Finally time to order, first build!

A

ajkates

Weaksauce
Joined
Jul 1, 2008
Messages
67
After several weeks of reading these forums and researching components, it's time to order (sometime between tomorrow and next saturday). I decided to go with a somewhat low-budget build, because I think I can get really good price/performance for about $1000 or so, and I don't mind having to build a new one in 18 months or so.

I also wanted to say that everyone in the [H] community has been incredibly nice and helpful since I joined, and I plan on sticking around. Plus, just about everything I know about modern PC components I learned here.

In any case, here's what I've come up with:

Case: CM Elite 340 (mATX) ($45, Amazon)
PSU: Corsair HX520 (Amazon $105, shipped free)
Mobo: Asus PK5-VM G33 mATX ($96)
CPU: Q6600 ($195)
Heatsink: Xigmatek S963 (w/ bracket) ($23)
RAM: G.Skill DDR2 800 ($75, $5 off NE deal, free shipping)
GPU: Asus 4850 ($157 AR)
HDD: WD Caviar 640GB ($90)
Optical: Lite-on Blu-ray/DVD ROM ($130)
Fans: 2x Zalman ZMF3 120mm w/ silicon pins ($30, shipped free)
Paste: Arctic Silver 5
Audio: Onboard

Total: 1003 + $26 for shipping - $40 for rebates + ~$80 tax (unfortunately) = $1066



Misc Notes:

1) This PC will be used for heavy excel modeling, Photoshop, gaming at 1920x1080, and watching blu-ray movies. I don't usually do FPS-type games, but more MMOs and such. I do really like Oblivion, Bioshock, and some other relatively GPU intensive stuff. May play Diablo 3 when it comes out, maybe LOTRO if time permits. Want to be sure that games that come out in the next year or so will be at least playable at 1920x, some AA would be nice, but I won't be doing so much gaming that I need perfection.

2) The accessories I have to go with it include:
37" 1080P westinghouse (you know the one)
Logitech DiNovo bluetooth Keyboard/Mouse
Windows Vista x64 (probably home premium)
Klipsh THX 2.1 200W speakers
250 GB WD Passport drive to back stuff up (since I'm not doing RAID-1)

3) I'm really a minimalist and don't like having lots of extra stuff i'm not going to use. The "well if you want to expand in the future" argument really has no bearing here, because when I want more performance I'll give this PC to a family member and build a new one. Therefore, I don't really plan on doing upgrades.

4) Will be OC'ing for sure, maybe not to the max, but I'll be pushing my components a little bit. I don't see a reason not to.

5) Will probably leave the PC on 24/7 or close to it, and I sleep in the same room, so I don't want it obnoxiously bright, though a mild "inner glow" might be pleasant and even preferred.


Component Notes:


CPU : Was between Q6600 and e8500, chose the Q6600 because I plan to OC it to ~3.0Ghz, which should be enough that that the low clock won't be a bottleneck. Still not 100% sure.

GPU: Like the Price/performance of the 4850, but will change to 4870 if I can't game at 1920x. I'll let you guys be the judge, even after looking at several benchmarks, I'm still unsure if the $100 upgrade is worth it.

Audio: Is it worth taking my 3-year-old Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS out of my old PC and using it in this one? Some people say onboard audio is good these days and that PCI sound doesn't work with Vista. Others say that no onboard sound can match even older dedicated PCI sound because of mobo vibration, and that your CPU has to work harder for onboard. Is it worth it to move the card? Should I get a cheap sound card? I can't justify the $100 or so for a SB X-fi Xtremegamer I don't think.

Thanks in advance [H]ers.



EDIT: Updated components, removed answered/irrelevant questions.
 
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1) We recommend the Xigmatek HDT-S1283 not for its looks, but because it cools better and runs quieter than the Zalman CNSP9500.

Do not get that PSU -- it's from Antec's Basiq line. Go with one of the Earthwatts models -- the 500W and 650W versions are both available for under $70 shipped right now. Though you lose the modular cables, you get a much more reliable power supply. (Actually, stick with the 650W model, because....)

For gaming at a 1920x1200 resolution, you might as well get the HD4870. The HD4850 will struggle with any of the recently released games played at high graphical settings.

2) The EP43-DS3L doesn't support FireWire. It shouldn't be that much of a big deal for you to ignore the "unused" front port.

3) Inspect the AC and ensure that the lower part is actually the exhaust (for blowing air out). You don't want it next to the intake because the cold air may cause condensation to form on the case... and water may end up entering the case as a result of the condensation.
 
Thanks for your comments Tiraides. I think I might go with the CM Real Power Pro 750W, because I can get it for ~$75 as a combo with the RAM ($35 off).

I'll probably just end up going with the Xigmatek as well. As long as it fits (which I'm pretty sure it does), I shouldn't have a problem. Does it still allow me to have the two exhaust fans at the top?

In any case, can you recommend a good Mobo that has firewire support that doesn't cost much more? Looks like this build is going to be costing me a bit more than $1000...

And as far as the A/C goes, it only runs maybe 3 weeks per year (I live in a cold climate) so it's not much of an issue.
 
With the Xigmatek HDT-S1283, you should have access to both of your top exhaust fans. However, you'll only need one.

As for a motherboard with FireWire, you're going to have to spend over $100 for one. In that case, the board that I would recommend is the Gigabyte GA-EP45-DS3R. However, if you're not going to use FireWire much (what are you planning on using it for?) -- or any of the additional features of the board (since you've said earlier that you weren't going to upgrade your system) -- then I suggest that you leave the front FireWire port unused. It would be less of a headache for you than spending additional money on stuff that you won't even use.

I forgot to answer this earlier, but you don't really need a standalone sound card nowadays. Onboard HD audio is enough for most users.

As for case fans, you really need only four: two intake (front, side) and two exhaust (top, rear). Though, with your desk, the side fan would be virtually useless, so you could omit that as well.
 
CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX for your PSU is the way to go. Definitely a top notch PSU and it's dead reliable and quiet.
 
I was considering swapping the mobo for a mATX and putting it all in a Cooler Master Elite 340. If I decide to do this, what mobo and heatsink should I get? Would the Zalman 9500 fit in there?

I just realized that even mid-tower cases are pretty huge and heavy and I have to move this thing back and forth from school (college student).

Does this sound like an OK idea? I'd really appreciate some input.
 
If you're considering using a mATX tower case, I recommend either the Xigmatek HDT-S963 or the Thermalright Ultima 90 (with Panaflo M1A-Z 92mm case fan). The Ultima 90/Panaflo 92mm combination is the better cooler, but it's also more expensive.

As for motherboards, there are currently no P43/P45-based boards. As for a specific board, the Asus P5K-VM and the P5E-VM are good choices.

If you are going the microATX route, then a modular PSU becomes (almost) a necessity. I'd try to get the HX520 if I were you (but don't get it at NewEgg; try Provantage, ZipZoomFly, or Buy.com first).
 
I'd do the Xigmatek 963, but I'm still a bit nervous about it fitting in there. Should I get the mounting bracket with this one as well?

Those motherboards look fine, and since most people say there's not much difference between PCIe 1.0 vs. 2.0, it should suit my needs.

If I got the mATX route I'll probably spring for the hx520. I'll probably get the case ($45) and hx520 ($100) both shipped free from Amazon. Everything else I'll order from newegg. I'll update the OP.
 
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