Some advice for my first build

M

Malyce

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Oct 17, 2008
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Hey, Im a college student so my budget is very restricted, any money saved is a huge bonus. Im looking to spend around 700-800 MAX, monitor included. Im getting a mobo from my brother http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=26643

Im looking to play newer games on it as well as student work etc...

I am canadian so only canadian sites... Here is what i've been looking at:

RAM
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227267
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=25337&vpn=OCZ3G13332GK&manufacture=OCZ
Technology&promoid=1084
POWER SUPPLY
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=26884&vpn=OCZ500SXS&manufacture=OCZ
Technology
HARD DRIVE - http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=27144&vpn=ST3500320AS&manufacture=Seagate&promoid=1084
FAN http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=25013&vpn=AF12025PWM&manufacture=Arctic
Cooling&promoid=1084
DVD WRITER http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=33902&vpn=SH-S223F/BEBS&manufacture=Samsung&promoid=1084
INTEL QUAD Q6600 http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2643933&Sku=CP2-DUO-Q6600
MONITOR http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3498665&Sku=A180-M008
CASE http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2337814&CatId=1509
GRAPHICS CARD
XFX 9800 GT -
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=33948&vpn=PVT98GYDLH&manufacture=XFX
BFG 9800 GT OC -
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=33062&vpn=BFGE98512GTOCPE&manufacture=BFG
Technologies
XFX 9800 GT -
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4209965&Sku=P450-9830
COOLER
AC Freezer 7 - http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186134
AC Freezer 7
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=17225&vpn=FREEZER-7-PRO&manufacture=Arctic Cooling

Any comments? Suggestions? Any way I can save some cash?

Cheers
 
First and foremost: find out what motherboard your bro is giving you.

Second, you can get the non-OEM version of the Q6600 for cheaper:
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 CPU - $228 CAD

Third, ditch the low quality OCZ PSU and get the better quality Corsair 450VX for the same price:
Corsair 450VX 450W PSU - $80 CAD

Fourth, out of the cases you selected, I'd go with the Ultra case. Looks better IMO and does not use a loud 80mm front fan (the CM case) and a shitty PSU (The Silver)

Fifth, as for the video card, go with this cheap 9800GT:
MSI 9800GT 512MB PCI-E Video Card - $143 CAD

Sixth, HSF wise, ditch the AC7 Pro. It's simply not good enough for a quad-core CPU IMO. I recommend getting the Xigmatek HDT-1283 HSF instead.
 
here is my revised build, im trying to really lower the costs:
I don't know much/anything about mobo's, will it work with everything else?

Mobo (bro is giving me this) - http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=26643
Monitor - http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3498665&sku=A180-M008 CA
Case - http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2337814&sku=ULT33180
DVD - http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=33902&promoid=1084
CPU - http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115017
PSU - http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=25472
Heatsink - http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=30012
RAM - 2 gb of corsair 800mhz
GRAPHICS CARD:
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127379
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=28254&vpn=PVT88SFDF4&manufacture=XFX
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=31202&vpn=AE+38500+HD02&manufacture=Palit Multimedia Inc. (not sure if the motherboard can use this)


Also i own a pair of Infinity p362 floorstanding speakers (700$ the pair) and i plan on using them occassionally with the computer, should i invest in a good sound card?

Am I missing anything?

Cheers
 
Mobo wise, it'll work fine as long as you don't overclock at all. Also, any PCI-E 2.0 video card will be backwards compatible with PCI-E 1.1.

If you sincerely want to cut costs, drop the Q6600 and go with the E7200 or E5200. Or drop the 22" monitor and go with a 19" monitor like this one:
BenQ G900WD 19" Widescreen LCD Monitor - $140 CAD

Also, another way to cut costs is to go for the cheapest DDR2 800 RAM set you can find. In addition, since that motherboard won't allow for any decent Q6600 overclock (2.8Ghz seems to be the max), drop the Xigmatek HSF and keep the CPU at stock speeds.

Video card wise, if you don't mind playing at mainly low to medium settings on a 22" monitor, then go with the 8800GS. However, if you want more eye-candy or more FPS, then get the MSI 9800GT. Don't bother with the HD3850 1GB card. Not worth the costs IMO.
 
I would take a look at this PSU (100 more watts, in case you plan to upgrade later), and not much more expensive.

The Ultra-120 is noticeably more expensive ($73) but has 6 cooling pipes versus 3 and is one of the best CPU coolers out there.

Besides that, looks like a solid build.
 
I looked into the advantages of dual vs quad cores and decided i don't really need the quad so im downgrading to a dual. Also im not very familiar with overclocking so I don't really plan on pushing my card too much.

Im going to go with the 19in monitor, seems like a good buy
Also i can't decide between these two processors:

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3574211
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3856076

Do i need an aftermarket cooler for these chips if i don't overclock them too much?

Cheers
 
Malyce said:
Also i can't decide between these two processors:

Do i need an aftermarket cooler for these chips if i don't overclock them too much?
Click to expand...
Go with the E7200. It's cheaper and offers comparable performance. Also, what's you definition of "too much"? If it's 3Ghz or more, then yes get an aftermarket HSF like the earlier recommended Xigmatek
 
Id probably push it to 3.0 max

Also my last desicion is between the 8800gs and 9800gt, i do want to play newer games that are gonna come out like fallout 3 and dont mind spending a little extra but only if im really going to notice the difference. Will I see a vary noticable improvment with the 9800gt?

keep n mind i'll be playing at 1440x900
 
Malyce said:
Also my last desicion is between the 8800gs and 9800gt, i do want to play newer games that are gonna come out like fallout 3 and dont mind spending a little extra but only if im really going to notice the difference. Will I see a vary noticable improvment with the 9800gt?
Click to expand...

Yes.
 
Here is what my final build looks like:

Mobo (bro is giving me this) - http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=26643
Monitor -
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4128430&CatId=170
Case - http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3433320&Sku=ULT40142
DVD - http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=33902&vpn=SH-S223F/BEBS&manufacture=Samsung&promoid=1084
CPU -
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3856076
PSU - http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=25472
RAM - http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148203
GRAPHICS CARD - http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127379
HARD DRIVE -
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=27144&vpn=ST3500320AS&manufacture=Seagate&promoid=1084

It comes in just under 700$ which is perfect. I might end up going for the E8400, but we'll see...
Last question i had is if i will need to buy any additionnal cables or do they all come included?



Thanks for all the help
 
I would go for the E8400 personally. I believe that chip overclocks better relative to the E7200. Also, I would seriously look into aftermarket cooling if you plan to overclock because it cools significantly better than the stock HSF and preserves the life of your chip.

Also, 1GB of ram is not going to be enough.
This is very nice ram and has tight timings (4-4-4-12): http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220144

For something cheaper with looser timings, take a look at this: http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231203

NewEgg has a lot to choose from but I would seriously consider at least 2GB of ram.

CABLES: You need to get SATA cables.
 
Malyce said:
I didn't realize that that was only 1gb, Im going to go with this RAM http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820134636 (I trust kingston)

and the E8400 which brings my total around ~730
cheers
Click to expand...

Just make sure you check out that ram first. Kingston is an ok brand, but not as good as some of the big names (OCZ, Crucial, Patriot, G.Skill). The specs list that ram as a CL=6 meaning that the timings are rather loose and the ram would probably not overclock as well as some of the other kits out there.
 
Hey bro!
Good final price and good choices.
BUT... you aren't geting the best deals. look harder :)
When you go to NCIX or Tigerdirect always go to the "SPECIALS!?!?!" section first... it cuts tons of money. Make sure to check out Newegg.ca too, but they tend to suck for us Canadians.

19" is good but I'd rather be gaming at 20"+ with a 1680x1050... i feel like it's a more "standard" resolution for games nowadays...

Important stuff:
+ CPU: The dual core is good. seeing as your on a budget go for the cheaper of the two. it's unfortunate that the quad is $200+ now. it used to be $190 on special...
+ Case: That's perfect. Cheap, small enough to carry around when you move. Room for the 9800GT. Big effin' window.
+ PSU: Definitely go for the corsair... quiet and efficient.
+ RAM: Go for a major brand, kingston is good but it's not one of the big ones. Get RAM with good heatspreaders (the kingston ones have none :(, the crucial stick is the style you really want. Make sure it has really tight timings (aka 4-4-4-12, the lower the better), and 2GB minimum. As for speed stick with DDR2 800, you don't need anymore.
+ GPU: The card is perfect. You can get a stock 9800GT for exactly $100 and add a $50 cooling or you can just buy the MSI and get the shit pre-assembled for you. It probably has a minor OC on it like 635mhz core.. (mines at 700mhz but can push way more), so you'd have to bump that up a notch, i'll show ya how later.
+ Cables: Make sure ALL your components use SATA cables, harddrive, dvd drive, etc... and definitely order extra SATA cables... make damn sure they're sata (vers. 2 or 1 doesn't matter). I'll send you some but I fear that they don't work right.. Try not to order nGEAR cables, they didn't work well for me...

As for the minor details:
+ Cooling: Get either Thermalright or Noctua CPU cooler, best brands by far. You'll definitely want to switch the stock cooler, it'll be loud and shit. If you get a retail (in the blue box) version of your CPU it'll come with the stock cooler (like my quad remember?), if you get OEM version it doesn't come with anything else but the chip itself.
+ Fans: Go with either Noctua (best but $) or Arctic Cooling for silence.
+ HDD: Really cheap out on this. Go with Western Digital, I've been so disappointed with Seagate it's embarassing, never buying Seagate again, loud and crap. Go for 7200rpm minimum.. find low low low prices.
Keyboard and Mouse: High DPI mouse for around $40 and shit keyboard. :)

Good luck, I'll send ya the mobo asap.
 
For 50$ more i can get a 22in BenQ, is it worth it?
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3839240&Sku=B145-G2200W CA

Also abour ram, i found these 2 deals:
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=30542&promoid=1084 (4gb buffallo 1066 for 90$ +MIR)
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=28190&promoid=1084 (2gb G.SKILL 1066 for 52$)

I would get this video card, as it gets me free shipping on the entire order, lets me avoid newegg and extra shipping charges and is a bit cheaper:
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=33948&promoid=1084

+ this gaming mouse:

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=22874&promoid=1084

+ the e8400 im getting (on deal) already has a heatsink and im not going to be overlocking too much, it would save me a good chunk of change. Is it necessary? But i found these?
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3127377&CatId=1588
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=15811&vpn=CL-P0220&manufacture=THERMALTAKE
 
BenQ is an excellent brand but I woulnd't buy their monitors from anywhere but their own store at their website.
 
For RAM, I recommend the G.Skill 2x2GB DDR2 1000 kit. You'll reach the same OC thresholds as you would the DDR2 1066 kit. With DDR2 RAM, speed is more important than latency, especially if you're overclocking the RAM. (That said, you should look for CL5 or faster RAM.)

Most motherboards come with two to four SATA cables (and one IDE cable), so only get additional cables if you're installing a lot of hard drives or if you need longer/specialty cables due to the case you're using.

If you want to overclock, I strongly suggest an aftermarket HSF. While Noctua and Thermalright make good CPU coolers, they tend to be expensive. Another choice to consider is the Xigmatek HDT-S1283. Pick up the ACK-I7751 retention bracket as well, as it makes mounting the heatsink much easier for you.
 
Im going to go with the G.SKILL 2gb's, i don't feel like 4gb is necessary at this point and i can always throw some more in when the price falls.

Im not going to get an aftermarket cooler yet because i need to save some cash and i won't be doing any overclocking in the near future, and if i do, it will be baby steps at a time. I can always buy a cooler later.

Also going with the 22in monitor
 
Malyce said:
Im going to go with the G.SKILL 2gb's, i don't feel like 4gb is necessary at this point and i can always throw some more in when the price falls.
Click to expand...

Actually prices are already pretty damn low. More than likely they won't go any lower. In fact the prices might rise when RAM manufacturers switch to DDR3 RAM full bore when Intel's new Core i7 CPUs are released.
 
you might want to get 2x 2gb sticks though.. you only have two RAM slots on that mobo and 2gb is reasonable.. but you'll want more..
 
Benq 22in - http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3839240&sku=B145-G2200W CA

or

Acer 22in - http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=26788&vpn=ET.EX3WP.001&manufacture=Acer&promoid=1084

I ask because if i get free shipping through ncix and shipping is really killing me on my tigerdirect order
Also the Acer has a better contrast ratio (2500 vs 1000)

What about this case? Im trying to consolidate under NCIX to avoid too much shipping

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=26048

+ do you guys recommend NCIX insurance if i get the heavy duty box?
 
Malyce said:
Im going to go with the G.SKILL 2gb's, i don't feel like 4gb is necessary at this point and i can always throw some more in when the price falls.
Click to expand...

The reasons I would go with 4GB are:
1. 4GB is relatively cheap now and you probably won't need an upgrade from 4GB for some time
2. Throwing in extra ram means more sticks and its always better to run as few sticks as possible (dual channel).
3. You can get 4GB now for less than the price of two 2GB kits.
 
I was talking to a friend and he pointed out that the mobo only supports up to 800mhz ram, is it worth getting the 1000mhz?
 
no, don't get the 1000, your mobo will refuse it. only get ddr2 800... the only reason you'd need more than 800mhz on your ram is to do a heavy OC on one of the newer cpus, and seeing as you won't dabble in that then don't worry about it.

the coolermaster case is really good but no window :), and you'd have to get case fans..

as for the screen, benq hands down acer sucks my balls.those prices are so good. my monitor was 300$.. :(
 
but then again.. 2ms response + 3000:1 contrast, isn't bad for a 300$ screen ...
 
+Samsung SH-S223F/BEBS 22X Speed Plus Black SATA DVD Writer OEM $25.98
+Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 3.5IN 500GB SATA2 8.5MS 7200RPM 32MB Cache NCQ Hard Drive OEM $69.98
+Corsair VX450 450W ATX 12V 33A 24PIN ATX Power Supply Active PFC 120MM Fan $79.88
+XFX GeForce 9800GT 600MHZ 512MB 1.8GHZ GDDR3 PCI-E Dual DVI-I HDCP HDTV Out Video Card $139.99
+G.SKILL F2-8000CL5D-4GBPQ PC2-8000 4GB 2X2GB DDR2-1000 CL5-5-5-15 240PIN Dual Channel Memo *IR-$9* $74.99
+Acer X223WBD Black 22IN Widescreen LCD Monitor 1680X1050 2500:1 5MS VGA DVI HDCP $189.99
+Coolermaster CM 690 Mid Tower Black ATX Case 5X5.25 5X3.5INT No PS Front USB Sound Firewire & eSATA $84.49
+NCIX Heavy Duty Shipping Box $5.99


Thing is if i get the benq, i have to go thru tigerdirect which will charge me an extra 20$ shipping
 
change the ram!!! you have to get ddr2 800... and add some sata cables or you won't be able to connect anyrhing..
 
Um... I'm pretty sure your power supply comes with SATA cables... unless you have more than 6 or so SATA devices.
 
Malyce said:
Im going to add SATA cables, going for this ram:
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220227

Tigerdirect sucks balls, somehow their tax is twice as high as others and shipping is outrageous, im going for the acer monitor instead, even if its a lil worse
Click to expand...

Great choice! That's the exact ram that I got a week ago...very good kit for the money but I WARN YOU - IT WILL NOT OVERCLOCK PAST THE STOCK SPEEDS OF 800MHZ
 
Hey i'd like to thank everyone for the help, i just placed my order, here it is:

Samsung SH-S223F/BEBS 22X Speed Plus Black SATA DVD Writer OEM $25.98
Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 3.5IN 500GB SATA2 8.5MS 7200RPM 32MB Cache NCQ Hard Drive OEM $69.98
Corsair VX450 450W ATX 12V 33A 24PIN ATX Power Supply Active PFC 120MM $79.88
XFX GeForce 9800GT 600MHZ 512MB 1.8GHZ GDDR3 PCI-E Dual DVI-I HDCP HDTV Out Video Card $139.99
Acer X223WBD Black 22IN Widescreen LCD Monitor 1680X1050 2500:1 5MS VGA DVI HDCP $189.99
Coolermaster CM 690 Mid Tower Black ATX Case 5X5.25 5X3.5INT No PS Front USB Sound Firewire & eSATA $84.49
G.SKILL F2-6400CL4D-4GBPK PC2-6400 4GB 2X2GB DDR2-800 CL4-4-4-12 240PIN Dual Channel Memor *IR-$17*$69.99
I-ROCKS Stylish Piano Black Scissor Structure ULTRA-SLIM Keyboard USB PS/2 $18.3

Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Dual Core Processor LGA775 3.0GHZ Wolfdale 1333FSB 6MB Retail $189.99
OCZ X-750 Equalizer Laser Gaming Mouse 2500DPI USB Dual Laser Engine $18.88
Arctic Cooling Arctic Fan 12025 PWM 120MM 400-1500RPM 56.3CFM FDB 3/4PIN Speed Regulated Fan $15.98
SUBTOTAL: $909.47

Im 100 over my limit but i couldn't resist getting the E8400 over the e7200 especially if it was only 30$ more and got some xtra's

Again thanks for all the input

Cheers
 
Anthroc said:
no, don't get the 1000, your mobo will refuse it. only get ddr2 800...
Click to expand...

Anthroc said:
change the ram!!! you have to get ddr2 800...
Click to expand...

DDR2-1000 isn't an official JEDEC spec, so the SPD tables will have DDR2-800 for compatibility. If the board supports DDR2-800, it will support the DDR2-1000 kit. I know he already changed it, but I wanted to correct this misinformation for anyone else reading it.
 
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