Finalizing a build

[SenseiJinx]

I'm ordering the parts for my first build tomorrow. Phew! Finally! I've been doing research on this stuff for over a month. I've learned a ton, and it's been a lot of fun -- but a lot of work as well!

https://secure.newegg.com/NewVersion...Number=6273328

I was just wondering if anybody has any suggestions for it. (I'd like to keep it at about that price.) This isn't meant to be a hardcore gaming build, but it should run games well. I'm avoiding both Vista and DX10 until they hit their stride, which may be in about a year or so.

I chose the X1900GT for the price, but from what I've read the performance is really good as well (although all of that revison 1 and 2 stuff gave me a headache). In addition, the VIVO features of the card will save me about $50-$70 down the line for something I'm interested in. Unfortunately, NewEgg's X1900GT's just went out of stock. Luckily, ZipZoomFly has the Connect3D one in stock for a great price ($115, free shipping) so I'll probably snag one off of there.

I already ordered the monitor (20' widescreen LCD FTW) and it should be here tomorrow.

Let's see...oh yeah, the wireless adaptor. I just realized yesterday that after all of the countless hours I had spent researching mobos, processors, video cards, ram, etc etc, I'd forgotten all about hooking myself up to the internet. I also realized I'm a total newb at networking. =/ We have a Linksys Wireless-G WRT54G router at home -- should that card be compatible? And if not, can anybody suggest a better one, or somewhere that I could read up on what I need? And would that be all I would need in order to access our router (besides security permissions and whatnot)?

So yeah. Does anybody have any suggestions for better/different components? Mostly in regards to the HDD, DVD burner, etc. I've pretty much made my mind on the processor, mobo, video card stuff.

Thanks!

[Cricket]

Any specific reason you chose that particular motherboard? For a build using a Intel processors it's a good idea to stick with a good quality motherboard that uses a Intel chipset. That way you ensure good performance and stability.

For your wireless adapter I'd suggest you get one that is the same brand as your router. Since you have a Linksys wireless router you should get a Linksys wireless apapter.

When it comes to RAM it's best to check with either the RAM company or the motherboard company for memory compatibility. Most sites have compatibility charts or configurators.

I'd get a retail Lite-On SATA DVD burner instead. OEM burners rarely ever come with software, the Lite-On retail burners come with Nero and Power DVD.

Cricket

[SenseiJinx]

Well, this was the motherboard I had in my build originally:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128042

But that 650i Ultra was suggested to me. It looked good, so I put it in. Would you disagree? Maybe I should research a bit more on chipsets.

As for Lite-On, I've read that their drives have the highest failure rate. True or not?

I'll look up the RAM compatability stuff as well.

[doubledragon5]

I would change that optical drive to a lite-on retail it comes with nero burning software.. As far as drivers go I haven't had to use drivers yet, just stick in the drive and go.. Get the SATA there faster and more reliable than ide..

[doubledragon5]

For the motherboard go with a ASUS P5B series there better and intel does not work well with nvida chipset. They work better with intel chipsets..

[minsonngo]

You may also want to bump up the power supply to 450w or above just to give yourself some headroom for upgrades down the road.

As for motherboards... take Crickets advice... it is generally good to stick with motherboards that have Intel chipsets if your going the Intel processor route. Take a look at the ASUS P5B line of motherboards. Same goes for your wireless adapter... get the same brand as your wireless router to avoid any potential issues.

Lite-Ons are good optical drive makers in my book... they may have a high failure rate since they sell a bigger volume... but I have never had any problems with Lite-Ons and many people on here love them too.

If you go with the ASUS motherboard... we generally recommend DDR2-667 memory modules... go with the Corsair ValueSelect or XMS2 lineup.

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by SenseiJinx As for Lite-On, I've read that their drives have the highest failure rate. True or not?

I've been installing Lite-On burners into the computer I build for others from around 2002 and I haven't had one fail yet...rough guess would be at least 50 Lite-On burners (CD and DVD) over the past 5 years. I used to install Plextor burners but had several of them fail after only 1 to 2 years of use so I switched to Lite-On and haven't had any die yet.

Cricket