Need Help Building a computer, new to this

[Parker]

Looks good!! I would stick with the Corsair 550w PSU, Raidmax doesn't have a very good reputation as far as I know.

I'm not sure how you would be able to get buy the stuff without tax....

Well, since it's not too much a difference in price, I'd get the Antec 900. It's got more air flow than the CM 690.
There are other options out there too. Like the CM 590, I'm thinking of getting that for another build. I would say that the CM 590 and Antec 900 are pretty equal in air flow.

[diabloplayer75]

So with the Vista 64bit Home premium, do i have to make sure i buy a service pack 1 version, or is service pack 1 just something i update my pc with once its up and running free of charge?

And should the coolmaster be able to fit all these parts? i think i'm going with antec but the reviews on this site make me not 100% sure which is the better case, forget the 20$ difference.

[Yellowhello]

Originally Posted by diabloplayer75

So with the Vista 64bit Home premium, do i have to make sure i buy a service pack 1 version, or is service pack 1 just something i update my pc with once its up and running free of charge?

It's free of charge, and I believe it's included with the newer Vista discs. If not, you can download it from Windows Update.

[Parker]

Originally Posted by diabloplayer75

So with the Vista 64bit Home premium, do i have to make sure i buy a service pack 1 version, or is service pack 1 just something i update my pc with once its up and running free of charge?

You can get it for free in an update.

Edit:
Darnit Nate!!! beat me to it....

And should the coolmaster be able to fit all these parts? i think i'm going with antec but the reviews on this site make me not 100% sure which is the better case, forget the 20$ difference.

The case's i've been recommending will all fit your components no problem.
Anything thats a midtower or bigger will fit it.

I'd just get the Antec 900 if you don't mind the extra $20.

[diabloplayer75]

Sweet its all in my shopping cart :P after tax and shipping 1,293.40

Should this system hold me off for a good 3-4ish years?

Curious, how would you guys treat the system.. shut it off at nights or just keep it on 24/7 and occasionally restart?

I'm very excited, have not hit purchase just yet, but will soon. The motherboard feels like its too cost effective almost.

Ill probably have to start another thread in a few days when the parts come in and i cant figure out the install/ the driver updates :( but really thanks a lot for all your help. This forum is the best i have found

I *hear* cpu prices are droping on april 20th

[Yellowhello]

I turn mine off every night, but I know a few people which have their's running 24/7.... I guess you could run it either way.

Ya know, you could always go with a more expensive mobo if you want too...

[screwballl]

I keep my systems on 24/7 (5 of them)... the oldest is a Dell Pentium4 1.8GHz (the original ones with RDRAM). I sold off the 600Mhz Celeron system not too long ago. If you shut it off each night, no big deal. If you keep it running 24/7, at least restart windows every 24-48 hours. With Linux you can keep it running for years without a restart unless hardware fails.

[diabloplayer75]

Originally Posted by Yellowhello

I turn mine off every night, but I know a few people which have their's running 24/7.... I guess you could run it either way.

Ya know, you could always go with a more expensive mobo if you want too...

Are you pulling my leg or do you think i should get a more expensive mobo? haha

So much being spent on this system.. o well this should be a fun experiment when it gets shipped. I was looking at the prices on alienware and I'm pretty glad I'm doing this all myself instead of allowing them to rip me off an arm and a leg.

[Captain Crunch]

I was looking at the prices on alienware and I'm pretty glad I'm doing this all myself instead of allowing them to rip me off an arm and a leg.

He said (alienware)

[Stormcrow]

Personally, I like the CM 690 over the Antec 900. MUCH better cable management, eSata, and about equally the same cooling for less. I'm waiting for the NZXT Tempest to roll out, see how that looks when compared to the other two as I'm building a similar system for a friend.

As for being good for 3-4 years? To be honest, it'll be obsolete in 6 months. But heres the thing. I built my first system back in 2004, original Athlon 64 2800+ (low end), all budget based parts with a decent mobo. Over the years I upgraded the RAM and video card, and near 4 years later it still eats through games and only hiccups in Crysis. I'd say the system you have there will carry you well until the next upgrade bug bites.