1st Build Need Opinions!

[updawg]

I've done a lot of research and am looking for input on this build:

Case: RAIDMAX (ATX-911WB) RX-9 GT Black Aluminum ATX Mid Tower
Power Supply: AeroCool (ZERODBA-S620) ZERODBA 620W
Ram: Corsair (TWINX2048-3500LLPRO) XMS - 2 x 1GB
Media Card Reader: LINKSKEY (LKA-CR15B) 19-in-1 USB 2.0 Black
Fan Replacements: AeroCool (XtremeTurbine-Black) 120mm Sleeve Case Cooling Fan x2
HSF: ZALMAN CNPS9500 LED 92mm 2 Ball Blue LED Light Cooling Fan with Heatsink
MOBO: ASUS (A8N32-SLI Deluxe) ATX AMD Motherboard
GPU: eVGA (256-P2-N564) Geforce 7900GT KO 256MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card
CPU: AMD (OSA170CDBOX) Opteron 170 1000MHz HT Socket 939 Dual Core Processor
HD: Western Digital Raptor 74GB 3.5" Serial ATA150 Hard Drive x2

Total: 1801.92 (priced on newegg)

I want to leave the option of SLI open, thats why I selected the asus mobo. Also I want to run a raid 0 array on the HDs. I was thinking of purchasing an additional external HD for media files, because I have a laptop that I want to transfer those files back and forth, leaving the HD for OS/Games only.

I also hear the Opteron is an AWESOME OverClocker and the best bang for your buck.


So what do you think of this build?
Any suggestions/conflicts on this?
Any and all information pertaining to this is welcome!

Thanks,
Mike

[Cricket]

If you plan to run SLI you'll need a SLI certified power supply. That AeroCool isn't listed as a SLI certified power supply.

I wouldn't get sleeve bearing fans. Look for ball bearing fans instead. Sleeve bearing fans have a much shorter life span than ball bearing fans.

If you're going to get that Zalman heatsink you'll want to get a OEM processor instead of a boxed retail one. The retail processor comes with a heatsink (which you don't need) and if you plan to overclock this rig you're going to kill the 3 year warranty on the retail CPU anyway.

Cricket

[updawg]

The power supply is SLI certified
It's listed on newegg as NVIDIA SLI Certified

and thanks for the information on the fans!

Also I knew I needed an OEM processor but I just put the links together in a rush to post, any other input is appreciated!

Thanks,
Mike

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by updawg The power supply is SLI certified It's listed on newegg as NVIDIA SLI Certified

True, but it's not on the official nVIDIA SLI certified list. That power supply is probably SLI ready, not SLI Certified. I don't see any AeroCool power supplies on the list. But it's your computer, get what you feel comfortable with.

Cricket

[updawg]

Oh I see what you mean from the allotted list you provided.. hmm It has really good user reviews and is on the cheaper side for two 12V rails and modular cable supporting! I think I'm going to stick with this product, hopefully I run into no problems.

Do you (or anyone) have anyother suggestions/modifications to provide?

Thanks
Mike

[updawg]

Quick Question, If I purchase OEM WD Raptor hard drives do I need to purchase anything else along with it to install it correctly?

Still any other suggestions/modifacations are welcome!

Thanks,
Mike

[blue60007]

No, any retail motherboard comes with the necessary cables.

[updawg]

Another Quick question, I hate to keep breaking up posts like this, what is PFC Active/Passive on a Power Supply, and can someone recommend an SLI Certified Power Supply that could support my system if I was to add another 7900GT.

Thanks,
Mike

[kram 2.0]

The Antec TruePower II 550 W PSU shoud do the trick if you decide to use SLi later on.

Here is a little summary of PFC: http://www.endpcnoise.com/cgi-bin/e/faqpfc.html

kram

[updawg]

thanks kram 2.0!

Any other suggestions/modifications ??
-- I decided to downgrade to the opty 165 since the oc max point is very close!

Thanks again,
Mike