Suggestions before I get started?

[guitar510]

OK, I'm attempting my first computer build and figured I would need some support along the way . I hope that I've come to the right place. Before I get started with the build, I thought I'd throw out the specs for any comments or suggestions.

Cooler Master Cosmos 1000 Case
EVGA nForce 780i SLI FTW Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130378 GPU
Intel Q9300 CPU
4 x 1GB Corsair1066 Memory (CMSX1024-8500C5D)
650 W Cooler Master Power Supply
Cooler Master Hyper 212 CPU Fan
Seagate 500GB 7200RPM Hard Drive
LG 22x Internal Super Multi DVD Writer

I was unsure about Vista 64 so I only went with 4GB of RAM since I'll be using Vista 32. If anyone has strong opinions otherwise, I'd be happy to entertain them. 4 x 1GB will be faster than 2 x 2GB...correct?

I also thought of running Vista on a 10,000 RPM separate drive and all files on the 7200 RPM drive cause I read it somewhere and it sounded like a good idea. Any thoughts on that?

I'm really looking forward to the build...OH YEAH...thoughts on static discharge during the build? I bought an anti static wrist strap, but what surface would be best.

Thanks!

[Alaron]

Welcome to PCMech.

I'd skip the SLI motherboard if you're just using one low-end video card. A single video card solution is best anyway. We recommend the Asus P5Q series motherboards.

If you're not overclocking, DDR2-800 would be fine. But if you got a good deal on the RAM in your list (RAM is very cheap now), using it would fine too.

I'd look at a Corsair brand power supply instead of CoolerMaster. CM is okay but Corsair is top notch.

Using a 10k RPM hard drive would be a tad faster but today's 7200rpm drives are already very fast. I wouldn't bother with the added expense of say a Raptor drive.

Using the wrist strap will keep you mostly protected no worries. Just clip it to the bare metal inside your case as you work.

[glc]

Go 2x2 DDR2-800, DDR2-1066 is a waste unless you plan on heavy overclocking, and sometimes filling all 4 slots can actually slow the ram down or cause instability.

[guitar510]

OK, so the 2 x 2GB will be as fast as 4 x 1GB. This would be nice because later when I upgrade to 64 bit I can just fill the remaining 2 slots with 2GB RAM. Are you only discouraging 1066 because of the price. I figured since my board supports up to 1066 it is best to maximize. Is this not the case? I'm very new to all this so bare with me...

What are your thoughts on using 64 bit?

[guitar510]

Oh yeah...Is there any disadvantage to using the SLI motherboard without actually utilizing the SLI capabilities? I figured it might be nice in case I decided to add multiple GPUs in the future. The motherboard is kinda set in stone since it was a gift and I don't want to go through the hassle of returning it. Sounded like a good mobo based on the reviews...

I understand high performance and multiple GPU/s are really for intense gaming...not my bag. Is there any benefit for watching say BluRay DVDs or even streaming HD content online? Or video editing?

[glc]

SLI is only advantageous for games. It does absolutely nothing for you with anything else.

Exact match ram speed for that processor is DDR2-667, so DDR2-800 is actually more than you need unless you are going to overclock above 1600 FSB.

[shadowpr]

I use, and like vista 64. I have had no problems with it that is related to it being the 64bit version.

I would suggest you check for drivers before deciding on vijsta 64 though. Especially peripherals like printers. If there are drivers available, then you should be fine with vista 64. I suggest Home Premium.

Beyond that, I agree with everyone elses recommendations.

[guitar510]

So what you're saying regarding my RAM is that the processor is the limiting factor or bottleneck and that anything above that bottleneck speed will not result in an increase in performance? So RAM rated above DDR2-667 will not result in any performance increase? I do not plan on overclocking unless I decide to get overly ambitious in the future.

My FSB speed is 1066 so it is not the bottleneck, right?

Besides possible hardware driver issues with 64...would I have any issues with software. AND if I do go with 64 that means I can use 4 x 2GB RAM, right or is this overkill? Based on RAM speed issues it seems I should go with 4x2GB DDR2-667, unless there is some benefit to go with 800 or 1066. Any recs on RAM that would work for this setup.

[shadowpr]

I would go ddr2-800. I like to have slight headroom.

As for other issues with 64, you might want to check your programs. Some don't work well with vista 64, but that's usually just specialized programs. The manufacturer might try to sell a 64bit version to make more money. I can usually find a free version of anything, so there have been no concerns for me.

And yes, the fsb of the processor is the limiting factor and will hold back the ram.

4x2gb is usually overkill unless you know you have programs that will use that much.

[not important]

I would also go with the DDR800RAM. Anything over 4GB is pretty much overkill.

[guitar510]

Thanks guys for all your help. I did return the 4 x 1GB RAM and picked up 2 x 2GB plus a cordless keyboard and mouse for the same price!

More importantly, I put the computer together last night figuring I would be struggling through the weekend troubleshooting and to my surprise everything went relatively smooth. AND it started up when I turned it on...not sure if I went through all the steps in the right order but basically....

Installed PSU
Installed CPU
Installed Heatsink and Fan (actually I installed the MOBO first and then realized I needed to Install the fan support on the back...had to take out the MOBO)
Installed MOBO
Installed Graphics Card
Installed RAM
Installed Hard Drive
Installed Optical Drive
Plugged in the various data and power cables
Said a quick prayer
Turned on
Put in Vista 32 DVD
Pressed F1 to boot from Disc
Installed Vista
Installed Norton Internet Security from website
Installed MOBO drivers from disc, then went to website and reinstalled (not sure if I could have gone directly to the web site)
Installed Graphics Card drivers from disc and then website

NOW a couple of questions...

1. Vista recognizes my Optical Drive, do I need to install drivers or were they installed automatically by vista

2. When I start it doesn't boot from the hard drive it tries to boot from floppy...which I don't single drive installation. Do I need to install any driver for the HD?

What a satisfying experience so far!

[Alaron]

Congrats.

1. You don't need a specific driver for your optical drives. Windows will just see them.
2. Poke around in your BIOS for an option like "Primary Boot Device" or something similar. You can then make your hard drive the first choice.

[not important]

Your MOBO drivers should have been installed after the OS but if all is well then you're OK.
Look in the Bios for Boot Order and set the Optical drive to 1st boot device (you may need to boot from it in the future if you have problems) and the HDD to 2nd Boot Device and Disable the Floppy.

[guitar510]

I did actually install Vista prior to installing the MOBO drivers....I think that was right.

So you suggest making the optical drive first in the boot order and the hard drive 2nd just in case in the future I need to boot to the optical drive...that makes sense.

The actual problem with the FDD was that I needed to go select "none" under Drive A (which is the FDD) to prevent the error from preventing start-up. Thanks for all your help.

My only issue now is I can't find my CD/DVDs for all my software and drivers for my old computer. The biggest issue is I'm without MS Office until then. Things always get lost in moves...I hate moving. They'll turn up eventually.

I would love any suggestions on back-ups. I used carbonite on my old computer, but I'd rather have nightly or weekly back-ups to either an internal or external hard drive. Suggestions on pros cons vs. internal/external? Does Vista software work for performing back-ups or should I purchase a third party software?

The computer is AMAZING! I'm so happy with the results. FYI my old computer was Dell Pentium III with 512MB RAM running XP (originally ran Windows ME )

[guitar510]

Oh yeah....anything worth saving from the old computer? Maybe I'll build a budget PC inside the case

[shadowpr]

For backups, I would suggest acronis True Image or Synchback (free).

If you want a free alternative to MS Office, look at openoffice.org