First Build...feedback Please

[Sofronitsky]

First time build to be used for audio purposes only (archiving my cd collection/ playack). No overclocking, gaming, DVD burning/playing, video, internet, word processing, printing, scanning... audio only. I've been researching this for a few weeks now, reading reviews and pc forums, but I just wanted to get some feedback from experienced builders before I went ahead and spent all of my money

Programs I'll be running:

Foobar2000 (Lossless Flac. Foobar2000 - usb - Benchmark DAC1)
EAC
dBpoweramp
Adobe PDF reader

That's it

I'll be getting everything from newegg.com


CASE: AMS CF-2229bk [$50] (No longer available from Newegg...)

CPU: Intel Core Duo E6240 [$186]

Motherboard: EITHER:

Intel BOXDG965WHMKR LGA 775 Intel G965 Express ATX [$118.99]
OR

GIGABYTE GA-965G-DS3 LGA 775 Intel G965 Express ATX Intel [$125.99]



RAM: Kingston ValueRAM 1GB (2 x 512MB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory [$56.99]

PSU: Mushkin 550200 ATX12V 550W Power Supply 115/230 V cUL,CE,CB,FCC [$69.99]

HDDs: * Western Digital Raptor WD360ADFD 36GB 10,000 RPM 16MB Cache Serial ATA150 Hard Drive [$99.99] (for OS and APPs)
* SAMSUNG SpinPoint T Series HD501LJ 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM [$119.99] (for files)
(will eventually buy up to 3 more of these)

Optical Drive: Benq WD1655 [$55] (also not available from newegg)

Keybaord: Rosewill RK650 Silver/Black 104 Normal Keys 5 Function Keys USB Slim Keyboard [$13.99]

Mouse: Rosewill RM800P Black 3 Buttons 1 x Wheel PS/2 Wired Optical Mouse - OEM [$4.49]

Monitor: Hanns·G HW-173DBB Black 17" 8ms DVI Widescreen LCD Monitor [$149.99/$129.99 after mail in rebate]

Using MB's onboard graphics chip (Intel GMA X3000) so no video card necessary.



additional: 120mm fans (x2) PLEASE RECOMMEND SOME
HDD fan (x1) NECESSARY???

Questions:

1. Which motherboard do you recommend for my needs? Both have the same amount of inputs/outputs that I'm looking for in a board, and both have the same integrated graphics chip. As I said before I will NOT be overclocking, and I am looking for an easy install... no hassles or problems. I know the Gigabyte board is supposed to be great for overclocking but again I will not be doing this so unless this it offers any other advantages over the intel I'm leaning toward the intel board.

2. Will the GMA X3000 support 16:9 and native res. of the monitor (1440X900)?

3. How do I update the BIOS... Do I need to do this before OS set up? Keep in mind I will not be connected to the internet (I do have access through another computer though) This question also applies to firmware updates (for the Benq drive).

4. The newegg pictures of the MB shows both northbridge and southbridge have heatsinks... Why do some of the reviewers recommend getting one for the northbridge?

5. What's the easiest (and safest) way to transfer the contents of one HD (300GB) in one computer to another? I'd like to leave the drive in the computer, btw. I was planning on using an external HD to move my files (not all at once, of course, over a few days). Are there any risks involved with this? Is it possible that any data could be lost or corrupted during the move (moving from 3 HDs). The files in question are part of my cd collection that I've started to rip. Should I create MD5 files for each album and then check them again once they've been moved, or is this being overly cautious?

6. For anyone familiar with this or other intel boards: Does the hsf come with a thermal pad or grease? Just curious. I hear the stock hsf are garbage but should be ok for me as I won't be OCing or running a lot of intense prgrms. Or am I wrong?


Those are all of the questions that I have for now, I may have a few more later but if anyone can answer the above or offer any advice for a first time builder I'd be very appreciative. Thanks


Logan

[blue60007]

1) I'd rather have an Intel board over a Gigabyte, especially for simplicity. You might look at the ASUS P5B series if you want another option.
2) not sure there
3) You shouldn't need to update the BIOS (or firmware) unless a newer version addresses an issue you are having.
4) These folks are probably overclocking and the NB is getting too hot for them. The stock heatsinks will keep it cool for normal operation...
5) Copying to an external drive and transferring would work. Shouldn't be any issues. Just don't delete the originals until you are sure the transferred files are OK. You could also use a patch cord (network cable) to transfer directly. But if you've already got an external drive, use that.
6) For the stock processor heatsink? Yes, it comes pre-applied. The stock cooler will work fine for a non-overclocked system.

I'd rather see Corsair memory (I've heard there have been issues with Kingston) - also, DDR2-667 is fine. Why not 2 gigs? It's cheap enough (like $65 for 2 gigs) these days.

Check out the Seagate 7200.10 series. Seagate's a better brand and the 7200.10's are very fast.

Doesn't the case come with fans? One exhaust in rear and one as an intake in front will be sufficient.
Don't bother with HDD fans. If the case puts the hard drives in front of an intake, that intake fan will keep them plenty cool

[Mr.Ferrari]

1. The intel is fine, another great choice for onboard video would be the P5L-Mx or P5B-VM. A little better if you can swing for them.

2. Don't quote me on this, but I think 1440x900 is a 16:10 widescreen resolution..

3. Agreed with blue, however just for your knowledge, the best way to flash is to download the bios via the manufacturer website and use the floppy or any other quickflash via bios method (depending on the motherboard).

4. To add, newegg reviewers are either overclocking, or are newbies that think they must keep everything at super low temperatures or else the computer will go boom.

5. Agreed with blue.

6. The stock heatsinks are far from garbage, they are of higher quality then most of the low end heatsinks aftermarket, and they will do the work and more for even mild overclocks. I don't really understand why they are so regularly bashed.

-And as blue mentioned, you can get 2gigs of high quality corsair for less then 10 bucks more.

-That particular mushkin doesn't have the greatest track record. And honestly, you don't need 550w, even with 4 hdds. These are some nice 500w powersuppliesfor the same price and will be fine even for future videocard upgrades.
Xclio 500w & Enhance 500w.

[perkster]

to run those programs only it would be cheaper for you to buy from dell or someone

[Sofronitsky]

Thanks for all of the feedback. I appreciate the time taken to respond to my questions. An update before some follow up questions:
I've decided to lose the 10k raptor and just partition one of the 500 gb samsung drives (7,200 rpm) for XP Pro SP2 and the few programs that I'll be running. This will save me $100, and I've been told by numerous ppl. that for audio applications the HD speed is not important since the computer buffers buffers the data to RAM before it's actually used in foobar. I plan to only run the computer for a few hours a day, and I'll leave it open when not in use. I've also decided to get a dedicated graphics card and not use the integrated graphics on the motherboard.
Here's new list:

COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-UW Black Aluminum Bezel, SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail [$50]

CPU: Intel Core Duo E6240 [$186]

Motherboard: Intel BOXDG965WHMKR LGA 775 Intel G965 Express ATX [$125.00]

RAM: Kingston ValueRAM 1GB (2 x 512MB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory [$56.99]

PSU: Checking into suggestions made here. probably the Xclio.

HDDs: * SAMSUNG SpinPoint T Series HD501LJ 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM [$119.99]
(will evetually buy up to 3 more of these)

Optical Drive: Benq WD1655 [$55]

Keybaord: Rosewill RK650 Silver/Black 104 Normal Keys 5 Function Keys USB Slim Keyboard [$13.99]

Mouse: Rosewill RM800P Black 3 Buttons 1 x Wheel PS/2 Wired Optical Mouse - OEM [$4.49]

MSI NX7300LE-TD128EH GeForce 7300LE 128MB GDDR2 PCI Express x16 Video Card [$34]

Monitor: Hanns·G HW-173DBB Black 17" 8ms DVI Widescreen LCD Monitor [$149.99/$129.99 after mail in rebate]

some more questions:

1. Any downsides to partitioning one of the 500gb HDs for just the OS and programs? How much space is enough? I was thinking 10-15 gb. Is it possible to erase a single partition (during a system erase/reformatting) without losing everything on the HD (the other partition containing my files...) If not It looks like I'll have to get another 7,200 rpm for the OS alone. It will have to be a SATA drive since the MB only has one IDE/PATA connector and I plan to hook this up to two CD burners.

2. I did a newegg search for graphics cards in the $25-50 range... I can't afford to spend more than $35 for it. The one I picked out looks decent enough and got good reviews but I don't know anything about graphics cards. Will this give me a better display the onboard graphics chip on the intel MB (GMA X3000)? Like I said in my first post.. for displaying XP only, I don't need an expensive card.

thanks

[Sofronitsky]

Originally Posted by perkster to run those programs only it would be cheaper for you to buy from dell or someone

Dell sucks...

[blue60007]

I would suggest a Seagate 7200.10 - they are very fast, more reliable and have very good warranties (not sure how long the Samsung is though). Also, for $10 more you can get 2 gigs of DDR2-667 memory...

1) I would just leave the drive one big drive. Much simplier that way. And you don't have to worry about running out of space on either partion (when there's free space on the other).

2) A $30 video card is likely the same as the integrated video. If you aren't gaming, I see two advantages to a seperate video card. One, free up the system RAM the onboard video uses (generally 256MB or less). This means getting a non-Hypermemory or Turbocache video card because those do the same thing, use system memory. I'm not sure if the card you picked out is Turbocache or not, but I'd double check that. Secondly, the seperate video card should give you the ability to hook up two monitors (since it should have two ports for monitors).

[Jimmy0]

I would also go with the Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 500GB hdd like blue mentioned. Seagate also provide a 5 year warranty whereas the Samsung I think provide a 3 year warranty.

Also the Corsair VS DDR2 667 RAM would be my preference over the Kingston you have selected.

[Sofronitsky]

where can I find 2 gb corsair DDR2 667 Ram for that price? it's over a hundred on newegg.

[Mr.Ferrari]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145098

[Sofronitsky]

http://support.intel.com/support/mot.../CS-026599.htm

corsair is not mentioned here...

According to Intel - these are the ONLY brands/types of memory that is supported by Intel. If you use a different brand/type, it MAY NOT work, or it might, it's totally hit or miss.

So from this list which do you suggest????

[blue60007]

The Corsair might be on that list. Just under a different brand (like Micron) since Corsair doesn't make its own memory chips (they just put them together). Samsung, Hynix are also major chip makers. Many other brands (of the finished memory module) use their chips. Mr Ferrari might be able to give you more details on that subject and possibly identify the Corsair memory.

We recommend Corsair memory because it is very compatible and has a good reputation. I haven't heard of too many complaints with Corsair memory.

[Mr.Ferrari]

And if you look at the list, you'll notice that the 667 modules are either 5-5-5 or 6-6-6. Intel's lists looks to be very conservative, but you can get a idea of what you need. As long as its not infineon and runs at 1.8v, i have yet to see a stick of memory not boot on 965.

Those model numbers, as blue mentioned, are for generic modules used by manufacturers in a wide variety of memory sets.

If theres a stick of memory that will work on that board, it would be the Corsair.

[Sofronitsky]

Thanks for all the help. Here's my new list (changed Motherboard, PSU, Ram, case)


Case: COOLER MASTER CAVALIER 3 CAV-T03-UK Black Aluminum / Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case [$59.99]

CPU: Intel Core Duo E6240 [$186]

MoBo: Intel BOXDP965LTCK LGA 775 Intel P965 Express ATX Intel Motherboard [$102.99]

PSU: FSP Group (Fortron Source) Blue Storm II 500 ATX 2.2V 500W Power Supply [$86.99/ $76.99 rebate]

RAM: CORSAIR ValueSelect 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Desktop Memory [$64.99]

HD: SAMSUNG SpinPoint T Series HD501LJ 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM [$119.99]

Optical Drive: Benq WD1655 [$55]

Keybaord: Rosewill RK650 Silver/Black 104 Normal Keys 5 Function Keys USB Slim Keyboard [$13.99]

Mouse: Rosewill RM800P Black 3 Buttons 1 x Wheel PS/2 Wired Optical Mouse - OEM [$4.49]

Monitor: Hanns·G HW-173DBB Black 17" 8ms DVI Widescreen LCD Monitor [$149.99/$129.99 after mail in rebate]

Graphics Card: MSI NX7300LE-TD128EH GeForce 7300LE 128MB GDDR2 PCI Express x16 Video Card [$34]

How does this look? I've got everything ready in my newegg shopping cart, just want to hear some feedback first.

[Alaron]

That looks solid. The only thing I would change is the hard drive. Samsung drives are not the best. Check out Seagate instead. They have a great reputation.

[BeepBeep2]

Hi, I'm a little late but like alaron said: samsung drives are not the best.

How about this Seagate?:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148136

that barracuda drive kicks out 75mb/s. read

my seagate barracuda 250gig kicks out 72mb/s read 175 burst

if you're not doing anything special I would recommend this cpu:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115014

[Sofronitsky]

Hmmmm.... not according to this: http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,12...1/article.html

It's hard to make a decision when everyone tells you something different.

[Mr.Ferrari]

You would be hard fought to believe PC World when the top drives are Samsungs and Hitachi's and "CMS". Its pretty much accepted that the 7200.10 series are all around best performers underneath the WD Raptors and Hitachi 1TB w/300GB platters.

The Seagate also has a full 5 year warranty. Quiet too in my opinion.

[BeepBeep2]

woah....i dont believe that.....but really, like alaron said seagate's are MUCH faster and more reliable...7200.10's (barracuda's) and actually compete with WD Raptors ..........


Please go with the one i linked for you. it is much faster and more reliable.

[Sofronitsky]

What are the differences between the Allendale and conroe cpus... I wouldn't mind saving myself $40 and getting the E6400 Allendale BeepBeep2 recommended. But if the E6420 Conroe is a MUCH better cpu then I'll stick with it

[BeepBeep2]

well, that E6240 conroe is a very good gaming cpu i would pair that with an 7800gt...heehee...an amd 4800+ is equal paired with an 7800gt...it's way overkill for your purpose

that E4400 aldendale is also nice...i would pair it with a 7600GS:haha...this cpu is still a little overkill

[Mr.Ferrari]

The E4400 is a crippled allendale, with 800mhz fsb and the same amount of cache as a regular conroe. The speed difference should be all that much.

[BeepBeep2]

he typed that wrong...i recommended the E4400 not E6400....and he was going to get the E6240.....not the E6420

[Sofronitsky]

yeah, I meant the E4400 not E6400(/6420).. I think I'm leaning toward the e4400. Again this will be used for audio playback only, nothing else, I don't think I need a really fast processor for that. Unless someone thinks that for my purposes the e6420 is worth the extra $40 then I'm going with the cheaper cpu. Thanks everyone.

-------------

Total cash saved since using online computer forums: $100

[Mr.Ferrari]

If you want to save money elsewhere, another option could be getting a motherboard (945G 965G) with onboard video and getting a Foxconn TS1 psu case combo.

[BeepBeep2]

also...when you started this thread, you said you would buy a WD Raptor...if you get that seagate....you wont need it...you really wouldnt need/want it anyway.

heehee: i build with amd...but know about intel

[Sofronitsky]

Yeah, I have no need for a 10k drive... at the time it seemed like a good thing to have for OS and programs, I'm glad I got some good feedback here.

[BeepBeep2]

soo....seagate or samsung(in my opinion sucksung)?

oh: and that optical drive looks too expensive

[Mr.Ferrari]

The BenQ 1655 are totally worth the price if you can find one. Big brothers to the 1640's. Great, consistent drives.

The Samsungs are quiet drives, and have good GB/$ ratio, but the new ones are slower and haven't proven themselves quite yet.

[BeepBeep2]

i have this drive here (mine's ide it's the fastest i've ever owned:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106072

you have a P965 mobo...you might have trouble with ide.