very first build, please be brutally honest

[nhan]

Hi guys,

Like most of threads on here, this is my very first build, I've been doing a lot of reading and research on the parts and this is what I have in mind right now, if you could take a look and let me know if it's ok, or if I need to change or upgrade anything to make it work, please let me know. I am putting this system together for everyday use, school, and also gaming if possible, here is the list:

CPU: E6850

MB: DX38BT

HD: Seagate ST3320620AS 320GB

Video Card: Radeon HD 3850

Sound Card: Chaintech AV-710

Memory: Corsair XMS2 4GB (2x2GB) (DDR2 - 800)

CD/DVD Writer: Plextor PX-810SA

CD/DVD Reader: Asus DVD-E616A3T

Floppy: Sony - MPF920

I am still having problems looking for the CPU fan, PSU, and a case if you guys could recommend some good ones for me. Also, I am wondering if I could go with DDR2 memory at higher speed, I saw on Newegg.com they have DDR2 - 1300, and I was looking at the spec. for the video card, and it says that it would support Pentium 4, would the CPU I have in mind work?

I would be running windows XP, and also running wireless connection on this build ( I do have a wireless pci card right now). I am looking to spend about $1500 on this, I could go a bit higher if I have to, but of course if I could save the money for something else, that would be great.

I hope I have given you guys all the information you need, but if I missed anything, please let me know. Greatly appreciate for all your help and inputs. Thank you very much.

[DSCHIEF]

For the same price I'D go with the Q6600. twice the L2 cache & 2 more cores

Look at the ASUS P5K-E M/B save some cash.

I have the following case & PSU Combination, several in fact. & very pleased with them.

case:
www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119106

PSU:
www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371001

Sound card: have never heard of the one you listed, sorry can't comment on it
I use this one, more $ , but great sound and more I/O options
www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/Audiophile2496-main.html

[mwhaha]

I would go with whatever processor you want, they both perform well, and most applications do not use more than one core. Just remember to get a retail processor if you don't want to apply thermal compound.

If your mobo supports on board sound which basically all do, then you do not need to buy a soundcard.

Never heard of plextor, could be a good brand, not sure. Lite-on's are highly recommended here. Whatever you do, don't look for a samsung

[liambl]

Unless you are overclocking and don't want the warranty, you don't need the cooler, just use the one the CPU comes with.

[Katreat]

No real reason to go for 4 gigs of ram unless you are using vista 64. XP and Vista 32 will only recognize 3.2 gigs and 2 gigs is plenty for most applications. If you are set on 4 gigs, then go for Vista 64 OS. I would not try XP 64, I have always heard it had terrible support.

Faster ram is generally, at this point, for OC'ing. The fastest intel processors are 1333 FSB and 800 ram when doubled is faster than the CPU so faster ram does not provide a benefit. If you are OC'ing the CPU then things change.

I would go with the 6750 personally because it is a much better value (performance/$). If the cost is not an issue then I agree with DSC and would look at the Q6600. At least your money gets you a couple extra cores and the system will be more future proof.

I would hold off on sound card until you check out the on-board sound. Newer MB have great sound and if you want something more a sound card is an easy add-on.

Plextor is a great brand but expensive. Unless that unit has something you really want I would look at a basic Line-on. Buy retail and you get free burning software. Also, do you need a second DVD or a floppy for anything specific? Unless you do a lot of CD to CD coping, the second DVD just collects dust. A floppy is cheep, but when did you last use one?

I dont know that MB or Vid card so I will hold any comments. Like others I have had great luck with the Asus P5K and Asus is the primum MB maker. For gaming I would recommend the 8800 GT as the best deal going, but if that is a new ATI card I could be out of date on that.

Stay with standard stock heatsink that comes with your retail CPU. It works fine unless you are doing major OC'ing and does not void your warrenty as aftermarket Heatsinks/fans will.

Kat

[Devastator]

If you still looking for case and power supply take a look at the Antec Sonata III, comes with a 500W and is cheap for how good it is.

[nhan]

thank you for all your input guys, that helped me out a lot. Kat, thank you, your response was exactly what I was looking for, and thanks Devastator, I was looking at the exact same one that you're recommending on Newegg. Just one more question, if I kept the CPU I have in mind right now, or change to 6750 or q6600, can I use ddr2 ram at higher speed than 800? or it wouldn't make much of a difference? thanks again for all your help guys, really appreciate it.

[Alaron]

There is no difference using higher speed RAM. The exact match for a CPU with the 1333Mhz FSB is actually DDR2-667, so the DDR2-800 is already one step faster.

[nhan]

thank you very much guys, I will start put in the order for the parts and hopefully, will have a new toy to play with soon. Thanks again for all your help, I really appreciate it.

Nhan