New Build - Could Soooooooo Use Your Input!

[junkman]

I’ve learned a lot from this group over the weeks of planning my new build. Much of the input you’ve provided others has helped me spec out a system that works for me (I hope). My objective is to piece together a budget gaming rig (approx. $1,000) that is STABLE and fast. Since gaming is not the only activity (general productivity, some light video editing) and the box will be used by more than one family member, I really need this thing to simply work all the time, with very few complications. I don’t plan to overclock for the first few weeks/months until I make sure things are operating as planned. Also, my OS is XP Pro.

That being said here are the components I’d like to use for this build (replacing a build I did about 4 years ago). I’d appreciate your collective wisdom/thoughts (all model names from NewEgg website):

Motherboard: ABIT IP35 Pro LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Questions: Does its support for “onboard 1394” and “onboard USB” mean I can run cables from the mobo to the USB and Firewire ports on the front of my case? I don’t need Firewire port in back but I do need one in front. My optical and hard drives (only one of each planned) are both SATA so the 6 SATA on the board should cover me now and in the future.

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 Conroe 2.66GHz 4M shared L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor – Retail
CPU Cooler: ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler - Retail

RAM: CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory – Retail
Questions: Does this RAM work with this board? Is it stable? I had considered DDR2 1066 (can’t remember the manufacturer) but am worried about stability. I could use some suggestions in the RAM department.

Video Card: XFX PVT88PYDF4 GeForce 8800GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
Questions: I want a DX10 supported card so I’m set for the next few years. But I honestly can’t keep it all straight in the video card department. So many passionate opinions in this area. I’m currently using an old 19” 4:3 LCD monitor but expect to upgrade to a 22” widescreen (Max Resolution: 1680 x 1050) in the next 3 months. I play WoW, Call of Duty 4 and some others, but I really don’t need to max out something like Crysis. After reading these boards I’ve determined I have no need for SLI (thus my mobo choice above). I want one good card that will hold me for a while. Does this card, with its SLI support, work in my non-SLI mobo? Do I need 3rd party cooling since it won’t be overclocked? Will it fit in my case?

Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda 320GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive – OEM
Questions: SATA connection should work nicely with mobo. 7200 is probably fast enough for me (especially given my budget). I will have a big external Seagate as my backup drive. Really trying to keep things simple. I have read about having two drives, one 10000 RPM for apps and a 7200 for storage, both internal. But that seems like overkill to me.

Optical Drive: SAMSUNG Black 18X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 18X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA DVD Burner With LightScribe Technology - OEM
Questions: Again, keeping things simple. I don’t need a second optical drive. I just want one that works and I don’t need the fastest burn rates because I don’t burn discs that often.

Power Supply: CORSAIR CMPSU-550VX ATX12V V2.2 550W Power Supply 90 - 264 V UL, CUL, CE, CB, FCC Class B, TUV, CCC, C-tick - Retail
Questions: Need help here. I’d like to keep it below $100 and I’d like it to be reasonably quiet. This one is $85 after rebate, but I wonder if it’s more than I need? I don’t think I need it to be modular.

Case: Antec Solo Black/Silver Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
Questions: Does this case provide enough room for all of the above components? Does it have good airflow? I like simple cases, without windows and bling, but I want front side USB and Firewire. In a perfect world I’d like to get LIAN LI PC-A05B Black Aluminum ATX Mid Tower, but I’ve read it makes things run hot because PSU is in front bottom and it’s cramped. For the Antec, I can order “B Stock” from the Antec website.

Your thoughts for other folks have really helped me get this far. Now I’d love to see what you say about my choices.

Thanks!

 

[crashthenet44]

Nice job doing your own homework on the build. Only if others would follow your lead.

Honestly I think you're build is very good. Motherboard and CPU choices are very good.

In the memory department the Corsairs are fine. If you were going to do some heavy OC'ing then I would suggest some 800 Ballistix. Just don't entertain the option of getting 1066 memory. They aren't really needed for Intel processors. Plus Ballistix will go 500mhz with ease anyway.

The only other thing I would suggest is look into the G92 GTS that was released yesterday. Here a good thread over at xtremesystems summing up yesterdays release.
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=169082

 

[engiNURD]

Yah, as crash said, the corsair RAM is ok. However, I'd go for something cheaper pre-rebate. I like to avoid rebates as much as possible. BTW, with my G.Skill GBNQ 2GB DDR2-800 I can reach 3.2Ghz with my E6750. The only reason to get faster or overclocking RAM would be if you want to go higher than 3.2Ghz. My DDR2-800 Ballistix let me reach 3.8Ghz -- and they're only $50AR. So, don't bother with DDR2-1066.

I'd go with a different case, like the Centurion 534 or 532, or the RC-690 instead. The Antec Solo is nice, but overpriced, imo (yes, even b-stock; and the shipping rates suck on antec's web store).

 

[junkman]

Thanks for the input. Are there any issues with the PSU or with the vid card being "SLI Supported" even though mobo does not have SLI?

 

[Dangman]

NO issues whatsoever with a SLI supported Video card on a non-SLI motherboard. And the Corsair 550VX is an excellent choice for a power supply. Though you can get it for a bit cheaper and with free shipping here:
Corsair 550VX 550W PSU - $98 ($83.00 MIR)

Anyway I concur with what has been said so far. If you need to cut costs, I recommend this set 2GB stick:
Super Talent T8UB2GC5 2GB DDR2 800 RAM - $37

 

[junkman]

Thanks for the input! I swapped out the RAM I was going to use (Corsair) and will now use: G.Skill 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR@ 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail.

I'll let you know how things went.