New Build - Feedback Please

[diegodon]

Just wanting some feedback on my new rig… Feel free to comment on anything or add suggestions, etc. Thanks!

Motherboard: EVGA nforce 790i Ultra
EVGA 132-CK-NF79-A1 LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 790i Ultra SLI DDR3 ATX Intel Motherboard

CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450 2.66Ghz
Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450 Yorkfield 2.66GHz 12MB L2 Cache LGA 775 95W Quad-Core Processor

Graphics Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 280
EVGA 01G-P3-1280-AR GeForce GTX 280 1GB 512-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 Video Card

RAM: OCZ Platinum 2GB (2 x 1GB) DDR3 2000
OCZ Platinum 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR3 2000 (PC3 16000) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory

HDD: Western Digital Velociraptor 300GB 10,000RPM
Western Digital VelociRaptor WD3000GLFS 300GB 10000 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive

PSU: PC Power & Cooling 750W
PC Power & Cooling S75QB 750W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply

Optical Drive: Pioneer Blu-Ray DVD-ROM and 12x DVD+-R Burner
Pioneer Black 12X DVD+R CD / DVD Burner

Now the last two things I’m really not sure on… but here’s what I’m looking at so far.

Case: NZXT Tempest Black Case
NZXT TEMPEST Crafted Series CS-NT-TEM-B Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

OS: Windows Vista 64-Bit Home Premium
Link- Newegg.com - Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit English for System Builders 1pk DSP OEI DVD - Operating Systems


Should I get 64-Bit???

Also, take into mind that this PC will be used solely for gaming/media (hence the blu-ray player)

Any input is greatly appreciated! Thanks.

[BrokenHalo83]

you may wanna add second hard drive for storage.

[qazwsx]

It may just be bad drivers but the GeForce GTX 280 isn't doing very well. If I were you and going to spend that much on a graphics card; I'd wait a few weeks to see if the drivers get better because at the moment its being outrun by the cheaper 9800GX2

[BrokenHalo83]

I agree with qazwsx, the card is just being released, the card most likely wont live up to it's potential right away. When more mature drivers are released it'll probably be a smokin card

[Tech Geek Deluxe]

If you're gona do Vista ... go with 64 bit. It will pose very minor challenges but ready you for far more ram on your platform and PC changes in the future.

Also ... be sure to be on Neweggs Mailing list asap. They are running good deals ... the PC Power and Cooling PSU is $99 shipped After Rebate with coupon code EMCAGBHDH ... must be signed up with them to take advantage.

You may also want to go with 2 32mb Cache Sata Drives in Raid 0 [Cheaper, larger and faster] However that Velociraptor is a smokin fast drive ... I just researched its specs ... wow.

Personally I suggest Raid 0 for severe speed increases ... and you will need a backup solution ...

Must be a subscriber ... but here is the Link to Newegg 24-Hour Sale

[diegodon]

I watched a vid on youtube that showed 1 single Velociraptor being faster than 2 of the older 75g in raid0.. is that true?

here's the link to the vid:

YouTube - WD VelociRaptor In-depth Review &...

Edit: I am a subscriber to Newegg, thanks for letting me know about that deal :) going to buy it right now.

Also, I understand what you guys are saying about the GTX 280 being not up to it's full potential right now, but don't you think it's worth the wait rather than limiting myself in the future?

Oh, and one thing I forgot to add, what CPU Cooler should I get? And do you guys think it would be better to wait for the Q9550 to come down in price or are they about the same performance wise?

[BrokenHalo83]

I think you should be fine with the Q9450. Stating that the GTX 280 wouldnt be living up to it's potential I think was more to make you aware that it may be some time before it runs as well as it can.

[Hitman]

Originally Posted by diegodon

I watched a vid on youtube that showed 1 single Velociraptor being faster than 2 of the older 75g in raid0.. is that true?

Yes it's true, a single 150 Raptor is faster then 75gb Raptors in RAID 0. RAID 0 is not the performance booster that people think it is. It is really more of a marketing gimmick than anything else. To gain real performance from a RAID 0 Array you would have to use an expensive RAID Controller with it's own processor and memory. inexpensive RAID controllers, to include onboard controllers, rely on system recourses like the CPU and RAM. Out side of benchmarking, and working with huge files you won't see any real world performance gains from RAID 0 setup.

[diegodon]

Originally Posted by Hitman

Yes it's true, a single 150 Raptor is faster then 75gb Raptors in RAID 0. RAID 0 is not the performance booster that people think it is. It is really more of a marketing gimmick than anything else. To gain real performance from a RAID 0 Array you would have to use an expensive RAID Controller with it's own processor and memory. inexpensive RAID controllers, to include onboard controllers, rely on system recourses like the CPU and RAM. Out side of benchmarking, and working with huge files you won't see any real world performance gains from RAID 0 setup.

Awesome, thanks for taking the time to clear that up. :)

So how do you guys feel about that case?

[BrokenHalo83]

Kinda reminds me off the Antec nine hundred. seems like it'll have good airflow. Personally, I've had my fill of LED fans, but that's an opinion that will vary person to person. i'm just wondering how cable management would be