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New system build to replace single core AMD system

B

bozman

n00b
Joined
Oct 10, 2005
Messages
41
All,

I would like some constructive criticism on my new build. This will be a triple-boot system that will include:

- Windows XP (for gaming and proprietary business apps),
- Linux (to learn the OS and wean myself off of Windows at some time in the distant future), &
- Mac OSX (for my growing obsession with photography)

The system is as follows:

(1) COOLER MASTER COSMOS 1000 RC-1000-KSN1-GP Black/ Silver Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case (Model #: RC-1000-KSN1-GP) = $199.99
(1) GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS4 LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Dynamic Energy Saver Ultra Durable II Intel Motherboard (Model #: GA-EP35-DS4) = $174.99
(1) PC Power & Cooling S75QB 750W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply (Model #: S75QB) = $149.99
(1) Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450 Yorkfield 2.66GHz LGA 775 95W Quad-Core Processor (Model #: BX80569Q9450) = $359.99
(2) A-DATA 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory (Model #: ADQVE1B16K) = $163.98
(2) Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive (Model #: WD6400AAKS) = $199.98
(1) ASUS 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA (Model #: DRW-2014L1T) = $35.99
(1) Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 SB1090 5.1 Channels USB Interface Sound Card (Model #: 70SB109000000) = $59.99
(1) ZALMAN CNPS9500 AT 2 Ball CPU Cooling Fan/Heatsink (Model #: CNPS9500 AT) = $49.99

Total = $1,419.23 (without tax and shipping)

Included in the total is some Arctic Silver, cables and other little items.

Overclocking is not a priority, but I will probably do a little on air only (I would rather not compromise stability or over complicate this build for now).

What do you think? Any and all comments or suggestions are appreciated...
 
nice setup, but it wouldn't do u any much good if u don't have a vid card, don't you think?
 
Which features do you need on the motherboard? The GA-EP35-DS3R could likely get the job done just as well for a bit less.

Get a different CPU cooler -- like, for example, the Xigmatek HDT-S1283.

Onboard sound nowadays has progressed to the point that it's a viable option for most users. Try it out first, and then consider a sound card if you're otherwise disappointed.

Which montior/resolution are you using? Are you waiting for the new video cards to arrive in June?
 
Also, do you plan on gaming, what do you plan on using this machine for. If not $163 seems a little pricey just for a 4 gig set of RAM.

A little more specifics on what you want to do with the the system would help.
 
Sorry all,

I forgot to mention that I have a BFG 8800 GTS. That will suffice for now and when Nvidia releases their new parts, I will get the latest and greatest.

This new rig will be used to cover 3 needs I have. They are:

As a "work" PC running Windows XP & Linux with various proprietary and XP only apps
As a "play" PC for gaming running Windows XP (MS Flight Simulator X & a hoard of first person shooters).
As a "hobby/small business" PC running Mac OSX (my photography hobby is turning into an obsession that is starting to make me a little money).

The sound card (which is a USB external card) is necessary for compatibility with Mac OSX.

I will re-look at the heatsink/fan combo, but I am really not sure what would be the best. I just don't want to install a heatsink/fan combo that use retention clips. I want something that bolts to the motherboard.

Also, someone mentioned that I should look at a Xeon processor instead of the Q9450. Does that really make sense?

Lastly, if you look at my post closely, you will see that I am installing 8 gig of RAM (2) packs of 4 gig (2 X 2 gig).

Anyone else... I haven't built a system in some time and I would really like to know if I am making any obvious mistakes in terms of compatibility or throwing good money at poor quality components.

Thanks again....
 
Ahh I apologize for misreading your post. I guess I kind of threw out the little numbers before each item in your cart.

That machine looks great, that is a solid CPU with a superb amount of RAM.

There is other options for a cooler that you can save a little bit of money, but to each his own. The Freezer 7 Pro is a good cooler, easy to install and for a great price.

I'd say go with it, that will last you and that will be a multi-tasking beast.
 
Everything looks good... I added my two cents in as a matter of personal opinion.

The HDT-S1283 is a better CPU cooler than the Freezer 7 Pro (and it doesn't cost that much more money). If you want a better mounting mechanism for you rmotherboard, purchase the Thermalright LGA775 Bolt-Thru kit.

I don't know much about running OSX on a PC platform, but you may want to consider a second HDD that is dedicated to your "hobby."
 
Thanks All.... Again.

I have 2 WD 74 gig Raptors that will also be installed in this machine for the OS's. They are in my existing rig.

I will be changing up the heatsink/fan combo.

1 last question before I place my order....

I am getting alot of flak about the PSU I intend on getting in another forum. Someone keeps pushing the Seasonic brand on me. Should I go that route? I have always used PC Power & Cooling in the past.

Oh, and they also keep pushing the G Skill RAM. Is that a better product? If it is, what part number would be right for 2 pack or 4 gig (2 X 4 gig sticks) that I can overclock a little on air?

Thanks again... I hope to order this from NewEgg late tonight or early tomorrow morning...
 
PCP&C make some of the best psu's around, stick with it.

g skill makes great ram too, but get whatever is the best price.
 
Tirades...

Looking into the HDT-S1283. Do you, or anyone else know if it will fit or interfere with anything on the GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS4 motherboard?

Is there anywhere on the web where I can find this out?

Thanks again all....
 
I can't say for certain whether or not the HDT-S1283 would fit. The elaborate northbridge cooling setup for the DS4 is the question mark for me. The closest comparison I could get to is with the pictures in the X-bit Labs review of the HDT-S1283, but they're using an Asus board (with a similar northbridge cooling mechanism). Regardless, it won't block any of the memory slots.

If the only motherboard feature you need is use of all four memory slots, then go with the cheaper DS3R. If you really want the more elaborate northbridge cooling -- and you need the second PCIe x16 slot, which is actually a x4 slot -- then go ahead and get the DS4.
 
Tiraides et all...

Thanks for the input to date.

I just ordered everything and it should be here in a couple of days.

I will report back with the results of the build and with some benchmark information.

Thanks again all.
 
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