My First Build

[SpookJP]

Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 2.33GHz 4MB L2 Cache LGA 775 95W Quad-Core Processor

GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3R LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

OCZ SLI-Ready Edition 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail

SAPPHIRE 100265HDMI Radeon HD 4830 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail

Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive

Antec EA650 650W Continuous Power ATX12V Ver.2.2 / EPS12V version 2.91 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Retail

Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

LITE-ON Black 22X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 22X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM SATA 22X DVD Burner - OEM

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit for System Builders - OEM

Just wanted a review from those more knowledgable on builds. Think everything is all good, but mostly not sure on the RAM. I believe from what i have read the DDR2 800 was the right choice / best value. Please advise if i am wrong.

Thanks.

[shadowpr]

Looks good.

You might want to also look at corsair 2x2gb ddr2-800. They have been on a good sale lately.

Also make sure that lite-on is sata.

[SpookJP]

Thanks Shadowpr, yes the Lite-On is SATA. I'll have to check out the RAM you mentioned.

[Khalil]

Unless you are an Intel lover, for a little more I would consider the AMD 920 Quad Core with an Asus motherboard, it will smoke the Q8200. I have built and tested both and the AMD is much faster and more stable.. The LGA775 socket from Intel is on it's way out, you will have much better future proofing with the AMD, it is forward compatible with AM3, on the other hand the Q8200 is not forward compatible with i7 socket.

[Rev_pizzaguy]

Originally Posted by Khalil Unless you are an Intel lover, for a little more I would consider the AMD 920 Quad Core with an Asus motherboard, it will smoke the Q8200. I have built and tested both and the AMD is much faster and more stable.. The LGA775 socket from Intel is on it's way out, you will have much better future proofing with the AMD, it is forward compatible with AM3, on the other hand the Q8200 is not forward compatible with i7 socket.

It's still a good build performance and value-wise. Not everyone wants to switch out to a new socket just yet and there are plenty of good deals on 775 hardware. Plus, what about socket i5 coming up? It isn't compatible with i7 either!

[not important]

Looks like a good build! I'm using that OCZ RAM on an Asus MOBO and it is fine. Check with Gigabyte to be sure.

[SpookJP]

Got it all built up last night, not hitches, but that cooling fan was a PITA.

I did look at the AMD's a little, but noticed alot of recomendations for a Intel/ATI so stuck with that. Just need to clean up the wiring and finish installing software and transfer files.

I am really liking the Gigabyte MB software tools, lots to play with. :-)

Thanks for all the advice!