First Computer Build: Parts Compatibility Check

[alec4444]

Hey Guys,

SO excited to build my first PC. Will order the parts this Friday. Want to make absolutely sure that all the components I order are compatible....a bit worried about the memory. Can I put 1066mHz RAM into this motherboard? Here's the list:

• ASUS Striker Extreme Motherboard
• Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 CPU (love the new price)
• Ultra X-Wind Socket 775 Fan
• OCZ GameXStream 700-Watt Power Supply (SLI Ready)
• OCZ Reaper 2048MB PC8500 DDR2 Memory (Compatible with the mobo?)
• SATA DVD/CD/Whatever Drive
• Western Digital 250GB SATA-300 Hard Drive
• Windows XP Pro ... bleh
• (I already have the GeForce 6800 video card)
• All in a Fancy Case

Did I leave something out? Will it work? Would really suck to have this arrive, put it all together (which'll be fun), and then find out that something's not compatible..... So if any of you can save me that disappointment I'd be thrilled. Thanks!

--Alec

[Cricket]

First of all, please don't buy your parts from Tiger Direct. Get them from Newegg instead. They have much better after sales service. Tiger Direct sucks.

As far as the RAM goes, go to the ASUS web site and check the QVL for that motherboard to see if that particular RAM is compatible.

How particular are you with sound? If you like to hear really good sound you might want to think about getting a good sound card like a SoundBlaster or an M-Audio.

Cricket

[alec4444]

Thanks, I'll have a look at the ASUS web site. I'm a bit worried b/c the Tiger Site (and thanks for the feedback on that too) stated that the memory speed needs to match the mobo...which happens to be 800 mHz. But I thought I had read elsewhere that you can put in faster memory for overclocking purposes, and that even as-is it would work, but only at the max mobo speed. I'll have to keep reading...

--A

Followup: OK, checked out the QVL for the mobo and it only lists 800 mHz memory, and OCZ isn't a listed manufacturer. That sucks. But nice to know now.

[glc]

The Core 2 Duos run stock at 1066 FSB. All you *NEED* is DDR2-533 but going one step higher has an advantage. This is why we recommend 667 for stock speeds and 800 for overclockers. The ONLY reason to get ram faster than 800 is if you are planning on pushing the processor past 1600 FSB - which requires a lot more premium components and high end cooling.

[alec4444]

Thanks GLC. Just found out that the Reaper memory isn't compatible. But the Crucial Ballistix memory is. Now get this:

The 1066mHz memory from Crucial is actually CHEAPER than the 800mHz memory from them when you factor in the rebate. (I always get the rebate back). Both are listed as compatible on Crucial's site for my mobo. So, any reason not to get the 1066? It'll just run at 800, right?

Thanks!
--A