First PC - does this spec make sense?

[marcyv77]

I'm building my first PC soon, and I've put together the following components. Do they look like a good combination? Can anyone spot any big clashes or omissions?

ASUS P5K AiLifestyle Series iP35 Socket 775
Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 2.66GHz 1333FSB Socket 775
2 X Corsair 2GB Kit (2x1GB) DDR2 800MHz/PC2-6400 XMS2
2 X WD 500GB SATA
2 X Samsung SH-S203B
Antec P182 Black SPCR Advanced Super Mid Tower - No PSU
Antec NEO HE550GB 550W Modular PSU With 80mm Low Speed/noise Fan 18db
Zotac GeForce 8800GT
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium x32Bit OEM 1PK DVD

Thanks for any help!

[flanzig1]

Good picks. A couple of minor things: With the Corsair ram, get the CAS 5.
For the DVD drives would look to Lite-On or Sony. Samsungs aren't that good.
Haven't heard of Zotec video cards, EVGA is the premier Nvidia video card makers. BFG are good also.

[doubledragon5]

I would also switch the two Wd for Segate 7200.10 with the 16mb cache..

[marcyv77]

Thanks very much for the responses.

To flanzig1: I've had a look around, but I don't really understand what CAS 5 means and what difference it would make. With the Zotac card, I also hadn't heard of them but I've seen the card come out extremely well in two reviews and it's also quite cost-effective. I'll look into Sony drives.

To doubledragon5: The WDs I was looking at also have a 16mb cache - why would you switch to Seagate?

[Devastator]

Seagates come with a 5 year warranty compared to Western Digital's 3, apparently they're having less blips than WD so go with Seagate.

[shadowpr]

Just to voice in with my opinion. I algree with what others have said, and I would also add that if you're going to get Vista 32bit, then just stay with 2gb. If you want to get 4gb, then get Vista 64. That way Windows will be able to use the while 4gb.

Also, if you decide to get 4gb, get 2x2gb pack.

[marcyv77]

Originally Posted by shadowpr Just to voice in with my opinion. I algree with what others have said, and I would also add that if you're going to get Vista 32bit, then just stay with 2gb. If you want to get 4gb, then get Vista 64. That way Windows will be able to use the while 4gb. Also, if you decide to get 4gb, get 2x2gb pack.

As I understand it, Vista will probably recognize about 3GB of RAM. I figured I might as well have some extra and have the most that it will let me.

I don't really fancy 64-bit Vista based on the driver compatibility issue. There also doesn't seem to be much out there that really needs/uses 64-bit computing at the moment.

Depending on cost, the 2 X 2GB RAM idea is a good one though. Thanks.

[shadowpr]

If you're worried about drivers for vista 64, I'll say this, if you're dealing with newer hardware, then it shouldn't really be an issue.

[Speedster92]

Originally Posted by shadowpr If you're worried about drivers for vista 64, I'll say this, if you're dealing with newer hardware, then it shouldn't really be an issue.

True Story.

[marcyv77]

Originally Posted by shadowpr If you're worried about drivers for vista 64, I'll say this, if you're dealing with newer hardware, then it shouldn't really be an issue.

I accept your point in terms of hardware I buy today, but I don't want to have to chuck out old hardware just because I've swapped OS.

I'm most concerned about things like my printer and USB soundcard, which have not had dedicated 64-bit drivers released. As I understand it, 32-bit drivers can't even be tried.

[shadowpr]

On that, I'm not sure. You could always check the manufacturers website to see if they do have the drivers, or if they would be needed at all.

Also check the forums at their webiste if they have one. Usually find sepcific answers there.

[Katreat]

Originally Posted by marcyv77 I've had a look around, but I don't really understand what CAS 5 means and what difference it would make.

Basically, the lower the number the faster the ram. The P35 chipset on the P5K MB as I understand it has had some issues with faster ram speeds. Unless you are planning on major OC'ing the ram speed is not important so to make the system more stable it is recommended to go with the CAS 5 ram with P35 MBs. It is not absolutely necessary, but since it is the same cost and the faster ram gives you no real advantage unless OC'ing it is just a safer route to take.

I generally agree with the others and recommend Seagate HD for their quality and warrenty. WD makes good HD also and if you can get them cheaper then go for it. But I have had HD failures after 3 years and that extra 2 years of replacement is nice if the price is the same. Both Seagate and WD make quality HDs.

Kat

[marcyv77]

First off, thanks to everyone for all the help so far. This is an extremely useful forum because of people like you.

On the CAS 5 front, I can't find any mention of it on eBuyer. This is the RAM I'm planning to get. It mentions CL 5 - same thing? If not could someone point out the right product please?

Also, I've actually made the effort to look for drivers on the websites, and even old products have now been updated for 64-bit. Thanks for stopping my blind prejudice from getting in my way again!

To be honest, I should have checked it earlier - I'm swiftly turning into the kind of person that really irritates me on forums!

[glc]

CAS is the same as CL.