another please review my build thread

G

Grimm Fool

n00b
Joined
Apr 13, 2008
Messages
26
I am trying to build a computer with a high price/performance ratio that will last about 3 years. Overclocking is a smaller goal. I haven’t ever overclocked before, but I think it is time to at least try it out. Also this computer is going to replace by AMD Athlon 2500 with 1 gig of ram and a Radeon 9600xt, so I haven’t upgraded in a while. The main purpose of this system is to game. Oh and I really should keep the cost below 1500. That being said I don’t need to spend it all either. Its a case of wanting a good value.

Case
Antec P182
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129025
134 +19=153
I am pretty partial to this case. It has a strong combination of cooling and sound dampening. Also it looks like it dosen’t want a PSU with a fan on the top. I could be wrong though.

CPU
Intel Q6600
http://shop2.outpost.com/product/5101696?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG
$250
Seems like this is the chip to get. Apparently, it overclocks well.

PSU
Not terribly sure. Can I over clock with a 500W supply or should I have more? Keep in mind i will never use SLI. There will probably be 3 hard drives in this PC before it's life is over.

GPU
MSI 8800GTS 512mb
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127325
$200 AR, plus free Witcher
I am trying to find a good price performance ratio. There is a 640mb version of the 8800 GTS, but am I correct in thinking that isn’t better?

Mboard
ABIT IP35 Pro LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813127030
$140
Your thoughts? I went with a more expensive board because by last mother board was a shuttle and was a pain. People seem to like this thing for overclocking.

RAM
OZC 2x 2GB DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Timing 5-4-4-15
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227269
$70 AR
Ram is cheap, wow.

HDD
Seagate 750 GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148298
$130
Hard drives are pretty standard unless you want to get all crazy with a higher RPMs.

DVD/RW
LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD (SATA)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106072
$38

OS Vista
~$40 snagging this with academic discount before I graduate


Secondary monitor
Acer 22” 2500:1
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009124
My current monitor is a 19"


To be bought later:
Better CPU cooler to overclock

Other issues:
I am using Logitech z5500 speakers. Will onboard sound, sound just as good or do I need to get a Creative card? The mother board uses an HDA audio chipset. What kind of OCing/power consumption is reasonably possible with this on air cooling? All feedback is appreciated.
 
You could probably find the P180 for cheaper (typically $70AR; the two I've bought were both $45AR). Its the same as the P182, just not in gunmetal. It comes in silver or black. Shop around. A good alternative is the CoolerMaster RC-690.

D'oh! the Q6600 was $190 at Fry's yesterday. Oh wellz. I think Newegg has it for $250. BTW, all Core2 chips OC well. ;)

All you need for a PSU is the Corsair 520W from buy.com. If you want non-modular, the Corsair 650W is also nicely priced, but a bit overkill. The 550W would be fine, too, if you don't want modular.

Yes, the GTS 512MB is better than the 640MB, and its a great value for $200AR.

You should be able to find some 2x2GB G.Skill or A-Data RAM for $70 without rebate. You won't notice a difference between CL4 and CL5, unless you're running benchmarks (and even then, the difference is negligible), so don't pay a huge price premium for lower latency.

The WD6400AAKS drives are new. They have the 320GB platters and are about 35% faster than older drives using 250GB platters (like the one you listed). If you want something fast, get the WD.

Lite-Ons are somewhat loud. If you want something quiet, get the Samsung SH-S203B or 203N instead.

The onboard HD Audio should be fine. If you don't like it, get a soundcard afterwards. You could reach at least 3Ghz with the Q6600. For CPU cooling, go with the ZEROTherm Nirvana for $50 at the egg.
 
Thanks for the help. I would have never had guessed about the hard drive. I took your suggestions with the A-Data ram, WD HDD as well with the DVD burner (it was cheaper with shipping anyway). Also I did get the Q6600 for 200 after tax at fry's :) Alas I ended up paying 130 with shipping for the Antec case (can't win 'em all).

Once again, thanks.
 
and drum roll please... It doesn't work.
Using the IP35, Q6600 with stock heat sink and fan, MSI 8800 GTS, Adata DDR2 800, and corsair 650 W PSU.

Nothing else is plugged in except for monitor, mouse, and keyboard (these work on previous system). I get one long beep immediately upon power on. I have reseated the ram in different slots, then only used one stick. The CPU fan is spinning.The GPU has been tried in both the PCIE 16x and 4x slot. Always the siren immediately turns on upon power on.

There is no display output. The little POST hex 2x 7segment displays blast through some numbers and eventually reach FF. (the bios is AWARD). The fan on the GPU does not appear to be moving.

I have some of the worst luck with circuits. Any help is appreciated.
 
Shucks man. 1 long beep on an Award bios normally means that is due to a video failure. Do you have another PCI-E video card you can try in the Abit mobo?
 
Card's defective. That, or the PCIe slot it's in.

Wait -- siren? Like the buzzer on the GPU? It's not getting enough power. Are you sure the PCIe power connector is seated on it properly?
 
I bet he didn't have the PCI-E power plug plugged into the video card. Let's see what he has to say on this. Hehe
 
The B-board manual calls it a "Auxiliary 12V power connector." I had it plugged in.

I also tested it without this connection once and the same long beep occurred. Is that the PCI-E power you are talking about?

I am under the impression there is not one that goes directly on this card. Upon further testing the POST code displayer gets to "FF" always if I wait long enough.
 
All 8800 GTS cards have PCIe power connections. They are required to function. It'll be a little black thing. 6 pins. You /must/ connect it. It is on the end of the card. See this picture:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ShowI...ce+8800GTS+(G92)+NX8800GTS+512M+OC+Video+Card

Also, no, the motherboard ATX power connections are not what we're talking about, but yes, those should all be connected as well (24 pin and 8 pin, on your board).
 
Wow, that be it. The system is now up and running. Funny thing is, there is no mention of that connector in the "quick user guide." Anyway thanks for the help. Feel free to laugh at the double E.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top