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first build...need advice/help (quad-core)

R

RobertM

n00b
Joined
Jan 24, 2007
Messages
37
I'm in the process of reserching parts for a computer I'm hoping to put together, but I have reservations about some of my choices and am confused about options etc. I'm fairly new to all this. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

I'll be using this system for digital photography, often working with single files in Photoshop etc that approach 800mb-1gb in size, as well as mapping with 3D editors, which is the reason I'm interested in the latest 3D cards.

I'm planning on purchasing the following soon and hope you will give me any thoughts you have for better choices or pros/cons with this configuration. My main concerns are with the mobo stability, which manufactures to go with for the processor, mobo and video card and cooling options.

- Intel Core 2 Extreme QX-6700 processor
-BFG 680i SLI mobo OR Asus Striker Extreme
-(2) Corsair XMS2 Twin2 (2X1024mb)Extreme DDr2 1066Mhz,PC8500 240 pin
(or PC8888 but that's a fair $ more.)
- BFG Geforce 8800 GTX or the same by BFG, Water cooled card (I intend on adding a second card when the prices drop)
-Enermax Galaxy EGA 1000 EWL 1000watt PS
- 1 Western Digital Raptor SATA 74GB 10,000RPM, 16MB buffer
- 2 Seagate Barracuda 7200.10SATA 3.0Gb/s 500GB 16MB Cache
- Thermaltake Kandalf LCS case
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I've read here and elsewhere that the Striker as well as other 680i boards can be less stable than desired. I'm not experienced with troubleshooting and optimising settings and so that is a major concern for me. I won't have a lot of time to get everything up and running smoothly...but I do want an SLI system. I have looked into the Intel D975XBX2 and see that stability and overclocking etc are no problem.
The P5W 64-WS Pro LGA 775 Conroe seems to be another favourite.

Questions I have:
-With the Kandalf case should I also get the water cooled BFG card?
-Is there any other add-on cooler I should put into this system? (Big Typhoon, Corsair Nautilus etc?)
- What am I missing...what else do I need?
- Should I attempt to build this rig....my first, or is it prudent to find someone certified. I've changed PS, fans, video and sound cards etc in my current computer, but that's the extent of my experience.

Thanks!!! (first post)
 
Did I post in the wrong section? I'm really hoping that those experienced with similar a build will help me out...my questions are serious.
Here's another. I've read about the various Raid configs, 0,1,5 etc but haven't seen much conversation about how to set Raid up.
Thanks,

Robert
 
RobertM said:
Did I post in the wrong section? I'm really hoping that those experienced with similar a build will help me out...my questions are serious.
Here's another. I've read about the various Raid configs, 0,1,5 etc but haven't seen much conversation about how to set Raid up.
Thanks,

Robert
Click to expand...

build questions should probably go in general hardware.

sorry no real input on the cooling, I'm not much of an authority on that myself.
 
are you gaming? if not, there's no need to spend all that much...your ps and 3D work wont require an 8800GTX, but an ATI FireGL or Nvidia Quadro would do a much better job...

assuming you want to keep to 8800GTX, I'm not sure about the RAM (take a look in that section for some help deciding) and I would get 2 Raptor and have them in RAID 0 (thats less stable but real fast :) make sure to backup important files) and maybe reduce to 1 500GB HDD

Other than that it seems to a be a pretty sweet rig :D
 
I suggest you go with the D975XBX2 motherboard for stability. It's also a great overclocker, often better than any 680i motherboard. The Striker is too expensive for the few benefits.
 
I'd suggest an Intel chipset board, more stable & better drivers = less problems, less tweaking required.

Asus P5W DH or Intel BadAxe (both Intel 975 mobos)
 
I concur, if this is not a gaming machine, then get a FireGL card. It'll run rings around a 8800GTX in most professional apps (believe it or not).
 
Thanks everyone for your replies!!!

Paco,

I'll check the gen. hardware section too! Appreciated!
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Setekh,

Although photography is my main focus, I've been mapping with the Unreal Tournament Editor, and so a gaming rig is definately required so as to take advantage of all that the editor offers. As a mapper, it's important to be have a rig with the resources that will handle a large and multi-featured map.
I'll look carefully at the various Raid options!! Thanks!!
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Xilikon,

You're the second person to recommend the BadAxe and I have looked at some reviews. It definately looks to be an excellent choice. My only concern is that it's not SLI. Truth is, I'm not sure of how much benefit I will see running dual video cards in SLI. I really don't want instability problems and so your suggestion is being given serious consideration.
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Chris,

You're also suggesting a look into better stability with the 975 boards. I suppose down the road if I feel I really need an SLI board, I could upgrade. Stability...really important to me. I see that nVidea is releasing a new driver. I wonder what improvements will be seen with that and a 680i board.
Thanks....appreciated!!!
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T Corporate,

I'm not at all familiar with the Fire GL card. I'll search and have a look at that!
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Great replies and an excellent forum!! Thanks very much!!!:)

RobertM
 
Best chipset out there is the 975X, older than 965P or 680i, and that might be the reason for it being faster (a bit) and more stable.

If you go with the Badaxe, make sure it is the BadAxe 2 (newer model). It is supposed to be a great board.

You might also want to look @ the Asus P5WDG2 WS Pro, also 975X chipset. I own one and I love it!

The power supply might be overkill. 700W would do just fine, if not 800 - 850. But hey, if you want to be future proof, 1000W it is.

About the RAM, since you want stability, I doubt you'll be overclocking to the limit, and 1066 RAM is also overkill, you can do just fine with DDR2 800mhz for a lot less. Get a good kit of G.SKill 2GBHZ or Crucial Ballistix.

And yes, you can build this system, we will all help you if necessary.......But I think you'll do just fine on your own!
 
RobertM said:
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Chris,

You're also suggesting a look into better stability with the 975 boards. I suppose down the road if I feel I really need an SLI board, I could upgrade. Stability...really important to me. I see that nVidea is releasing a new driver. I wonder what improvements will be seen with that and a 680i board.
Thanks....appreciated!!!
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Click to expand...

I've never been a big fan of SLI. Usually the top end videocard puts out enough fps for me at a high quality setting. And instead of buy a 2nd one, I save my money so when the next gen card comes out thats 2x faster I can buy it, and I only have to sell ONE old videocard!!
 
chrisf6969 said:
I've never been a big fan of SLI. Usually the top end videocard puts out enough fps for me at a high quality setting. And instead of buy a 2nd one, I save my money so when the next gen card comes out thats 2x faster I can buy it, and I only have to sell ONE old videocard!!
Click to expand...

I do the same, besides, why do people care about FPS? Do they even enjoy playing the game, or they just pay attention to the stupid FPS meter on the corner of the monitor?
 
Orion,

I very much appreciate your offer for help...I'm sure I'll need it!:rolleyes:
For sure I'll be looking into the P5WDG2! Thanks!!!

Robert
 
Chris,

Your suggestion to go with one card and update to something newer when the need arises makes good sense! If I end up with an SLI board, I have the option to run dual, but that's an option I may never use. I'm not that concerned with FPS...i just want my $$$ to last as long as possible before major changes have to be made to keep up with software demands, which is where I'm at now.
Thanks...appreciated!:)

Robert
 
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