First Build.

[metalmosesjd]

Hello to everyone.

I'm familiar with computers but I have never attempted to build one myself. I am interested in building a machine that can handle Auto-CAD and some 3D Modeling Software such as SolidWorks and Pro-E Engineer. Ideally I would like to keep the budget at around $1,500.

I've looked at some possible parts on www.newegg.com and am interested in the following:

Processor:
Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 3.0GHz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115037

Motherboard:
ASUS P5Q Deluxe LGA 775 Intel P45 Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131297

Graphics Card:
EVGA 01G-P3-N870-AR GeForce 9600 GT 1GB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130363

RAM:
Crucial Ballistix Tracer 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820148216

HDD:
Western Digital Caviar RE2 WD5001ABYS 500GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136205

I do not need the following:

Monitor
Mouse
Keyboard
Sound Card

My currently computer has some parts which I could possibly re-use, such as two optical drives (CD and DVD) and also the case and PSU.

I would prefer to not use any of those parts because I would like to use my current computer as a test machine.

Any feedback will be greatly appreciated!

[vtfanmv5]

Looks pretty good.

If you're going to spend that much for a video card, I would go for a Radeon HD 4850 instead. You'll get much better performance at that price.

The RAM - many people will recommend some cheaper and equal performing G.SKILL or Corsair DDR2 RAM.

For the HDD, maybe a fast Seagate 500GB 32MB Cache.

Also, on the CPU. If you want to upgrade there are the faster Intel E8500 and brand-new Intel E8600 (the E8400 is fast, just wanted to throw out some options in case you wanted to fill out your budget).

As for the Case and PSU. You can go a lot of different ways with a case, but I personally like the Antec 900. For the PSU I'd go with a quality Corsair unit.

[metalmosesjd]

Any suggestions in regards to ATI CrossFireX?

I currently use Windows XP SP3.

I've been interested in trying out Vista 64-bit but I have no prior experience with a 64-bit system.
Auto-Cad is a very demanding application which will require a lot of RAM and good graphics performance for 3D modeling.

[vtfanmv5]

Well, what about CrossFire? The P5Q Deluxe supports it. I'm not sure how well AutoCAD scales with CrossFire.

The general consensus around here is that one higher-end card is better than 2 medium cards.

[shadowpr]

Before getting Vista 64, make sure the software that you need will work with it properly.

If it does, then by all means get Vista 64. I have it, and have no complaints about it.

[flanzig1]

For ram, look to stuff that has CAS 5 timing. Intel CPUs like CAS 5.
Since your building a fairly professional workstaion, would look to a workstation video card like the ATI FireGL
or the Nvidia Quadro series of cards. These are optimized for 3D and CAD work.

[12twelve12]

The P5Q (P45 chipset) does Crossfire but @ 8x/8x PCI-E. To do Crossfire @ 16x/16x PCI-E you would need to get a X48 chipset board.

I would recommend the WD6400AAKS HDD. It's cheaper, bigger capacity and faster than the one you linked. It even outperforms the Seagate 7200.11.

[metalmosesjd]

First of all I'd like to thank everyone for their input. Some things have changed so here's the new build I'm shooting to have by December.


Processor:
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz 2 x 4MB L2 Cache LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115017

Motherboard:
ASUS P5Q Deluxe LGA 775 Intel P45 Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131297

Graphics Card: (x2)
ASUS EAH4850/HTDI/512M Radeon HD 4850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814121253

RAM: (8GB total)
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231166

HDD: (x2)
Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD5000AAKS 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136073

Case:
Antec Twelve Hundred Black ATX Full Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129043

PSU:
CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply 100
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139006

LG HD-DVD/BLU-RAY Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827136133

CPU COOLER:
ZALMAN 9500A 92mm 2 Ball CPU Cooler
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835118223

Any suggestions or recommendations will be greatly appreciated.

[12twelve12]

Just so you know, the WD5000AAKS does not have the speed/performance as the WD6400AAKS. Even though they they share the same model #, less the capacity number code, the denser platters of the 6400AAKS give it a bit of an edge. $10 difference per drive so since your getting two of them it's an extra $20 for 280GB more capacity and a slight performance increase. Whether it's worth it or not is up to you of course.

You will love that P5Q Deluxe. It's a new board with a new chipset so make sure you get the latest BIOS update from ASUS. Use the "EZ Flash 2" method for updating the BIOS. Latest right now is 0803 and it's a good one. ASUS did release 1002 or 1102 or something like that but many were having problems with it and last time I checked, ASUS had removed it from their site.

Enjoy!

[metalmosesjd]

Going for the ASUS P5Q Deluxe LGA 775 Intel P45 Intel Motherboard - Retail instead of the other motherboard.

[metalmosesjd]

What RAM do I purchase for the ASUS P5Q Deluxe LGA 775 Intel P45 Intel Motherboard?

Is G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory the correct type?

[vtfanmv5]

That would be fine, but I would recommend the G.SKILL DDR2 2x2GB 800 (PC2 6400) 240-pin instead, to save some money. You won't be able to utilize that extra speed with a Q6600.

[metalmosesjd]

@vtfanv5: How good are the G.SKILL DDR2 2x2GB 800 (PC2 6400) 240-pin as far as overclocking?

Also, if you could give me more details on why I won't be able to utilize the extra speed from the PC2 8500 with the Q6600. I would greatly appreciate it.

[shadowpr]

The q6600 has a fsb of 1066. That means that the ideal speed for the ram (which would be in a 1:1 ratio) would be 533. It's recommended that you use one speed faster, thus giving you 667.

Now, when you overclock the processor, you're going to raise the fsb. But by using the ddr2-800, you already have that head room. In order to actually have the 800 run at a 1:1 with the processor, you would need to raise the fsb to 1600.

I doubt you'll get it that high. And that's why ddr2-800 is enough for the q6600.

And that being the case, you won't have to overclock the ram.

[Krazeee]

Just to toss in my two pennies, I thoroughly agree with 12twelve12. That WD 640gb is a great bargain, and a top performing drive.

And as a side note, cuz I know choosing computer cases can never be too complicated, check out theCostmos 1000 It's a few dollars cheaper but has great cooling capabilities and sound dampening materials. It's design also allows for fairly easy transport; yes, those bars are functional and not some ridiculous bling factor.

[metalmosesjd]

Thank you very much shadowpr and Krazeee!

Yes, I have chosen to purchase two of the WD 640GB Drives.
As per the advice for the ram, I will be purchasing two 2x2GB of the G.SKILL DDR2 2x2GB 800 (PC2 6400) 240-pin.

I'm entirely new to overclocking and this will also be my first build. Excitement is extremely high.
I've seen many forums with proof of the Q6600 going from 2.4 to up to 3.7 on air.

I currently live in Houston, TX and the temperatures in my room are fairly high throughout the entire year. On average I would say my bedroom is at around 76 degree Fahrenheit during the day and maybe down to 70 at night.
I know that the Zalman CPU cooler should help keep the temperatures down, but would it be safe for me to push my Q6600 to at least 3.2?

[shadowpr]

3.2 should be eaily possible.

[metalmosesjd]

As of Friday I have ordered the following:

Case:
Antec Twelve Hundred Black ATX Full Tower Computer Case


PSU:
CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply 100

CPU COOLER:
ZALMAN 9500A 92mm 2 Ball CPU Cooler

[metalmosesjd]

Yeah, I think 3.2 will be very easily possible.
The thing is that I do not want to shorten the life of my processor.

[shadowpr]

If you want to take no chances, then leave it stock.

Personally, I think I will end up upgrading before I kill my processors.

[metalmosesjd]

Well I definitely will OC it. I think you're right, either way it should still last a few years.

[metalmosesjd]

I know this if off topic but, does anyone know of a place online that sells computer desks.

I've looked at many places but all the desks I find are sub-par. I'm looking for something with no cabinets and preferably not wood. Would be nice to have a shelf as well.

[12twelve12]

Originally Posted by metalmosesjd I know this if off topic but, does anyone know of a place online that sells computer desks. I've looked at many places but all the desks I find are sub-par. I'm looking for something with no cabinets and preferably not wood. Would be nice to have a shelf as well.

Well the shipping will be outrageous at most places but have a look at Amazon. They offer many of their items with free shipping but not sure about heavier items such as desks. Your sure to find a large selection there I would think.

Originally Posted by Krazeee Just to toss in my two pennies, I thoroughly agree with 12twelve12. That WD 640gb is a great bargain, and a top performing drive.

Krazeee- Aloha, OR? I thought I was the only one in this forum that lived here. I don't feel so unique now. Howdy neighbor! Warriors...Class of '87