First time build, what do you think?

[LeftyAce]

Hi all,

I'm looking to build a relatively competent gaming rig for around $1000 (up to 1300-1400 is ok). I've done a little research, and have come up with a list of components. Anything that looks like a bad idea, or doesn't play well with other compenents, or anything else like that, please advise.

Note, I plan to only buy one gpu for now, and get a second one for the sli at christmas (can't go all out with the parent's money :-(

Also, I already have a HDD I plan to use. (Western Digital 100GB SATA, less than a year old).

Case: Thermaltake Soprano
PSU: Thermaltake 480 W
CPU: Athlon 64 4000+ San Diego Core
MOBO: DFI Lan Party
(I'm well aware this mobo is complicated; I think I'm up to schlogging through the manual etc to get it running properly; I've got all summer to do it :-)

GPU: GeForce 7800 GT
RAM: Is it worth it to get this Corsair instead of this pqi ?
DVD Rom: Lite On
CDRW: LIte On
Thermal Compound: Arctic Silver

WinXP Home.

Apart from general comments on the components listed, what can you tell me about the psu? Do I need more watts? (I will be putting in a second gpu in sli, and I might add another HDD in the near future).

[Alaron]

That power supply is not ATX 2.0, it has to be changed. You need an SLI-certified power supply. The Antec TruePower 550w is a great choice.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817103931

Corsair is an excellent brand, stick with it. If you want 1GB, go with a 2x512 kit. The dual channeling will give you a performance boost.

[kram 2.0]

Instead of getting the opticals as OEM/Bulk, purchase both optical drives as retail. For just a few more, you get a nice software bundle. You also do not need to purchase thermal compound (Arctic Silver) unless you are overclocking. The retail processor package provides all the necessary cooling equipment to keep the CPU running.

kram

[blue60007]

The CD-RW comes with Nero, even as OEM package. Why not get a DVD-RW? It's only $10 more and you can burn DVDs as well (even if you don't need it now, you might find yourself wanting it in the future).

[LeftyAce]

Thanks for the heads up on the power supply. I will also go with 2x512 for the ram; with 4 slots on the mobo I'll still have plenty of room to expand.

On the optical drives I was thinking that I'm not likely to use a dvd writer, but ur right that its only $10 more. Will think about that.

Thanks for the feedback all. I'm probably not gonna order till later this evening or early tomorrow, so any other comments are most welcome.

n3wo

[Ghost(BOO!)]

looks good and the suggestions by the others were good too. I think you should get the DVD-RW drive just in case you decide you want to burn a dvd in the future. Also do you have a good monitor for your new build? I have a Lite-on OEM drive and it came with all you will need.

[LeftyAce]

I have a 2 year old dell crt (1280x1024) that I plan to use. I might upgrade that at some point, but not right now.

Seems like dvd rw is a good investment, and oem is fine, so I'll do that. Thanks guys!

[iwinulose]

Yosh hows the build coming?

IwinUlose

[Staren]

Don't buy either of those sets of RAM yet. That board is a known PitA when it comes to what RAM it will accept. I was looking at it a few months back. What you want to do before buying anything is go to DFI-Street and look at their approved RAM for their NF4 motherboards.

http://www.dfi-street.com/forum/showthread.php?t=24719

I would also look at your video card. I would switch to an eVGA 7900GT. A bit newer, and actually a little cheaper.

[jamesgig]

your configuration is not balanced well. with that processor you should get higer performance RAM. Look at some Corsair XMS or downgrade your processor a little. other than that and the changes already suggested you are good to go

[blue60007]

Corsair Value Select is fine for S939 builds...XMS RAM will give you very little, if any, performance boost. Overclocking or AM2 would be a different story though...

[glc]

Yeah, but this is a DFI board - the ordinary rules don't apply. Ram has to be carefully researched.

[Ghost(BOO!)]

Originally Posted by glc Yeah, but this is a DFI board - the ordinary rules don't apply. Ram has to be carefully researched.

DFI boards are really that picky about ram?

[Staren]

Originally Posted by Ghost(BOO!) DFI boards are really that picky about ram?

Oh ya. DFI nForce 4 boards are just nasty about RAM. Just as bad, if not worse then current AM2 boards. They where designed for power not stability. You can get a lot of power out of them if you do it right, but without tested parts, all you bought was a peace of art.

[LeftyAce]

Crap! I've already ordered all the parts, and they've arrived.
So you're telling me that the memory I bought will not work with my mobo? Is there any harm in trying it?? Also, what's the story with the video card? If it's just a question of a 7900 for a little cheaper, I saw that a few days after I ordered, and I think rather than try to return stuff to newegg (if thats even possible for a working component) I'll just stick with the 7800 I've got. Thats if no one can give me a very good reason to go through the hassle and time of switching it.

On the ram, though. Does anyone know how newegg feels about RMAing a non-defective part? I'll also call them later today. and is there any harm in trying the ram I've got? How much of a performance bottleneck will it be for an (as yet) non-overclocker?

Help!!

Thanks!

ps, the ram I ended up getting was http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145440

[Staren]

At this point, what I would do is get on www.DFI-Street.com and ask them if there is a chance it will work. Those guys have tested just about everything between them, and should be able to give you a reply before you open anything.

[LeftyAce]

ok, I posted there, so all I can do now is wait. Any other words of wisdom much appreciated in the mean time.

[Staren]

Yes, don't get antsy when buying parts. Unless you are in an office situation there is no reason to buy 'now'. Give forums a chance to respond before you submit an order. You've probobly learned that though. You don't know how many "Buying tonight, need advice now" threads that pop up here from time to time. None of us know everything, but together we always work out the best system you can get if we have enough time.

[LeftyAce]

YEah, I know, patience is a virtue.....
I figured Id waited long enough when my post got pushed to the second page by newer ones, but obviously Staren has proved me wrong :-)

The guys at DFI Street say it should work; someone there is running the exact same ram (or very similar).

So two lessons: Wait to order, and no matter what, don't panic; things might work out.

Thanks for the heads up (no thanks for the heart attack tho :-) I'll see how it works.

[Staren]

Ya sorry about freaking you out there. I noticed the reply from the guy using Corsair said that he had to push quite a few volts into the RAM to get it working. Good luck in any case.

[LeftyAce]

Thanks! I guess we'll see how it goes...