New Build Config: Please Advise

[Hitman]

Originally Posted by yellowhello

I agree with Ed, the DS3 should be enough for your need (no SLI).

Originally Posted by Hitman

He never said he was going to use SLI. He is just trying to decide between the two different cards. You will notice in his list, he shows the parts he is trying to decide between.

Codepath does not plan to use SLI!

[Elysium]

Originally Posted by Hitman

Codepath does not plan to use SLI!

Yep, that's why the DS3 is perfect for him.

[gvblake22]

Sounds like a quad core is probably the way to go. You might want to consider the ATI Radeon HD 2600 cards as they are supposed to have UVD to do more/better work when it comes to high-definition video decoding. The ATI cards also come free with AVIVO and stuff for watching and doing things with video. I think nVidia on the other hand charges you for their PureVideo technology stuff.

[codepath]

As for the OS, I'll stick with XP for now.

When I am ready for Vista, I'll dual-boot for a while until I am sure everything I need works in it.

Then I'll just kill off XP.

But, I am in no hurry.


codepath

[codepath]

Thanks for pointing about the mobo. I am looking into lesser mobos now (and deciding where to put the extra cash, probably a sound card). I am looking at the 650i mobos. For some reason I have just always liked nVidia. But, I am looking for articles/reviews that compare the 650i against others.


codepath

[Stormcrow]

I've used Nvidia chipsets since nForce4, and have found them incredibly stable and capable of taking some good abuse as far as messing with the system settings before having to reset the CMOS. Only gripe with them is how hot they get, but you gotta take the good with the bad. Also, Intel's own chipsets are naturally excellent and you can usually find a good one for a bit cheaper then Nvidia or AMD's offerings.

[Elysium]

Originally Posted by codepath

Thanks for pointing about the mobo. I am looking into lesser mobos now (and deciding where to put the extra cash, probably a sound card). I am looking at the 650i mobos. For some reason I have just always liked nVidia. But, I am looking for articles/reviews that compare the 650i against others.


codepath

I love the ASUS P5N32-E SLI Plus (650i chipset) that I have. Even though it's a 650i, still has dual 16x PCI-E slots (not that you'll use them).

If you like nVidia, look into the 650i Ultra chipset. Single 16x PCI-E, and I've heard that it OC's quite well. Or the 680i LT.

[codepath]

Okay, so I am pretty solid on these items:

Antec 900 (great reviews, highly recommended)
SilverStone Strider ST60F 600W PSU (plenty of power, good rep, modular)
Asus P5N32-E SLI Plus Mobo (cheaper than full 680i, but has most features)
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.4GHz
Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 320GB SATA3 16MB Cache HD
Samsung SH-S183L/BEBN LightScribe DL DVD Burner
Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 6000
Thermaltake Thunderblade 120mm Blue LED High Performance Case Fan


But, i still need to choose RAM, CPU cooler, and a GPU. I am thinking about the ones below. I am open to other suggestions for these components.

RAM ($150):
Crucial Ballistix 2GB DDR2/1066 PCS-8500 #BL2KIT12864AA1065 (cheaper)
Crucial Ballistix 2GB DDR2/800 PC2-6400 #BL2KIT12864AA804 (faster)

CPU Coolers ($50 max):
Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro Cooler (cheap, better than stock)
ThermalTake MaxOrb #CL-P0369 (good review)

GPUs ($120):
EVGA 8500GT 512MB #512-P2-N747-LR (lesser GPU, more memory, cheaper)
MSI NX8600GT-T2D256E OC 8600GT 256MB (better GPU, less memory)


Thanks,

codepath

[simple_inhibition]

ok heres what i would do with $1100 and your aims for this system.

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 $289.99
GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L $94.99
POWERCOLOR Radeon HD 2600PRO 256MB DDR3 $99.99
G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 800 4-4-3-5 timings $104.99 (or you can substitute the crucial ballistix 4-4-4-12 DDR800 instead)
SILVERSTONE DECATHLON DA650 $159.99
Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 500GB Sata 3.0Gb/s $119.99
Antec Nine Hundred $119.99
LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model $36.99

Grand Total Before Shipping and Handling = $1,026.92 (Before $20 Mail in Rebate for the PSU)

that give you about $100 for either a different cpu cooler, or a sound card. personally if your not planning on overclocking, then stick with the stock cooling.

i personally prefer screaming tight memory latencies which the G-skills have. i use a kit by them in my main overclocking rig. let me tell you, their stuff is good however if your not comfortable with them, then the Crucial Ballistix will work just as well :)

my first choice for the motherboard was the evga 650i ultra as reviewed HERE. however i chose the Gigabyte P35 DS3L since the 650i only allows you to juice the ram up to 2.1v which isnt enough for a good majority of enthusiast ram out there these days. the DS3L has all of the features that the DS3R has with the exception of 2 less sata ports and raid support. if you need raid, then you can substitute the DS3R instead.

chose the 2600Pro as it outperforms (until you add AA and AF boo) the 8500gt in their price segment.

again, ultimately its up to you what you want and can afford. i hope that my selections give you a pretty good basis in which to build upon more to your needs

[sean126]

I'd still give a very hard look at the OCZ platinum revision 2 800mhz...2 gigs (1 gig x2) It's only $62 bucks after rebate with 4-4-4-15 timings which will easily do 4-4-4-12 if you like. It's a heck of a deal.

They showed me that their customer service is first rate. With the extra money saved you could get a zalman 9700nt cpu cooler or better, if your going to give the cpu a little bump.