate. That number you see, for example DDR2 667. All it means is the ram is rated to run at a maximum of 333mhz x2, which is 667.

How does this effect you..? The ram will automaticallly downclock to ddr2 533 no matter what. Because thats just the speed in which your processor operates. By buying ddr2 667 ram, you giving yourself extra bandwith IF, you ever want to overclock, or want to future proof for future cpu's.

Does it give a performance benefit? With intel, yes, but its not that simple. It will require you to physically mess with ram details that you really dont want to worry about.

I would say just buy some decent dual channel, preferably corsair, ddr2 667 ram. And dont give it a second thought. All in all, you only worry about faster ram when your buying specifically for overclocking.

[corban]

really, it's better to have two sticks as opposed to one? I've been thinking I'd get just one 1GB stick now and probably get another a while later depending on my needs. Then I've still got two slots left if I want to upgrade more in the future.

[blue60007]

Running two sticks allows for Dual Channel operation. This'll give you some added boost.

[Mr.Ferrari]

Most modern Intel processors prefer dual channel over single. It gives quite a bit of perf. boost.

If your really willing to skip that and wait..your choice.

[blue60007]

I guess it also depends on how long "a while later" is. If just a couple weeks, go with the single stick. If it'll be a while till you have the funds, I'd go with the dual channel kit.

[corban]

ok, I didn't realize that. i'll probably take your advice then and stick with the 6300 and use the extra money to spring for two gigs. thanks for your help all, and sorry about the double post.

[glc]

Do yourself a favor and get a video card. This is all you need:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814121538

Integrated video eats system ram.

You will want a quality brand PSU that's ATX 2.0 spec, there are good quiet ones out there. 350 watts is plenty.

Corsair DDR2-667 value ram (NOT 533) will do a very nice job without costing a lot.

[corban]

cool, that's more affordable than the cards I was finding. thanks.

[Furius92]

Not sure what audio processing work you'll be doing, but one of the more popular programs is Pro Tools from Digidesigns. I was looking at building a computer specifically for Pro Tools recently. As far as Core 2 Duos, Digidesign recommends ONLY the 975X chipset. Just thought I'd throw that out there, just in case you were planning on using Pro Tools.