my new build..

[passn_thru2]

I AM GETTING CLOSER...couple more days of hand wringing, I'll be ready to order

case
Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?item=N82E16811129021

Mobo
EVGA 123-YW-E175-A1 LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 750i FTW SLI ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?item=N82E16813188026

graphics ..sometime will SLI
EVGA 512-P3-N801-AR GeForce 8800GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?item=N82E16814130318

PCU
CORSAIR CMPSU-450VX ATX12V V2.2 450W Power Supply 90 - 264
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?item=N82E16817139003

CPU
Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?item=N82E16819115037

RAM
Kingston HyperX 4GB(4 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Quad Kit
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?item=N82E16820134596

observations/suggestions welcome

THIS HAS BEEN REALLY INTERESTING.. so many options on so many levels/unknown variables

[shadowpr]

I suggest if going with 4gb, that you get 2x2gb pack instead.

Don't forget the Hard drive, and DVD drive. And of course an operating system.

[passn_thru2]

i have a new XP 32bit I'm transferring from this computer, i heard it best to wait on vista, then get a 64bit when it works.. i have a new 20x combo DVD-r/CD-r

i am an information junkie.. why the 2/2 instead of the 1x1x1x1.. i chose the 1111 basically because it was a good deal, and didn't know the difference.. it would look like it might do more switching with the 1111, but i dont know..

i am still considering a P35 Mobo unit.. dont know if i would be sacrificing much for what i would save..

[Drunner611]

That 450watt PSU will not cut it! Especially if you're thinking sli in the future.

Corsair 650 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139005)

If you still want Corsair go with at least this 650watt.

[perkster]

agreed up the PSU to 620W at least

[passn_thru2]

agreed up the PSU to 620W at least
Thanks.... done, i used an "Estimator"...

[Masaki 7-11]

Take a look at the Asus 750i, they have better quality motherboards than Evga, are cheaper and offer great support. Link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131232

SLI doesn't offer much of an increase from a single card, so it would be better to use a single card and a P35 chipset motherboard since it will cost you less and offers more performance (P35 is faster than 750i). If you go with a single card, you should be able to run it all on a 500W or higher PSU (you'll want a bit of headroom).

[Katreat]

For SLI on the 8800 GT check out this site and determine PSU needs. Even at 650w you are right on the edge of minimum requirements and wont be able to do much upgrading in the future.

http://www.slizone.com/object/slizone_build_psu.html

I agree with Masaki that unless you are running a very large monitor you will see little advantage in SLI and pay alot more. P35 is a very stable Intel chipset and an excellent choice for a single card set up. But if you go SLI just make sure your PSU choice will handle your current and future needs.

If you have HD and Burner are they SATA. I would recomend using SATA on any of the newer MB if it is within the budget. Newer MB no longer support IDE natively, they use 3rd party controllers, so although it should still work it can be a bit problomatic for some.

Kat

[shadowpr]

4x1 might have stability problems, and you might have to down clock it. 2x2 is more stable in some cases. It also leaves room to upgrade in the future.

[passn_thru2]

they have an open box $120 -30$
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131232

i dont want to use the ribbon cables anyway.. guess i can figure out what i need in cables and get them at the local shop . dont have a lot of stuff to hook up.. will get my own chipset
cooler anyway

ahhhh... can i get the rear I/O pannel shield somewhere .. if i get the open box.?
are the CD's important.. the reviews all say to get drivers from the manu-web site

after all the questions/ maybe just get the box set... make this esier

thanks for info..

[passn_thru2]

thanks..

[shadowpr]

Get a retail mother board. It'll be much easier that way.

[aram]

Remember if you want all 4gb of RAM to show up in windows you need to have a 64bit version. 32bit operating systems can only use a total of 4gb of memory, including your video memory, so it will usually end up showing you somewhere around 3gb and any one program can only use 2gb of that.

I have vista 64 on my newest machine and so far I've had no problems at all (apart from the sluggish nature of vista, obviously).

And yea, get the 2 x 2gb, once you start filling up the slots, things can get unstable, especially if you've overclocked.

[Katreat]

Remember if you want all 4gb of RAM to show up in windows you need to have a 64bit version. 32bit operating systems can only use a total of 4gb of memory, including your video memory, so it will usually end up showing you somewhere around 3gb and any one program can only use 2gb of that.

I have vista 64 on my newest machine and so far I've had no problems at all (apart from the sluggish nature of vista, obviously).

And yea, get the 2 x 2gb, once you start filling up the slots, things can get unstable, especially if you've overclocked.You state that any one program can only use 2 GB of ram. What are you basing this statement on?

As far as I know, the 3.2 GB (Average recognized with 32 bit OS on systems with 4 GB more of system ram) is completely avaliable for any program you run.

3.2 GB of system ram is more than 2 GB of system ram, so going with 4 GB with a 32 bit system is very practicle, especially with ram as cheep as it is today. I agree that most software will get little advantage from more than 2 Gb of ram but if you happen to use a program that does beneifit from more ram it is my understanding that the entire recognized system ram (~ 3.2 GB) is avaliable.

Kat