New System - Thoughts?

[bsemaiktehr]

I am looking to purchase the following parts (All from NewEgg) in a week or so. The computer will be used for a little bit of everything - gaming, 3-d modeling, browsing, music, movies, schoolwork, etc.

Case:
COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-UW Black Aluminum Bezel , SECC Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

Mobo:
BIOSTAR TForce TP43D2A7 LGA 775 Intel P43 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

CPU:
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor Model HH80562PH0568M - OEM

CPU Cooler:
ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler - Retail

GPU:
PNY VCG96512GXPB-FLB GeForce 9600 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail

Memory:
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-8500CL5D-4GBPK - Retail

PSU:
Rosewill RP500-2 ATX12V v2.01 500W Power Supply - Retail

HDD:
Seagate Barracuda ES.2 ST3250310NS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM

Notes:

Any essential parts not listed here (e.g. CD drive, floppy, monitor, sound card) I have already and will simply transfer. The CD/DVD-RW drive I have is an NEC and I will be using a 19" LCD Samsung monitor that I got back in December.

As far as the OS, I could install Vista or XP Pro SP3, I have both. That is one area where I need advice - I know XP can only use about 3 gb of Ram, but I also know that Vista is not exactly getting rave reviews...what do you guys think I should go with?

The build I listed is about $730 plus shipping. I don't want to spend much more than that, and I think what I listed is pretty solid. (All 5-egg products ) I anticipate some flak for the mobo choice, but the BIOSTAR I picked actually has the best ratings of any mobo on newegg that supports LGA 775 / DDR2 1066 / PCIe 2.0

Thanks a lot in advance for the feedback guys!

[shadowpr]

Are you going to overclock? If not, then get the retail processor, and drop the heatsink. You can also drop the ram down. Actually, you can drop the ram down anyway with a q6600. DDR2-800 would be perfect for that processor.

I would also get a better quality power supply. Rosewill isn't the greatest company when it comes to power supplies. Look here: What Power Supply should I get? How many Watts? Who made it? Guide Inside

Also, the es seagates are more for servers. Look at the 7200.11 series. The 500gb is the sweet spot right now. Most bang for your buck on that drive.

[bsemaiktehr]

I was thinking of getting the OEM processor with an aftermarket cooler because the reviews of Intel's stock heatsink/fans are pretty horrible on NewEgg.

I probably won't be overclocking, but the system will undoubtedly be happier running with a cooler CPU.

A few follow-up questions:

It is only $15 or $20 more expensive to use 4 GB of DDR2 1066 than DDR 800, so why wouldn't I want to do that?

I picked that Seagate b/c of the 32 Mb cache, which I didn't really see anywhere else. I really don't see myself using more than half of a 250 GB HD...so could it hurt to stick with what I picked?

I think I might take your advice on a better PSU.

Any thoughts on my OS question with this system? (Vista vs. XP Pro SP3)

Thanks!

[vtfanmv5]

Originally Posted by bsemaiktehr It is only $15 or $20 more expensive to use 4 GB of DDR2 1066 than DDR 800, so why wouldn't I want to do that?

Even if you were overclocking your Q6600 to say, 3.4GHz, you wouldn't need 1066 RAM. My DDR2 800 runs at about 880 MHz with that CPU at that speed. You wouldn't gain anything by getting 1066 RAM, since it's limited by your FSB.

I agree on the different PSU.

And I'll stick a vote in for Vista. By the way, it's not just XP that can only 'see' 3GB of RAM, all 32-bit systems will only 'see' 2.75-3.25ish GB RAM. 3GB is plenty for Vista though.

[The_Wiseman]

The Antec Sonata III is going for $100 on newegg now, and it's got a decent power supply with it. Might look at that instead.


Vista vs XP isn't as much of an issue anymore, most of the compatibility problems have been sorted out. If you already have both, I'd make a dual booting machine. Then, if you need to, you can easily switch. The memory is a problem with 32 bit OS's in general, so unless you have Vista 64 bit, it's not going to give you any more memory (it will recognize it and show that you have 4gb, but it won't use it all)... I guess tech support got tired of people calling about it.

[Katreat]

With a retail heatsink you get a three year CPU warranty. With a OEM processor and after market heatsink you get none or one year max, dont remember if they still give you a year. Personally I have never had an issue with the retail heatsink, just tank your time installing it and it works perfect.

Vista has been running fine for me so I will put my plug in for vista also. D10x looks great .

I agree everyone on the PSU, get something that is quality.

For ram speed as others have pointed out it will not be untilized with that processor. If you are running a 1333 FSB processor and really pushing the OC it might have some benefit, but for the average system the ram will just step down to the processor FSB. so save the $30.

I know they make the 7200.11 HD in a 320, not sure about a 250, but have also not heard anything bad about using an ES either so will leave you HD choice alone.

If your CD is IDE you might take the opertunity to upgrade to SATA. They are only about $30 and get rid of one more ribbon cable in the box.

I would personally go for a higher quality MB. The biostar might work fine, but companies earn a quality reputation from years of producing quality MB and offering quality support when things dont work quite right. Biostar is not a company which has earned a reputation for quality yet.

Kat

[bsemaiktehr]

I think I will be switching to:

- The Antec Sonata III Case/PSU
- 2 x 2 GB DDR2 800 RAM
- The 500 GB Seagate
- The Retail Q6600 CPU
- an ASUS P5N-E SLI Mobo

(Same video card.)

Thanks a lot for the advice, guys! I really appreciate it - looking forward to having a speedy new machine!

-tory

[Katreat]

I would recommend going for a P45 MB instead of a Nividia chipset. Most people seem to prefer intel chipsets with intel processors and unless you are intending to go for SLI there is just no big reason to use a Nividia chipset. If you really want the option for duel video cards then chose a P45 like the Asus P5Q-Pro that gives you crossfire support. But for a single card budget set up the standard P5Q would do the trick.

Kat