New build, suggestions tips

[congo1986]

Alright, this is my first computer build and I need some more expertise type oppinions on it than just my own. Ive done a fair amount of research, but I still need to learn more I think. I need to research the power supply more, because Im not really sure if it will suffice. I picked a more inexpensive GPU becuase I plan to buy a DX10 card after the prices start to settle a little. I want this system for gaming mostly, as well as internet and other basic processes like word processing ect.

Ive also heard that I will need to flash the bios on my MoBo with this chipset. I have no idea how to do that, and I would greatly appreciate it if any of you would enlighten me on that one. What I need and all. I should be ordering my system next weekend, if not sooner. Let me know what you think. Make any suggestions on hardware you think I should change or get rid of.

XION Onyx XON-303 Black/Blue Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

ASUS CROSSHAIR Socket AM2 NVIDIA nForce 590 SLI MCP ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail

BFG Tech BFGR78256GSOC GeForce 7800GS 256MB GDDR3 AGP 4X/8X Video Card - Retail

OCZ GameXStream OCZ600GXSSLI ATX12V 600W Power Supply - Retail

AMD Athlon 64 X2 5200+ Windsor 2.6GHz Socket AM2 Processor Model ADA5200CSBOX - Retail

CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X2048-6400 - Retail

Western Digital Raptor WD1500ADFD 150GB 10,000 RPM Serial ATA150 Hard Drive - OEM

LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner included extra White bezel, with 12X DVD-RAM Write Black IDE Model LH-20A1P-186 - Retail


This settup comes to be around 1,250$ after the mailin rebates, which I definitly plan to take the time to mail in as soon as it all gets to my house.

Oh ya, Im not really concerned about only having 150 gigs of HD space. I amagin it will take me some time to fill that up, and by then I will just buy a new HD.

[darkside]

Hi there, looks like a nice build, one thing though, the gfx card you put in that list wont fit into your mobo, Its and AGP card and your mobo only has PCI and PCI-E sockets on it.

also, check out your rough power requirements with this:

http://www.journeysystems.com/power_...calculator.php

Nathan

[not important]

That Power calculator is a bit dated. Here's one that is up to date. Power Calculator

[congo1986]

Changed the card. I dont have time right now to do the calculator, but I will do it sometime this weekend. I want the psu to be ready for a DX10 card though. I should amagin that it would be enough.

XION Onyx XON-303 Black/Blue Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

ASUS CROSSHAIR Socket AM2 NVIDIA nForce 590 SLI MCP ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail

XFX PVT71PUDP3 GeForce 7900GS 256MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 EXTREME Video Card - Retail

OCZ GameXStream OCZ600GXSSLI ATX12V 600W Power Supply - Retail

AMD Athlon 64 X2 5200+ Windsor 2.6GHz Socket AM2 Processor Model ADA5200CSBOX - Retail

CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X2048-6400 - Retail

Western Digital Raptor WD1500ADFD 150GB 10,000 RPM Serial ATA150 Hard Drive - OEM

LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner included extra White bezel, with 12X DVD-RAM Write Black IDE Model LH-20A1P-186 - Retail

[mojo]

Although I am an AMD fan myself, right now the intel core 2 duo processors are faster and more cost effective. You may want to consider going that route, but it is completely your choice.

[congo1986]

From what ive read, I will probably not even be able to use all the power that this chip has. I believe it is also cheaper for what Im getting, correct me if Im wrong. This chip wont choke a DX 10 card in a year or so I hope.

Do you have a comparable board and chip setup that would be better for me from intel? I know that sometime within the year quad proc chips will be available to the AM2 socket, and when I start noticing that I need a faster processor, the quadcore chips should be at a much lower cost. speculating that is.

Do you think I will even notice any difference in performance going with AMD over intel?

[congo1986]

Just made a new setup without the 10,000 rpm HD. at approx the same cost, actually a little less.

XION Onyx XON-303 Black/Blue Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

EVGA 122-CK-NF68-AR LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 680i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

XFX PVT71PUDP3 GeForce 7900GS 256MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 EXTREME Video Card - Retail

OCZ GameXStream OCZ600GXSSLI ATX12V 600W Power Supply - Retail

Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 Conroe 2.4GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80557E6600 - Retail

CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X2048-6400 - Retail

Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD3200KS 320GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM

LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with 12X DVD-RAM write and LightScribe Technology Black E-IDE/ATAPI Model LH-20A1H-185 - OEM


What do you guys think? I dont know how to overclock, but I will try if its something you guys can help talk me through it after I get the setup. Actually, if I get this I think I will make up the slightly less cost by getting an Antec case instead with the 3 120mm fans.

Anyways, tell me what you think on these 2 builds. Greatly appreciated.

[mojo]

I've always trusted Asus mobos over anything else. The P5 series for that chip are great.

You probably won't notice a difference in day to day use, but in gaming and benchmarks you will.

[Alaron]

Good switch to Intel. They are the king of the mountain right now.

The Asus P5B series are the most popular motherboards right now if you don't plan on needing SLI in the future. I would recommend against SLI if you are on the fence. If you do want it though, the 680i chipset is the best choice.

[congo1986]

I guess I dont really need an SLI board. I do want a board that will support a quad core in the future, and that will be very good for overclocking my setup. I know that programs are going to eventually be using them (quads), and I want to be able to upgrade when the time comes. The P5B doesnt seem to support the quad cores. 680i does.

I did however see one P5B that does support quad, but its the cheapest one. I want to get something quality that will last a good while and I will be able to keep and upgrade the rest of my system on. Here it is.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131030

Im very tempted with the 680i, but saving a little money would be nice for sure. Convice me I dont need the 680i, lol.

I was aiming for a DX10 card when picking my PSU. 650w antec. What do you think about that choise, or should I get something with higher wattage?

[congo1986]

Does this board support quad? Says core2extreme, which I just learned is a quad.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131028

[glc]

Any of the P5B's will be fine, they all support quads with the right bios update. Asus made that promise before the quads even hit the street. We've been recommending the Corsair power supplies for DX10 - the 520HX and 620HX.

[congo1986]

Is there a PSU that is a little less costly, closer to 100-125, that is around 600-700 watts? Why dont you like the 600 antec PSU?

I think I will be going with the 680i, Ive convinced my mind that I need it...

The only part im questioning now is that dang PSU