First Time Build Draft of Components

[orangupingu]

OK, so I'm a noob at this, but not a noob to computers. I've been researching PC building for a few months now, maybe more I can't remember, and I've made a list of the components I would like to buy. Below I've listed the components that I wish to use.

This PC would be used for making music, using Microsoft Word, Excel etc. Browsing the internet, encoding audio, video editing (just for youtube though ) watching video, listening to music etc. I won't be playing games except for those online, so I don't need a top end video card. I'll also want to watch and record Freeview TV.

Monitor - Samsung 22" SM-226 BW Black Widescreen LCD - £234.99
CPU - Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 2.66GHz Processor - £116.95
Motherboard - ASUS P5KC - £75.08
Graphics Card - Sapphire 512MB HD 26600 PRO PCI-E - £55.25
DVD Drive - Samsung Dual Layer 18x DVD Drive with Lightscribe - £18.91
HDD - Samsung SpinPoint HD321KJ 320GB - £44.05
Keyboard and Mouse - Logitech Desktop Keyboard and Mouse Wireless Set - £29.48
TV Card - Hauppagauge WinTV-Nova-T PCI Freeview Receiver - £29.13
CPU Heatsink/Fan - Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro - £15.85
TIM - Arctic Silver 5 - £4.50
Anti-Static - Wrist Strap - £5.22
Case - Antec 900
OS - Windows XP SP2 OEM - £50.45
Floppy Drive - Sony Black Floppy Drive OEM - £4.10
PSU - Antec EarthWatts EA-500 - £42.56
RAM - 2GB CorsairTwinX XMS2, DDR2 PC2-6400 - £66.55
Cable Ties 100 Pack of cable Ties - £1.12 and 5 Pack Akasa Velcro Ties - £2.34

Subtotal - £857.53

I would appreciate it if you could critique my build and improve it if you can. I do not mind (in fact welcome as anyone would) cheaper components that would offer the same quality and performance as the ones I've listed above, however, I would like to stick with well know brands just for reliability issues. Ideally, I wanted this build to be under or just over £700, but I don't think I'm going to get that

Oh, and I'll need some sort of internet security too. If freeware, such as AVG, is as good as their counterparts that you have to pay for, I'd rather stick with the free ones .

I don't really have a budget but I do want this build to be as cheap as possible as I'm starting college and then uni straight after so I'll need some cash for that too. Also, I want to buy some audio stuff so I need money for that too. But don't compromise quality for cost please, I'd rather pay extra

Thanks in advance for your help.

P.S. I'd rather stick to www.scan.co.uk, www.lambda-tek.com and www.dabs.com if possible, but if not, then no worries.

[Jimmy0]

Do you plan to overclock this build? Because if you do not then you don't need the CPU cooler as the retail one will be fine (also note by not using the retail CPU cooler you void the warranty on your processor). Obviously if you don't plan to overclock and don't get the aftermarket cooler, you also won't need the Arctic Silver 5.

Also unless you have a need for a floppy drive, you don't necessarily need one at all. But this is up to you whether you think you will need it or not.

[flanzig1]

Would look to Lite-On for the DVD drive and a Seagate 7200.10 in a SATA drive. Samsung drives have been problematic.
For internet security and free: AVG Free/Zonealarm firewall/Adaware from Lavasoft and SpyBot S&D for spyware.

[orangupingu]

Hi, I'm not planning to overclock, however, throughout these forums people have said not to use the stock heatsink that comes with the CPU and it's best to use the one I mentioned above. I've made revisions to the parts that I'm going to get, but I'll post them later as I'm not yet finished browsing for products.

Thanks once again.

[blue60007]

I'd use the one that comes with the CPU. It's sufficient if you aren't overclocking and you'll keep your warranty valid by using it.

[Katreat]

Originally Posted by orangupingu Hi, I'm not planning to overclock, however, throughout these forums people have said not to use the stock heatsink that comes with the CPU and it's best to use the one I mentioned above. I've made revisions to the parts that I'm going to get, but I'll post them later as I'm not yet finished browsing for products. Thanks once again.

You must be reading OC posts. Basically, if you do not plan to OC the general recomendation is to stick to stock cooler and preserve the warrenty on your CPU. The Intel heat sink can be a little tricky to install I hear, mine stapped right in without problems so never experineced it myself, but so can most of the aftermarket units. So, I would recommend you stay stock and preserve your CPU warrenty.

Kat

[The_YongGrand]

Originally Posted by orangupingu Hi, I'm not planning to overclock, however, throughout these forums people have said not to use the stock heatsink that comes with the CPU and it's best to use the one I mentioned above. I've made revisions to the parts that I'm going to get, but I'll post them later as I'm not yet finished browsing for products. Thanks once again.

No need to change your HSF since you are not overclocking. The stock is just right for the processor itself.

[orangupingu]

Thanks guys, must have just got a little confused I'll still be compiling the final list of components over the next two or three days, so I'll keep you posted. Does anyone have any experience with the Sapphire HD 2600 XT? I'll hit up the graphics card threads and see what I find out.

Thanks.

[Katreat]

The 2600 got a bad rep when it was first released with crappy drivers. I have one freind who used it and now that they have updated drivers it seems to be a pretty nice card. From tests I have recently read it is getting much better ratings. On some applications it even gives the 8800 GTX (a more expensive card) a race, but overall I think the performance sits between the 8800 GTS 320 and 640 which is about what the price reflects.

You should check out Toms Hardware video card reviews and take a look at how it performs on the types of software you will be using it for.

Kat