Please Critique a Quad-core Build

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DistributedBen

Limp Gawd
Joined
Mar 26, 2004
Messages
227
Hello all,

I'm finally getting around to replacing my desktop system and could use some help. It has been a long time since I've built my own machine, so I'm a little out of the loop when it comes to solid components. Below is what I have come up with so far based on advice seen here and other sites.

The system will mostly be used for everyday stuff, plus Photoshop CS3 photo editing and virtualization (VMWare Workstation or VirtualBox, for testing out OSs / doing "labs" for IT work).

I'm not a serious gamer, but I'd like something in the $100-$150 range so that if something comes out that isn't available for the Xbox360 I could still play it.

Given that, I don't plan on overclocking the system. Reliability and low noise are important to me.

Here are my proposed specs (all from newegg):

Case & PS - Antec Three Hundred & Antec Neo Power 500 500W ATX12V - Combo ($89.94)
Mobo - GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3R P45 ($120)
CPU - Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 retail with fan ($182)
RAM - OCZ Platinum 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (I'm thinking two sets for 8GB total) ($172)
Video - EVGA 512-P3-N975-AR GeForce 9800 GT 512MB (would the ones with the "slot cooler" be better/quieter? ($125)
OS - Vista Business 64
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Total: $684 plus OS


I already have a monitor and hard drives. My existing DVD burner is IDE, which I guess would work. Would getting a SATA burner be a good idea? Does Vista include the DVD software needed if I get an OEM drive or will I need to still buy Nero, etc?

Does this setup look decent? My main concern is noise from the case and video card. I'm not looking for anything silent, but I don't want it to sound like a hairdryer
either. If there are better options for those or any other components, please let me know. I just don't want any cases with flashing lights or side windows :)

Recommendations would also be welcome for quiet 120mm fans for the front of the case.

Overall I'm flexible on budget, so if I need to spend a few more dollars to get a more dependable motherboard, etc that is ok.

Thanks,
 
Ditch the OCZ DDR2 1066 RAM. Overkill even if you are planning on overclocking the Q6600. C2D based systems do not benefit from faster RAM or having a FSB:RAM ratio higher than 1:1. Some math:
Stated FSB/4 = Actual FSB
Actual FSB x 4 = Stated FSB
Multiplier x Actual FSB = CPU Speed
1:1 Ratio: 2 x Actual FSB = RAM Speed
1:1 Ratio: FSB = 1/2 RAM speed
Note that C2D systems don't see a performance increase with any ratio higher than 1:1

Q6600:
Multi x Actual FSB, Stated FSB, RAM Speed = Clock Speed
9 x 266Mhz, 1066Mhz, DDR2 533 RAM = 2.4Ghz <== Stock Speeds
9 x 333Mhz, 1333Mhz, DDR2 667 RAM = 3.0Ghz <== Good OC
9 x 400Mhz, 1600Mhz, DDR2 800 RAM = 3.6Ghz <== Excellent OC, About the Max

So basically any cheap DDR2 800 RAM set is all that you need for the Q6600. I recommend this set:
G.Skill F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ 2 x 2GB DDR2 800 RAM - 45

Fan wise, I recommend this set:
120mm Yate Loon D12SL-12 Case Fan - $3.60

Also, any reason why you're going with Vista Business 64bit? Do you raelly need the security and backup features of Business?

A SATA DVD burner would allow for a cleaner case with slightly better airflow. Yes Vista does include DVD burning software so no need to buy Nero. If Vista's CD/DVD burning software is insufficient, just use CDBurner XP Pro.
 
Danny Bui said:
A SATA DVD burner would allow for a cleaner case with slightly better airflow. Yes Vista does include DVD burning software so no need to buy Nero. If Vista's CD/DVD burning software is insufficient, just use CDBurner XP Pro.
Click to expand...

ImgBurn is another solid option.

As for video card...

I'd strongly recommend you spend the extra ~$50 to pick up a GTX 260, but at the $150 mark the Radeon HD 4850 or Geforce 9800 GT is probably your best bet. They're nowhere near as fast as the 260 though.
 
Thanks for the info on the memory. I just assumed (always dangerous :) ) that the 1066FSB on the chip should equal the memory. I'll also add a Samsung DVD/RW (model SH-S223Q) to the build.

Danny Bui said:
Also, any reason why you're going with Vista Business 64bit? Do you really need the security and backup features of Business?
Click to expand...

It is mainly so I have the same type of system that I support/use at work (sysadmin) at home. I've been running XP Pro at home on my current desktop system and Vista Business on my laptop.
 
Your OP look pretty good. Most of it. In the end, I would end up with this:

CPU - Intel Core2 Quad Q6600 for $182 w/free shipping
Mobo - GIGABYTE GA-EP45-DS3L for $103 ($15 MIR) w/free shipping
RAM - 2 x 4gig G. Skills DDR2 800 @ $45/each for $90 total w/free shipping
Video - MSI N9800GT-T2D512-OC edition GeForce 9800 GT 512MB for $115($20 MIR)
Case/PSU (combo deal) - Antec 300case + Antec Neopower 500 for $90
Optical drive - Samsung Black 22X DVD+R SATA drive for $25 w/free shipping
O/S - Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64bit for $100 w/free shipping

Total - $624
 
Looks like they've got you covered. Don't forget to post pics! :)
 
Thanks everyone.

Are the GA-EP45-DS3L and the GA-EP45-UD3R pretty much the same board aside from the RAID and different PCI/PCI express slot configs? If the quality is the same, I suppose the cheaper one makes sense if I don't need RAID, more PCI slots or Firewire.

I'm also thinking of going with the EVGA 512-P3-N971-TR GeForce 9800 GT since it has the slot cooler to push the heat out of the case. Probably a bit quieter too.
 
No, the newer boards have better quality PCBs among other slight differences. However, yes, the DS3L is still a good quality board, and if you don't need all those features of the UD3R, then drop down to the DS3L.
 
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