First time build

[Conundrum]

Hello All,

I've been wanting a new computer for some time now as i fear my laptop is dying. It's a 5 yr old Inspiron 5150 w/ the 3.06 ghz p4 toaster oven. I was going to buy a new desktop from Dell, but a friend said I could build myself own to get a better system at a better price. (that and i needed a hobby)

MB: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131196

CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115017

RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145590

GPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130082

PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139001
Not sure if I'm under/ overpowered here

HDD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148140

Optical1: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106040

Optical2: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106072
Not sure if i need it, but at 25 bucks it can't hurt ( can it?)
OS: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116204

Keyboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16823126179

Mouse: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16826104203

Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811147001

Monitor: have a decent CRT, may use my 42" 1080p tv if it works out (have a DVI to HDMI cable ordered)

Extras: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811992002
2xhttp://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835150037
partially going with the control panel for looks, but the 5150 has me paranoid about overheating. I figured I'd put the 2x 80mm in the front of the case blowing back and control them with the panel for noise/ temp. (if it's ever a problem)

Total: $1440 ( i was going to spend $1850 for the Dell)
My target price was $1500 or less for a decent gaming rig/ multitasker with a bit of future-proofing.

From what I've seen i think this is a pretty good build, but I'd like your opinions.
Also, I would like to know if i should get any extra SATA or miscellaneous cables, etc.

Thanks much,
Conundrum

[Ahura]

I think w/ 55ish dollars, yu can get a better case, w/out the PSU.

[Gen.Ben]

That looks like a VERY solid list, looks like you have been doing your homework!

Although I would recommend a bit bigger power supply, possibly a 620 watt from Corsair. That one you picked will power that setup fine, but you generally want a lot of headroom to upgrade.

Also, you chose a 64-Bit version of windows, unless you want to upgrade to 4GB of memory in the near future, I wouldn't recommend a 64-bit windows unless you are getting something out of it(4GB of memory) because a lot of older hardware does not have 64-bit drivers out, and there just is some compatibility issues in general with 64-bit operating systems..

Also, that case you chose came with a really crappy power supply, If you are going to get that case, DO NOT use the power supply that comes with it. It's a piece of steaming crap.


Personally, I love two optical drives due to the fact of burning disk to disk. You don't need any more cables unless you want to buy some that are UV reactive for looks or somthing. Your motherboard includes some standard cables.

Looks like a great build. Enjoy it to hell!

[Conundrum]

Oops, thought I posted the 32 bit version http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116202

As for the PSU, I was planning on junking it when the case showed up. it would be nice to find that case w/o it. However I can't buy for a week or two so I'll case shop a little more.

Thanks

[Jimmy0]

Perhaps something like the Cooler Master Centurion 5 case might take your liking.

However there is nothing wrong with that Roswell case, just make sure you don't use the PSU that comes with it.

Or if you want to spend a lot of money on a case, I have heard great things about the Antec P180 series.

[Conundrum]

I've noticed that some components (memory, psu, cpu, mb) are Nvidia SLI ready, I read into it a little, but i wanted to see what you guys knew. Because it seems that I would only need the SLI components if I ran dual gpu's.

So... is there any benefit to buying SLI components (when non-SLI are available) if i only have one gpu?
example:
SLI
non-SLI

Also, I wanted to verify that the 800 Mhz ram will not bottleneck the cpu's 1066 Mhz fsb becauseit is DDR2.

Thanks
- C

[Katreat]

SLI ready is a certification. It lets you know that the item has been tested and approved for a Nividia SLI set up. If you where building SLI it might be important and give you additional information to help chose your parts. If you are not building SLI it is basically a non-issue.

I have seen PSUs on the "BAD" list flying the SLI certified banner so I would not put to much weight on the certification and spend more time reading forums and talking to people to make your decision on parts.

Kat

[Conundrum]

I will be ordering my new system friday
I Decided to make a few minor changes before ordering.
The changes shouldn't effect compatibility, but don't be shy if they do.

MB: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131196

CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115017

RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145590

GPU: http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16814130038
got a faster gpu clock for $5 more

PSU: http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16817139002
taking Gen. Ben's advice and upgrading to 620w psu

HDD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148140

Optical1: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106040

Optical2: Currently out of stock @ newegg, I'll see how it is w/ one and get the other when i buy a lcd monitor

OS: http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16832116202
changed link to 32 bit vista like originally intended

Keyboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16823126179

Mouse: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16826104203

Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811147001
First order of business is to junk the psu that comes with it.

Monitor: Have CRT, Probably going to get a 22" samsung in a month or so.

Extras:
2xhttp://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16811999069
decided to ditch the control panel after reading some reviews, figured i can tune down the fans with ASUS probe if needed . Also decided to get some different fans for the front (dual ball instead of sleeve). I can always add lights later if i desire.

I'm also looking to buy some games with it if anyone has suggestions.
HL2 and C&C3 are on the list

Thanks for your input
- C

[Katreat]

I personally get by with one Optical but I suppose two has its place. You might look at this one since you will be starting with only one. It is a little more but will burn everything you could possible want and is retail so it comes with Nero software.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106072

Kat