PC Build Check Please, Oh And New Member :P

C

CLR

n00b
Joined
Feb 16, 2008
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Guys, thanks for letting me join Hard Forum. Wanted to run this build by you guys before I pulled the trigger on it, I prefer getting counsel from several people. This is what I came up with based upon what I read at various places, by all means if there is a better motherboard, or video card, or I am paying for something that I truly do NOT need, then by all means tell me and save me some money :p And when I say better, then what I mean is this: if there is a motherboard or video card, that say: runs cooler, has a better chipset, has faster clock or memory speeds, etc. All for around the same price. My budget is $1300.00 flat, and not a penny higher. So I would greatly welcome opinions from you guys for sure.

Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16811129021

Rosewill RP550-2 ATX12V v2.01 550W Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16817182017

GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS3P
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16813128083

Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16819115037

Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16835100007

VisionTek 900202 Radeon HD 3870
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16814129100

G.SKILL 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1000
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16820231145

Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST3500320AS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16822148288

SAMSUNG 20X DVD±R DVD Burner
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16827151161

Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16829102006

Tuniq Tower 120
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16835154001

TOTAL SYSTEM COST: $1,198.89
 
Welcome! Pretty good for your first try.

Right now, the best deal for the E8400 is for $200 at Microcenter. If you can't get it there, the next best is $230 at Mwave. If you need a processor now, and can't stomach spending more than $250 right now, the E6750 is still a viable option.

You may also want to consider a better CPU cooler:

Scythe SCNJ-1100P Ninja HSF - $36
Tuniq Tower 120 HSF - $45
Thermalright Ultima-90 HSF - $46 & Panaflo FBA09A12M 92mm Fan - $3
ZEROtherm Nirvana NV120 120mm HSF - $45
Thermalright Ultra-120 Extreme HSF - $57 & Scythe S-Flex SFF21E 120MM Case Fan - $14

If you're not really planning on overclocking, then you don't need DDR2 1000 RAM. Get a cheap 4GB kit for under $100, like this A-DATA kit. (In fact, if you want to save even more money, stick with the processor's stock HSF unit -- just don't overclock with it.)

Rosewill is an acceptable choice, you may want a better PSU, like the Corsair HX520 (modular) or VX550 (non-modular). If you really need something cheaper (which I really don't recommend with power supplies, as they power everything in your rig), you could settle for the Antec EarthWatts 500W PSU.

What monitor do you have, and which resolution are you using? Depending on your monitor, and its native/max resolution, you may want a better card, such as the 512MB 8800GT, the (G92) 512MB 8800GTS, or the HD3870x2. If you're going to insist on getting an HD3870, it's best to choose a brand that offers a lifetime limited warranty, like VisionTek.
 
Thanks for your reply bro, very much. I am most definitely wanting to overclock the cpu and the memory, but not that much on the memory. If I could hit 4.2 or 4.5 on the clock speed, and it was stable, I will be all over it.

So knowing that, is the memory ok to do that with? Or is there a better ram for a lower price to utilize?
 
I would keep the memory then. To get your cpu to that high an oc, you will be forced to overclock your memory too. Once you get past a fsb of 400 (quad pumped, 1600) you will have to oc your memory. If you have a kit of ddr2-1000 you could potentially get to 4.5 (500*9) without ocing your memory
 
Ok, well I know I got a good case for overclocking, now I just have to pick the right CPU cooler that will work and fit with that motherboard, as some have various issues with some motherboards, or so I have read.

Not sure which one that is lol, but, hopefully someone will show up and shed some more light on it for me, I've read so much lately trying to see what will work with what etc.
 
All of the HSF that Tiraides recommended should fit well on the DS3P.

Now if you don't want to OC the RAM, I recommend getting this set of DDR2 1000 RAM:
G.SKILL F2-8000CL5D-4GBPQ 2 x 2GB DDR2 1000 RAM - $115

If you want to cut costs, drop the sound card for now. Check out the onboard sound first and if its not up to your liking, then buy the sound card. Often times, I've seen many people glad that they didn't buy an expensive sound card, which allowed to spend more on the video card, RAM, CPU, etc.
 
Awesome. Ok, I changed the memory to the recommended after reviewing it (many thanks for the heads up on it), and I dropped the sound card, because I found one for free.

This opens up the door for a HD3870x2

So now the question is, does my mother board support it (I am sure it does), and which brand of the x2 3870s works the best so far.
 
Yes the motherboard will support it. All of the brands of HD 3870 X2s work pretty well so far. However I would recommend getting a VisionTek or HIS made card. From what I've heard, they have decent support
 
I spent literally 4 days straight, reading everything I could on every aspect of this system build, and then brought it for refining here.

So I am very thankful for the members here that are contributing to the final tweaks on it. Reading the reviews on the suggested X2's above.
 
deLuxe.EPiDEMiC said:
Not trying to steaal this thread but I like what you chose. And can someone make a 800$ version of this =D
Click to expand...

Please make your own thread. His needs might be different from yours so the parts could be dramatically different. When you do make your own thread, please answer the following questions:
- Budget?
- What size monitor do you have?
- What's included in that budget? case? Monitor? OS? RAM? etc.
- What features are you looking for in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? SATA ports?
 
Oops, I remember that question above also. As far as my monitor, I am using a Dell W3000LCDTV-HD. Its like a big, TV thing, love it.

Office1.jpg


I like to do a ton of graphic design, far more then gaming, and starting to get into industrial or at the very least video editing with after effects etc for the professional entry sector.
 
Ok, after some planning and researching the drivers, I am going to stick with a single HD3870 for now, I readded the Visontek to the design.

The first post has been re-edited to reflect the current build. My final question is, for a CPU cooler, is the one I selected the right one, or is there a slightly better one, say Zalman:

ZALMAN CNPS 9700 NT 110mm 2 Ball Ultra Quiet CPU Cooler
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118020
 
Done. Quote updated, and a big thank you, I went and found the reviews on a site that was very thorough, impressed.

Thanks for the suggestion. I think we are clear for liftoff. Hopefully the Tuniq Tower and Video Card will not clash in and fashion, and we will have a good fit in the Antec 900 Case.

Any last comments or suggestions anyone?
 
If clearance issues (of the CPU cooler inside the case) are a concern for you, choose either the Scythe Ninja Mini or the Thermalright Ultima 90. Though the Ninja Mini comes with its own (80mm) fan, the Panaflo 92mm fan suggested for the Ultima 90 would work just as well, if not better.

If you need additional case fans, pick up some Yate Loon D12SL-12 fans.

And again, good job on your first effort.
 
tuniq tower will fit fine in that case, although I would replace the fan with a scythe or a yate loon
 
The stock fan on the Tuniq Tower is louder than an S-Flex fan. The Ultima90 (w/ 120mm S-Flex) cools just as good as the Tuniq, but its lighter, smaller, and easier to install. I had both, and got the same temps with both on my E6750 -- so, I sold my Tuniq. ;)

Your monitor's resolution is 1280x768? Hmm... and you chose the HD3870 for $235. You should be able to get an 8800GT 512MB instead, for that same price.

The Antec Earthwatts 500W PSU (34A on the +12V rails) is a better deal at $55 over the $62 550W Rosewill (35A on the +12V rails). I'd suggest switching to that instead, while its cheap.
 
the sycthe fans are just like yate loons, they come in many different cfm/db configurations, just get a lower one.
 
zmjone2992 said:
the sycthe fans are just like yate loons, they come in many different cfm/db configurations, just get a lower one.
Click to expand...

Yes, both fan lines have different models. Though, Scythe S-Flex fans are FDB, while the Yate Loons everyone recommends, including the D12SL-12, are sleeve bearing fans. The fluid dynamic bearing fans will last much longer than sleeve bearing fans, but are only really needed for reliability (e.g. CPU HSF). Since the Yate Loons are a third the price of the S-Flex fans, use the Yate Loons for any additional case fans you need.
 
Dear CLR

Your Newegg.com sales order has been successfully charged to your credit/debit card and order verification is now complete.

Sales order number: 66457***
Customer number: 19230***
Amount: $959.53
Time of charge: 2/18/2008 11:45:31 AM

------------------

And away we go. Wanted to thank everyone for their assistance, it is not something I take for granted. I like forward to posting my comments on this build once it arrives.

Should be good.
 
Alternate Source for processor however.

Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16811129021

Antec earthwatts EA500 Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817371007

GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS3P
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16813128083

Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16819115037

Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16835100007

VisionTek 900202 Radeon HD 3870
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16814129100

G.SKILL 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1000
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16820231145

Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST3500320AS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16822148288

SAMSUNG 20X DVD±R DVD Burner
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16827151161

Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16829102006

Tuniq Tower 120
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16835154001

TOTAL SYSTEM COST: $1,198.89
 
oh, with the AS5, since ya got the OEM version, it wont come in a plastic package, last time i ordered from newegg they just threw it in the box, i had to search through packing peanuts for it :p dont forget about it!
 
Thanks for the heads up bro, this may sound a little ignorant, but which is the AS5?
 
Man, who would have thought I would have been this antzy about waiting for the computer to arrive. It can't seem to get here fast enough.

This new system should be awesome for graphic design, especially the photoshop.
 
Parts arriving. All parts have arrived, with the exception of the processor which should get here sometime today or tommorow. I switched my video card at the last minute to the sapphire, if the sapphire works well, then thats awesome, if not I will look for an alternative.

ComputerParts1.jpg


ComputerParts2.jpg
 
enginurd said:
yay, pics! :D ty
Click to expand...

Thats the least I could do for as much help as the guys gave me here on this site.

By the way, this computer rocks in every sense of the word, the HD3870 works amazing for graphic design. No lag, 15 layers deep in 3 to 7 meg layers on each, flawless, cascading font selections with no skipping.

Regardless of what you here about this HD3870, I can tell you first hand with the setup I am using, all my programs are reloaded, and it moves rapidly in graphic design, and its razor sharp.

It came with this program from Gigabyte called Easy Tune 5 Pro, which looks slick, if this is what I "think" it is, then this makes overclocking very easy. Now I just have to figure out when to start playing, and what the optimum settings are. I dont want to bury the computer, but I wouldn't mind hitting 4ghz at a minimum.

I am wondering however if it is misreading my RAM? Can't seem to find where to ensure thats its truly at 1000 and not 800. It appeared like I saw it say 800 something when I was checking that Easy Tune 5 Pro program, had me a little concerned.

Does anyone want to know anything about this build or anything I can answer from what I am seeing?

It says the CPU temp is 23c while I am desiging my graphics in photoshop with Corel Draw open also. That normal? High? Low?
 
23c is fine, running very cool.

my amd runs at around 60-70 Under load, very iffy temps for an older x2

thats why c2d's are so popular right now, very efficient power to heat ratio for overclockers.

good job on the computer, enjoy!
 
Does anyone know if this Easy Tune 5 Pro is good to overclock with? Looks like it has pretty much everything here to use...? If there is something better let me know please? I downloaded Core Temp to check on temps for both cores etc, now I am just looking at what the best setup would be for overclock in a UI base from within windows, and is there something that allows me to check my memory speed as it looks like its set at 800mhz instead of 1000mhz?
 
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