|
|||||||
 |
|
|
LinkBack | Thread Tools | Search this Thread | Rate Thread | Display Modes |
01-13-2007, 11:02 PM
|
#1 |
|
Member (5 bit)
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 22
|
Best all around multi-purpose system for around $1500
Hi,
First post. I have been reading lots and want to build a multi purpose system for multi tasking, DVD authoring, some gaming, even a bit of experimenting in overclocking. Looking at spending about $1500 CDN for the box without monitor or accessories or OS. All $ are in CDN. Please provide you expert feedback. I'm in Canada so newegg is out. I'm fairly limiited in suppliers. Here are my sources (FS and BB for mainstream components like video cards and HD):
I have an existing Maxtor 250GB 7200rpm IDE drive and optionally a DVD-ROM IDE I'd like to reuse. 1) CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 2.4 GHz (1066MHz) 4MB L2 CacheSocket 775 Processor http://www.canadacomputers.com/index...887&cid=CPU.84 $370 Best value as it has the added Cache. 2) Mobo: Asus P5B Socket 775 Intel 965 Express + ICH8 Chipset http://www.canadacomputers.com/index...805&cid=MB.157 $147 Seems to have most of what I need for the price. Would like another IDE, and firewire (not necessary). Has some nice overclocking capabilities. 3) Case: Ultra X-Blaster Black ATX Mid-Tower Case with Clear Side, Front USB, FireWire and Audio Ports http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...812&CatId=1842 $89 I dislike front doors. I like the ports up top and a vent for the CPU and toolless design. 4) Power Supply: Looking at a few choices. Looking between 400-500W. Something stable, quite and good cooling. Leaning towards the HEC Win 480W. Need your opinions. a) $70 HEC ACE 420W http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...828911&CatId=0 b) $77 HEC ACE 480W http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...828912&CatId=0 c) $70 HEC WIN 420W http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...828914&CatId=0 d) $77 HEC WIN 480W http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...828915&CatId=0 e) $50 Thermaltake TR2 430W http://www.canadacomputers.com/index...901&cid=PS.808 f) $75 Thermaltake TR2 470W http://www.canadacomputers.com/index...274&cid=PS.808 5) Memory: 2GB of good RAM pc800 preferred for overclocking. Heard OCZ may have compatibility issues, but new firmware and new revisions may solve it. Saw a good review on Tom's HW for the special Ops OCZ. Looking at the following: a) $260 Corsair DDR2 PC2-5400 667MHz Value Select 2GB KIT (2X1024MB) 240-pin Unbuffered DIMM (VS2GBKIT667D2) http://www.canadacomputers.com/index...50&cid=RAM.475 b) $240 OCZ (OCZ2G8002GK) DDR2-800 PC2-6400 Gold XTC 2GB (2x1024MB) Dual Channel Kit http://www.canadacomputers.com/index...80&cid=RAM.475 c) $240 OCZ (OCZ2P8002GK) DDR2-800 PC2-6400 Platinum XTC 2GB (2x1024MB) Dual Channel Kit http://www.canadacomputers.com/index...67&cid=RAM.475 d) $280 OCZ (OCZ2SOE8002GK) DDR2 PC2-6400 2GB kit (2x1024) Dual channel Special Ops Edition 800MHz http://www.canadacomputers.com/index...21&cid=RAM.475 6) Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 320GB SATA NCQ 3.0Gb/s 16MB Cache (OEM) http://www.canadacomputers.com/index...0282&cid=HD.96 $118 Biggest bang for the buck. As mentioned I already have a 250GB PATA Maxtor that is pretty full with mp3 / pics and home videos. 7) Video Card: This is where I need the biggest help. Originally didn't want to spend a lot here (something like Nvidia 7600GS) but starting to look at higher end models like the 7900GS or x1950 Pro. Concerned about DirectX 10 and Vista compatability in the future. The gaming I do is modest, but I also don't want to be caught with something that won't run the latest SW. Not interested in SLI or Crossfire. ????? 8) Optical Drive: LiteOn LH-18A1P BLACK DVD+R/RW 18x8x DVD-R/RW 18x6x DVD+/-R DL 8x4x DVD Writer http://www.canadacomputers.com/index...670&cid=CR.184 $36 All I need is the basics. Have heard good things about Lite-On. Bought one for my old system with no probs. 9) Fans and Cooling: The case comes with a stock 120mm fan for the rear. Should I also get an additional one in front? If so what do you recommend. Additionally, I'm not sure if the CPU is retail or OEM. In the event it is OEM and does not come with a cooling unit, what do you recommend. Again, I'm not serious about overclocking but I would like to play around. 10) Monitor: I'm looking for recommendations on a 20-22" Widescreen LCD. Nothing that will break the bank ($250-350). Something solid that will last and has a good reputation. 11) Final thoughts:
I do appreciate any assistance. Thanks! Last edited by kasm; 01-13-2007 at 11:11 PM. |
|
|
|
01-13-2007, 11:15 PM
|
#2 |
|
Member (11 bit)
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: eastern nc
Posts: 1,349
|
Yes on the CPU. Yes on the board.Yes on the Hard Drive. 2 Gigs of CORSAIR PC5400 will be fine. NO on all of the PSUs. None of the above. You should be able to squeeze in a PC POWER & COOLING SILENCER 610 or one of the better SilverStones or Seasonics. Get an EVGA 7600GT video card to get you by until more advanced models are available with the oncoming DX10s. Case is up to you. You want greaT VENTILATION WITH THAT. Get the PRT SEAGATE.
Get RETAIL products. OEM is normally the item itself. Additional case cooling is always a plus. Those parts are so compatable that they will literally fuse together. Put it together, you'll do fine. We are here if you need assistance during such processes. Your performance should meet or exceed your expectations. Good luck! A BenQ FP93GX is a great monitor. DELL Ultrasharps are great as well.
__________________
DFI LP LT X48-E8600-Thermalright HR01 Plus-GeIL Esoteria PC2 6400-Sapphire HD3870 Xfire-Seagate Barracuda Drives-Antec P182-XP Pro
ASUS P5Q Deluxe-Q6700-TRUE BE-Noctua Fan-Corsair Dominator C5DF-Sapphire HD4870T-WD Black Drives-CM690-Windows 7 - powered by PC POWER & COOLING - Last edited by chuck4456; 01-13-2007 at 11:27 PM. |
|
|
|
|
01-14-2007, 12:43 AM
|
#3 |
|
Forum Administrator
Staff
Premium Member
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Joplin MO
Posts: 37,765
|
You should also look at NCIX.COM.
Chuck is a bit too demanding on power supplies than he needs to be in my opinion. However, I don't think HEC or Thermaltake is appropriate. Do you want a PSU that will be *ready* for a DX10 card - or just one for now to run a 7600GS? I would recommend that if you have an existing IDE hard drive, you get a housing and make it into an external drive. The P965 chipset just doesn't have good IDE support, and everyone is getting away from IDE. There is nothing wrong with OEM products as long as they come with what you need. OEM hard drives are fine. OEM opticals are fine *IF* they come with software. I'd go with a 7600GS as a placefiller till DX10 dust clouds clear. If you want overclocking ram, get Corsair XMS2 DDR2-800 CL5. |
|
|
|
|
01-14-2007, 02:35 AM
|
#4 |
|
V12
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Houston, T.E.X.A.S
Posts: 3,488
 |
How long do you plan to wait before making the jump to DX10? If you want to game right now at nice settings then a 7600GS might not fulfill your needs, in which case I would suggest a X1950PRO as a good bang/buck performance card. But if this is not the case then a 7600 would probably be a good choice.
Heroichi/HEC/Compucase has been high in quality during the past years. How their recent units are now I dont know, but I do know that some of the better Thermaltake PSU's do use HEC. Definately not the TR2 units.
__________________
“We must not let ourselves get driven off course, no matter what happens we must stick to our natural game” -Zenedine Zidane |
|
|
|
|
01-14-2007, 02:56 AM
|
#5 |
|
Forum Administrator
Staff
Premium Member
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Joplin MO
Posts: 37,765
|
Problem with HEC is they also make Orion power supplies - and those are garbage. NCIX has some decent PSU's under $100 CDN - they carry Fortron Blue Storms.
|
|
|
|
|
01-14-2007, 08:34 AM
|
#6 | |
|
Member (5 bit)
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 22
|
Thanks for your suggestion. I'll look at NCIX, though I would prefer a local retailer, hence my short list of vendors. They all have retail outlets close by.
For the PS, I'd like to keep it under $100 CDN, which I don't think is unreasonable. The only one that looks promising if the SilverStone SST-ST56F Strider 560W ATX12V Power Supply W/120MM Fan Active PFC Crossfire Ready (http://www.canadacomputers.com/index...96&cid=PS.808). if you see any other good ones at http://www.canadacomputers.com or http://www.tigerdirect.ca, please let me know. I would have loved to get Xclio as my budget PS, but haven't been able to find a Canadian distributer. Quote:
Last edited by kasm; 01-14-2007 at 08:07 PM. |
|
|
|
|
|
01-14-2007, 08:48 AM
|
#7 |
|
Forum Administrator
Staff
Premium Member
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Joplin MO
Posts: 37,765
|
See if you can fit an Enermax into the budget. Those are solid.
|
|
|
|
|
01-14-2007, 10:25 AM
|
#8 |
|
Member (11 bit)
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: eastern nc
Posts: 1,349
|
GLC's totally correct. I'm extremely demanding on POWER SUPPLIES. No reason not to be. A system isn't a system without a PSU. Have something that will always be there for you. No matter what you choose, there are times when you assemble a new PC and a component does not render the performance you were expecting. Known fact. Always allow for that possibility. There is not one soul here that it hasn't happened to. Not one. There will always be residual spending following a new build in some department. It may not be the next day, but it will occurr. I still think that you will do fine with a 7600 video card for a while, until you really decide which mega card you want to invest in.
|
|
|
|
|
01-14-2007, 02:30 PM
|
#9 | |
|
Member (5 bit)
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 22
|
Quote:
http://www.canadacomputers.com/index...322&cid=PS.808 $95 is a reasonable price for a good quality PS. |
|
|
|
|
|
01-14-2007, 06:03 PM
|
#10 |
|
Not so new
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Maryland, United States
Posts: 2,576
|
That is a very good power supply, as are these: http://www.canadacomputers.com/index...fg=SILVERSTONE
__________________
“To me there are three things everyone should do every day. Number one is laugh. Number two is think -- spend some time in thought. Number three, you should have your emotions move you to tears. If you laugh, think and cry, that's a heck of a day.” - Jim Valvano |
|
|
|
|
01-14-2007, 07:49 PM
|
#11 |
|
Member (5 bit)
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 22
|
Hmmm, so what's the better PS?
Enermax Noisetaker II 485W for $95 http://www.canadacomputers.com/index...322&cid=PS.808 OR SilverStone Strider 560W for $88 http://www.canadacomputers.com/index...196&cid=PS.808 |
|
|
|
|
01-14-2007, 08:12 PM
|
#12 |
|
V12
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Houston, T.E.X.A.S
Posts: 3,488
|
Thats a tough one, the Silverstone if of equivalent quality to the Enermax, even though its one of Silverstone's lower end units. The only thing that differentiates them is that the Enermax is older and doesnt have the newer features that the Silverstone does. The silverstone is also quieter.
So I would have to say the silverstone. |
|
|
|
|
01-14-2007, 11:01 PM
|
#13 |
|
Member (5 bit)
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 22
|
I have an update to my list. Changes in PS, Case, Memory, Video Card.
1) CPU: $370 Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 http://www.canadacomputers.com/index...887&cid=CPU.84 2) Mobo: $147 Asus P5B http://www.canadacomputers.com/index...805&cid=MB.157 3) Case: $79 Ultra X-Blaster Black ATX Mid-Tower Case http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...810&CatId=1842 decided to go with a non clear side. Don't need it and don't plan on bright LED's or modding 4) Power Supply: $88 SilverStone SST-ST56F Strider 560W http://www.canadacomputers.com/index...196&cid=PS.808 Took everyone's advice on a better PS. 5) Memory: $260 Corsair DDR2 PC2-5400 667MHz Value Select 2GB KIT (2X1024MB) http://www.canadacomputers.com/index...50&cid=RAM.475 Too many issues with OCZ that I read. Don't need PC800 as I won't be doing any serious overclocking. 6) Hard Drives: 2x $118 Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 320GB SATA (OEM) http://www.canadacomputers.com/index...0282&cid=HD.96 Decided to get an extra one and give away of my old IDE drive. I can now use my old DVD-ROM with the new burner. 7) Video Card: $133 EVGA GeForce 7600 GT / 256MB http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...981&CatId=1560 This was the toughest choice. Don't do any serious gaming. I currently have a Geforce4 Ti 4600 and it works fine. I imagine this new card will blow that away and it is a good price/performance ratio. 8) Optical Drive: $36 LiteOn LH-18A1P BLACK DVD+R/RW http://www.canadacomputers.com/index...670&cid=CR.184 That takes me to $1349 (still under budget) 9) Fans and Cooling. I hope the CPU comes with the stock fan, but in case it doesn't I'd like a recommendation. May also get an additional quite intake fan 120mm for the front of the case. 10) Jury is still out on the monitor. Looking for a 20-22" LCD. (not included in budget) Thanks for everyone's help. Please let me know if there are any other recommendations based on my changes. This forum is fill with such a wealth of knowledge! |
|
|
|
|
01-15-2007, 12:04 AM
|
#14 |
|
Not so new
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Maryland, United States
Posts: 2,576
|
That is an OEM DVD drive - note it says "bulk" for packaging type - you'll want "retail" for software inclusion.
|
|
|
|
|
01-15-2007, 12:40 AM
|
#15 |
|
V12
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Houston, T.E.X.A.S
Posts: 3,488
|
Your cpu is retail box, It does come with a heatsink/fan assembly that should suit your needs. And look at Samsung, Viewsonic, BenQ, and LG for some nice monitors. I personally prefer benq and LG's picture quality. Samsung can be a bit $$ depending on which model, but they offer high quality.
|
|
|
|
|
01-15-2007, 11:51 AM
|
#16 |
|
Forum Administrator
Staff
Premium Member
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Joplin MO
Posts: 37,765
|
Here's a retail DVD burner:
http://www.canadacomputers.com/index...332&cid=CR.184 The NEC's and Pioneers there also come with software as do most of the LG's. I don't trust the Samsungs. |
|
|
|
|
01-21-2007, 08:04 PM
|
#17 |
|
Member (5 bit)
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 22
|
Thanks everyone for their input.
Here is my latest list. Got most of the components, just waiting for the video card. Had to swap out the memory last minutes because of availability. I know there are some issues with the OCZ memory and the ASUS P5B mobo, but I'm going to try my luck. Decided to go tiwth stock CPU fan and thermal pads. will replace later is I decide to overclock. Might also get an additional from fan for the case. Also might replace the ribbon IDE with a round cable. I also reused an old DVD-Rom as my slave IDE. 1) CPU - Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 2.4 GHz ($389.99) http://www.canadacomputers.com/index...887&cid=CPU.84 2) Mobo - Asus P5B Socket 775 Intel 965 Express ($149.99) http://www.canadacomputers.com/index...805&cid=MB.157 3) Case - Ultra X-Blaster Black ATX Mid-Tower Case with Clear Side ($88.99) http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...812&CatId=1842 4) Case Fan - Silverstone 120mm 9-Blades Sleeve Bearing Case Fan ($8.99) http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...647143&CatId=0 5) PSU - SilverStone SST-ST56F Strider 560W ATX12V Power Supply ($87.99) http://www.canadacomputers.com/index...196&cid=PS.808 6) RAM - OCZ (OCZ2P8002GK) DDR2-800 PC2-6400 Platinum XTC 2GB (2x1024MB) Dual Channel Kit ($239.99) http://www.canadacomputers.com/index...67&cid=RAM.475 7) HDD - 2x Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 320GB SATA NCQ 3.0Gb/s 16MB Cache (OEM) ($119.99 / $106.99) http://www.canadacomputers.com/index...0282&cid=HD.96 http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...595&CatId=2458 8) Video Card - EVGA GeForce 7600 GT / 256MB GDDR3 / SLI / PCI Express / Dual DVI / HDTV / Video Card ($132.99) http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...981&CatId=1560 9) LiteOn LH-18A1P 18X DVD-RW ($35.99) - already have software from previous Retail DVD-RW so went with OEM http://www.canadacomputers.com/index...670&cid=CR.184 10) Monitor - ViewSonic 20.1" LCD Monitor (VX2025WM) ($299.99) http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/prodde...54&catid=22559 11) Keyboard and Mouse - Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 4000 ($82.99) http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...552&CatId=1482 Subtotal - $1744.88 taxes - $244.28 Total - $1989.16 I budgeted $2000 ($1500 for the box and $500 for Monitor / Keyboard and Mouse). I've put most of it together. Again, waiting for the Viideo card. I'll let everyone know how it turns out. Thanks again! |
|
|
|
|
01-21-2007, 09:42 PM
|
#18 |
|
Kickin' it
Staff
Premium Member
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: USA
Posts: 7,723
|
That looks good to me. You may want to go with a Retail DVDRW. You mentioned having software already, but if it was software packaged with an older DVDRW, it could be tied to the drive and won't work with the new.
__________________
Fold for PCMech: Team 13761 |
|
|
|
|
01-25-2007, 09:54 PM
|
#19 |
|
Member (5 bit)
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 22
|
Hi All,
Just wanted to report back that my build went relatively smooth. Only issue was the RAM, but I went in expecting that. the P5B is very picky about the RAM. The OCZ required 2.1V, but the Mobo would not post because it delivers 1.8 by default. I got it going the first time by just putting one stick in, entering the BIOS, bumping up the RAM Voltage, setting the RAM timings, shutting down, insterting the other stick and booting up again. I also ran into a problem when I upgraded the bios to the latest. Once I did that it would not post again. I knew it was the ram issue again and this time the one stick trick did not work. I ended up having to borrow a 1.8v stick from work to get into the bios, bump up the voltage and then reinsert my RAM. Now all is good. I'm very pleased with the system. Runs under 30C idle and about 47C under full load, but the stock heatsink and fan aren't very good for overclocking. Just played a bit and fsb to 400 caused it to go to 55C idle. Ran a bunch of benchmarks - 3dmark 01, 3dmark 06, aquamark. did the torture test for 8 hours of super PI. Everything seems to check out. Thanks to everyone on the forum who gave me suggestions! |
|
|
|
|
| Bookmarks |
| Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
| Display Modes | Rate This Thread |
|
|
Similar Threads
|
||||
| Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
| NEW SYSTEM BUILD Ist P.O.S.T OK (now nothing) | 3DMAX | Computer Hardware | 5 | 04-04-2004 03:59 PM |
| Choppy video and video capture | jasonturner | Home Theater, Audio, and Video | 8 | 03-23-2004 03:50 PM |
| The little Alpha that did! | Toaster | Computer Hardware | 0 | 08-19-2001 11:14 PM |
| Upgrade or New system | Shaolin | Computer Hardware | 8 | 01-11-2001 02:29 PM |
Linear Mode
