new.build

[dddd]

hi.
this is my first time on the forum.
i am about to build my second PC (part new, part cannabalization).
my primary uses are internet, photo manipulation, and basic gaming.
just wondering if anyone has any comments.

1. case: antec 1200
2. PSU: antec neo-blue 650
3. CPU: intel core 2 duo E8400
4. video: twin EVGA 8800gts (320-p2-n811) in SLI mode
5. MOBO: EVGA 680i
6. RAM: corsair DDR2 800 4x2GB
7. HD: Seagate barracude 320GB
8. optical: twin lite-on with lightscribe
9. atec card reader flash xm-4u
10. sound: creative x-fi extreme gamer
11. heatsink: Zalman CNPS9500
12. OS: vista home premium 64bit

any comments/critiques are appreciated.
-daniel.

[tomtoon]

Get this RAM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820227298 $39.99 after $20 rebate


What games are you playing?

[not important]

Originally Posted by dddd hi. this is my first time on the forum. i am about to build my second PC (part new, part cannabalization). my primary uses are internet, photo manipulation, and basic gaming. just wondering if anyone has any comments. 1. case: antec 1200 2. PSU: antec neo-blue 650 3. CPU: intel core 2 duo E8400 4. video: twin EVGA 8800gts (320-p2-n811) in SLI mode 5. MOBO: EVGA 680i 6. RAM: corsair DDR2 800 4x2GB 7. HD: Seagate barracude 320GB 8. optical: twin lite-on with lightscribe 9. atec card reader flash xm-4u 10. sound: creative x-fi extreme gamer 11. heatsink: Zalman CNPS9500 12. OS: vista home premium 64bit any comments/critiques are appreciated. -daniel.

I'm not fond of EVGA MOBO's....Asus are the choice around here.
Seagate HDD's are having some problems of late so WD's are being recommended.
The RAM you have listed will be fine unless you are intent on heavy OC'ing.
Do you NEED two graphics cards? I good card will be fine.
Is the Antec PSU you have listed certified for SLI?
Onboard sound is quite good on new MOBPO's so you might want to hold off on the sound card.
Stock HSF unit should be sufficient cooling.Using aftermarket HSF's void the CPU warranty.

[tomtoon]

He listed 8GB ram, I put 4GB as thats plenty.

Get this HDD:
Western Digital Caviar SE WD3200AAJS 320GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136098
$49.99

Mobo:
ASUS P5Q LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131295
$118.99

Instead of using 2 graphics cards, get this one:
EVGA 512-P3-N973-TR GeForce 9800 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130435
$109.99 after $15 rebate

[dddd]

hi.
thanks so much for your input.
to answer the questions:
1. i play flight simulator and want to get some auto racing games.
2. the antec neo-blue 650 PSU is SLI certified.

my questions now are:
1. how do you distinguish that one brand of MOBO is better/different from another (asus vs evga)?
2. i figured that since the videocard is evga, it would integrate best on the same brand MOBO, but i do not know if that is necessarily true.
3. i already have one 8800gts and i was going to get a second one to run SLI. the second 8800gts in a recertified version is cheaper than the 9800gt. would a solo 9800gt be a better idea and if so, why? (it is only an extra $20).
4. i didn't know that the mobo sound can be good enough. if that is true, why do people buy sound cards?
5. you are saying that i wouldn't notice any different in game playing with the extra RAM?

thanks again.
i do appreciate your help.
-daniel.

[tomtoon]

1) Asus has always been recommended here for their reliability and quality products (none of us work for them either)

2)It doesn't matter what brand goes into what mobo(as long as it's PCI-E in this case)

3)The 9800GT will run it fine, plus there isnt a need to have SLI.
The 9800GT will beat a 8800GTS anyway(maybe not SLI, but no one really needs it)

4) People buy sound card when they are not happy with the sound or it breaks. On-board is a lot better than it used to be say like in 2004/5.

5)8GB is only primarily used in a server. No you wouldn't recognize any different as most games use the graphics card. 4GB is plenty for you.

You should register on here dddd so we can help you a bit better. Its free aswell.

[not important]

Originally Posted by tomtoon He listed 8GB ram, I put 4GB as thats plenty.

Correct.....4GB is plenty. I was referring to the PC6400 being sufficient.

Originally Posted by dddd my questions now are: 1. how do you distinguish that one brand of MOBO is better/different from another (asus vs evga)? .

The EVGA MOBO's use Nvidia chipsets & Asus uses Intel chipstets that are much better matched to Intel CPU's.

[dddd]

once again, i thank you for your input.

1. i have an unopened evga 680i MoBo in my closet, and that is why i will be using that. however, sounds like next time i have to buy one, i will go with the ASUS.
2. i will stick with the 4GB of RAM.
3. i already have a creative X-fi gamer sound card. are you suggesting that i just leave it out?

grazi,
-daniel.

[flanzig1]

The 680i would work for you providing that it will support an E8400 CPU. It may not.
Since you have the sound card, try it once you get your build up and running.