MY first build - Core 2 Duo Build

[Spirit]

Hey everyone. Since August 7th is drawing closer, I've decided it would be time to make sure my build is okay before I order it on Monday. Now, I'm posting this, so if anyone has any suggestions on changes I could maybe maybe make, whether its brand, etc., please tell me. Oh, and the purpose of computer is gaming.

Case: I've already got it. It's a Raidmax Ninja if anyone is curious

Optical Drive(s): I'm thinking of the OEM Lite-On Lightscribe drive. I may even pick up two.

Hard Drive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148140 A Seagate SATA drive, with 16MB cache, and 320 GB of space.

Video Card: A 7900GT. This EVGA one seems good: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130032

PSU: I (obviously) will dump the case PSU and get a 550W Antec TRUEPOWER II psu. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817103931

Hmm... I'll get a card reader.

RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820227089 This DDR2 800 ram seems good.

Mobo: I hear good things about ASUS mobo's, so I'll get this P5B http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131030

CPU: Core 2 Duo e6400. I'll probably OC it to the amount Anandtech did in their benchmarks.

OS: Windows XP MCE - OEM.

Thanks for any suggestions or comments anyone gives.

[minsonngo]

Looking pretty good to me.

For the memory, this one may be better...

CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM Unbuffered DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit System Memory - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145590

[Spirit]

Originally Posted by minsonngo Looking pretty good to me. For the memory, this one may be better... CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM Unbuffered DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit System Memory - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145590

Hm - I was thinking about that, because Corsair is probably the most trusted brand in memory, but the OCZ ram was $15 cheaper, and had a lower latency. Also, while OCZ isn't as popular as Corsair, I still believe it's up there with memory brands. (I may be wrong).

[jayb1234]

Card reader, has a built in floppy drive that you will likely need to run diagnostics when overclocking starts eating components.

[Spirit]

Originally Posted by jayb1234 Card reader, has a built in floppy drive that you will likely need to run diagnostics when overclocking starts eating components.

Now, I don't think OCing my CPU without a voltage change will "eat" all my other components, but I was looking for a card reader with a built in floppy drive, actually. Thanks for the suggestion.

[Mr.Ferrari]

Id pick the ocz platinum over the corsair as you are doing overclocking. And dont worry they have one of the best customer service departments available. I just ordered some of that stuff up about a few hours ago myself.

I suggest you get the Gigabyte DS3 over the asus.

I would also suggest you look into a aftermarket heatsinkfan as the stock one wont handle overclocking.

And dont go by anandtech, they are some of the worst overclockers lol.

Before I suggest further, Do you plan on crossfire or sli?

And if your doing overclocking I would suggest a single rail unit over a dual rail. The best in the next step up from your current price range would be the OCZ Powerstream 520W (Some of the most rock solid rails seen). Or the Tagan U22 480W (its a dual rail, but one of the best overclocking dual rails yet.)

[Spirit]

Originally Posted by Mr.Ferrari Id pick the ocz platinum over the corsair as you are doing overclocking. And dont worry they have one of the best customer service departments available. I just ordered some of that stuff up about a few hours ago myself. I suggest you get the Gigabyte DS3 over the asus. I would also suggest you look into a aftermarket heatsinkfan as the stock one wont handle overclocking. And dont go by anandtech, they are some of the worst overclockers lol. Before I suggest further, Do you plan on crossfire or sli? And if your doing overclocking I would suggest a single rail unit over a dual rail. The best in the next step up from your current price range would be the OCZ Powerstream 520W (Some of the most rock solid rails seen). Or the Tagan U22 480W (its a dual rail, but one of the best overclocking dual rails yet.)

Oh - okay, thanks for all the info. They said they did it with retail CPU fan, but I suppose their wrong.
And nah, I don't think I'll SLI, so one PCI Express x16 slot should do it for me.

[Mr.Ferrari]

No, it does come with a retail hsf. But you mentioned you were overclocking. The retail wont handle much more then a few hundred mhz. Thats why I suggested you might want to look into a better one in the future. Trust me, you will be tinkering around with voltages more then you think. I thought that I would satisfied with that .5ghz clock. But trust me, its addicting

Otherwise just keep a check on temps. Dont let them get to high. Otherwise I think you might be fine with starting out overclocking on stock heatsink.

[Spirit]

Originally Posted by Mr.Ferrari No, it does come with a retail hsf. But you mentioned you were overclocking. The retail wont handle much more then a few hundred mhz. Thats why I suggested you might want to look into a better one in the future. Trust me, you will be tinkering around with voltages more then you think. I thought that I would satisfied with that .5ghz clock. But trust me, its addicting Otherwise just keep a check on temps. Dont let them get to high. Otherwise I think you might be fine with starting out overclocking on stock heatsink.

Yeah, I wasn't planning of boosting the thing a whole GHZ or anything, just giving it a little boost. But lets say I get something like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835118223. Does that mean I could achieve much stronger OCing results? I don't want to pump up the voltage too much, I want the CPU to still be very stable.

EDIT: And here's where I heard the CPU could be OC'd pretty well with stock cooling: http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets...spx?i=2802&p=2 But you say, this website is untrustable... I'm so confused :0

[Mr.Ferrari]

Overclocking is perfectly stably as long as you do it right. It takes alot of practice. But one thing, ALWAYS make sure you run prime95 to make sure your overclock is stable. Since you have a dual core run 2 instances of it from different folders. General rule is, if your cpu survives atleast 2 hours with in place fft's , your computer is stable. If your just doing a few hundred mhz stock cooler should be fine. Only time when the heat really starts popping up is the when you start to add the voltages.

http://forum.pcmech.com/showpost.php...8&postcount=16

Any of those heatsinks will be better for the same price if not lower then that zalman. Match it up with the proper fan. I suggested socket 939, but most of those are compatible with socket 775. The arctic cooling freezer 7 pro is the 775 version of the one I suggested in that post. Other wise pick one of the fans for those who dont include a fan.

A fan of my choice would be this one
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811999344
As not only is it a very high cfm fan but includes a fan controller so when you dont need the full force you can quiet it down. Without spending any extra money on a seprate fan controller.

That zalman is basically overpriced and doesnt perform as well as the ones I suggested.

If you go with the XP90C be warned it requires a 90mm fan not a 120mm one.

[Spirit]

Originally Posted by Mr.Ferrari Overclocking is perfectly stably as long as you do it right. It takes alot of practice. But one thing, ALWAYS make sure you run prime95 to make sure your overclock is stable. Since you have a dual core run 2 instances of it from different folders. General rule is, if your cpu survives atleast 2 hours with in place fft's , your computer is stable. If your just doing a few hundred mhz stock cooler should be fine. Only time when the heat really starts popping up is the when you start to add the voltages. http://forum.pcmech.com/showpost.php...8&postcount=16 Any of those heatsinks will be better for the same price if not lower then that zalman. Match it up with the proper fan. I suggested socket 939, but most of those are compatible with socket 775. The arctic cooling freezer 7 pro is the 775 version of the one I suggested in that post. Other wise pick one of the fans for those who dont include a fan. A fan of my choice would be this one http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811999344 As not only is it a very high cfm fan but includes a fan controller so when you dont need the full force you can quiet it down. Without spending any extra money on a seprate fan controller. That zalman is basically overpriced and doesnt perform as well as the ones I suggested. If you go with the XP90C be warned it requires a 90mm fan not a 120mm one.

Wow, thanks for the suggestions! All those are waaay cheaper than the Zalman, and I am on a budget. I'm probably gonna start out barely OCing the CPU (so it has no voltage change, 100% stable), and if I find the desire for more CPU power, I'll pick up an aftermarket cooling fan, install that, and OC a little more.

Thanks for your help.... although I'm still a bit undecided - DS3 or P5B.. I'll have to research them both.

EDIT: Oh.. it's kinda off topic, but I will be following the "build your own PC guide" from the PCMech website. Now I know the guide isn't the newest thing in the world - so is there any parts of it I should disregard?

[Mr.Ferrari]

AFAIK the general principle remains the same.
--------
Oh the DS3 vs. P5B. P5B has been having problems with going past 380 fsb. Currently the DS3 is the higest overclocking and the highest performing in some benchmarks then motherboards twice its price. P5B Im not sure as not many people have bought it. I know you might not be hitting to high overclocks but a by seeing how well it performs in benchmarks and overclocking we can truely see the stability and overall design of the motherboard.

Truth be told you wont be sad with either of them. Only reason I would go with the asus is if you really needed the extra customer service.

[Spirit]

Originally Posted by Mr.Ferrari AFAIK the general principle remains the same. -------- Oh the DS3 vs. P5B. P5B has been having problems with going past 380 fsb. Currently the DS3 is the higest overclocking and the highest performing in some benchmarks then motherboards twice its price. P5B Im not sure as not many people have bought it. I know you might not be hitting to high overclocks but a by seeing how well it performs in benchmarks and overclocking we can truely see the stability and overall design of the motherboard. Truth be told you wont be sad with either of them. Only reason I would go with the asus is if you really needed the extra customer service.

Okay. I'll save $20 - and go for the DS3.

[Mr.Ferrari]

But one thing though, if your new to core 2 duo and intel, there might be a few things which will be a little advanced. Im not sure. Buts it your choice. If you think you might need asus's better customer service, or a easier board to handle then I would say the p5b. If your goin gfor all out performance and overclocking then DS3. Since this is your first time, just make a proper decision.

[glc]

You may have problems with those IDE optical drives on a 965 chipset board. The IDE controller is not native, it's 3rd party. Don't count on being able to boot with a CD. For this reason, I'd use a 975 if I were building a C2D at this time - or I'd get a Plextor SATA burner.

[Spirit]

Originally Posted by glc You may have problems with those IDE optical drives on a 965 chipset board. The IDE controller is not native, it's 3rd party. Don't count on being able to boot with a CD. For this reason, I'd use a 975 if I were building a C2D at this time - or I'd get a Plextor SATA burner.

Oh, okay.... would this be a more reliable choice for a mobo?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813127235

[glc]

I'm not sure if that's a good or not so good Abit - I think I'd go with an Asus P5W DH - this is the king of 975 boards right now.

[Mr.Ferrari]

That board will not support core 2 duo. Only decent 975x mobo right now for conroe is Asus P5WDH. Abit AW9 PRo AW9 MAX and AW9D is/will support conroe.

[Spirit]

Originally Posted by Mr.Ferrari That board will not support core 2 duo. Only decent 975x mobo right now for conroe is Asus P5WDH. Abit AW9 PRo AW9 MAX and AW9D is/will support conroe.

That's gonna be a problem... way out of my budget ><... Could going with a DS3 or a P5B work? People seem to be fine with them... I just don't have an extra $100. I'm on a tight budget here.

[Mr.Ferrari]

I think the DS3's are great. So do alot of other ppl. As long as you dont have any ide hard drives you shouldnt have too many problems.

Glc has a very valid point though. I cant say whether or not it will or it will not boot up with a cd in your optical drive, as I dont own this mobo yet. Its your chance on it. People havent been having *too* many problems with this mobo and the ide controller. But its you always run the risk.


Like I said its all your choice.

[Spirit]

Originally Posted by Mr.Ferrari I think the DS3's are great. So do alot of other ppl. As long as you dont have any ide hard drives you shouldnt have too many problems. Glc has a very valid point though. I cant say whether or not it will or it will not boot up with a cd in your optical drive, as I dont own this mobo yet. Its your chance on it. People havent been having *too* many problems with this mobo and the ide controller. But its you always run the risk. Like I said you do run the risk.

Well, I have a SATA hard drive. It's just that my optical drives run off IDE. I'm probably gonna go with the DS3 (not the P5B, I think the DS3 is the most trusted mobo in P965). If it's not working for me, I'll return it, and spend the extra money and go for the 975X, but hopefully, that won't happen.

[Mr.Ferrari]

Originally Posted by Spirit Well, I have a SATA hard drive. It's just that my optical drives run off IDE. I'm probably gonna go with the DS3 (not the P5B, I think the DS3 is the most trusted mobo in P965). If it's not working for me, I'll return it, and spend the extra money and go for the 975X, but hopefully, that won't happen.

Good luck with the build.

[Spirit]

Originally Posted by Mr.Ferrari Good luck with the build.

Thanks... monday is when a lot of stores are shipping Core 2, right?
I just hope I can find a retail box for... $260 or cheaper.

[blue60007]

Originally Posted by Spirit Thanks... monday is when a lot of stores are shipping Core 2, right? I just hope I can find a retail box for... $260 or cheaper.

Hard to say. Just have to wait and see.

[Mr.Ferrari]

Oh anandtech is a very reliable website. I was just poking a little fun.

[Spirit]

Originally Posted by Mr.Ferrari Oh anandtech is a very reliable website. I was just poking a little fun.

Thought so - I'm still gullible ><
Anyway, sorry for such the major bump, but I had a couple small questions, and I want to stick to one thread.

I just want to know... is thermal grease an essential? The build your own pc guide said so. If so, would this be good? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835100007

Oh, also, for all my components labeled "OEM" does that mean I must get the cable to match it? Say I have 2 OEM optical drives and an OEM hard drive. Will have to get 2 IDE cables and a SATA cable? Thanks for any help.

[Mr.Ferrari]

If you can link to the specific products it would help.

OEM stand for Orignal Equipment Manufacturer. Put it simply, its not gonna have a retail box. Its will be wrapped in bubble wrap and will only come with the essentials. I would suggest you go with Retail on you optical drives. Your harddrive oem should be fine. Your motherboard already comes with all the necessary cables. Such as sata cables, Ide cables, sata to molex adapters.

[minsonngo]

Thermal grease or compond is essential. But if you buy a retailed boxed processor, it will usually come with a thermal pad preinstalled that will work just fine.

The motherboard usually will come with most of the cables you need.

[Spirit]

Originally Posted by Mr.Ferrari If you can link to the specific products it would help. OEM stand for Orignal Equipment Manufacturer. Put it simply, its not gonna have a retail box. Its will be wrapped in bubble wrap and will only come with the essentials. I would suggest you go with Retail on you optical drives. Your harddrive oem should be fine. Your motherboard already comes with all the necessary cables. Such as sata cables, Ide cables, sata to molex adapters.

Oh, okay. I'll be getting 2x http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106019 for optical drives, and http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148140 for HD. But if you say the cables are included, then great! And Minsonngo, I plan on getting a retail processor. Thanks for your help guys, if I have any more questions before I order the computer, I'll ask em. The people in this forum are so helpful, and they don't flame the lesser experienced users

[Mr.Ferrari]

I think you set on the drive situation.

Othewise yes. If you buy a aftermarket hsf it will most likely come with thermal compound. But, I would suggest you to wipe up the stuff if it is already preapplied to the heatsink. First start out with a few dry q-tip's and wipe up as much as you can. Then take some 70 or preferably 91 percent Isoproprly Alcohol and dip one qtip in the alcohol and wipe up the remaining thermal compound. Dont worry about getting it all up with one q-tip, theres seriously like 500 in that box, take your time and make sure you get it as clean and thermalpaste free as possible. Then apply arctic silver 5 according to the instructions on the website, www.arcticsilver.com. First apply a small dab, right in the middle of your proc, if you have a dual core, you might wanna add even smaller, 2 dabs, right next to each other still somewhat in the center area of your processor. Take you heatsink like arctic silver says and pre mount it, then slightly twist, dont take it off! Do the finalmount right then and there and your set. Remember, with thermalcompound there is A such thing as too much, and a such thing as too less. Always good to have a tiny bit more then a tiny bit less.

Use the same above cleaning technique when removeing thermalpaste from your processor if ever need be.