Vista Build - What do you think?

[gallaghb]

I am building a new PC for Vista having some trouble deciding on which DDR2. Budget is the main problem really. Here is what I currently plan on buying:

Antec NSK4000 Super Mini-Tower Case w/ 120mm rear case fan
Hiper 435W Silver Mesh Body - 120mm Fan ATX2.2 20+4pin
ASUS P5B mobo
Core 2 Duo E6300 1.86ghz
Zalman (CNPS7700-CU) 120mm Super Flower Cooler
Seagate 7200.10 320GB SATAII/300 16MB Cache
PNY Verto GeForce 7600GS 256MB DDR2 DVI HDTV out PCI-E
Hauppauge WinTV Nova-T 500 Dual digital DVB-T PCI TV Tuner card
Sony AW-G170AB2 18xDVD±RW/RAM Dual Layer

Now I cannot decide on whether to get 1GB or 2GB of DDR2 533 or 667. It is basically because I totalled up how much all this is gonna cost me and tried to save money in some places. I use the PC for gaming...but do not play the latest graphic intense games (Guild Wars, CoD2, Enemy Territory). I will be using this PC to watch and record TV using Vista. How much memory do you think I should get and which speed?

Also will the Core2Duo E6300 be better than an Intel 945?

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by gallaghb Now I cannot decide on whether to get 1GB or 2GB of DDR2 533 or 667.

For a C2D build you really want to use at least DDR2 667...using DDR2 533 will impact performance. If budget is a problem just go with 1GB of DDR2 667 now and add another GB of RAM later.

Originally Posted by gallaghb Also will the Core2Duo E6300 be better than an Intel 945?

Yes, it's much better.

Cricket

[flanzig1]

Could drop the Zalman CPU cooler if not OCing or need things super quiet.

[gallaghb]

Well I would like things as quiet as possible without going to over the top. I will be using the PC to watch TV so don't really want too much noise coming from it.

[Mr.Ferrari]

The Haupaugge 500's weren't the greatest and had a few issues. I personally suggest the Nvidia DualTv or the Vistaview Saber2020.

And Window's Media Center Edition would be best as it does come with some good tv tuner capabilities, makes things a whole lot easier. Or do you plan to immediately go with vista once it releases?

And for quiet psu's, Seasonic definately takes the cake, no competition.

[gallaghb]

I planned on getting XP Media Centre Edition with Vista upgrade coupon...which would let me upgrade to Vista Home Premium.

I looked for a while at different tuners...I'm still a little undecided...as I am in UK there is far less choice than in the US, but I was looking for a dual digital tuner card which is PAL compatible. I'll have a look around again.

I think I've decided upon 2 x Corsair 512MB DDR2-667 sticks. Got 4 DIMM slots so can upgrade to 2GB if I feel I need it.

Is it really worth the little bit of extra cash to go for DDR2-800?

I also can't decide whether or not to go for the P5B-E, I heard it is alot better for overclocking than the P5B? I wouldn't go mad with overclocking the E6300 just take it up a little, it's going to be fast as it is.

[Mr.Ferrari]

P5B-E and P5B are equivalent overclockers as far as i've seen.

Depends on how far your planning on overclock. But by the time you hit ddr2 800 speeds, you will have increased voltages which will add heat.

The PVR-500 is still a better card then some others in the class, its just a bit older is all, it will still be a good choice if the ones i've suggested aren't compatible/available.

[freakitchen]

Suggest you stay clear of Hiper Power supplies, the quality just isn't there unfortunately. Overclockers UK have a good range of Seasonics:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/produc...=123&subid=589

The 430w would power that system fine, but I'd lean towards suggesting the 500w to give you some upgrade headroom, and for the overclocking.

FK

[gallaghb]

I read somewhere the P5B only goes upto some FSB speed where as the P5B-e goes higher but that doesen't bother me to much I wouldn't bother going to far anyway. So I'll stick with the P5B.

Was looking on overclockers, I usually get any components from ebuyer. Overclockers have a BFG 7600GT for only a few quid more than the PNY 7600GS from ebuyer. I'll probably go for the GT instead. I have a 6600GT atm and that is pretty good. Only upgrading the card because it is AGP.

As for the PSU I'll go for an Antec one if Hiper aren't all that.

[freakitchen]

A 7600GT will give you decent performance for the money.

Antec Power supplies are not as quiet (and some may argue not as high quality) as Seasonics, but I'd take an Antec over a Hiper. I'd recommend a 450w-ish unit.

Depending on how much your chosen case and PSU are costing you combined, you might want to look at the Sonata II. High quality, quiet case, that comes with a 450w Antec Smartpower PSU installed

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showpr...odid=CA-040-AN

FK

[gallaghb]

I've gone with Seasonic PSU 500ishW and stuck with the Antec case. It is all coming on Tuesday, including Vista!

[freakitchen]

Good choice. Good luck with the build.

FK