Newbie builder

[Vakril]

So my computer is about 4-5 years old now. I play alot of mmo's and games on my computer and with the increase in the quality of games its time to get a new one. This previous one i bought was a custom build off of a site. I've heard its cheaper to build a computer yourself and I want to give it a shot.

I want to make an SLI (intel) gaming computer. I dont need it to be the latest and greatest in all fields. I would like something nearer to the best but i can settle for 2nd or 3rd rate stuff if it packs a punch. I would like to spend under 1500$ for this too. But im hoping all my keepers help with that. Also, I'm not interested any doing any overclocking. I would probably end up destroying my parts if i wanted to do that. So everything I buy i would like to be used as is, any modding i do would most likely be only to the case.

Everything i know about computer's ive pretty much picked up on my own and through the internet. So i used my...limited knowledge to pull together what looks like it could be a computer.

From the old computer I'm salvaging:
Monitor: 17 inch flat screen
Harddrive: 250gb
Floppy Drive
Speakers
Keyboard + mouse (optical and wireless)
Maybe my optical drives
I have a wireless mouse adapter that plugs in through a USB port

That pretty much means i need all the important stuff.

Case
My only worry about this case would of course be ventilation. But i read some reviews and some people were able to effectively replace the fans with bigger better ones. Also further down ill be asking about putting in my own cooling unit.

Motherboard
I know that i want a socket 775 atx 680i SLI ready motherboard.

CPU
I know i want it to be Core 2 duo, i dont feel that i need quadcore.

GPU
I checked out the 8600s and saw enough reviews about them that were positive. Am I skimping out on my GPU? I do plan on putting two of those in there though. Also I couldn't find that specific GPU on the SLI site. All of theirs were 256mb and this one is 512. Why is that?

RAM
Figured 2gb of ram would be enough for anything i want to do.

PSU
I had found a site once that helped you figure out how to calculate what you need for wattage. It gave you the mathematical equation and explained how it works. So I'm not sure if i picked the right thing. Is this overkill? Will this be able to power to graphics cards at the same time?

I plan on getting a basic sound card, i just use my computer for music and such.

Optical Drives: any personal suggestions? otherwise ill most likely grab the best looking one. I do want two drives. One DVD drive and the other a CD drive (can burn CDs, doesnt need to do DVDs)


Questions:
Is it bad to mix DDR2 and DDR3 RAM? I think i made sure everything had DDR2. Do i even have to worry about mixing it?

I wanted to ask about cooling units and fans. Even if I get redirected to another thread would be great. I want to put a cooling kit in my PC to help out but i dont want to have to go all out. I was hoping to buy a whole kit that you just either stick in there, or stick onto each part you want cooled. I would prefer it go inside the PC also. Nothing too complicated. Or would fans be just as good? Do i need both (aside from the standard ones that come with the product)?

I have no clue if all of that is compatible and thats why i posted it here hoping i could get some help, if you need any more information i will fork it over, but i hope i gave you enough. I'm more than willing to take plenty of advice on where to buy certain products, suggestion as to brands, and even specific ones too.

Do i need something for my wireless internet adapter? It plugs into a USB port and comes with a CD for installation. Since it's not plugged into any specific device i figured i wouldn't need one, am i wrong?

And last but not least, am i missing anything else? I'd like to think i got all the main parts. And asked about anything i felt i still needed.


Would appreciate any suggestions and help. Thanx!

[skooiker]

Well what you have there all looks to be compatible, and if you mean mixing a video card that has ddr3 ram with the ddr2 ram for your motherboard, dont worry, it wont make a difference. I would just make sure you have an OS ready to install, and have you considered a dvd/cd-rw combo drive? it will save space and power, rather than having one for dvd and one for cd-rw.

[Gen.Ben]

Don't get those 8600's.

One 8800GTS will kick the crap out of two 8600's in SLI. And it will be only a tad more expensive.

Also, I would recommend a quad core processor (Q6600) over that because it is the same price. If you insist on going with a Core 2, go with a E6750 because it is cheaper and it is just below the E6850 in performance.

[Katreat]

Generally SLI is not recommended. One new generation card always out performs two older cards so unless you have the funds to actually get two of the best cards available, right from the start, you are better off saving some money and just upgrading when a new card comes out. Basically, SLI is designed to make the best better. If it is used with something less than the best then you might as well have just purchased a better card to start with.

Based on that assumption, I would recommend something like what is in my signature. It is very fast, will currently play just about any game on high settings, and likely will continue to play games well for a long time to come.

If you are really set on SLI at the minimum get a 8800 GTS 320 and pop in a second sometime down the road. As Gen pointed out, one 8800 GTS 320 would destroy two 8600s in SLI and where the 8600 is a so so gaming card, the 8800 GTS will rock games.

Kat

Edit: Just read another of your questions. If you do not plan on heavy OC’ing, the stock cooler that comes with the CPU is fine. Most newer cases have good ventilation and temperature is not the huge problem with C2D as it was with some of the Pentiums. Also, using an after market cooler will likely void your warrenty on your CPU.

The video card will likely use DDR3, you will likely use DDR2 in the MB, there is no compatibility issue.

For burner Lite-on is highly recommended. Get it SATA and if you buy a retail version you get burning software with it for a couple of dollars more.

Things are moving from IDE to SATA so most new MB do not have native IDE support. So you might avoid some problems by replacing your HD when you build with a new SATA model and using your old one with an external enclosure for back-ups. The MB do have a second party IDE controller so if you have to use your HD it should be fine, but if you can afford a new one you might avoid some issues.

As for the size of the PSU, if you stick with SLI, check out the Nivida site and find one that is certified for the vid cards you plan on using. If you go with a single card you would probably be fine with any good PSU over about 550w.

[Vakril]

Thanx alot for your suggestion guys you really cleared up a couple of questions for me.

Ill deffinitely check out the 8800gts for my graphics card.

Also Ill check out what it would cost to make a non SLI computer and compare the two.

Also Katreat my harddrive i have currently is actually a replacement already and from what ive read on it, it is SATA, i could be wrong still as all ive done is read off of the label on it. So i figured id be ok.

[Edit]
As for the whole SLI idea, i wanted to get it as a way to future proof my computer, one of the reasons i was never able to upgrade just my current PC was that my motherboard went outdated, PCI-E had JUST come out after i bought my computer and with that alot of parts went to PCI-E which i wasnt able to use.
So I was hoping to try and get an SLI ready setup going so that if i had some cash to spare i could go upgrade my graphics card here or my ram there. Was I on the right track? or was i just wasting my time with SLI and dont need that to.
Another issue is i play an MMORPG and ive really heard SLI can drastically improve alot of game's performance out there.

[blue60007]

The problem with getting a SLI board with the intent of upgrade down the road is, by the time you upgrade (even if it's only 6-12 months) there'll be a new card out that will outperform two of the old card (keeping in mind that sometimes SLI might only give little improvements in some games) or, your original card won't even be for sale. I bet a year from now the 8800GTS won't even be sold new - it'll be replaced by something better.

Also, SLI really doesn't start to shine till you get into very high resolutions. SLI has more benefits if you are playing on a huge 32" screen or something than you will on a 17". It has a modest enough resolution that a 8800GTS will play current games and future games smoothly long enough that you start running into the issues I mentioned above.

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by Vakril As for the whole SLI idea, i wanted to get it as a way to future proof my computer, one of the reasons i was never able to upgrade just my current PC was that my motherboard went outdated, PCI-E had JUST come out after i bought my computer and with that alot of parts went to PCI-E which i wasnt able to use. So I was hoping to try and get an SLI ready setup going so that if i had some cash to spare i could go upgrade my graphics card here or my ram there. Was I on the right track? or was i just wasting my time with SLI and dont need that to. Another issue is i play an MMORPG and ive really heard SLI can drastically improve alot of game's performance out there.

If you're on a tight budget then SLi doesn't make much sense because of the added cost of the 2 video cards, the SLi motherboard and the required SLi certified power supply you'd need.

If you have an unlimited budget then that's when SLi is worth it because now you can get all those high end SLi parts to build that monster gaming rig. In my opinion, the only time SLi is really worth it is if you can afford to install 2 of the most powerful SLi video cards in a high end SLi motherboard with that SLi certified 1000 watt + power supply...it'll keep you happy for a long time.

Cricket

[Vakril]

Thanx to everyones suggestions i rebuilt my computer. It's no longer an SLI one. I hope this is better and cheaper:

Keepers from old comp:
Harddrive - should be SATA, 250gb
Floppy drive
Monitor
Speakers keyboard and mouse
Wireless usb internet adapter (if i can)

Buying:
Case
My main concern would be cooling. Ive read that 8800gts cards can get pretty hot, but that 250mm fan is supposed to be very effective, and also its on the side so its pulling the air right off the motherboard.

PSU
This thing supposedly powers some of the higher end computers, with 2 of the graphics cards im getting plus quad core. So I hope this is enough.

Motherboard
My biggest concern is will this work with DDR2 ram? I think the motherboard is DDR3 but not sure. Am i short changing myself with just DDR2 ram? I know i cant afford DDR3 ram, so if DDR2 wont work or wont be a good idea, then id need to find a new motherboard, of which im open to all suggestions.
Also do i HAVE to use the wireless internet adapter? Or can i use my own? Is the one that comes with the motherboard even worth it?

CPU
This seems to be the best within my price range. anything higher would be a quad core i think, and i dont havethe cash for that.

GPU
So i grabbed the infamous 8800gts card, hope i grabbed the right one!

RAM
Ive heard great reviews on Patriot ram, plus ive heard it works with all of the items i chose (some i was reading wouldnt acknowledge certain ram etc)

Soundcard
Basic, but efficient. Thats all i need.

Does that make the cut?

[shadowpr]

might want to change MB to: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131182

this one will support ddr2 ram, not ddr3 like the one you picked

[blue60007]

Case: It's your preference, but it seems to me that huge fan would just blast the heck of the computer and there would be no real airflow through the case.

PSU: Hang on, you are going with SLI? Intel chipset boards (ie, the P5K) won't work. Those don't support SLI. You want one with a nVidia SLI chipset.

Mobo: see shadowpr's post
No, you don't have to use the wireless adapter - if you need wireless, I'd suggest going ahead and using it if you are getting it (and free up a PCI slot).

Soundcard: Might as well stick with the onboard sound with the mobo - it's probably about the same.

[Vakril]

Actually blue, everyone ended up talking me out of SLI, being that i wasnt really getting what i wanted out of it.

So if i dont do SLI, is that PSU ok then?

Will grab the other suggested Motherboard though. Thanx to Shadow and your back up post.
Does this one have a built in soundcard also then? Or am i being stupid and all Motherboards come with built in soundcards? lol
Didnt realize that there was an internal sound card on the motherboard, saved me 30$!


As for the Case, since i just saved 30$ i would like to go through them again, if there are any personal preferences im game. Would my original case be better? Would it still be vented enough?
Original Case
I have no personal preference really right now on Cases, so im open to all suggestions. I would prefer it to have the front/ easier access I/O port, a screwless design, and maybe be aluminum since i dont have much else cooling. Honestly any suggestions would be welcome. Just nothing over 100$ preferably, unless its a REALLY good case. Then I might make an exception.

[shadowpr]

that mb does have onboard sound, so you don't NEED a soundcard, but you could still get one.

that psu should work.

and the case is really personal choice. i personally got the antec 900. plenty of cooling. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...pk=antec%2b900

[Vakril]

Wow. That case was nice. I will deffinitely keep it in mind. Thanx alot for the suggestion. Only real problem would be the price but, would seem very very worth it if i cant find anything else.

Still up for any suggestion on anything of course! Any concerns just throw em out there!

But...
Awesome it seems i have a computer to build now! Now if only it started raining money...

[blue60007]

Take a look at Thermaltake cases - I've seen some pretty spiffy looking ones. I have a cheapie case from them and it's good quality considering the cost.

[Vakril]

Awesome! Thanx for the brand tip. Im also grabbing a PSU from them, so at least that means (or should!) that itll fit in the case if i get one from them. Ive heard they're a really good brand. Will keep my eyes peeled!

[Katreat]

OK, few suggestions:

Personally I have always heard the best recommendations for EVGA for vid cards. Theirs is $10 more but I will throw that out.

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

As for ram I have traditionally gone with Corsair and I know it works really well in the P5K board because I used it

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145034

Now, if you want to cut costs this is about the best deal going and it seems to be getting great reviews

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231098

But as long as you stay with a name brand you should be fine.

For the processor I would suggest either switching to the Q6600 for more future proofing or saving some cash and dropping down to the E6750. It is just a little bit slower and $80 cheaper. They charge a big premium for the last little bit of speed. Personally I went with the E6750 for speed and saving some cash and figure on a quad upgrade in a year or two when more software is out that is designed for quads and the price drops a bit, but the Q6600 is no slouch for gaming now so either choice would be good.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115029

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

Cases are really a personal choice. I used the Antec 900 and I love it. It often comes on sell so shop around, got mine for around $70 + shipping. A very popular case that has good cooling for the price is the Cool Master Centurion 5

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119077

I would personally try to stick with more normal fan sizes, 120 mm preferably, a bit less noise because they turn slow, or 80mm which are still really nice. Every time I read a XClio review someone is talking about having problems finding a replacement fan because those large fans they use are non-standard. But, if you don’t break one they should be quiet. But really just look around and chose one that you personally like because you have to live with it for a while.

Kat