First-timer, First-build, Thoughts?

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XavantTheEnigma

n00b
Joined
Aug 27, 2008
Messages
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I actually have no experience with picking out the parts and such. So I went to my buddy who actually picked out the parts for me on newegg. However, my concern about buying these parts is that it's a gamble, since... I have no knowledge of computer construction. I'm not sure if things were overlooked, underlooked etc. So I'm coming to you guys for extra voice and assistance. It's best to have opinions from other people, rather than just one. I do for sure, want that VistionTek HD4870 :)

Anyways, what are you guys thoughts on this build?


CD Drive: Pioneer Black 20X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 20X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 16X DVD-ROM 40X CD-R 32X CD-RW 40X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 20X DVD±R DVD Burner - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827129032

Case: Antec Three Hundred Black ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042

Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 (Perpendicular Recording) ST3500630AS 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148136

Video Card: 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


Power Supply: CORSAIR CMPSU-620HX 620W ATX12V v2.2 and EPS12V 2.91 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Cabling Active PFC Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139002

Memory: Transcend 2GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Desktop Memory - Retail (x2 = 4GB)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820208344

Motherboard: ASUS P5K PRO LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131275


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


Operating System: Microsoft Windows Vista HOme Premium SP1 64-bit
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116488
Click to expand...

I actually went over my $1000 budget for this, but I'm OK with that, I have no problems.
I really don't think my processor is that much of a problem, but if you have any thoughts go for it!

I actually do not know what impact a processor has on gaming system. (I'm trying to aim for a gaming system btw)
 
Some questions that needs to be answered:
- What size monitor do you have?
- Will you be overclocking?

Since this is a gaming system, I recommend spending the extra $15 for a significantly faster hard drive:
Western Digital WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - $85

If you really don't need modular cabling, then I recommend getting this PSU instead:
Corsair 750TX 750W PSU - $98

This 4GB set of RAM is actually cheaper than two of those Transcend RAM once you factor in shipping:
G.Skill F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ 2 x 2GB DDR2 800 RAM - $77

I would not go with a P35 motherboard at this point in time since its replacement, the P45 chipset, is out. The P45 supports PCI-E 2.0 which might be useful for future GPU upgrades. So err on the side of caution and go with a P45 motherboard. Some recommendations:
Gigabyte GA-EP43-DS3L Intel P43 Motherboard - $90
MSI P45 Neo3-FR Intel P45 Motherboard - $112
Gigabyte GA-EP45-DS3R Intel P45 Motherboard - $128
Asus P5Q Pro Intel P45 Motherboard - $140
Biostar TPower I45 Intel P45 Motherboard - $150
DFI Lanparty DK X38-T2R Intel X38 Motherboard - $180
Asus P5E Deluxe Intel X48 Motherboard - $220
DFI Lanparty DK X48-T2R Intel X48 Motherboard - $220
Gigabyte GA-X48-DS4 Intel X48 Motherboard - $225

Just to help you out: All of these motherboards have PCI-E 2.0 which may be useful for future GPU upgrades. If you don't need RAID, more than 6 SATA ports and only need semi-decent overclocking, check out the DS3L. If you need 8 SATA ports, RAID, 4 PCI slots, and legacy ports, then get the Neo3-Fr. If you don't need more than 6 SATA ports but want RAID, firewire, a second PCI-E x16 port, a second gigabit port, support for 16GB of RAM, optional eSATA, x8/x8 Crossfire, and great overclocks, then get the DS3R. If you like the DS3R but need 8 SATA ports, want an onboard pre-installed fast booting Linux setup, just support for 8GB of RAM, and don't need a second gigabit port, get the Asus P5Q Pro. If you want a motherboard with excellent overclocking capabilities above all else (feature wise), go with the I45. If you want Crossfire with full x16/x16 bandwidth, get the Lanparty DK X38. If you have cash to burn, need x16/x16 Crossfire, and don't give a damn about getting the most value for your money, get the Asus, DFI, or Gigabyte X48 motherboards. Do note that the Asus website can be slow sometimes.
 
you should get a P45 motherboard like the Asus P5Q

also drop the HD 4870 and get the HD 4850 for 80$ less you get way more bang for your buck the 4870 is not worth it over the 4850.
 
lol just noticed the memory you chose you need to drop that crap and get the

4GB (2x2) Gskill DDR2-1000 its only 80$ and OC's like hell

its on newegg somewhere
 
XavantTheEnigma said:
I edited the post so it displays what resolution I'm at. Also... what is modular cabling?
Click to expand...

Modular cabling is a feature of PSUs. Basically you only connect the cables that you need for the system. The leftover cables can be removed or not install at all and stored somewhere else, not inside the case. Modular cabling does allow for better cable management and slightly better airflow.
 
How hot do 4850 or 4870s get? Would you reccomend I need modular cabling? I'm a dud when it comes to cooling stuff and so fourth.

I'm aiming for a long computer life with my computer. Overclocking appears to shorten the lifespan of computer parts, while it would be dandy n' all. I don't think I'll be super super gaming.

I usually play alot of MMORPGS... and Jedi Academy.
I will however buy Oblivion, Assassin's Creed, DMC4 and Diablo III... probably more? ;)

As silly as this sounds, I'm trying to beat my uncles computer in specs. Kind of like who has the bigger epeen :D Oh man. I'm losing it lolol. I spose' I'll keep the 4870 regardless of the price, unless I feel it's necessary.

I've never built a computer before, while I have installed RAM and reinstalled my lame ATI Radeon 9250. This will be a completely new experience. I failed hard when I bought a 7300GT for an AGP4x computer lolol. My biggest concern is installing the heatsink + fan or somthing. Is thermal paste really necessary?
 
Both the HD4850 and HD4870 do get a bit hot. But they're certifiedto run at high temperatures so no worries about it.

Done properly and effectively, overclocking will NOT shorten the lifespan of computer parts.

If you want to save $50, ditch the modular 620HX and go with the 750TX that I recommended earlier. Having no modular cabling isn't too much of a big issue.
 
You have a CRT... no need for super duper GPU power, simply lower the res and enjoy great gaming on the cheap!
 
Hello, I am Xavant's friend who recommended those parts. Xavant wants a fast and stable machine, it's been a while since he had a new one. Overclocking isn't an option at all for now. Recommending that someone with his computer experience to overclock is silly. In time perhaps, but not now.

I recommended the 620HX because it is an incredibly reliable power supply, has the power needed, and has modular cabling. Cuts down on case clutter and helps with airflow. The 750TX is a nice idea though, more power and less cost.

I recommended the Asus P5K Pro mainboard because it's incredibly reliable and cheap compared to motherboards of the same capability. I don't see any real reason to pick up a more expensive P45 board or a similarly priced but lower quality P45 board, the features offered aren't worth it.

Your memory recommendations are fine, but there won't be any overclocking done on this machine.
 
While overclocking is dandy and all, I really don't think there is an actual need for me to possess it. My next build, if I plan on creating one. For sure, I'll have some overclocking in it as a new experience.

Another question, thermal paste, yay or nay?
Will there be any difference if I don't apply it?
 
dguy6789 said:
Overclocking isn't an option at all for now. Recommending that someone with his computer experience to overclock is silly. In time perhaps, but not now.
Click to expand...

I wasn't recommending that he overclock. I was trying to clear up his misconception that overclocking will shorten the lifespan of PC.

dguy6789 said:
I recommended the Asus P5K Pro mainboard because it's incredibly reliable and cheap compared to motherboards of the same capability. I don't see any real reason to pick up a more expensive P45 board or a similarly priced but lower quality P45 board, the features offered aren't worth it.
Click to expand...

What capability would that be? In addition, I'd say that the cheaper and "lower" quality P45 motherboards are on par with the P5K Pro in terms of quality. I don't see any real reason to pick up an older P35 motherboard when the P45 motherboards are out. PCI-E 2.0 might be needed by future GPUs.

XavantTheEnigma said:
Another question, thermal paste, yay or nay?
Will there be any difference if I don't apply it?
Click to expand...

Don't apply it and your CPU burns up. No need for a 3rd party TIM if you're not overclocking. The stock TIM that comes pre-applied on the stock HSF that comes with most Intel CPUs will be sufficient.
 
Do you need RAID?
Do you need Firewire?
Do you need an extra PCI-E 16x slot that performs at 4x?
Will you buy another board in the next 2 yrs?

If you answered no to any of those, you can find a better board for your money, with current technology. If you like the bang for buck of the P35 and don't see yourself getting a vidcard that will saturate the PCI-E1.1 16x slot, then stick with the P5K Pro.

$50 price premium for modular cabling? pfft. Thats a no-brainer: either ditch the modular PSU and get a cheaper, more powerful PSU for less money, or find a cheaper modular PSU.

If there's no OC'ing being done now or in the future, then all you need is DDR2-533. However, since Bearlake and Eaglelake don't support that speed, go with DDR2-667 instead. If you don't want to learn how to OC, thats fine -- just know that you're asking for build advice from the Hard Overclockers Comparison Page's Forum. :p ... and it is easy to OC once you read the guide. However, we recommend parts that are your best bang for buck, with or without OC'ing in mind.

OC'ing for your next build? Intel is talking about FSB locking their CPUs... good luck OC'ing in the future... don't worry, we'll find a way. :p

Since you're not OC'ing, you can use the stock Intel CPU HSF, which includes pre-applied thermal paste thats pretty good (Intel learned their lesson with prescott, lol). If you want a more quiet cooling solution, the HDT-S1283 w/ retention bracket is good -- it, too, comes with thermal paste already.
 
What capability would that be? In addition, I'd say that the cheaper and "lower" quality P45 motherboards are on par with the P5K Pro in terms of quality. I don't see any real reason to pick up an older P35 motherboard when the P45 motherboards are out. PCI-E 2.0 might be needed by future GPUs.
Click to expand...
I don't get how PCI Express 2.0 x16 cards work with PCI Express x16 mobos that have no 2.0 support.
 
XavantTheEnigma said:
I don't get how PCI Express 2.0 x16 cards work with PCI Express x16 mobos that have no 2.0 support.
Click to expand...

Just the way they were designed. PCI-E 2.0 was designed to be backwards compatible with the older PCI-E 1.1 specifications that the P5K Pro and other P35 motherboards use. Sort of like the PS2 being able to play older PS1 games.
 
Alright. Now, at least, would an HD4870 work near-perfectly or perfectly if it's plugged into a PCI Express 1.0/1.1?

Because like, once that card starts to get really old, it would be best to just buy or build a new computer altogether. :)
 
Alright. So I'm going to swap out the Transcend for the memory that Danny Bui suggested.

I'm still a little unsure about the PSU. While, I can save $50, but I also have to keep in mind that this is indeed my first build and I kind of want it to be on the easy side to reduce my chance, even if by a little, of screwing up. On one hand, I have a messy, slightly worse airflow but more powerful solution and on the other a much more cleaner, better airflowing but slightly less powerful solution.

Since I'm not overclocking or going to go the crossfire route, I dont think I'll need that extra power. However, I may seek installing additional hard drives, CD drives and a card reader for those people who wish to capture family moments. (Capture family moments... heresy =_=)
 
The RAM Danny recommended is much better than the transcend, IMO.

Another alternative is finding a cheaper modular PSU. :p A 520W Corsair would more than cover your needs. From time to time, the Antec NeoPower 550W also goes on sale for around $70. Lets see... its $80 right now, free shipping:
$80 - Antec NeoPower 550 550W PSU
It has 42A on the +12v rail(s) and its OEM'd by Seasonic, although its slightly lesser quality than actual Seasonic and Seasonic-made Corsair units -- still, a good PSU for a lot less money.

If you're a bit worried, then there's also the 650W NeoPower:
$100 - Antec NeoPower 650 Blue 650W
 
Drop the PSU down to an HX520W. Your system does not need 620 watts. Don't buy it at Newegg though, they charge extra for Corsair PSU's, and Corsair's customer service is excellent, so you'll be able to RMA it through them without any problems, and will be fine without Newegg.

Also, make sure that's really the case you want. You may find something that you like better.

If you care at all about system noise, I'd recommend upgrading heatsinks and fans. If you're going to OC, I'd upgrade the CPU heatsink as well. Intel stock heatinks are basically junk.

Get a 2x2gb kit of RAM, and you might save a little money, or perhaps get a better manufacturer. (I'm not familiar with the one you're buying)

Get a P45 board.

All I can think of ATM. GL with the build. :)
 
Too late. I already ordered the case hehe.
I liked it even more after Dguy pointed out that the PSU was on the bottom.
Heat rises, etc etc >_> I thought it was a smart design.

A case is a case, I don't think there is much to it but merely looks and room
If it was for looks, I would have went with the Antec Twelve Hundred or the Antec Sonata III ( That looks cool for some reason >_>)
 
I meant in terms of looks. Unless there's serious flaws in the case design (no intakes, etc), cooling performance isn't really that difference between cases that have 1-2 intakes/exhausts - at least from my experience.
 
Two intakes, two exhausts it looks like. Where two intakes are on the front, one exhaust on the top and another on the back. PSU is on the bottom :O
 
Indeed. Corsair appears to be pretty well reviewed by it's customers and popular here on the hardforums. I'm going for Corsair :)
 
DOUBLEPOST. *gets shot*

I built this computer, everything runs well.
Two concerns though. When I start up my computer

It briefly says

No Hard Disk detected, and then it goes CPU Fan Error press f1 to resume.

I press F1 to resume... and then seconds later Windows Vista boots up. I install it and everything, and it's all fine. No problems... it seems to be running like a normal system.
I look in the case and the CPU Fan is running.
 
I only have pics while I was building it. Nothing when I finished it. My cords are a mess but i dont think thats too much a problem. It's nothing flashy lolz.

I ended up with everything Dguy made for me except for the RAM.

I took the G.Skill ram Danny suggested.


http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p92/vanatul/HPIM1371.jpg
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p92/vanatul/HPIM1372.jpg
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p92/vanatul/HPIM1373.jpg
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p92/vanatul/HPIM1374.jpg
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p92/vanatul/HPIM1375.jpg
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p92/vanatul/HPIM1376.jpg
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p92/vanatul/HPIM1377.jpg

That's all the pictures I have. I took those when I installed that huge video card o_o
 
Congrats! I hope you enjoyed building your first computer. It just gets better after the first one. I'm setting up for building my second right now, and I learned a lot from my first build (One stick of ram was dead on arrival, and my cpu socket type went obsolete roughly 3 weeks after i bought it.... Athlon 939 to and then they went to AM2, boo)

Shortly after building the first computer I got the itch to poke around with overclocking, i built the computer with a bit of overclocking in mind too nothing extreme. After doing that (very carefully might i add!) I was psyched to get my CPU running as fast as the the one that was $200 more! So im definitly planning on that for my next build :) Just remember that research is your friend.

Anyway, Everyone on the forums is more than willing to offer help, as you have seen. So when in doubt, ask a question!
 
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