First build I think it will scream, just need a little encouragement.

[anderson3]

I posted on here after like 3 hrs of research at newegg about a month ago, since then I found out I dont have to pay more taxes, but actualy get some back.. So i'm going to spend it! This build is meant to be a mild media monster, I want to shoot my self in the face when I have 2 windows open on my current comp because it just takes all it has got to do anything. I've got task manager open right now and when I type the cpu meter on my toolbar goes nuts! Any ways I hope this will be the end of my troubles.
My first build and hopefully first overclock thanks to the guide on toms hardware.

Plan to take the cpu to 3.4ghz and that at 1:1 that would have the ram at 900fsb.
Seem possible? I have the peripherals, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and etc. Did I cover all my bases? I'm kinda set on the case "i like the mesh sides" and the vid card should be adequate for my dvd pirateing scheeme and general surfin. I've read propably thousands of reviews makeing sure the mobo, cpu and ram will work together. Found many that many have my mobo, cpu and same brand, size and speed ram "not sure bout the same model, but eh" Gigabyte does not list the ram in the memory compatability tabe. The names of the wishlists should make the plan pretty strait forward. Any input would be awesome!

First order
https://secure.newegg.com/NewVersion...asp?ID=7222111

Second order"as needed"
https://secure.newegg.com/NewVersion...sp?ID=10586647

[Alaron]

You need to make your wishlists public.

_Moderator Note_
And we do not talk about any dvd pirating on this forum. Please review the rules. Thank you.

[anderson3]

Sorry, wrong ram. The 1000 has from what I read some troubles running at stock specs and the 8oo below actualy works better from the reviews!

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

[anderson3]

My mistake, I'll keep it in line. The shared checkmark is there and the link took me there. Just to be sure, I clicked share again, do I need to find hem when not in my account and link to that?

[anderson3]

Looks like this should work

First order
http://secure.newegg.com/NewVersion/...Number=7222111

Second order
http://secure.newegg.com/NewVersion/...umber=10586647

[Alaron]

Looks like a fine list. Just two things jump out to me. First, the power supply in that ARK case doesn't look too hot. I'd get the Antec Earthwatts right away. Also, go with a new hard drive, not an open box.

[anderson3]

Why not the open box? I had a seagate 250gig in the list, then found this thing and thought it would be a good deal at approx. the same price >$20< . You think the earthwatts will be good enough?

[Alaron]

From Newegg's description: Open Box items have been opened and touched and/or returned. Because they originate from different situations, they may or may not include accessories, documentation or retail packaging. Refurbishment is done by the manufacturer. Open Box products are warranted for only 15 days. We recommend that you try out your open box product immediately after receiving it.

I think it's worth it to spend the extra $15 for a new, retail drive. But that's up to you.

The Earthwatts PSUs are high quality units. 430w is enough for that setup at stock speed, but I'd go higher considering you will overclock. A 500w would be a great choice. Brands: http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=131195

[anderson3]

The plan to over oc is more for fun and to see if I can. Do you think as a media/surfin rig there will be enough differance to notice the extra kick? Also the settup of the hsf, don you think it would be worth trying to use the duct on the case or more results from the other type that goes the other way like.....


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835186134

[anderson3]

Makes perfect sense to me. Thanks

[Alaron]

I don't think you would need to overclock that machine for your uses. It will be plenty fast. But if you do want to play around, a high quality PSU is a good investment.

You could try the system with and without the duct (it is removable) and compare temps. I have a system with a duct but don't think it makes much difference.

[anderson3]

Great, I'm sure there will be some more questions when it all gets here but thanks a ton for the input.

[phigdon]

that HDD is also a 16MB cache, for the same money you can put in a 250 32MB cache.
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16822148309

that OS is also a system builders pack, unless you are planning on buying a new OS when you build another computer I would get the OEM version. for the PSU buy one that has enough SATA connectors instead of getting adapters. each one of those is $9 with shipping, if you need them get them locally it should be cheaper than $9 per. for $20 more you can get an OCZ 600W.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817341010

or this is the Cooler Master I put in my rig.
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16817171018

[anderson3]

Would the higher cache (that translates into real-world speed?) be worth the -80gig storage space? I like to back up my media with hard copy mp3 disks and leave them on the comp, I've got 2-40gig drives in my current setup and the storage one is almost full, I also plan to make copies of all my dvds (to use b/c my friends always scratch them, and save the original ) and I dont know yet but from my understanding that requires a ton of free space.
I added the adapter for the psu that comes with the tower and had planed to use it for about a month before I ordered the antec and just didnt delete it when I added the 500watt, also i changed to the coolermaster you reccomended for the $20 saveings. I have never bought a computer and am on my third, I scavange from my family, doesnt work, buy a new one, i take the old one and bum a psu from a buddy who has a spare, that's how it has gone for me so I am uber excited and love the input and love this forum as I have learned so much.

Also, have I done pretty good with the price/performance ratio?

[Alaron]

Sounds like you need more space over what would be a negligable gain in speed from a larger cache. I'd stick with the drive you have listed already.

[anderson3]

The vista 64bit builders pack is listed as oem. Did I miss an importand detail or was the idea to buy retail? I couldnt find a retail version on newegg, but didnt look elsewere yet.

[phigdon]

i believe that all the vista versions at newegg are system builder packs, i found vista 64bit OEM at buy.com for $124 and free shipping.

[anderson3]

so what is the differance between the builders pack oem and the oem one you found. Maybe I'm slow, but i dont get it.

[phigdon]

ok, a system builders pack allows you to install Vista or XP on ONE machine only. if you build a new box in say a year or two, you cant install that version of the OS on the new machine. the product key will only work on the first one and you will have to buy another OS. buy a non-system builders pack and you can transfer the key to the new machine.

[anderson3]

Nice, thanks. I dont want to buy it more than once,