New gaming build comments

[Jerry-o]

Hi gang, this is going to be my first ever build and i've just ordered all this stuff, if you have any comments please let me know (or see any major problems). Also which OS would you use, XP Pro or one the the Vista's (and if so which one?). Thanks in advance!

Build:
Antec True Power Trio TP3-650 ATX12V 650W Power Supply with Three 12V Rails - Retail
Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
EVGA 122-CK-NF68-AR LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 680i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard - RetailIntel Core 2 Duo E6700 Conroe 2.66GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80557E6700 - Retail
EVGA 768-P2-N831-AR GeForce 8800GTX 768MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Video Card
CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit - Retail
ASUS 16X DVD±R DVD Burner with 12X DVD-RAM Write and LightScribe Black E-IDE/ATAPI Model DRW-1612BL-BK - OEM
SONY Black 1.44MB 3.5" Internal Floppy Drive Windows 98SE/ ME/ 2000/ XP - OEM
Razer Tarantula Gaming Keyboard - Full Retail US Layout (Blue) - Retail
Razer Copperhead Tempest Blue 2000 dpi Gaming Mouse - Full Retail Multi Language - Retail

[Alaron]

Looks fairly solid.

If you must have SLI, look at the Asus P5N32E-SLI. The eVGA boards have not proven to be the most reliable.

Your Asus drive doesn't come with any software, if you need it. Retail LiteOn drives do.

For the OS, go with XP right now. There really is no compelling reason to buy Vista right now. Wait until at least one service pack comes out.

[Mr.Ferrari]

If your planning future SLi with two of those 8800GTX's, you'll need a beefier powersupply.

[chuck4456]

It's too bad that you've already ordered that stuff. The only truly stable 680i out there right now is the ABIT IN9 32X MAX, and even it has a few minor glitches that need BIOS updates. Mr.F's right about the POWER SUPPLY as well. Hope it goes together and works well for you. Call us if you need us.

[Jerry-o]

I appreciate the input, as of now im only gonna run the one video card as im basically outa cash from this damn thing. I decided to go with the EVGA after reading comments on NewEgg (and i got it as a combo with the processor for cheaper), but i don't really understand the whole 680i vs. 650i vs. whatever thing, could anyone clarify this for me?

[Mr.Ferrari]

650i is a barebone version of 680i. However it has still not proven itself. With such a finicky platform as Intel SLI is, you want to go with something as stable as possible.

[Vaillant]

The antec 900 is a Fine case, very stylish..

there are just a few things you should watch for :

fans - set to low, otherwise it sounds like a jet engine. big fans = quiet and same air push as smaller noisier ones.

wire management - because of the reverse ATX design, you'll have Some small problems with wire lengths, and power connector orientations. Just be patient.

drive cages - either use a magnetic screwdriver, or if not that, put in the screws from the bottom up. it's otherwise extremely difficult to line up the screws to their proper place.

floppy adapter - while I havent used it, it looks like it might be a hassle, also do many reviews say its kynda quirky. again, stay patient while assembling this.


otherwise, overall its a good choice for a PC. if you look at my signature, thats the system I built myself not even a month ago. the core 2 duo's are very good processors.

Good luck!

[Jerry-o]

Hi gang, this is going to be my first ever build and i've just ordered all this stuff, if you have any comments please let me know (or see any major problems). Also which OS would you use, XP Pro or one the the Vista's (and if so which one?). Thanks in advance!

Build:
Antec True Power Trio TP3-650 ATX12V 650W Power Supply with Three 12V Rails - Retail
Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
EVGA 122-CK-NF68-AR LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 680i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard - RetailIntel Core 2 Duo E6700 Conroe 2.66GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80557E6700 - Retail
EVGA 768-P2-N831-AR GeForce 8800GTX 768MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Video Card
CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit - Retail
ASUS 16X DVD±R DVD Burner with 12X DVD-RAM Write and LightScribe Black E-IDE/ATAPI Model DRW-1612BL-BK - OEM
SONY Black 1.44MB 3.5" Internal Floppy Drive Windows 98SE/ ME/ 2000/ XP - OEM
Razer Tarantula Gaming Keyboard - Full Retail US Layout (Blue) - Retail
Razer Copperhead Tempest Blue 2000 dpi Gaming Mouse - Full Retail Multi Language - Retail

Got everything installed ok except for floppy drive, when i boot up it says floppy drive 40 failed, any idea on how to fix this? Any help would be much appreciated!

[Vaillant]

One of 3 things can be going on here...

1. You forgot to plug the power to the floppy

2. The floppy ribbon cable is inversed, try putting it the other way

3. The floppy really isnt good, and get a replacement.

Check the problems in the order I have listed them, should solve the problem :)

[Jerry-o]

Thanks a ton Vaillant! I had the damn ribbon inversed, i never woulda figured that out!

[Vaillant]

:cool: No problem, that's what we're here for! :)