Need Advice - First PC Build in 6 years!

[Laz322]

Hi folks,

It's been quite a while since I last built a PC (6 yrs. ago!) and that was my first time building my own PC! I'm pretty much out of the loop on the newer technologies and the terminology. After doing some research the past few weeks I've come up with these components for this build:


Motherboard: Gigabyte's GA-EP45-UD3P MB.
CPU: Intel E8500 Wolfdale 3.16mhz Core Duo processor
PSU: OCZ StealthXtreme OCZ700SXS 700W ATX12V SLI Ready Crossfire Ready Active PFC
Memory: G.Skill 4GB (2x2GB) 240 pin SDRAM DDR2 1100 (PC2 8800) Dual Channel Kit
Video Card: EVGA 01G-P3-N981-TR GeForce 9800 GT 1GB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0...
x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video
Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s - OEM
DVD Burner: LITE-ON 22X DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model iHAS422-08- Retail
CPU Cooling: Dynatron P985 92mm Ball CPU Cooler
Case: Gigabyte Triton 180 Black 0.7mm SECC Steel ATE Mid Tower Computer Case

I also ordered a tube of Arctic Silver 5.

I basically want a good all around system for gaming, video, net surfing, etc.

I've had problems in the past with ATI-based video cards so I went with an NVidia based card instead, feeling I'll have better all around compatibility and system stability. I'd like to hear some opinions about my video card choice, if I should go another route (ATI) since this motherboard is Crossfire ready and not SLI based.

I'll also be installing Windows XP pro SP2 so I hope I won't encounter any major problems. Anyone who wouldn't mind pointing out possible problems and the solutions to those problems because of using WinXP would be helping me tremendously.

I'm a little apprehensive about the build, mainly due to so many people receiving DOA parts from NewEgg.com and other online sellers. I need this computer to work the first go round. I will not have a second system to fall back on. The system I'm currently using is dying. I've tried various PSU's and a bunch of other trouble shooting techniques and cannot narrow down the problem. It's time for a new system either way.

Regardless, I need this new system to work. I have to submit a boat load of insurance claims and I need a working computer with internet access. If I receive a bad component I'm pretty much screwed. All of my money is going into this build. Take a look at my components and tell me what you think, offer advice if you feel it will benefit the overall build, etc.

Thanks everyone,

-Laz.

[shadowpr]

Looks pretty good.

Only real suggestions I will offer are:

Drop the ram down to 2x2gb ddr2-800

and you don't need the aftermarket heatsink. The retail cpu comes with a fan.

[Laz322]

Hi,

Thanks for responding.

Why go from a higher frequency to a lower one for the RAM? I thought since the FSB on the motherboard is higher than 800MHz then I should go with a higher rated RAM also...That way, if I want to over clock I won't be limited by the ram's lower frequency? In other words I thought faster ratings on the RAM would work better since the FSB on the MB is higher than 800Mhz?

Did that make any sense at all?

P.S.,

Both RAM modules are 2GB each, giving me a total of 4GB's of RAM. Did I misunderstand what you are trying to say?

[shadowpr]

If you want the best stability, then you won't overclock. If you want to overclock, then get 2x2gb ddr2-1066 ram or similar.

If you won't overclock, then the ram i suggested will be more than enough. The difference is just the speed, not the amount (2x2gb).

If overclocking, than the after market heatsink might be needed as well.

[Laz322]

Hi shadow,

I may overclock but it isn't my top priority at the moment. I just like to keep my options open. I think the system as is (stock) should be rather nice.

What I don't understand and am trying to figure out is why the DDR2-1100 wouldn't be superior to both RAMS you've suggested? I just want to understand why you'd recommend two slower (probably marginally) memory modules vs the DDR2-1100MHz I selected?

If you're saying the 1100 is overkill then fine, but if you're saying the other two are superior in some fashion or better suited to my specific build then please explain?

Thanks.

[shadowpr]

For the processor you chose, the fsb is 1333, but it is qwad pumped, so it's really 333.

The ram is doubled, so ddr2-800 has a fsb of 400, which is faster than the processor.

The optimal ratio is about 1:1, or one step above for the ram.

Everything beyond that is overkill.

Another thing to look for is the timing of the faster ram, and the voltage.

[Laz322]

Okay, that helped.

I didn't realize the FSB on the MB was multiplied by four? I thought it was doubled? I'm starting to understand. Now, overkill it may be but it won't be slower than the two you recommended, will it?

I'm not trying to be stubborn mt friend, just trying to understand these principles fully.

Thanks again for being so helpful.

-Laz.

[not important]

The FSB on he CPU is quad pumped...not the MOBO.

[shadowpr]

Anything you get over ddr2-800 won't give you any noticeable difference (quicker or slower) at stock speeds with your processor.

[Propain]

I just upgraded to a 9800gt myself from a 2 year old card, pretty slick makes all the games (well Warcraft at least ) run very well and should be good for another 2 years .


Bob

[Laz322]

Thanks.

Any opinions or experience that shows a major difference between an NVidia vs ATI graphics cards? And since the board supports crossfire and not SLI do you feel I'd be better off going with ATI?

In my OP I stated that I used to own an ATI based graphics card and it was nothing but trouble due to driver problems. This is the main reason I'm standoffish when it comes to ATI. Beyond that, when I did switch to NVidia everything worked without a hitch and the graphics were smooth.