need opinions on new build

[jayp42]

Ok...this is my first build and I need a little advice on the gear I have picked out.

here is what I have...

http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16811119077

http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16824009094

http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16822144173

http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16822136010

http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16814150252

http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16819115029

http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16832116202

http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16817339001

http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16827135156

http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16813135050

http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16835200015

http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16820231122

http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16835100007

I have done quite a bit of research and think that this set up will do the trick but I would like some input on any changes (or adds) that you all think I should make. I am a mainly using the computer for gaming (battlefield 2142, crysis) and general usage.

Thanks!!

[shadowpr]

Get a better power supply. Look at this thread for good brands: http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=131195

Asus makes good drives, but the one that's highly recommended here is lite-on.

Ditch that mother board for something better quality. Look at the asus P5K series.

You don't need the cpu cooler or artic silver unless you plan on overclocking.

And just so you know, a 32 bit operating system will not fully use all 4gb.

[Katreat]

The small HD you picked out is an older model. If you need two get a couple of the 16-32 mb cashe units you picked out for your second HD. they are noticable faster and you want everything new to be SATA.

I would not trust any $32 PSU so think you should look for a better unit. check out this list for quality PSUs

http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=131195

I would not get a micro ATX board if you plan to use a video card, yhou have no need for on-board video and the chipsets are usually a bit slower. Look for a MB with the P35 or X38 chipset. The Asus P5K series comes highly recomneded.

Unless you planning on major OCing you can use the stock cooler, it works just fine at normal speeds and comes with its own thermal pad so you wont need artic silver.

If you plan on OCing the system then look at coolers by Zelman, have not heard much good about rosewell coolers.

You might also look into the E8400 CPU. It is only about $30 more than the 6750 and has kind of taken over the sweet spot.

Kat

[jayp42]

Originally Posted by shadowpr Get a better power supply. Look at this thread for good brands: http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=131195 Asus makes good drives, but the one that's highly recommended here is lite-on. Ditch that mother board for something better quality. Look at the asus P5K series. You don't need the cpu cooler or artic silver unless you plan on overclocking. And just so you know, a 32 bit operating system will not fully use all 4gb.

Ok...I do plan on overclocking...heard you can get upto 3.6 on the cpu I chose.

As for the motherboard and power supply.....will they work for a temporary solution to my build? I am on a budget and couldnt get the $200 mobo and $100 power supply that I first wanted.

How much of the 4gigs of RAM is going to be usable with the 32 bit OS?

Thanks a ton for your opions...they are much needed.

[shadowpr]

The e6750 should do 3.6 nicely. You could get the e8400 and get that higher.

I wouldn't skimp out on a good quality mother board or power supply. It would be a pain to try and change mother boards later on. You might be better off waiting till you have more money then.

A 32 bit OS will only use at most 3.2 or 3.5gb.

What is your budget?

[jayp42]

Originally Posted by shadowpr The e6750 should do 3.6 nicely. You could get the e8400 and get that higher. I wouldn't skimp out on a good quality mother board or power supply. It would be a pain to try and change mother boards later on. You might be better off waiting till you have more money then. A 32 bit OS will only use at most 3.2 or 3.5gb. What is your budget?

I'm trying to get as close to $1200 I possibly can, so what would you skimp on in the list I posted so I can upgrade the mobo and PSU?

[shadowpr]

Maybe just one hard drive. Smaller monitor. Different video card. Less ram.

[jayp42]

Originally Posted by Katreat The small HD you picked out is an older model. If you need two get a couple of the 16-32 mb cashe units you picked out for your second HD. they are noticable faster and you want everything new to be SATA. I would not trust any $32 PSU so think you should look for a better unit. check out this list for quality PSUs http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=131195 I would not get a micro ATX board if you plan to use a video card, yhou have no need for on-board video and the chipsets are usually a bit slower. Look for a MB with the P35 or X38 chipset. The Asus P5K series comes highly recomneded. Unless you planning on major OCing you can use the stock cooler, it works just fine at normal speeds and comes with its own thermal pad so you wont need artic silver. If you plan on OCing the system then look at coolers by Zelman, have not heard much good about rosewell coolers. You might also look into the E8400 CPU. It is only about $30 more than the 6750 and has kind of taken over the sweet spot. Kat

I checked out the Asus P5K series on newegg and they all seem to have pretty decent reviews....I think I'll go that route.

Any suggestions on a good power supply for under $100 bucks? And how many watts do I need with this system? Will 500w do ok?

[shadowpr]

Here are some choices.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139004

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817104034

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817151040

[Katreat]

500w should handle your system but you might want to shop around 550w or so to leave yourself a bit more headroom for possible future expenasion.

if you need to cut costs I would go with one HD. You gain a little speed putting the OS on something like a raptor (10000 rpm) but that is both expensive and add a very little increase in speed. One new 16/32 mb cache HD works wonderfully for most people.

You could drop down a size on the monitor, it is an easy, but expensive, future upgrade. But I love my 22'' WS so I understand if you dont.

you could save a bit by using stock cooler and buying stuff for OCing down the road, that would allow you got get it up and running stable before deciding if you need to OC the system.

Drop down to 2 GB of ram, it is all most games really need and easy to upgrade later.

As for PSUs I am partial to corsair

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139004

but they are not necessarily the lowest price. Check out the list posted above, chose a quality company, then run a check on 500-600w PSUs on newegg and see what is on special, repate, or sell.

Kat

[jayp42]

Originally Posted by shadowpr Here are some choices. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139004 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817104034 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817151040

Thank you both for your help....since you both included the corair in you list I will go with that one.

YOU ROCK....wish me luck with the build !!

[jayp42]

UPDATE

This is the new power supply I am going with

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139004

And this is the mobo I chose.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131187

better???

[shadowpr]

I would get this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131180

No need for on-board video if you have a video card.

[jayp42]

Well I dont like the reviews I read on that board so I'm thinking about upping the budget a little and going with this one...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813136043

good reviews so far....no on board video....P35....and it's cool looking

[shadowpr]

Not sure about that brand and quality, but it's your money.

As for newegg reviews, you need to take that with a grain of salt. We have been recommending the p5k for a good while now, and for a good reason, it's a solid board. Most people that have no problems are too busy enjoying their build to post reviews. The ones that either messed up, or don't know what they are talking about are usually the ones that will complain first. But like everything, there are a few times when even good products just don't work. Happens with every brand.

Just my $.02