Need PSU and RAM for $2k build

[RazR]

Pretty much everything that you are looking at are all the components that i will be getting for my build..
what i am looking for is a reliable PSU and RAM

SPECIFICATIONS:
PC Case: Antec 900 Gamer case
Motherboard: Asus P5K DELUXE/WIFI-AP Atx LGA775 P35 DDR2 1333FSB 2PCI-E16 3PCI 2PCI-E1 SATA2 Sound Motherboard
Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Quad Core Processor LGA775 Kentsfield 2.40GHZ 1066FSB 8MB Retail Box
Upgraded CPU Heatsink: Zalman CNPS9700NT Copper CPU Heatsink 110MM Fan LGA775 AM2 S939 1250-2800RPM 19.5-35DBA Green LED
Hard Drives: Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 320GB SATA2 3GB/S 7200RPM 16MB Cache NCQ Hard Drive
Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 500GB SATA2 3GB/S 7200RPM 16MB Cache Ncq Hard Drive
DVD Writer Drive: Liteon LH-20A1L DVD+RW 20X8X16 DVD-RW 20X6X16 DL 8X SATA Lightscribe Black DVD Writer OEM
CD/DVD Drive: Liteon SHD-16S1S-05 16X Black SATA DVD-ROM Drive OEM
Floppy Drive: Mitsumi FA404M-BK 7-IN-1 Floppy Drive & Flash Reader CF/SM/SD/MMC/MS Black
Video Card: XFX GeForce 8800GTS 500MHZ 320MB 1.6GHZ GDDR3 PCI-E Dual DVI-I HDTV HDCP DIRECTX10 Video Card
Sound Card: Creative Sound Blaster Audigy SE PCI 7.1 Surround Sound Card (OEM)
Speakers: Logitech X-540 5.1 Speaker System Black 70W RMS W/ FDD2 & Wired Remote
Monitor: Samsung Syncmaster 931BW 19IN Widescreen Glossy Lcd Monitor 2000:1 1440X900 2MS Hdcp Vga DVI-D


Any Suggestions??

[RazR]

And i wil be running WIN XP as an OS
i can upgrade to vista later on

[shadowpr]

are you going to be overclocking?

if not i think you could go with corsair ddr2 xms2 800 ram, and probably the corsair 520hx for the power supply

[Chazell29]

As far as power supplies go, go to the General Hardware section, and look for the sticky on PSU's. That will give you the good PSU's and the not so good.

As far as RAM goes, most people here recommend Corsair. Looking at your system, I'd probably recommend at least 3GB's of RAM.

Also, I'd recommend the eVga 8800 over the XFX 8800. XFX is still a great brand, I have just been recommended multiple times eVga, and have had good expeirences with them, so i continue to use them.

Other than that, looks like a solid build.

[RazR]

are you going to be overclocking?

if not i think you could go with corsair ddr2 xms2 800 ram, and probably the corsair 520hx for the power supply
absolutely not
1) i don't want to void the warrenty
2) sounds a bit complicated
3) i'd prolly end up messing up my whole comp
Lol

[Chazell29]

absolutely not
1) i don't want to void the warrenty
2) sounds a bit complicated
3) i'd prolly end up messing up my whole comp
Lol

Some good reasons not to haha. Corsair memory is a great brand, and if you check out that thread i listed above for the Power Supply, you'll be good to go. Sorry I can't provide you with a link, I'm at work and the browsers don't have a URL bar so I can't copy and paste it.

[RazR]

As far as power supplies go, go to the General Hardware section, and look for the sticky on PSU's. That will give you the good PSU's and the not so good.

As far as RAM goes, most people here recommend Corsair. Looking at your system, I'd probably recommend at least 3GB's of RAM.

Also, I'd recommend the eVga 8800 over the XFX 8800. XFX is still a great brand, I have just been recommended multiple times eVga, and have had good expeirences with them, so i continue to use them.

Other than that, looks like a solid build.
i used the PSU calculator and under the processor i put quad and added all the components and it gave me a wattage of about 850W..
but i did do some of the worst case scenerios with the percentages (just to be on the safe side)

[shadowpr]

corsair also has the 620hx if you want.

that's what i got myself and my system is similar to the one you're planning. i plan on trying to oc a little though.

[RazR]

but i have always wondered how they they clock the cores on the processors?
like is each core itself running at 2.4 ghz or is it a combined total?

[Krazeee]

Unless Zalman has some sort of deal with Intel, you'll void your warranty by switching heatsinks.

Corsair, OCZ and Patriot all perform very well in every test I've seen recently. Just pick the amount and price that best fits.

Here are a few options. With the rebates, you can have this ram for less than $70:

Corsair XMS 2gb DDR2800
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145034

Patriot eXtreme Performance 2gb DDR2 800
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220144

Those Corsair PSUs are great, but if you want to ensure that you have lots of power, here are a few options:

PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750W - $200
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703009

Enermax Infinity 720W - $220...I've been a bit smitten with this PSU for some reason. Lots of amps on the 12v rails and has a very nice feature of running the fan for a short while after shutdown to continue cooling the system.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817194021

To answer the core clock speed question, each core runs at the specified speed. So a Core 2 Duo e6750 has two cores, each running at 2.66ghz, and the Q6600 has 4 cores running at 2.4ghz. There have been some tests on which will perform better under different situations. Right now Gaming is almost exactly the same when similarly clocked, but when multitasking, the quads usually pull away. But then the C2Duos overclock like a beast so it's a matter of what you need your comp to do.

[Mavman1]

absolutely not
1) i don't want to void the warrenty
2) sounds a bit complicated
3) i'd prolly end up messing up my whole comp
Lol


I just built my first computer, yet still new to the whole scheme of things, so someone please correct me if I'm wrong...

....anyway, RazR......you mentioned not wanting to void the warranty, yet in your first post you list a Zalman aftermarket heatsink/fan......if I'm not mistaken, going after market with one will void the warranty on cpu's that come with them...

..by the way, I'm using the q6600 with the stock heatsink and fan with no issue's what so ever.


EDIT......I see Krazeee just posted the void issue while I was typing. :)

[Chazell29]

I just built my first computer, yet still new to the whole scheme of things, so someone please correct me if I'm wrong...

....anyway, RazR......you mentioned not wanting to void the warranty, yet in your first post you list a Zalman aftermarket heatsink/fan......if I'm not mistaken, going after market with one will void the warranty on cpu's that come with them.....by the way, I'm using the q6600 with the stock heatsink and fan with no issue's what so ever.
that was already stated. The stock fan is fine if you don't overclock. If your orverclocking you'll want a better HSF.

[RazR]

well the reason i went with an aftermarket fan is because i tend to use my computer among long stretches of time
i just wanted to keep the whole system cool you know??

i never knew that adding an aftermarket heatsink can also void the warrenty

[Krazeee]

If you're not going to OC, then the stock cooler will suffice, even when the system is on all the time. I'm using stock cooling on my Athlon and it stays at about 47c all day long. Only turn it off when I'm out of town more than 2 days.

*Edit, you're whole system will probably be just fine since you'll have it all in that Antec 900. That thing has fans and mesh to spare. You're system will a-ok I think.

[RazR]

well said...

**EDIT**
right now i'm just debating on whether if i should stick with XP or upgrade to Vista

[Mavman1]

well said...

**EDIT**
right now i'm just debating on whether if i should stick with XP or upgrade to Vista


I'm in the same boat.......installed xp, but contemplating vista home premium.

I'm thinking of going this route--(dual boot)

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,2109434,00.asp

might take a look see and see what ya think :)

[Chazell29]

I'm in the same boat.......installed xp, but contemplating vista home premium.

I'm thinking of going this route--(dual boot)

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,2109434,00.asp

might take a look see and see what ya think :)
You'll have to upgrade to vista sooner or later ;)

[RazR]

the only reason that i am see-sawing on whether to have Vista as an OS is because i have heard from a lot of ppl that there are still bugs in it (which is understandable)
the way i see it, xp has been around for a while and has been fairly reliable
vista is new to the market and is still improving it's flaws
i think i'll wait maybe a year or two before i upgrade to vista

[Cricket]

the only reason that i am see-sawing on whether to have Vista as an OS is because i have heard from a lot of ppl that there are still bugs in it (which is understandable)
the way i see it, xp has been around for a while and has been fairly reliable
vista is new to the market and is still improving it's flaws
i think i'll wait maybe a year or two before i upgrade to vistaA lot of XP users are planning to wait until Vista with at least SP1 is released. I don't plan to upgrade to Vista for a long time...WinXP SP2 works fine for me and I'm happy with it. But then I'm still running a PIII 800MHz computer...I like reliable products I can count on.

:) Cricket

[LeftyAce]

*EDIT* I agree with cricket on the service pack...

Personally I'm not going to consider upgrading before Vista service pack 1 comes out (But then again, I already have a copy of XP that I'm using).

XP is only $90, so if you decide you want vista pretty soon, you're out $90. If you get vista, and decide it's not for you and switch to XP, you've spent a lot more than $90 on Vista.....

[shadowpr]

vista isn't really that bad. it's been out a while. i personally like it.

just my 2 cents.

[Disgrace]

The original poster is asking for a PSU and RAM, no? So let's get there.

As said, Corsair IS a great reliable RAM brand and I use it, amongst many other happy users. You'll need the DDR2-800 type modules. If you have such excellent parts like the latest gen GFX card and a Core 2 Quad CPU, why bring the whole thing down with slow memory? It's not complicated at all, really. 2GB is the general recommended amount for RAM. Especially if you're going for Vista, in that case, it would be the minimum before you bring your system down and lose value for money. Personally, I would keep XP because it works and requires less system and you're going to be gaming, obviously and so what difference does the OS make? Yes, it's inevitable you WILL upgrade because Micro$oft will force you to but games will not become Vista-exclusive for a while yet. I won't use Vista until I need to and i'll let others be the Guinea pigs to find and suffer the bugs of a new OS.

As for a PSU, you'll need at least 550W for that. Those are some heavy duty parts you have there and Corsair is recommended for a great PSU. If i'm not mistaken, there's a good 620W model out so if you have the money, go for it because you get what you pay for. If you want a quiet and solid PSU, go for Seasonic. I have a 400W model (my PC is not quite as heavy duty) and it's been working like a charm and I cannot hear the thing at all! No, really.

As recommended, there's no need for the Zalman after-cooling as it does void warrenty and if you're worried about cooling, you can install fans to the chassis. I'm not familiar with your case so I await correction whether you can or not add other fans. No warrenty voided there and you get a better airflow to cool the parts. Just make sure it's the right way around, but you knew that of course.

Everything else you have in your list looks great to me but do you really need a floppy drive? I know it's barely expensive and it's entirely your choice, but I find they're useless now. Especially now in the era where you can pick up a decently sized USB drive for a couple of *insert currency here*. You could save a couple of *insert currency here* by not bothering. I didn't and I have not regretted it at all.

Good luck! It's a great experience to build a machine and I never realised how much I would learn until I actually did it. :)

[RazR]

some very good points brought up...
i decided to go with 4gb of ram (Corsair XMS2 TWIN2X2048)
and the PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750 Quad 750W ATX PSU


last question i guess..
does anyone know of any good VIDEO tutorials on how to build a pc
only reason i'm asking is because when it comes December i may build it..
i just want to have that background knowledge so that i am somewhat familiar to what i am working with and not treading into dangerous territory

[Cricket]

You're building this in December? You'll have to re-do your parts list by then.

I don't know of any video tutorials...might want to check You Tube.

:) Cricket

[RazR]

LOL
let me clarify....i meant september..
i just realized i put december
haha

[Alaron]

PCMech's Build Your Own PC DVD: http://www.pcmech.com/xcart/product.php?productid=19&cat=0&page=1

[RazR]

...i was thinking of something a little bit more free
lol

[LeftyAce]

As I recall, someone looked around for free videos recently, and couldn't find any good ones (I'm not just saying that to get you to buy the DVD, honest!)

If you take your time and follow the steps outlined here, you'll probably be fine without the video.

Here's our standard build procedure: http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=168456

[shadowpr]

honestly, if you just follow the steps from the guide on this site, you'll be fine.

i used that when i did my build and it was simple and effective for me, no video needed. just read it before you try and assemble then print it out or keep it open on current computer while building as a reference.

[Katreat]

i decided to go with 4gb of ram (Corsair XMS2 TWIN2X2048)
and the PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750 Quad 750W ATX PSUI think it has been said, but to access 4 gb you will need vista 64, XP and vista 32 only see a little over 3. And since most programs seem to be optimized to run on about 2 I would really save a little and hold off on 4 gb until you upgrade to vista and find a need for it. Ram is easy to add.

Secondly, that is a lot of head room you are building into the system. With a single video card set up you will probably never need 750 w of power, even with the next generation cards and you are paying about $100 premium to get that much. You would be fine with around 500 to 550, go a bit higher just for headroom.

Dont get me wrong, those are quality parts and if you have money to burn go for it, it is just not necessary for your system.

Kat

[RazR]

does it honestly matter if the power supply is modular or not?

[Katreat]

Short answer.... NO. Modular means easier cable management. You dont have as much trouble hiding the cables you are not using because they are not there. The down side according to some is that it is one more weak link is the system. Certain PSU makers wont use them for this reason. Just pick what makes you happy. :)

Kat

[RazR]

might be a dumb question but..
are there SATA cables included with hard drives and optical drives?

[Cricket]

might be a dumb question but..
are there SATA cables included with hard drives and optical drives?If you get retail drives they'll come with the cables, but normally you get the cables with the motherboard.

:) Cricket

[RazR]

because on newegg it had with it's packaged contents as listed:
P5K DELUXE/WIFI-AP
Driver Disk
User Manual
Rear I/O Panel Shield
IDE/PATA Cable
FDD Cable
2 x SATA Cable
4-pin to SATA Power Cable
Bracket

my build was going to have 2 opticals (a dvd-rom and burner) and 2 or 3 hard drives

i was worried that i wouldn't have all the cables for building

[Cricket]

SATA or IDE cables don't cost much and you can easily pick them up at any computer shop in case you come up short.

:) Cricket

[RazR]

would going with a 3gb setup in dual channel cause any problems in the future?
i was going to run like:
1gb -- 512mb -- 1gb -- 512mb
they would be all useing the same stock timings 4-4-4-12