Help with a mid-level AVA build

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Vandillo

n00b
Joined
Apr 30, 2007
Messages
6
Hi, new to the forum here and certainly too naive to try to build my own computer at home. Therefore, going with an AVA Direct build. I’m not a gamer, but I want to run Vista with all the bells and whistles, anticipate some video processing (digital home movies, etc for my new baby), don’t want a flashy case filled with neon, and want something to last a few years (4 or 5). Here is what I am looking at… seeking suggestions and/or critiques (keeping in mind that I have to choose parts from what is offered by AVA).

• ANTEC, LifeStyle Sonata II Black Mid-Tower Case, 450W PSU, ATX (comes with the 450Watt SmartPower 2.0 PSU which is okay… and saves me money in having to purchasing a PSU upgrade for a non-gaming machine)
• ASUS, P5B-E, LGA775, Intel P965, 1066MHz FSB, DDR2-800 8GB /4, PCIe x16, SATA 3Gb/s RAID 10, HDA, GbLAN, FW, ATX
• INTEL, Core™ 2 Duo E6420 Dual-Core, 2.13GHz, 1066MHz FSB, 4MB L2 Cache, 65nm, 65W, EM64T EIST VT XD
• COOLERMASTER, Hyper TX (Intel) CPU Cooler, Socket 775, Copper/Aluminum
• OCZ, 2GB (2 x 1GB) Gold GX XTC PC2-6400 DDR2 800MHz CL 5-5-5-12 SDRAM DIMM, Non-ECC
• ASUS, EN7600GT/2DHT/256M, GeForce™ 7600 GT, 256MB DDR3, PCIe x16 SLI, 2x DVI, TV-Out
• SEAGATE, 320GB Barracuda 7200.10, SATA II 300MB/s, 7200-RPM, 16MB cache
• LITE-ON, LH-20A1S Black/White 20x DVD±RW Dual-Layer Burner, SATA
• MITSUMI, Black Internal 1.44MB Floppy + 6-in-1 Card Reader Drive
• MICROSOFT, Windows Vista Home Premium Edition 32-bit, OEM
• WARRANTY, Silver Warranty Package (3 Year Limited Parts, 3 Year Labor Warranty)

Total build price from AVA (including OS) is $1174.64
 
Looks good. Is there a cheaper set of ram you could get? Stick with 2GB, but you don't necessarily need DDR2-800 with tight timings unless you're overclocking.
 
Thanks for the input. Alternate (cheaper) ram options include: (noting the savings from the previously selected OCZ ram)

• Minus $19.20 - CORSAIR, 2GB (2 x 1GB) XMS2 PC2-6400 DDR2 800MHz CL5 (5-5-5-12) SDRAM 240-pin DIMM, Non-ECC
• Minus $100.80 - CRUCIAL, 2GB (2 x 1GB) PC2-5300 DDR2 667MHz CL5 SDRAM DIMM, Non-ECC (egad – do I dare go with 667MHZ???)
• Minus $76.16 - DDR2-800, 2GB (2 x 1GB) PC2-6400 DDR2 800MHz CL5 SDRAM DIMM, Non-ECC (generic no-name brand???)
• Minus $53.76 – KINGSTON, HyperX 2GB (2 x 1GB) PC2-6400 DDR2 800MHz CL4 (4-4-4-12) SDRAM DIMM, Non-ECC (and) KINGSTON, HyperX 2GB (2 x 1GB) PC2-6400 DDR2 800MHz CL5 (5-5-5-15) SDRAM DIMM, Non-ECC (although hell if I know the difference)

Any thoughts? I might consider overclocking a little although I’ve never attempted this before.
 
if u want a machine to last 4-5 yrs, and ur new to OCing, you might want to steer away from the OC attempt. If this is the case, I say go for the cheapest ram you can get--like already suggested.

The likelyhood that you'll want to game and OC is good so I say spend a little more now so you CAN in case you want.
 
Vandillo said:
• Minus $100.80 - CRUCIAL, 2GB (2 x 1GB) PC2-5300 DDR2 667MHz CL5 SDRAM DIMM, Non-ECC (egad – do I dare go with 667MHZ???)
• Minus $76.16 - DDR2-800, 2GB (2 x 1GB) PC2-6400 DDR2 800MHz CL5 SDRAM DIMM, Non-ECC (generic no-name brand???)
I might consider overclocking a little although I’ve never attempted this before.
Click to expand...

That looks like a good choice. At stock speeds, the ram is running at DDR2-533 anyhow.

If you want to OC, which is pretty easy and won't lessen the life of the CPU if done correctly, then DDR2-667 will allow for 8 * 333 = 2.66Ghz (E6700 stock speed).

If you want a higher OC, say, around 3.2Ghz, go with the DDR2-800 ram. Since you're new to OC'ing, I'd suggest not OC'ing the RAM, and stick within its limits. So the DDR2-800 ram will allow for 8 * 400 = 3.2Ghz. No point in buying the more expensive RAM unless the generic stuff doesnt have a lifetime warranty. The lower timings may affect performance, but I doubt you'll notice it.
 
If I were you, I might consider the extra bucks it'll take to get an 8800 GTS, its DX10 capable and will handle all your video needs for the next 5 years, guaranteed. That 7600GT, while nice, could be a bit beefier, if the 8800 is a bit much, shoot for the 8600 or the 8500, but it'll keep you future proofed for sometime.
 
I would second going with a DX10 card, if you want to "future-proof" your computer. The 8800 GTS 320RAM would be a good choice.

Gary
 
Lets see, I think I got my 5900XT 5 years ago... does it still handle my gaming needs on my 22" CRT? NOPE! It doesnt even handle CS as well as it used to. Why? because the game is ever-changing. There are continuous updates to the game. I'm not going to guarantee that a current high performance vidcard will meet your needs for the next 5 years... as this industry changes so fast, its not even funny. Also, your needs may change, and so will the games you play.

Keep in mind, video cards depreciate faster than anything else in your computer, and theres a refresh every 6 months, lol!!! Other things to note are Vista driver support and DX10 games. What about driver support? Its not very good right now, and you need Vista for DX10 (if MS can help it). What about DX10 games? There aren't any yet, lol.

The flipside is that the DX10 cards outperform the last gen DX9 cards even in DX9 games -- at a price premium. You could always sell your card to help offset the cost of a new card.
 
Vandillo said:
I’m not a gamer, but I want to run Vista with all the bells and whistles, anticipate some video processing (digital home movies, etc for my new baby), don’t want a flashy case filled with neon, and want something to last a few years (4 or 5).
Click to expand...

I guess the question you need to ask yourself is how important is DX10 to you. You say you aren't a gamer, but want Vista's bells and whistles..... part of which is DX10. Then, you gotta look at the new generation of GPUs.

If you decide against DX10 and want to save a couple more bucks, you might want to look at a 7900 GS video card. Here is an article:

http://www.techreport.com/reviews/2006q3/geforce-7900gs/index.x?pg=1

Best of luck with your purchase!
 
Thanks again for the advise. I’ve thought about a DX10 card but it does add a bit to the cost of the machine. I’m really not a gamer, and with a baby now, I doubt I will become one any time soon. Still to “future proof” my computer (and to enjoy the bells and whistles of Vista as the prior poster mentioned), here are my options from AVADirect for a DX10 upgrade (noting the added cost to the afore mentioned components and replacing the 7600GT)

8600 GTS cards:
• Plus $97.44 - BFG TECH, GeForce™ 8600 GTS OC™ 710MHz, 256MB GDDR3 2GHz, PCIe x16 SLI, 2x DVI, HDTV-Out
• Plus $100.80 - eVGA, e-GeForce 8600GTS Superclocked 720MHz, 256MB DDR3 2100MHz, PCIe x16 SLI, 2x DVI, HDTV-Out
• Plus $112.00 - XFX, GeForce™ 8600 GTS 730MHz, 256MB GDDR3 2.26GHz, PCIe x16 SLI, 2x DVI, HDTV-Out
&#8226; Plus $67.20 - MICROSTAR, NX8600GTS-T2D256E-HD OC, GeForce&#8482; 8600GTS 690MHz, 256MB DDR3 2100 MHz, PCIe x16 SLI, DVI /2, HDTV-Out <OR> MICROSTAR, NX8600GTS-T2D256E OC, GeForce&#8482; 8600GTS 700MHz, 256MB DDR3 2100 MHz, PCIe x16 SLI, DVI /2, HDTV-Out (what&#8217;s the difference between these two? ...same price)

8800 GTS 320MB cards:
&#8226; Plus $231.84 - BFG TECH, GeForce&#8482; 8800 GTS OC2&#8482; 580MHz, 320MB GDDR3 1700MHz, PCIe x16 SLI, 2x DVI, HDTV-Out
&#8226; Plus $196.00 - eVGA, e-GeForce 8800 GTS Superclocked 576MHz, 320MB DDR3 1700MHz, PCIe x16 SLI, 2x DVI, HDTV/S-Video Out

Right now, if I were to opt for a DX10 card, I&#8217;m leaning toward an 8600 just because I can&#8217;t really justify the cost upgrade for the 8800. I will probably downgrade the ram a bit to the off-brand DDR2-800 2G (as suggested above) and save $76 thus nearly offsetting the cost of an 8600 card. Any recommendations as to which one though? The Microstar is a lot cheaper, and 2 versions&#8230; but I don&#8217;t know these things. Too many choices. Meanwhile, I will be attempting to answer some of my own questions by looking through the video card section of the forum... causing my eyes to bleed further.
 
To enjoy the Vista GUI, you don't need a DX10 card. DX10 is mainly for games and 3D apps. Since you're not a gamer, stick with the 7600GT. If you don't mind the extra $70, then upgrade to the 8600GTS if you want DX10 (if you're into 3D apps). Though, again, you won't need it to enjoy Vista.

Q: Does my video card need to support DirectX 10 to run Windows Vista?
A: No, the minimum hardware requirement for Windows Vista Premium is DirectX 9 support. However, DirectX 10 will enable the next generation of games and applications that take full advantage of Windows Vista's graphics capabilities.
Click to expand...
 
I would based on personal experience go with the BFG video cards... I have had nothing but good luck with their products. I have only had to deal with their support in one instance and it was fabulous. I got a brand new 6800 ultra from them after 3 years of use of the old one...
 
If this system is never going to be overclocked shouldnt the retail CPU cooler be fine for him?
 
The Coolmaster Hyper XT was only an additional $34 so I included it in this potential build just incase I ever do try some overclocking. In all, the build has OC potential... I would just have to educate myself quite a bit first.

I'm still torn however about the graphics card. I'm no longer even considering a 8000 series card given what I will be using the computer for... and if I do want one later, there will be more options then and more affordable choices. Now I'm debating on whether on not even to get less than the 7600GT. I know that it is a great card, but if I would possibly be considering replacing it in a couple of years or less for a dx10 card anyway (maybe) then for my current needs, a 7600gs or even a 7300gt would be sufficient and would save me $50 and $100 respectively. Also, both models (and the 7600gt for that matter) come in silent configurations from Asus.
 
Vandillo said:
a 7600gs or even a 7300gt would be sufficient and would save me $50 and $100 respectively.
Click to expand...

The 7300GT would save you $100?!? Oh, its cuz the 7600GT you chose is the silent version, lol... standard retail, the 7600GT is around $100 (active cooling), and the 7300GT (silent) is around $70... FYI. For your needs (no gaming), go with the 7300GT.
 
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