A truly customized rig, First build, and I am looking for help

[pepsi71ocean]

Hi I’m John,

I am new here and have spent months toiling over a new computer. My existing system (Compaq Presario 6000T), a system I have tweaked over the years is finally maxed out. My search for a new system began with Alienware, and eventually other manufactures, and with time it’s finally up to a custom build. My budget isn’t really much of a concern here, and as such the thrill of DIY, seems to keep me want to do this. I want a gaming computer, that also has the ability to do movie editing, tv recording, and playback (the plan is to eventually make it a all in one since my room is small, I would like to watch tv, record and edit it as well). I am an AMD fan, and as such, I hope I have chosen the right stuff for this build. Other things I intend to do is OC this system. I am a gaming fan, and my current rig does play World In Conflict(Surprisingly), and COD2 one mid, and high setting respectfully, but the load times is what kills me. I also love Sim City, and the latest version of Sim City is a notorious ram, and cpu, gpu intensive game. While I did tax my computer for hours (and sometimes days) it has become to slow for my taste. Anyways here is the specs for my computer, and I would like to know if anyone has any suggestions for both a sufficient psu, and a tv tuner card that will allow me to capture tv, and video from vhs tapes(I am in the processing of trying to record all of these family movies that I have acquired, and would like to preserve them for the future.

The list is as follows

Cases

COOLER MASTER CM Stacker STC-T01-UWK Black/ Silver Aluminum / Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case

Mobo

ASUS M2N-SLI Deluxe AM2 NVIDIA nForce 570 SLI MCP ATX AMD Motherboard


PSU- (I have 2 listed, I am not sure which one to choose, I don’t want to underpower my system, but at the same time I want enough excess to allow the computer to have some breathing room).

(Also has anyone ever experimented with a duel-powered system? As in having 2 PSU’s for separate things like HDD’s and CD/DVD drives, and another one for the mobo, cpu, and gpu etic?)

FSP Group FX Series FX760-E ATX12V V2.2/ EPS12V 760W Maximum Power Supply


Thermaltake toughpower W0117RU ATX12V / EPS12V 750W


CPU

AMD Athlon 64 FX-62 Windsor 2.8GHz Socket AM2 Processor Model ADAFX62IAA6CS – OEM


RAM

(Is A-DATA any good for RAM? From what I have read a lot of people use Corsair RAM with there systems, is there any difference, or is there something about Corsair that has a lot of people using it?)


A-DATA Extreme Edition 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model ADQVD1A16K


Graphics

XFX PVT80FSHE9 GeForce 8800GTX 768MB 384-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported HDCP Video Card


Heatsink

ZALMAN CNPS9700 LED 110mm 2 Ball CPU Cooler


Thermal paste

Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound



TV Tuner ( Though I had a good one till I read about the digital conversion that takes place in 2009) (I am open for suggestions tho.)

Hauppauge WinTV-PVR 150 MCE FM 1042 PCI Interface


HDD (All of the computers I have modified have had WD hdd’s only because that’s all the local best buy had and all were IDE(this is the first time I will be looking into SATA so if anyone has or knows of any reliable gaming hdd’s I’m open for suggestions.)

Primary
(Still up for debate), I want my primary to only have windows on it, and windows specific stuff.

Slave(For Programs, such as MS word, Adobe Photoshop etic.)

Slave(For Video recording and such)

Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD7500AAKS 750GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive

Slave( I want this drive for my video games, I have been looking into the WD Raptor series of HDD’s, but I have heard about issues pertaining to its reliability.

Drives
(Since I am unfamiliar with SATA related items, is there a limit to how many SATA item I can have?) I do kind of hope to build a CD rack of 3 or 4 CD drives so I can store favorite games in there, is this a possibility, or would I have better luck using cracks?)

CD-DVD Burner

ASUS Black 20X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 20X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 14X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe
(This is for my media and music burning.)


ASUS Black 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM SATA DVD-ROM Drive Model DVD-E616A3T
(This is for normal CD/DVD reading and ripping, plus my storage rack idea.)


3.5” Floppy

NEC Black 1.44MB 3.5" Internal Floppy Drive Model FD1231H-302

Cooling

Outside of the normal heatsink, and typical cooling systems, this is an area I have somewhat mastered. I will be using air cooling, but I am very good when it comes to this area, My 6000T I custom modded the air cooling system its great in the winter, I can keep my room at a cozy 70-72F with the door closed, because of the heat coming out of it, but the cpu stays at a nice 120 under load. The plan will be to work into the case a multitude of 120, and 80 mm fans that will provide directional airflow.


Keyboard& Mouse

Logitech Cordless Desktop EX110 967561-0403 Black 102 Normal Keys 12 Function Keys USB + PS/2 RF Wireless Standard Keyboard Mouse Included



Recycled/Other things.

Recycled items
My Stereo system
My 15inch LCD TV monitor, my current computer monitor


I believe I have a complete build but if I am missing anything, feel free to tell me.

Thanks for the time!

[Gen.Ben]

Are you sure you're set on AMD?

Intel is currently whipping some ass with their Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Quad processors.

For memory, Corsair is highly recommended over A-Data http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145034

For video, nVidia's 8800GT is releasing in about one week. The 512mb version will be around $250, It is right on the 8800GTX heel's in performance. It will be cheaper, and better than the 8800GTX to throw two of those bad boys in SLI.

For your heatsink, If you get a Retail CPU and not a OEM CPU, you get a fan and heatsink with the processor. You dont need anything more if you aren't doing overclocking.

[pepsi71ocean]

Yea I', set on AMD, It's something I've scene in our house, I have the only AMD computer in our house, and it also is the fastest next to my dad's apple. but its not comparing apples with apples, in either case.

I think I'll swich over to Corsair


Are there any limits to SATA ports?

I am planning on Overclocking this computer in future time. The plan is to make this computer a 8-10 year lifespan, perhaps more. I was looking at a different winsor but it had a locked multiplier, and some of the reviews said that AMD cheaped out on the heatsink, from what they said.



Which is faster 8800GTX or a 8800GT?

[Ahura]

GTX, since the word is longer and sound scarier of course.

[wildfire]

Currently, Intel is beating AMD in performance but YOur set on AMD so anyways.
Switch your ram for Corsair ram
Also, the Evga Brand is said to be much better than xfx videocards.
Go for a retail CPU because it comes with a HSF.
Seagate and WD are really good brands of Hard Drives but WD is a bit more expensive.
Sata connectors are like 1/3 of the size of a IDE cable, Sata is faster and most motherboards come with 6 sata ports. But in fact, your motherboards comes with 7 Sata ports which is more than enough.
Good PSU choice.

I'd suggest saving a few bucks and move your video card down to a 320MB 8800 GTS.
Look at the charts for the comparisons between video card performances.
Just looking at the first benchmark of Battlefield, GTX scores 117FPS and the GTS 320MB scores 102FPS, for a mere 15FPS are you really going to spend an extra $280 for that??
GTS : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130082
GTX : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130072
Charts : http://www23.tomshardware.com/graphi...=778&chart=275

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by pepsi71ocean PSU- (I have 2 listed, I am not sure which one to choose, I don’t want to underpower my system, but at the same time I want enough excess to allow the computer to have some breathing room). (Also has anyone ever experimented with a duel-powered system? As in having 2 PSU’s for separate things like HDD’s and CD/DVD drives, and another one for the mobo, cpu, and gpu etic?) FSP Group FX Series FX760-E ATX12V V2.2/ EPS12V 760W Maximum Power Supply Thermaltake toughpower W0117RU ATX12V / EPS12V 750W

Between those two the FSP is the better power supply.

Originally Posted by pepsi71ocean RAM (Is A-DATA any good for RAM? From what I have read a lot of people use Corsair RAM with there systems, is there any difference, or is there something about Corsair that has a lot of people using it?) A-DATA Extreme Edition 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model ADQVD1A16K

A-DATA RAM is okay to use, Corsair just has better quality and has a better reputation. I've used A-DATA in the past and as far as I know none of the sticks have gone bad yet.

Originally Posted by pepsi71ocean Graphics XFX PVT80FSHE9 GeForce 8800GTX 768MB 384-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported HDCP Video Card

I would go with a EVGA video card instead of a XFX.

Originally Posted by pepsi71ocean HDD (All of the computers I have modified have had WD hdd’s only because that’s all the local best buy had and all were IDE(this is the first time I will be looking into SATA so if anyone has or knows of any reliable gaming hdd’s I’m open for suggestions.)

I would use Seagate 7200.10 SATA HDDs if this were my computer.

Originally Posted by pepsi71ocean Drives (Since I am unfamiliar with SATA related items, is there a limit to how many SATA item I can have?)

You can install 1 SATA drive on each SATA port on the motherboard. Once you run out of those you can install a SATA controller card to give you more ports to install SATA drives to.

Originally Posted by pepsi71ocean I do kind of hope to build a CD rack of 3 or 4 CD drives so I can store favorite games in there, is this a possibility, or would I have better luck using cracks?

Cracks? Not sure what you're talking about here.

Originally Posted by pepsi71ocean Are there any limits to SATA ports?

One drive per port.

Originally Posted by pepsi71ocean I am planning on Overclocking this computer in future time.

If that's the case then you have to be sure you get the right parts now. You'll want to do your homework on the RAM, motherboard and power supply...you'll want faster RAM, a good overclockable motherboard and a power supply that can handle the added demands an overclocked rig will make on it.

Originally Posted by pepsi71ocean The plan is to make this computer a 8-10 year lifespan, perhaps more.

8 to 10 years or possibly more? That's asking a lot from the system. A more realistic goal would be 3 to 5 years...but 8 to 10 years is possible is you don't intend to keep gaming on it. I have a 7 year old PIII 800MHz computer that I use as a internet cruiser and photo editor, but I wouldn't use it for much more than that.

Originally Posted by pepsi71ocean Which is faster 8800GTX or a 8800GT?

The 8800GTX.

Cricket

[Katreat]

If you are set on AMD you might check out there new 65nm CPU. It is suppose to be an OC dream chip.

http://www.tomshardware.com/2007/10/...t_overclocker/

Note that even with OC'ing it compairs to the mid range Intel right now. Until AMD brings out their new line up I dont think they are going to give Intel a run for the money on a single CPU build.

As for 8-10 year life span I think you have a problem. AMD has already anounced a new socket to replace AM2. Although the new CPU line up will supposedly work in the old socket, it is still not clear if you will recieve the benefits of them. If you are set on AMD and want long life span I would suggest waiting a month or so and see what the new chips look like. they are said to be released sometime around November last I heard. Even then as Cricket points out 8-10 years is a much longer life than most computers will ever achieve. Even 3-5 years requires some pretty substantial upgrades along the way.

Kat

[pepsi71ocean]

The updated list is as follows

Cases

COOLER MASTER CM Stacker STC-T01-UWK Black/ Silver Aluminum / Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case

Mobo

ASUS M2N-SLI Deluxe AM2 NVIDIA nForce 570 SLI MCP ATX AMD Motherboard


PSU

FSP Group FX Series FX760-E ATX12V V2.2/ EPS12V 760W Maximum Power Supply


CPU

AMD Athlon 64 FX-62 Windsor 2.8GHz Socket AM2 Processor Model ADAFX62IAA6CS – OEM


RAM

CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory


Graphics

EVGA 320-P2-N811-AR GeForce 8800GTS 320MB 320-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card

Heatsink

ZALMAN CNPS9700 LED 110mm 2 Ball CPU Cooler


Thermal paste

Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound



TV Tuner ( Though I had a good one till I read about the digital conversion that takes place in 2009) (I am open for suggestions tho.)

Hauppauge WinTV-PVR 150 MCE FM 1042 PCI Interface


HDD
Primary

Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250310AS 250GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
I plan on partitioning this HDD into 2 partitions, 1 for windows stuff, 2 for programs.
Slave(See above)

Slave(For Video recording and such)

Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD7500AAKS 750GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive

Slave(For Games)

Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 (Perpendicular Recording) ST3750640AS 750GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive


Drives
CD-DVD Burner

ASUS Black 20X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 20X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 14X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe
(This is for my media and music burning.)


ASUS Black 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM SATA DVD-ROM Drive Model DVD-E616A3T
(This is for normal CD/DVD reading and ripping, plus my storage rack idea.)


3.5” Floppy

NEC Black 1.44MB 3.5" Internal Floppy Drive Model FD1231H-302

Cooling

Outside of the normal heatsink, and typical cooling systems, this is an area I have somewhat mastered. I will be using air cooling, but I am very good when it comes to this area, My 6000T I custom modded the air cooling system its great in the winter, I can keep my room at a cozy 70-72F with the door closed, because of the heat coming out of it, but the cpu stays at a nice 120 under load. The plan will be to work into the case a multitude of 120, and 80 mm fans that will provide directional airflow.


Keyboard& Mouse

Logitech Cordless Desktop EX110 967561-0403 Black 102 Normal Keys 12 Function Keys USB + PS/2 RF Wireless Standard Keyboard Mouse Included



Recycled/Other things.

Recycled items
My Stereo system
My 15inch LCD TV monitor, my current computer monitor


How does this list compare?

As for a CPU, I did some research and people seem to say that the CPU can be ock’ed like a charm, but the mobo I am not sure of,
ASUS M2N-SLI Deluxe AM2 NVIDIA nForce 570 SLI MCP ATX AMD Motherboard. Has anyone ever ock’ed this mobo, or does anyone know of a mobo that would be a good ock’ing mobo for AMD?


Thanks for your time!

[Ahura]

Crack = Daemon Tool?

[MadinKS]

Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250310AS 250GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive I plan on partitioning this HDD into 2 partitions, 1 for windows stuff, 2 for programs. Slave(See above)

Did you notice this is the 8MB cache and not the 16? Don't know if it matters to you, just wanted to point it out.

[pepsi71ocean]

Ahura, yes it does, but ive had issues in the past with cracks, so im trying to avoid having to insert a multitude of disks.

MadinKS: I didn't notice that actully, does it have an impact on speed tho? It will be the HDD for the os, and the wimdos based programs like MS word and such.


Should I go with XP SP2 Home Edition, or should i dump it for Vista?


I did some research and the FX-62 has a totally unlocked multiplier, that combind with a zaleman should do the trick with keeping it cool.

Does this setup i have look like it will work?

[Ahura]

The most use yu could utilize Daemon Tool and the like programs are to mount the image files. Yu probably will not even need it if yu burn it to a cd and try to use it from there, I have done that but I heard it work.

I do not think PCmech allow this kind of talk eh? since it is hack related.

If yu really serious about yur graphic, then directX 10 might be appeal to have. Otherwise I say XP w/ SP2.

[pepsi71ocean]

Im filimar with DT, but ive had issues, thats why i don't do that anymore. Instead i plan on building a cd rack for my computer at some point in the future, something with around 10 or 12 cd/dvd drives so i can just store them in there, so all you need to do is click on the the program, and the disk is already loaded and such, this way its already in a cd/dvd drive i have issues with my brother and sister taking COD2 or SC4 out to play GTA, or The Sims. then they usually leave the disk turn over on my desk, to gather dust. (its disheartning, but what can i do, i have the only gaming pc in the house?)

Im not exactly sure if that can be built, but i think i've scene something similar before. Like a huge multi disk cd player for audio, i want to do something similar for my pc.

[Ahura]

Yu know that some games after yu replace the original .exe file w/ the cracked .exe it can be run w/out the need of an imaginary cd in the imaginary drive.

[Cricket]

I think you guys should stop discussing cracks before one of you gets banned.

From the Forum Rules:

Zero Tolerance on Piracy
NO WAREZ. NO SERIALS. NO CRACKS / CRACKING / ILLEGAL PROGRAMS. Anything that can be used in software piracy or other illegal software activities will result in a ban. Same goes for abusive programs like mailbombers, forum and usenet flooders and email harvesting bots. This also includes unreleased products. Workarounds which comprimise security, bypass password protection, or otherwise go to gain unauthorized access to private data or information is prohibitied. Links provided to locations that offer tutorials or tips for any of these activities are also forbidden."

Cricket

[pepsi71ocean]

Thanks Cricket,

Does anyone think my set up is good to go for purchasing? I am kind of anxious to get started on this.

[Cricket]

The parts selection looks okay to me but I'm not an overclocker and I haven't built a AMD based system in years so you should wait for some of the AMD users to give their opinions before you buy.

Cricket

[pepsi71ocean]

Cricket: Do you know of anyone or anyplace that might have a large AMD group that would be able to tell how my rig will hold up?

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by pepsi71ocean Cricket: Do you know of anyone or anyplace that might have a large AMD group that would be able to tell how my rig will hold up?

Sorry, I don't know of any good AMD forums. This is the only forum I visit...had my fill of other forums where arrogant mods, rude behavior, foul language, trolls and flame wars are the norm.

Cricket

[pepsi71ocean]

I did some research and the CPU i chose has a totally unlocked multiplier, so the cpu is set.

Does Corsair RAM seem to do well with overclocking?

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by pepsi71ocean Does Corsair RAM seem to do well with overclocking?

Yes...Corsair XMS is designed for overclocking, ValueSelect is not.

Cricket

[pepsi71ocean]

Anyone have any sugestions for either Vista or XP Home for an os? Are there drawbacks to vista?

[Katreat]

Many bugs have been fixed with Vista and I have it up and running with few problems. I expect more will be found, but generally it is working. For me it all came down to 10X. I wanted to see it on my new computer so I took the plunge. XP has been around for a long time and it pretty stable so if viewing new 10X games is not a high priority I would think an XP set up would be the more problem free. I am running everything at stock and doubt I will even consider OC'ing until my computer is old and getting slow so not sure if that has an effect on what OS to choose.

Kat

Oh, almost forgot. If you are considering 64 bit then you definately want to go Vista from all I have read. XP64 was never very well supported and has many driver issues. It appears that Vista 64 is getting pretty good support, maybe a little slower than Vista 32 but everyone seems to be stepping up to support it so it is the OS of choice if you want to run more than 3.2 gigs of ram.

[pepsi71ocean]

would 10X games play good on 9X using XP Home? I do plan to Overclock, and hoping that OCing it might help longevity as i plan tto overclock in stages to keep up with games i want to play.


Can you put 10X on XP? or is that Vista only?