First Build Gaming PC: Need Opinions & Case Recommendations

[Steady Teddy]

I have not purchased any parts yet for a new gaming pc but here is a list so far of what of what I'm considering:

MoBo:
EVGA 122-CK-NF68-A1 LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 680i SLI ATX Intel

I was also considering the ASUS Striker Extreme LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 680i SLI ATX but I've read some bad things about the lack of support from Asus to resolve the many issues with it.

Of course the Asus is $130 more than the EVGA but I'm more concerned about stability and performace, and it doesn't look like the Asus is very stable right now...?

CPU:
Intel Core 2 Duo E6700 Conroe 2.66GHz 4M shared L2 Cache LGA 775. I'll wait till the price on Quad Cores drop.


GPU:
EVGA 768-P2-N835-AR GeForce 8800GTX 768MB 384-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 SUPERCLOCKED HDCP

RAM:
CORSAIR Dominator 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel

Power Supply:
PC Power & Cooling Turbo-Cool 1KW-SR EPS12V 1000W

HD:
Seagate Barracuda ES ST3750640NS 750GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s

And just what exactly is a "Data HD"? Just another HD that stores files only with an OS installed on it?

Optical Drive(s)
2 Pioneer Black 18X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 10X DVD+R DL 18X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 16X DVD-ROM 40X CD-R 32X CD-RW 40X CD-ROM 2MB Cache E-IDE/ ATAPI DVD Burner

Would buying two identical optical drives cause potential problems?

Sound Card:
Creative 70SB046A00000 7.1 Channels 24-bit 192KHz PCI Interface Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer Fatal1ty Professional Series

I'm also looking for a Wireless-N adaptor. I have Comcast high speed internet. I'd rather not use a PCI slot unless I have to so I'm looking at this since I already own the Lynksys wireless WRT300N router:
LINKSYS WUSB300N Wireless-N Network Adapter


1. Are all these components compatible?

2. I can't decide on a case. I do NOT want to have to do any modding in order for the PS to fit. Being a newbie, I'd prefer not to do any modding at all if possible. I'd like a lot of room to work with but I dunno if I need a full tower. I looked at the Antec Performance One P180 but I'm not sure if the 1000W PS would be a tight fit. Plus the P180 is about the same size as the Antec Nine Hundred and I've read about that case having "cramped space". I'm willing to sacrifice a more quiet case for one that offers easy access & installation. Is a full tower the only way to go then?

I have the room for a full tower in my pc room. But, until I get a 2nd entertainment pc to hook up to my home theater system, I might want move the pc back and forth to each room. Would I need a crane to lift a full tower?


3. Ive read some threads from 1st time builders mentioning that they can't find a place on the MoBo to hook up all the connectors from the power supply. Might I have that same problem with the PS & MoBo listed? I might go to an SLI configuration in the near future.

3. Would a took kit like this one be overkill for a newbie?

I plan on staying with XP Media center for now, although I want all DX10 hardware. Is there someplace to get a copy for a cheaper price than $109?

Your opinions & advice on any of the components I'm considering along with a quality gaming case are welcome...please.

Thanks in advance

[Stuey]

Originally Posted by steady teddy HD: Seagate Barracuda ES ST3750640NS 750GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s And just what exactly is a "Data HD"? Just another HD that stores files only with an OS installed on it?

Some people prefer to dedicate one HD or partition to just the OS and maybe programs as well, and another HD for data storage. It's a matter of preference and might make things easier when it comes to backing up files, reinstalling the OS, etc.

If you want to give separation a try, you might want to go for two Seagate 320 Gb drives. For the price of the 750Gb, you could get four 320 HDs... In other words, unless you have a strong preference for having everything on a single huge capactiy drive, start off with one or two smaller drives. That's just my preference/2 cents though.

Originally Posted by steady teddy Optical Drive(s) 2 Pioneer Black 18X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 10X DVD+R DL 18X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 16X DVD-ROM 40X CD-R 32X CD-RW 40X CD-ROM 2MB Cache E-IDE/ ATAPI DVD Burner Would buying two identical optical drives cause potential problems?

It's highly doubtful. People plug in 2 opticals all the time, and sometimes they stick with a favorite model. As long as you keep track of which is the master, which is the slave, and which corresponds to which drive letter, you should be fine.

Originally Posted by steady teddy 1. Are all these components compatible?

I believe so.

Originally Posted by steady teddy 2. I can't decide on a case. I do NOT want to have to do any modding in order for the PS to fit. Being a newbie, I'd prefer not to do any modding at all if possible. I'd like a lot of room to work with but I dunno if I need a full tower. I looked at the Antec Performance One P180 but I'm not sure if the 1000W PS would be a tight fit. Plus the P180 is about the same size as the Antec Nine Hundred and I've read about that case having "cramped space". I'm willing to sacrifice a more quiet case for one that offers easy access & installation. Is a full tower the only way to go then? I have the room for a full tower in my pc room. But, until I get a 2nd entertainment pc to hook up to my home theater system, I might want move the pc back and forth to each room. Would I need a crane to lift a full tower?

I can't really help you with case selection as I'm not familiar with your selected PSU size. I have a lightweight aluminum case intended for portability (it even came with a carrying harness). I also have a bulky steel case intended for static placement. The difference in carrying either one from room to room is minimal. If you're going to be carrying a steel case back and forth back and forth, a quarter mile at a time, then yea, you'll need a crane. But from room to room, nah, a full tower will be alright. Worst case scenario - get a case with wheels, or construct a small wheeled dolly.

Originally Posted by steady teddy 3. Ive read some threads from 1st time builders mentioning that they can't find a place on the MoBo to hook up all the connectors from the power supply. Might I have that same problem with the PS & MoBo listed? I might go to an SLI configuration in the near future.

First time builders have a naturally increased risk of running into such an issue. Read the mobo manual slowly and move patiently when you build, and you might avoid such issues.

Originally Posted by steady teddy Would a took kit like this one be overkill for a newbie?

Well, it might be, plus I don't know about Rosewill quality. I have an anti-static strap but don't use it when in my PC. The only tools I really use in my PC are screwdrivers. Go to walmart/target/lowes/HD/radio shack/sears and pick up a multi bit screwdriver for less than $10. Or you can pick up a few different sizes like #0, 1, & 2 sized Philips head screwdrivers. In normal computer use, you won't need a soldering iron, desoldering pump, wire strippers, hex keys, wrenches, or pliers. Well, maybe needle nose pliers. I recommend you get only what you need, and move up from there. Also stay away from "all in one home/auto" tool kits - they'll make you spend much more money in the long run. You don't need more than $10-$15 of tools to build the PC.

Originally Posted by steady teddy I plan on staying with XP Media center for now, although I want all DX10 hardware. Is there someplace to get a copy for a cheaper price than $109? Your opinions & advice on any of the components I'm considering along with a quality gaming case are welcome...please. Thanks in advance

Can't help you there - sorry.

All in all, your parts selection looks alright to me, except for the HD, but that's only because of personal preferential differences.

[Mr.Ferrari]

Do you really want to spend that much money on a motherboard? I would rather buy a Asus P5N32-E Sli. Especially since the striker extreme didnt receive the greatest reviews.

You do not need a 1000w powersupply. Nobody needs a 1000w powersupply. But if your insistent on it, I would skip the PC P&C (overpriced, and loud) and go for a Silverstone OP1000. I would suggest a Silverstone ST85ZF over either.

You are wasting your money on the ram. Go for some Corsair XMS2 DDR2 800.

Lastly, I would suggest a Coolermaster Stacker as a high quality, spacious, case.

[Wolverdick]

I have to agree with what Ferrari said.
AS for the Mobo, I have had absolutely no porblems with my Asus mobo. I made sure to put the newest Bios on there before anything else and I never had any issues.

Hard Drives are a personal preference. I have a single RAID striped 500Gb setup which works really well for me. I recently added a second non Raided 320Gb HD for music storage. IMHO
bigger HD's mean bigger headaches if they go bad, but youll have to decide for yourself.

and yes, nobody NEEDS a 1000w PSU, I also have the Silverstone and have had great success with it.

As for tools, just get yourself a good 4in1 screwdriver and a static strap and youll be fine.

One opinion I have on cases...I dont like the tool-free models. Typically they have plastic locks and things instead of screws but those just break or give me headaches. A case that lets you screw everything in place is better, IMHO.

Good luck...

[Steady Teddy]

Thanks for your replies.

As far as the Motherboard goes, as long as it has Quad Core & 1333 FSB capability, I'm open to other suggestions. The EVGA 680i SLi is mentioned on the "Dream System" list in the April PC Gamer so that's why I was considering it. Plus since I was considering the EVGA 8800GTX, I thought it would work well with the EVGA MoBo, especially if I add another EVGA card later. I'll research the Asus P5N32-E Sli though.

And if I decide to add another 8800GTX, I thought I would need at least an 850W PS. I thought 1000W would keep me on the safe side.

I can have two smaller HDs instead of one big one, it's no big deal. I just thought it would be easier being a first build for me.

Originally Posted by Mr.Ferrari I would suggest a Coolermaster Stacker as a high quality, spacious, case.

Mid tower, full tower, or both?

Thanks again

[Caddywompus81]

Originally Posted by steady teddy Thanks for your replies. As far as the Motherboard goes, as long as it has Quad Core & 1333 FSB capability, I'm open to other suggestions. The EVGA 680i SLi is mentioned on the "Dream System" list in the April PC Gamer so that's why I was considering it. Plus since I was considering the EVGA 8800GTX, I thought it would work well with the EVGA MoBo, especially if I add another EVGA card later. I'll research the Asus P5N32-E Sli though. And if I decide to add another 8800GTX, I thought I would need at least an 850W PS. I thought 1000W would keep me on the safe side. I can have two smaller HDs instead of one big one, it's no big deal. I just thought it would be easier being a first build for me. Mid tower, full tower, or both? Thanks again

The rule with a PSU--as many PSU gurus here will attest to--is that quality is far more important than quantity. Check here for some good PSU reading General Hardware Forums. As far as I know, the 8800GTX runs well in both Asus and EVGA boards. As well, most will tell you that Intel + SLi = bad. Not bad, but not a great mix.

Towers. Well you want a nice big tower for that card! Its looong...very very long! As well, you'll be installing a large PSU and other heat happy components. From my experience, although bulky, I sure like Full Towers. You can get away with a lot of air cooling, and they leave space for some case mods if you wish. Personally I like the Thermaltake series of cases--I prefer the Armor series. Coolermaster cases are good as well. Really, a lot of case selection comes down to taste, preference, and dimensions. Hope that helps!

[Mr.Ferrari]

The Coolermaster Stacker is a Full Tower. Well built and good layout.

You do not need 850w to run 8800GTX's in SLI. A good 750W with 4 pci-e connectors should be plenty. A nice 850w will give you even more headroom.

[Steady Teddy]

One more newb question:

If I buy the E6700 Retail, will I need or should I bother getting Arctic Silver 5? I've seen this recommended in many threads but I've also seen it mentioned that using anything other than Intel paste voids the warranty.

I really shouldn't need any paste at all, unless I need to remove the heat sink, right?

Thanks again.

And I added this COOLER MASTER Stacker 830 to my wishlist but I'm still looking...

[glc]

Any power supply on the certified list at slizone.com for dual 8800GTX's will be fine.

If you want to have a tube of AS5 "just in case" that's fine - but use the Intel pad for initial install.

[tomster2300]

I put my first pc together with just a phillip's head and a flashlight, but that's just me. I never used any kind of thermal paste. Like glc said, use the Intel pad to get yourself started then add the paste later if you feel like it needs it. This being your first build you could actually damage something if you use the paste wrong.

[blue60007]

But don't put paste on unless you remove the pad first and get it nice and clean. Although you shouldn't have to replace the pad...

I have a basic set of small flat/phillips head screwdrivers and a larger screwdriver or two (actually it's a screwdriver with changable bits), along with a needle nose pliers (extremely handy for setting jumpers on drives). Also a cutting utensil of some sort is handy for box opening...

[Steady Teddy]

**EDIT** Nevermind

[Steady Teddy]

Geez.

The more I read up on the 680i SLI chipsets the more depressed I get. It seems like if I go that route, I would have to decide one which one has the least number of issues rather than which gives the best performance.

Opinions on ALL of these boards vary from one extreme to the other, from "Great, no problems at all" to "...highly unstable...memory compatibility issues...would not recommend...will never buy from this company again"

I did some reading on the (soon to be released??) MSI P6N Diamond.

I would appreciate if someone could confirm from what I've read: MSI has a reputation for releasing their products after their competitors. They do this in order to see what issues the other makers have to deal with in trying to fix whatever bugs their boards might have. MSI learns from these mistakes and are able to put out a relatively stable product at launch.

From what I've read, the P6N Diamond might be the most stable and compatible of the 680i boards yet. But the release date is supposed to be "Q2 07", meaning anywhere from two weeks to two months.

Can anyone shed some light on the P6N Diamond? I'm itching to get a new gaming pc soon but I don't know if I should hold out until the P6N is released, whenever that is, or take a chance on which of the current 680i boards would give me the least headaches.

Thanks again.

[Mr.Ferrari]

Remember..newegg shouldn't be your go to place for hardware reviews. 680i boards are not perfect no, but they aren't horrible either. They are picky and you need to buy quality when it comes to this.

MSI wouldn't be the manufacturer that comes to mind when I think stability and quality.

The only board I really trust is the Asus P5N32-E Sli.

Of course the best choice here would not to go SLI with intel at all, but its up to you. An intel chipset would be rock solid, but you loose SLI.

[Staren]

I agree with Mr.Ferrari. I would go Asus, perhaps Abit, but the others are 2nd or 3rd tier manufactures, not bad but not what you really want for something this high end. 680i boards aren't bad per say, but they do seem to be picky. I think like the DFI nForce4 boards from the Socket 939 days, some people are going to have to get together and figure out what RAM, Video Cards, and to a lesser extent Processors are going to work well before they're going to be practical.

[Steady Teddy]

Why is the P5N32-E listed as "Intel Quad-core CPU Ready" whereas the other boards aren't ?

[glc]

Go to support.asus.com, find CPU Support, and put in the model number. That will tell you everything you need to know. It may require a specific bios revision.

[Steady Teddy]

Wish List update:

If I do anymore research I'm going to get a migraine.

I don't know if I can wait much longer so here is a revised list of components. If anyone sees something incompatible, feel free to let me know.

Thanks again

Case:
Thermaltake Armor Series VA8003SWA. (Coolermaster Stacker Evo is sold out EVERYWHERE, unless I want to overpay for the Nvidia edition only available from their web site).

Motherboard:
ASUS P5N32-E SLI LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 680i SLI

CPU:
Intel Core 2 Duo E6700

Power Supply:
SILVERSTONE OP1000

Graphics:
EVGA 768-P2-N835-AR GeForce 8800GTX 768MB

RAM:
CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)

Hard Drives (2):
Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3320620AS

FDD:
SONY Beige 1.44MB 3.5" Internal Floppy Drive Model MPF920 Beige - OEM

Card Reader:
Koutech IO-RCM620 USB 2.0 Card Reader - OEM

1st Optical:
Lite-On LH-20A1H-185

2nd Optical:
Lite-On LH-20A1H-186

Sound Card:
Creative X-Fi XtremeGamer Fatal1ty Professional Series

OS:
XP Media Center

Sub Total from Newegg: $2,655.88

[glc]

Do you HAVE to have a SLI board?

[Steady Teddy]

Originally Posted by glc Do you HAVE to have a SLI board?

No. Why do you ask?

[glc]

Then I'd advise a board with an Intel chipset, such as one of the Asus P5B series. SATA opticals recommended. If you aren't going to overclock, you can save some money with DDR2-667 ram if you do that.

[Steady Teddy]

Sorry glc,
I thought you were asking me if I ALREADY HAVE an SLI board.

I prefer an SLI board because I may choose that configuration in the future. Although I think I saw someone here say that the next gen 9800 Nvidia card will outperform dual 8800GTX's? Not sure about that though but if it's true then I guess SLI woudn't be necessary.

But I'm worried about the Intel chipset boards becoming outdated or obsolete within a year or two though. I don't want to have swap out my entire hardware every couple of years.

[Staren]

Yes the next gen almost always out performs two older cards. That's pretty much how it works. SLI isn't exactly an upgrade option, unless you plan to do it very soon after building. Otherwise, getting the next gen is a much better choice. But something a lot of people haven't picked up on yet is how powerful DX10 cards are. Your E6700 will just barely balance out with one GTX.

Of course the Intel chipset boards out now will be outdated in a few years, so will the current nVidia. That is how this stuff works. What's your thinking that the Intel 775 boards would be old news before the i680s? If anything there will be a replacement for the i680 will be phased out first because they are the bleeding edge.

[Steady Teddy]

Originally Posted by Staren Yes the next gen almost always out performs two older cards. That's pretty much how it works. SLI isn't exactly an upgrade option, unless you plan to do it very soon after building. Otherwise, getting the next gen is a much better choice. But something a lot of people haven't picked up on yet is how powerful DX10 cards are. Your E6700 will just barely balance out with one GTX. Of course the Intel chipset boards out now will be outdated in a few years, so will the current nVidia. That is how this stuff works. What's your thinking that the Intel 775 boards would be old news before the i680s? If anything there will be a replacement for the i680 will be phased out first because they are the bleeding edge.

I know what I said sounded silly. Yes I know EVERYTHING will be obsolete in a few years. What I meant was, wouldn't any of these P5B boards be obsolete a lot sooner than any 680i's? They all have a max 1066 FSB.

You think since I want a 8800GTX that I should choose the QX6700 instead of the E6700? If I put that combo in one of the P5B's, the only real upgrade I might need in a couple of years would be a video card, if I choose?

Sorry for my confusion. I know it doesn't matter what configuration I choose, it will not be bleeding edge next year. I just thought getting an Intel chipset would require upgrading much sooner than if I went with Nvidia.

[Katreat]

SLI is for someone who wants or needs the fastest TODAY. As an upgrade path it just does not make a lot of sense. It costs more upfront with a more expensive motherboard and PSU and then when you go to upgrade you are buying old technology. As you mentioned, history has shown since SLI came out that the next generation card will most likely be better than two of the last generation cards, although this could change.

What it comes down too is if you need or want the fastest today then SLI has its place, but if you are just trying to future proof yourself for tomorrow then you will be money ahead just buying a new single video card when your current card starts to become dated.

Another fact which Staren mentions is that tests have shown that currently two 8800 GTX running in SLI will be processor limited by most current mainstream CPUs. One of the advantages of the next generation video cards is that they will likely be designed with this in mind and give you new features which are not limited by the CPU. The SLI upgrade path does not give you new technology, it just gives you more of what you already have.

[glc]

The Asus P965 boards are all overclocking very nicely up to at least 1600 processor FSB. The 680i isn't any better in this respect.

If you can wait till the end of April, Core 2 prices are being reduced substantially - the E6700 will be in the low $300's and the Q6600 will be in the low $500's.

[Steady Teddy]

Well my current desktop is older than dirt and I've been putting off on getting a new build for what seems like forever. But since I've already waited this long, waiting another month or two won't make much difference.

And I didn't realize that SLI was that much of a fad. As long as I don't take a hit in framerate and can save some $$$, I can live without it.

I'm going to look into these 4 P5B boards. The WiFi-AP of the P55 Deluxe sounds very appealing but it doesn't support quad core.

And at least I finally decided on a case. I just received an auto notification from Newwegg that the COOLER MASTER Stacker 830 Evolution's are back in stock! These things are sold out everywhere and Newegg estimated they would not get anymore till next month but I decided I'd better purchase it now since that was my first choice. The fact it comes with wheels was a huge plus.

I wanted to wait till I made a decision on all my components but I figured I'd better grab one before they sold out again. All I need now is some hardware to put in it.

Thanks again

[glc]

All P5B's should support quad core with the latest bios. Research it at support.asus.com. I'd check right now for you but the site won't load. I seem to remember Asus making that promise.

Sure - a pair of 8800GTX's will perform slightly better than one, but spending an extra $600 to get that slight increase is ridiculous. You are gonna be CPU limited with just one of those beasts anyway. Look at it this way - down the road, when the 8800GTX is down to $300, you will get better performance buying whatever card is $600 at the time - 9900GTX whizbang whatever - and selling your 8800GTX for $300. One $600 card will ALWAYS trump a pair of $300 cards.

[Steady Teddy]

Originally Posted by glc All P5B's should support quad core with the latest bios. Research it at support.asus.com. I'd check right now for you but the site won't load. I seem to remember Asus making that promise.

Ahh, you're right. I'm spending too much time on Newegg.

Originally Posted by glc Sure - a pair of 8800GTX's will perform slightly better than one, but spending an extra $600 to get that slight increase is ridiculous. You are gonna be CPU limited with just one of those beasts anyway.

You think I should get a QX6700 instead or since I want a 8800GTX that it really wont make a difference what the cpu is? I tried a search and can't find anything on a significant price drop on the QX6700 any time soon.

[Steady Teddy]

I've narrowed my choice down to these 3 boards.

What are the advantages/limitations of The Intel P965/ICH8R & P975/ICH7R chipsets for what I want to do?

I know the P965 is newer but not necessarily better? I've heard bad things about the P965 / ICH8R and IDE combo. But If both my hard drives are SATA and both my opticals, 1 & 2 are SATA, would I better off with a P965 chipset?

I may overclock in the future but I'm not sure I would need to.