Finally time for my first build.

[haggard21]

Awhile back I came to these forums for advice on a build that I was close to doing but decided to purchase a notebook instead for school. Now I am ready to build my very first computer for gaming and entertainment purposes. I will be using Vista Premium when it comes out, unless I should buy XP Media Center Edition now and apply for the upgrade. Here is the list of components I have chosen and I would like any suggestions and comments on compatibility, value, and quality. I am not biased towards any specific brand or company, I just chose here what looked good so if theres any better options please let me know:

Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811133149

I don't need anything fancy for my case, just sturdy and roomy enough for good airflow.

Mobo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131045

Processor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115004

Heatsink: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835118020

*Only because I plan to overclock.

Video Card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130062

Memory: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145034

PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371001

Optical drives: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106050

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106028

Floppy Drive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16821103116

Hard Drive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148140

Monitor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824116065

Price= $1419.57 after shipping and before OS.

The Monitor will be used only for non-gaming purposes, the computer will be hooked up to my HDTV for gaming, so if I should buy a cheaper monitor then please let me know if that would matter.

[Alaron]

ECS is a very poor quality motherboard builder. Swap that board for the Asus P5B.

If you plan on upgrading to Vista, and gaming, you may want to spend less on a video card now, and upgrade to a more powerful DirectX 10 card in a few months. The 7600 Series would be a good fit. Otherwise, the 7950 is still a good card.

Switch to a Retail DVD Burner, it will come with Nero burning software.

I would look at Samsung and Viewsonic for a monitor. I've never heard of AG Neovo.

[haggard21]

Thanks. Right before you posted I edited my list and changed the video card to a 7600gt. I will look at another Mobo and Monitor now.

[haggard21]

Ok. I have changed the dvd burner, the monitor, the video card, and the motherboard, price is now $1501.21 after shipping and before OS. How does everything look now? Also, quick question about the OS. Does anyone know if I purchase XP MCE now, when they send my upgrade in the mail, do I recieve the 32-bit version or the 64-bit version, because I would like the 64-bit. Should I buy any addition fans too? If so, what size and any suggestions on the make.

[jayb1234]

The Vista install DVD will have both the 32 and 64 versions on it. Basically, it will have all the various levels basic premium etc. and what it installs will be based on the license key that you get with it, and if you want to upgrade the version later on, you just buy a new key and use the same DVD to install the other version.

[flanzig1]

That case you linked has two big 120mm fans. That should be good to start with. Add more if you start having temp issues.

[haggard21]

Okay, I made a few changes that I think will be better but I would like some input.

Monitor: http://www.newegg.com/product/Produc...82E16824236016

got a combo deal on it with the P5B motherboard that I chose. If I don't purchase by 1/31 then I will prolly just get the monitor I chose before.

RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231087

Unless you guys think I should stick with Coisar that I chose before.

I also decided on the E6600 and I will not overclock it so I will use the stock heatsink instead. And I decided on the same video card but I will get the Dual DVI one instead for 10 bucks more.

[flanzig1]

If not OCing this Corsair Value select will do the job: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145098

[haggard21]

What does everyone think about this PSU?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817182017

[flanzig1]

I would stick with the one in your 1st post.
Rosewill PSUs are made by a half dozen makers who's quailty is from good to pure junk depending on a particular model.

[haggard21]

Okay, with the feedback I have gotten it looks like I am ready to order...Here is a complete rundown of my system and I'm just waiting to get the assurance that everything is OK before I order.


I changed the case, I liked this one a little better: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811133111

Same motherboard.

Processor: Core 2 duo E6600

Stock heatsink

Video Card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130017

Memory: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231087

PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371002

Same optical drives. No floppy drive, I don't think they are necessary anymore.

Monitor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824112006

Same Hard Drive.

Also included, XP MCE 2005 w/ vista upgrade coupon ( I probably won't even install MCE, I'll just wait to receive my vista DVD), Arctic 5 thermal compound, and a DVI cable because the monitor doesn't include one.

How does everything look because I am ready to order if everything is OK. Thanks

[Alaron]

That looks fine. Since you mentioned not overclocking, there is no need for the 800mhz ram. The DDR2-667 that Flanzig linked to will be a better match, and its less expensive.

[newbuilder14]

Everything looks top-notch, but I'm a bit weary of that monitor - I know ViewSonic, Acer, Samsung, etc. make good ones. I'm not saying that Sceptre is bad, but I don't know much about them at all. One other thing to consider is the short 1 year warranty.

[Mr.Ferrari]

Even though that Antec is made by Seasonic, its one of their lower end units and antec has jacked the price up. Its not worth $100. FYI, you dont really need a 500w+ psu.

This Xclio 600w is on sale for the same price, $100

And this Silverstone 500w is an awesome psu for $87.50

[newbuilder14]

Well, either one of those power supplies are good like you said, but to give my opinion, I have never had a bad Antec power supply and I will always recommend them for this reason.

[glc]

Antec is having some issues right now, NB.

Sceptres are excellent - the short warranty is their only bad point.

[haggard21]

how about this PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817128002


and this memory: I am currently deciding between the corsair value select that was recommended above or this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820227118

[glc]

No to both.

[haggard21]

ok I'm gonna go with the corsair value select ram, but I'm still stuck on a power supply. The reason I want to get a good one now with a good amount of power is because I'll be upgrading my video card once directx 10 takes off and is actually worth purchasing, so I don't want to have to buy the card and a new power supply too. Will the two supplies recommended above be sufficient when I upgrade my card? If so then I will go with one of those.

[glc]

If you want to be ready for DX10, get a Corsair 520HX or the 600w XClio.

[haggard21]

thanks for the fast reply. I'll go with the 600w XClio. The only thing I was concerned about was the buzzing sound that nearly all the reviews gave it, has this been fixed or it just not a big concern? Also, how big of a tool kit should I invest in putting this together, any recommendations?

[Mr.Ferrari]

A buzzing sound is common to all powersupplies. Some will have a very light sound or no sound, and others will have one thats more noticable.

With psu's like Corsair's which are built by Seasonic, this noise if there, is more noticeable due to the powersupply producing very little fan noise, hence "quiet".

Some other times a powersupply will emit a high pitched buzz due to transformer winding being loose. This is harmless, but can be annoying.

Remember that newegg reviews are usually done by people who have gotten lemon's or that one odd product. So keep that in mind when looking at them .

[glc]

It can also be the fan running to do a full cooldown.

[haggard21]

Okay then, I won't worry about the buzzing sounds. But can anyone offer any suggestions on the tools I'll need, should I invest in a tool set from newegg and if so what should I look for it to have. Also, if I purchase some Arctic Silver 5 thermal compound, does using it void the warranty on my processor, because I read somewhere that it does.

[flanzig1]

Go ahead and get the AC5. It's nice to have if doing heatsink repair. If using the stock cooler, there is a thermal pad already on the heatsink. For tools, go to your local hardware store and get: medium straight and philips screwdriver/small wirecutters/small slip joint pliers. Most systems can be put together with a Philips head screwdriver.

[haggard21]

Okay, so I'll pickup the AC5 but use the stock heatsink and thermal pad and save the AC5 for later. Looks like I'm all set, I'll come back when I'm assembling it for any questions which I'm sure I'll have. Thanks to everyone for your help.