Help with Preview and Advice for a First-Time Build.

[jwh6f]

For any Available Compter Expert,

I am getting ready to build my first computer. I hope it will last me quite a while, and I am nervous about trying to build it, as I have no one in my local circle that has attempted to build their own computer. I am building mainly for my own personal satisfaction and the adventure of the experience, as well as the ability to customize my own machine.

I am a writer and student who is disabled. I use my computer heavily, as it is a gateway to the outside world for me. I also do very light graphic work and 3d modeling (for a website), Painter (which seems slow on my computer), and a few games such as Madden – nothing terrible intensive. I don't play a great deal of games, and I never envision myself becoming a hardcore gamer, although I wouldn’t mind having the ability to upgrade it to do so later if I change plans. I have no plans to overclock my cpu.

I am do have some priorities.

Quiet. I would love a quiet computer that doesn’t keep me awake at night. 

Expandable and upgradable. Can I install more items easily? Can I repair the computer easily? Will the computer have a good lifespan?

Speed and cost sweet spots. I would like my computer to last.

Attractive. I hate to sound vain, but I want a computer that will look decent. I have a lower quality computer now that is 5 years old. I don’t want a lot of lights, just a lot of class.


Antec Performance One P180B Black 0.8mm cold rolled steel for durability through the majority of chassis 1.0mm cold rolled steel around the 4 x HDD area ATX Mid Tower Computer Case –
$129.99

I am unsure of cases. I would like a case that has a lot of external drive bays, attractive, and is quiet. I don’t like a door on the p180, but I like the power supply in the lower chamber. I don’t like the USB ports on the top of the case for the Lian G70. I have considered these cases.

LIAN LI PC-G70B Black Aluminum ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Retail
JUST PC R900 Black Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Retail
JUST PC R910 Black Steel Server Computer Case - Retail
Thermaltake Eureka VC8000BWA Black Chassis : 1.0mm all aluminum Front bezel : Aluminum ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Retail
Thermaltake SHARK VA7000BWA Black Aluminum ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Retail


OCZ GameXStream OCZ700GXSSLI ATX12V 700W Power Supply - Retail 149.99
I want a silent PSU with a cable long enough for the Antec P180. I can order a cable extender. Is this ok? Some cases have a place for two power supplies. Maybe a smaller supply with the option to upgrade later?

Silverstone 6" Power Cable Kit Extension Model SST-PP01 - Retail


AMD Athlon 64 X2 5200+ Windsor 2.6GHz Socket AM2 Processor Model ADA5200CSBOX - Retail $169.99

ASUS M2N-SLI Deluxe Socket AM2 NVIDIA nForce 570 SLI MCP ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail $139.99 has heatsink, but I think I still need heatsink for CPU. Right?

ZALMAN CNPS 9700 NT 110mm 2 Ball Ultra Quiet CPU Cooler - Retail $69.99

Pricey…but will it make my computer quiet and reliable?



Kingston 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Desktop Memory Model KVR667D2N5/1G - Retail 4 pieces 39.99 each. 160 dollars.



ASUS 18X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe and 14X DVD-RAM Write Black SATA Model DRW-1814BLT - OEM $35.99

Sony NEC Optiarc 18X DVD±R DVD Burner with 12X DVD-RAM Write Black SATA Model AD-7170S-0B - OEM $32.99


Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3500630AS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
$129.99


ASUS EN7600GS SILENT/HTD/256M GeForce 7600GS 256MB GDDR2 PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail $96.99 fanless design


AMC AICR-03-BK All in One USB 2.0 3.5" Internal Card Reader - Retail $17.99

Has USB ports and external SATA port. Getting ports and controls where I can easily reach them would really help me big time; I use my computer on a table by a bed. I backup my work on flash usb memory sticks.


Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - OEM

Microsoft Windows Vista 32-Bit Home Premium for System Builders Single Pack DVD - OEM $111.99

Should I get 64 bit Windows?

Microsoft BX1-00005 OEM Silver/Black USB + PS/2 Wired Standard Digital Media Pro Keyboard - OEM 14.99

EVERCOOL EC-EGF-12 120mm Case Fan - Retail 4 fans… ($7.99 each)


I have a Rangemax Wireless PCI card from my old computer that I want to install.

Since I am not all practicality and we all like some bling, I thought I would add a Sunbeam fan controller.
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=52_87_137&products_id=3278 ] Sunbeam Fan Controller


I would love to see any suggestions or ideas that any knowledgeable poster may have.

Craig :-)

[Alaron]

Welcome to PCMech. I'll answer some of your questions.

1. Antec, Lian Li and Thermaltake all make great cases. You'll be happy with any of them.
2. The CPU you chose is 'Retail' meaning it comes with a heatsink and fan already. The Zalman unit you chose is a good one for a quieter unit, but keep in mind that using it will void the 3yr warranty on the CPU.
3. For the AM2 platform, you must use DDR2-800. The Corsair XMS2 series works well.
4. Go with a Retail LiteOn SATA DVD Burner. They come with burning software. Then pair it with a DVDROM drive. No need for double burners.
5. We have been recommending new builders stick with XP for now. Vista just not ready for primetime yet. And don't get 64bit, theres no reason to, except more hassles with drivers.
6. You won't need 4 case fans. A couple of fans that come with the case are plenty. More fans = more noise.

You might also want to consider an Intel based system. The Core 2 Duo's perform better and will last you longer since AMD is changing to a new socket soon. We recommend the Asus P5B motherboard and an Intel C2D E6600.
Hope that helps.

[jwh6f]

I really appreciate the heads up. I like your ideas, and I will check on the Intel-based Asus motherboards. I notice they can be upgraded to the quad later, so I assume that is what you were referring to. My current computer is about 9 years old, and it has some serious problems.

I do have a question about the memory. The DDR memory at 667 is almost half price of the DDR at 800. I felt that the cost was not worth it. The Asus AM2 Motherboard I listed, M2N SLI Deluxe, said that the memory could be:

Dual channel memory architecture
4 x 240-pin DIMM, support max. 8GB DDR2 800/667/533 ECC and non-ECC, un-buffered memory

I was under the impression that I could still place 4 GB of 667 in the ASUS motherboard, or even the Intel if the motherboard says it will support it.

Also, are the heatsinks/coolers that are included with the "retail" processor relatively quiet? The Zalman fan is quite expensive, and I may apply that money to processor speed, memory, or the intel processor you recommended.


Craig

[flanzig1]

With 32 bit Windows, it can only use about 3.2 gigs of ram. For just about any app. 2 gigs of ram is enough.

AM2 systems really should use the DDR2 800 ram while the C2D processors work just fine with DDR2 667.
The retail Intel HSU is OK but if you are looking for quietness then an aftermarket heatsink may be the ticket. And there are other choices for quiet heatsinks. I have a Gigabyte GH-PDU22-SC that is quiet and a good cooler.

[LeftyAce]

I'd definitely suggest you look at an Intel C2D setup; you'll save money on the ram, and as Alaron said, you've got a better upgrade path.

[Mr.Ferrari]

Also take a look at Silverstone and Antec cases. Specifically look for steel if you want that extra bit of quiet (Antec).

Look at Seasonic based power supplies for quiet. I.E Corsair, Antec Earthwatts, or Seasonic branded.

Stick with the stock cooler, it will usually do the job without too high noise levels. You can even turn on your motherboards fan controls to keep the fan speed low when not needed. Either way there are better (quieter) heatsinks out there then the zalman.

Definately go with lite-on or Sony drives.

[jwh6f]

The info really helps. You guys have sold me on the upgradablity and cost-effectiveness of the Intel chip. I have not really kept up with the changing technology.

I am so pleased that I found this site. The E6600 was a bit pricey, but if I stick with the stock cooler, I could get the Asus motherboard and chip below (which still has a large cache) instead of the AMD X2. My last computer is old, and it is beginning to show signs of extinction (or demon possession) -- I have put new drives in it once, a new power supply, and new fans. I usually have always purchased stock computers from local retailers, but I really think building a computer is within my capablities (I am on my own) -- I have purchased a book on it and read up.


Intel Core 2 Duo E6420 Conroe 2.13GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80557E6420 - Retail 189.99 (4mb cache)

ASUS P5N32-E SLI Plus LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 650i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail 186.99



Asus has the Kingston value 667 DDR listed on their qualified vendors for the above motherboard. I may go with 2 GB of ram, since I am sticking with 32 bit operating system. 3 gb is ineffecient, I think, since it take away the ddr? Maybe prices will drop and I can stick in a faster 2gb later.

[flanzig1]

Unless your going to run dual video cards in Sli, skip the P5N32-E Sli board and look at the Asus P5B series. Most of the different model are cheaper than the P5N.
The ram that we recommend for a non-OCed Core 2 Duo is the Corsair Value Select DDR2 667.