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help with my build for protools/gaming

M

mtdrew

n00b
Joined
Aug 25, 2008
Messages
12
So I haven't built a PC in about 4 years and I'm not very up to date on current technology. I want to use this primarily for sound recording, but also for gaming. I have an external m-audio sound device that I will be running with protools. I also already have a monitor that I'd like to keep. My budget is around $2000. I've done some reading and this is what I've come up with so far:

CPU
Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 Yorkfield 2.83GHz LGA 775

Heatsink
ZALMAN CNPS9700 LED 110mm 2 Ball CPU Cooler - Retail

CASE
NZXT Temptest

PSU
CORSAIR CMPSU-620HX 620W (modular)

GPU
SAPPHIRE 100251SR Radeon HD 4870X2

HDs
Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA
(i wanna put 2 of these in a raid 0 config, and then either get a 3rd for backup of important data, or else an external firewire/usb drive)

That's all I have selected so far. I know a lot of people will recommend a cheaper CPU but I wanna stick with the Q9550 as I expect it to hold up for a good 2-3 years. I'm also fairly sure I wanna get DDR3, even if its not insanely faster, for the same reason as getting the Q9550.. I think it should last a while.

Some other notes/questions: I don't plan on gaming in resolutions higher than 1024x768 or 1280x1024 at the max. Is that videocard overkill? If I do want to upgrade my monitor down the line I might get a second 4870X2 and put it in crossfire. But for now it should be more than enough for my gaming needs, right? Two other things that might influence decisions... I don't really ever plan on overclocking anything (maybe the CPU a small amount.. up to 3.0 ghz?) and I don't want to bother with water cooling (thus the tempest case). And I will probably also get a fan controller so I can turn the fans down at night. Will 620W be enough for all this? Or should I just get the HX1000 now so I don't have to get one later on down the road.

So the biggest question is what mobo to get. I've always had good luck with ASUS and was looking at the P5E3, but I would have to get a seperate raid controller.. which is probably preferable anyway I think. Also for memory, I heard corsair and crucial were good brands (planning on getting DDR3 1333 mhz).

So that's about it, I think I've covered everything. Thanks in advance for any input/suggestions. So many decisions, ahhhh!
 
The 4870X2 is way overkill for 1024x768 or even 1280x1024. You would not need to run crossfire even if you did upgrade your monitor. I recommend spending some of that 2k on a nice 24" (1920x1200) monitor.
 
Ya I was thinking it might be overkill too.. I might just get a 4870 then. Even that should be good for 2-3 years still right? The toughest choice is still the motherboard.
 
I concur with everyone here: The HD4870X2 and even the HD4870 is ridiculously overkill for 1280x1024 gaming. Is that the max size of your monitor? At that resolution, the $100 9600GT will be more than enough. Either get a bigger monitor or just go with the 9600GT.

Yes the Q9550 is a poor choice. It's only 133MHz faster than the Q9450 but it's $50 more than the Q9450. Is 133Mhz really worth an extra $50?
Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450 CPU - $280

In addition, having DDR3 RAM will not increase the longevity of your system at all. DDR3 RAM has not been shown to provide a significant performance increase over current DDR2 RAM with Intel C2D systems. The faster DDR3 RAM that could will not be compatible with any motherboard chosen today. In addition, there's a good chance that whatever DDR3 RAM you buy today will not be compatible with Intel's or AMD's new systems 3 years from now judging from their past history (Intel current chipsets only support DDR2 667 RAM and up)

Also, ditch the Zalman HSF. It's overpriced for the cooling it offers. These other HSF perform better and are cheaper than the Zalman:
Xigmatek HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle HSF - $37 & Retention Bracket - $7
OCZ OCZTVEND2 Vendetta 2 120 Rifle HSF - $35
ZEROtherm Nirvana NV120 120mm HSF - $50

The 620HX will be more than enough for your current system. Though if modular cables isn't a major need/want, I recommend getting this PSU for cheaper but offers more power:
Corsair 750TX 750W PSU - $98

Motherboard wise, I recommend these motherboards:
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.
 
thanks for the inputs ;d

I've decided to go with the asus P5Q mobo.

here is my new egg wishlist. just waiting for the OK of some friends and [H]ard junkies!

<3
 
You'll save at least $25 if you get the Vendetta2 and Vista Home Premium from Microcenter.
 
nice.. i kinda liked the vendetta 2 better anyway.

and that ram is so cheap, i might as well get 8 MB... booyaw.
 
mtdrew said:
nice.. i kinda liked the vendetta 2 better anyway.

and that ram is so cheap, i might as well get 8 MB... booyaw.
Click to expand...

8GB would be better. FYI, using all 4 DIMM slots will put added stress on the MCH, limiting your OC a little bit. YMMV. So, unless you need 8GB, 4GB should suffice.
 
8mb, lol, it was late. I've heard that having a lot of memory is important for sound recording. and i don't really plan to OC much. and the memory is super cheap! i don't see any reason not to if the only drawback is in the OC'ing area.

thanks for your help guys, i'm gonna order tonight!
 
True... just curious, what size are the audio files you're working with?
 
not terribly large. the biggest project i've worked on had 12 tracks and was about 6 minutes long. i just don't want to have any hiccups in anything, recording/gaming/etc. and you guys have all talked me out of spending money on DDR3 and what not, i feel like i have to splurge on something :p 8GB can only help, ya? hehe well i just ordered so too late now anyway... i'll tell you how it turns out!!
 
so i got everything up and running tonight with relatively few hiccups. i couldn't get the system to post with all 8 GB of ram, but it works fine with 4. i'm hoping if i update the bios it will work with all 8 gigs. the power button on my case was all janky, and in attempting to fix it, it broke. strangely, the reset button actually turns the computer on and off and everything seems to work fine. i'm positive the jumpers are correct. is it possible to just get a replacement powerbutton/cable/jumper (i dont know the proper term for this.. connects the front panel button to the mobo) or will i have to send the whole case back.. that would be a pain. i'll probably have to call NZXT and find out. if you guys have any recommendations on this let me know :]

and lastly a big thanks to danny and enginurd for their input on this. im very pleased with the system so far, it shows all 5.9s in vista ratings. =D=D=D
 
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