My first build, advice appreciated

[burtonjunky]

First of all, I want to let you all know that I've been reading these forums for a while, and I feel that this site is a tremendous resource.

I want to try to build my own PC for the first time. My current PC (dead-ish) was built for me back in 2001. Intel 850GBC board w/1.8ghz P4, 512k of RDRAM, and a 64MB GeForce 3, all running XP Home.

I think I've got a fair understanding of compatibility, but please point out anything I've overlooked, or any suggestions in general. I've got a few comparative questions that I had considered starting new threads for, but I'll start here and will move to other forums if requested.

The focus of my build will be basic home computing: MS Office, web surfing, some light gaming (looking at Command & Conquer 3 right now, not interested in Crysis), and I would like to add an HDTV tuner w/DVR functionality. I'll do some light video editing, burning finished product to dvd occasionally. I'm not interested in overclocking, I'm looking more for stability and dependability - but I don't want it to be a dog either!

First, the components:

Board: Intel DP35DPM
CPU: Core 2 Duo E6750 *see question #1 below
RAM: 2gb (1gb x 2) Crucial Ballistix Tracer PC26400
HD: WD 7200 RPM SATA 3.0gb/s (not yet sure on size - but I have also considered a Raptor)
Vid card: EVGA 8600GT 512mb *see question #2 below
OS: XP MCE 2005 *see question #3 below
Case: Antec P182
PSU: Antec EarthWatts 430w (already have it, would possibly go bigger someday if needed)
DVD: Pioneer DVR-115D
TV Tuner: Avermedia Avertv Combo PCIE *related to OS question above.
Monitor: NEC 19" lcd (already have it)

Now, the questions:

#1: I've been reading through the threads here, and I'm not sure which CPU I should get. I was initially looking at the E6850, searched for sites comparing it to the Q6600. Seems pretty much evenly split. I had considered waiting for the next wave of Intel CPUs, but I know that no build can be completely future-proof. Based on the cost difference between the E6750 and the E6850/Q6600 (approx $85), would the upgrade to the faster chip be worth it? And if so, which chip would provide better performance for the applications I've outlined above? I'm not afraid of spending a little extra money if I'll actually realize the upgrade.

#2: I've come to the EVGA 8600GT 512mb as it seems to be a "good enough" card for what I'll need. I'd love to get an 8800GT 512mb, but it's nearly double the price. At approximately $150, I think it'll be a decent card, and it's not so expensive that I'd want to get my money's worth out of it and put off upgrading (should the 8800GT prices ever fall). Any thoughts on this?

#3: This is the part I've struggled with the most. The OS. I know I want to use Windows, just not sure which version. I've read through the Software forum, specifically the Vista Home Premium and XP MCE threads, and I'm stuck. I'm a huge fan of XP Pro, but I want tv tuner control and DVR functionality without using too much of the system's resources. So I'd appreciate any feedback at all on this.

That's about it. I look forward to any feedback you may provide.
And thanks again for a great forum. Seems to be plentiful with good, real-world knowledge.

[doubledragon5]

Welcome to PCMECH, for what you looking to do I would down grade the ram to Corsair XMS over Ballistic, the Hd to a Segate 7200.10 or 11 they have a 5 yr warranty and are better in my mind than WD. For size go for something like a 500gig or 700 gig.. Psu should be sufficient, and I would swap out the Pioneer for a lite-on retail, they are highly recommended around here.

As for your questions I will leave the first to someone else who know more about the Intel cpu's then me.. As for your second if your not doing heavy gaming and more video editing that card should be sufficient for what your planning on doing.

As for question 3 I would stick to XP, many people are having issues with vista and vista requires at least 1 gig to run.. Xp however will run better with that 2 gigs your buying that vista will..

[shadowpr]

Check out the hd3850 for a video card.

And the asus p5k for a mother board.

[Katreat]

I would look at a P5K MB although I will admit upfront that I don’t really know what the Intel board offers, I just have always like Asus quality.

IMO the 6850 is way overpriced for the performance gain. The new E8400s are out now though and they are suppose to be better and start about $30 more than the E6759. So I would check those out before you buy.

Since you are not OC’ing some standard Corsair XMS 800 memory, or eqivenlnt, would be all you need. 2 GB is plenty for most applications, even when running Vista.

Raptors are not needed in anything short of an extream gamer. The newer 16 mb and 32 mb hard drives from WD or Seagate will suit your needs.

The 8600 GT is a good all around card for normal use and mild gaming. I would not call it a gamer and it would take a big hit on newer games but it will play them so if you are a light gamer you should be fine. There is a new 8800 GT 256 out which is in-between those cards and the ATI 3850 would be another choice to upgrade video without doubling the price. Check out this ranking:

http://www.tomshardware.com/2008/01/...ming_graphics/

If you upgrade to a more powerful Video card you will probably need to up the wattage on your PSU also. 430 would probably handle the 8600 but will be light for any of the faster gaming cards.

I would go with Lite-on optical just because everyone seems to like them and I have never had a problem with mine. But I have never had a pioneer either.

I know little about TV tuner cards so will leave that to others.

As or OS I am running Vista and have had no problems. From most reviews I have read most of the bugs have been worked out. Nothing wrong with XP though, I went vista so I could use my direct 10x video card, if not for that I would have stayed with XP.

Kat

[burtonjunky]

Thank you for the responses, I appreciate the feedback.

The P5K seems popular, but I'm going to stick with the Intel board. I've had good luck with them in the past, and this one has everything I need. I was basically just looking for onboard firewire, a raid controller, and stability. I'm not saying the P5K doesn't have that, I just know that the Intel does.

Prior to today, I didn't know that the E8400 was available. That's the chip I'll be going with, so thanks for that info. Seems like quite a bargain. Might order the board, cpu, and memory today.

As for the memory, what would be the difference between the Crucial and the Corsair?

[Katreat]

Crucial makes good memory, but I think the point that is being made is you are buying tracer which is a high priced performance memory. For a system that is not being OCed either normal Crucial Ballistx or Corsair XMS will work just as well and save you some money.

Kat

[burtonjunky]

Thanks Kat.

I'll consider the memory change. More than one person suggesting the Corsair leads me to believe that it's good stuff.

Anyone have any experience with XP MCE vs Vista Home Premium?
Or, anyone have any experience with either SageTV or BeyondTV on XP Pro?

Thanks!

[doubledragon5]

I dual boot XP pro and Vista Home Premium. Currently both work good, but Vista has a lot of user issues, and also have some conflict with hardware drivers.. XP Media center isn't all that great from what I have heard. I prefer XP Pro as it is rock solid and I haven't had to many issues since using it almost 3yr now..