new build for CAD & 3D modeling

[golfernut78]

looking to build a new system and here is what i've come up with:

- case - RAIDMAX SMILODON ATX-612WBP Black SECC STEEL ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 500W Power Supply

- mobo - GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3R LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard

- video - XFX PVT84JYAJG GeForce 8600GT 512MB 128-bit GDDR2 PCI Express x16 SLI Supported Video Card

- cpu option a - Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 Conroe 2.66GHz 4M shared L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor

- cpu option b - Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz 2 x 4MB L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor

- cpu fan - ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler

- ram - G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)

- hd - Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD3200AAKS 320GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive

- os - Microsoft Windows XP Professional With SP2C

i'm debating between windows xp pro 32-bit and 64-bit and debating between the core 2 quad q6600 and the core 2 duo e6750. i will be using this computer for AutoCAD, 3D modeling in AutoCAD, 3D Studio Viz, Photoshop and Priemere. i might go with 4gb of ram, or upgrade later to 4gb. i want to keep this computer as long as i've had my current computer - 4 years. i did not forget an cd/dvd drive - i just plan on re-using my existing drive.

what do you think?

[catacon]

First off, you will need a better power supply. The one that comes with the case is not too great. Look at Antecs or the popular Corsair 620. You also might want to look at an Intel motherboard. They offer the most reliability in Intel systems, which is important for 3D modeling computers.

I have run Autodesk Inventor and 3ds Max with a C2D E4400 and 2GB of RAM and it runs pretty quick. However, going with either of those CPUs would be fine, more power can't hurt. You can also stick with the stock CPU fan unless you are planning on overclocking. If you planning on going with 4GB of RAM, I believe you need a 64-bit OS, so you will need to go with the 64-bit version of XP.

[Devastator]

The 64-bit XP isn't that great I don't think so Vista 64-bit would be the better option.

The Corsair 520W would be enough for him system. However take a look at the Antec Sonata III it comes with a good 500W PSU. It's quiet too.

If I were you I'd switch the XFX 8600GT to an EVGA 8600GT simply because they have a much better track record.

You might aswell make this as future proff as possible so i'd go for the Q6600.

Like said above the aftermarket heatsink isn't needed unless you plan on overclocking.

Other than that it all looks good. Most people here prefer Seagate for their HDD's and Corsair for their memory, but that's upto you. The same goes with the mobo, ASUS P5K's are the best right now for your build.

[golfernut78]

well, after doing some more research on this, 64 bit isn't a option. only autocad 2008 is 64 bit and while i personally use that i am also using autocad 2008 architecture (not 64 bit) and use autocad 2005 at the office (not 64 bit).

here is what confuses me - autodesk recomends 3 gb of ram for a program that can only run on 32 bit in which the OS only recognizes 2 gb. since the 4 gb isn't that much more i might still go with it.

i don't plan to overclock at all so i will dump the aftermarket heatsink fan and use the stock fan. i am looking at other cases and power supplies. appreciate the feedback.

[catacon]

I may be wrong, but I think that Windows XP 32-bit can handle 4GB of RAM.

If you are going to get a case and power supply together, make sure it is from a good brand. Here (http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=131195) is a list of good and bad PSU manufacturers. As stated above, The Antec Sonata III is popular and has a decent PSU.

[flanzig1]

Windows XP 32bit will be able to use anywhere from about 2.5 gig to 3.2 gig of ram depending on the particular combination of motherboard and ram. So, getting 4 1gig sticks will cover your needs for now and if you upgrade to a 64bit OS.

[golfernut78]

yeah, after a little more research i did find that windows xp 32 bit will recognize anywhere between 2.75 gb and 3.5 gb. at the price of ddr 6400 ram, i will just get the 4 gb and enjoy whatever i get out of it.

still reviewing the setup and hope to post the "final" setup by the end of the week. pretty set on the gigabyte mobo (good reviews and good price) and the 320 wd hard drive.