Critique my build...

E

Eiolon

Gawd
Joined
Apr 6, 2005
Messages
928
Upgrading from the system in my sig.

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz 2 x 4MB L2 Cache LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115017

$189.99

GIGABYTE GA-EP45-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128345

$99.99

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231122

$65.99

Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136218&Tpk=WD6400AAKS

$84.99

VisionTek 900244 Radeon HD 4870 512MB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814129113

$279.99

CORSAIR CMPSU-520HX 520W ATX12V v2.2 and EPS12V 2.91 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139001
$114.99


TOTAL: $834.94


Already have: 24" monitor, sound card, case, DVD burner, keyboard/mouse, Vista 64-bit
 
The ATI HD4870 would be better bang for your buck still, since thats the old GTX260 (non core 216) and the HD4870 is cheaper, with or without rebate, while still performing on par or better than the GTX260.

The WD6400AAKS is notably faster than the WD5000AAKS because it uses 320GB-platters (90MB/s vs 65MB/s). If you can fit it into your budget, go for it. Speaking of which, what is your overall budget?

Any particular reason you chose the G31 instead of a P45, P43, G45, or G43? And why get one with integrated graphics?
 
I really don't have any budget constraints but at the same time I don't want to blow insane amounts of money on technology that will cost 50% less the month after I buy it.

When I bought my current system I spec'd almost everything to do overclocking (which I never did) and probably paid more than I needed to because of it. With this system, I was just trying to get inexpensive parts unless I needed them to be high end.

But I've noted your changes. Thanks for your input.

Also, will my PSU be enough for the 4870?
 
If it's just 1 4870 the 520HX shouldn't have a problem. Looks pretty good to me, I'd still consider an aftermarket HSF for the possibility of overclocking but if you are certain you won't then that's fine.
 
You switched to the DS3L... nice. Looks good. The thing is, even with rather inexpensive parts (non super low budget), you can still get a nice OC out of these Core2 chips... they OC wonderfully.
 
I noticed the new mobo has a memory standard of DDR2 1200. Should I dump my DDR2 800 for the other?
 
No; it means that your board could support RAM speeds of up to DDR2 1200. Even for overclocking, in your case, the DDR2 800 kit is good enough.
 
Lian-li PC-6077

It's 4 years old but still a keeper considering how much I paid for it back then.
 
I'd be tempted to go with a larger PSU as I think you'll be close to the limit with a 520wt and its always nice to have a bit of headroom so you can add more stuff later on:)
 
BikePilot said:
I'd be tempted to go with a larger PSU as I think you'll be close to the limit with a 520wt and its always nice to have a bit of headroom so you can add more stuff later on:)
Click to expand...

Nah, a good quality 520W PSU like the Corsair 520HX will be handle that rig as well as upgrades with no problem.

In this article, the QX9650 clocked at 3.66Ghz, 3 Raptor drives as well as a Water cooling system with the HD4870 barely took up 359W. In addition, in this article, the QX9650 with one drive only took up 280W.

And those wattage numbers were taken at the wall without PSU efficiency calculated in. Since the 520HX is 80% efficient, the first and second reviews will only require/need 287W and 224W with the Corsair 520HX.

So the Corsair 520HX will be more than enough whether you count the efficiency or not.
 
At idle, that system (CPU OC'd to 3.6Ghz) is probably using around 200-225W. At full load, its probably using 300-350W. The 520W Corsair will be fine, especially since its heavy on the +12v rail.

/me slow, danny fast
 
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