What would you add?

S

Smallsz92

n00b
Joined
Jun 24, 2008
Messages
22
Okay, so I've got a computer set up, and it's the first one that I will try to build on my own (or with help, since it is my first time). Here's the specs:

Video Card: BFG Tech 8800 GT
[URL="BFG Tech 8800 GT"]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814143118[/URL]
Motherboard: ASUS P5Q Deluxe version
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131297&Tpk=P5q%2bdeluxe
Case: Antec 900 (Already bought)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021&Tpk=antec%2b900
Power Supply: CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006&Tpk=750TX
Processor: Core 2 Duo Q9450
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115042
Memory: G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231166
OS: Vista x64 Home version
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116488
Sound Card: Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Platinum Fatal1ty Champion
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102014
DVD Drive: Sony NEC Optiarc Black 16X DVD-ROM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827101131&Tpk=DVD%2bDrive
Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136218
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Ultra-120
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835109125

But I'm just wondering, how do you guys think this will work out? As I said I'm a very unexperienced newcomer to PC hardware. I've been lurking the forums a bit, reading the FAQ's before I signed up but I still doubt I could call myself a novice even. So I THINK that all of this stuff will be compatible/optimal but yeah...

Any help I'd appreciate it.
 
I would try onboard sound 1st off before buying a soundcard. Would save you a few bucks. I just built my system back in sept and didnt bother with a soundcard as onboard sound works just fine in games/movies/mp3s.
 
fantomau said:
I would try onboard sound 1st off before buying a soundcard. Would save you a few bucks. I just built my system back in sept and didnt bother with a soundcard as onboard sound works just fine in games/movies/mp3s.
Click to expand...

Really? Okay I thought that the onboard sound would be just like the onboard video, I really don't know much about sound cards I just looked in the Computer Audio section and picked one that was supposedly good, thanks!

Edit: But you think all of this stuff will be compatible? I think it is I'm just not completely sure.
 
HD (onboard) audio has improved tremendously from a few years ago. I'm currently using onboard audio and it has served my needs without any trouble.

All of the parts are compatible, but I have a few questions... and a few more suggestions:

- Which monitor/resolution are you using? While the 8800GT is a good card, it may be limited performance-wise on a 22 inch or larger monitor.
- The Xigmatek HDT-S1283 performs just as well as the TRUE 120 for less. You should also buy the retention bracket to make mounting it on the motherboard easier for you.
- Get the Corsair TX750 from either Buy.com or Provantage. Both places offer lower prices for it than NewEgg.

Check out the GenHard FAQ... it can answer some (if not all) of the questions that you have, and it has links to various guides you could use to help you build your computer.
 
Thanks all, I'll be running a 24" monitor but I don't have to run it at 1920x1200 if the 8800GT can't handle it right? I might be able to get enough for a GTX 280 later on but I've waited too long to get a computer so I'm just getting as much as I can for under $1600 And thanks for the tips all :>
 
So actually, instead of getting a 24" monitor with an 8800GT I think I'm going to keep my current 17" monitor and get a GTX 280 (Yeah, seems like overkill, but getting a good video card and raising enough for the monitor seems easier than getting the monitor and then raising enough for the video card)
 
Or you can get the HD4850 and 24" monitor. The HD4850 is faster than the 8800GT and should be able to handle most games at 1920x1200. Or get a HD4850 and a 22" monitor if a 24" monitor is too much money.

And are you sure that's the mobo you want? It's a bit overpriced IMO since you can get an X38 motherboard for less than that. Unless you need 16GB of RAM, at that price range, the X38 chipset is a better choice:
DFI Lanparty DK X38-T2R Intel X38 Motherboard - $185
Abit IX38 Quad GT Intel X38 Motherboard - $210

However, do you actually need a $200 motherboard? Here are some cheaper alternatives:

Gigabyte GA-EP43-DS3L Intel P43 Motherboard - $96
MSI P45 Neo3-FR Intel P45 Motherboard - $114
Gigabyte GA-EP45-DS3R Intel P45 Motherboard - $146
Asus P5Q Pro Intel P45 Motherboard - $150
DFI Lanparty DK X38-T2R Intel X38 Motherboard - $185

Just to help you out: If you don't need RAID, more than 6 SATA ports and only need semi-decent overclocking, check out the DS3L. If you need 8 SATA ports, RAID, 4 PCI slots, and legacy ports, then get the Neo3-Fr. If you don't need more than 6 SATA ports but want RAID, firewire, a second PCI-E x16 port, a second Gigabite port, support for 16GB of RAM, optional eSATA, and high overclocks, then get the DS3R. If you need 8 SATAs and like the DS3R but don't need support for , get the Asus P5Q Pro. If you want Crossfire with full x16/x16 bandwidth, get the Lanparty DK X38.
 
Danny Bui said:
Or you can get the HD4850 and 24" monitor. The HD4850 is faster than the 8800GT and should be able to handle most games at 1920x1200. Or get a HD4850 and a 22" monitor if a 24" monitor is too much money.

And are you sure that's the mobo you want? It's a bit overpriced IMO since you can get an X38 motherboard for less than that. Unless you need 16GB of RAM, at that price range, the X38 chipset is a better choice:
DFI Lanparty DK X38-T2R Intel X38 Motherboard - $185
Abit IX38 Quad GT Intel X38 Motherboard - $210

However, do you actually need a $200 motherboard? Here are some cheaper alternatives:

Gigabyte GA-EP43-DS3L Intel P43 Motherboard - $96
MSI P45 Neo3-FR Intel P45 Motherboard - $114
Gigabyte GA-EP45-DS3R Intel P45 Motherboard - $146
Asus P5Q Pro Intel P45 Motherboard - $150
DFI Lanparty DK X38-T2R Intel X38 Motherboard - $185

Just to help you out: If you don't need RAID, more than 6 SATA ports and only need semi-decent overclocking, check out the DS3L. If you need 8 SATA ports, RAID, 4 PCI slots, and legacy ports, then get the Neo3-Fr. If you don't need more than 6 SATA ports but want RAID, firewire, a second PCI-E x16 port, a second Gigabite port, support for 16GB of RAM, optional eSATA, and high overclocks, then get the DS3R. If you need 8 SATAs and like the DS3R but don't need support for , get the Asus P5Q Pro. If you want Crossfire with full x16/x16 bandwidth, get the Lanparty DK X38.
Click to expand...

Well, I'm not exactly sure how much of SATA/RAID crap I need, as I said I'm new to ALL of this and it's taking some getting used to. But I'm getting the stuff in my original post, besides the CPU cooling unit (getting the one that the other posters suggested) Which one of these motherboards is compatible with everything I have up there and runs well? motherboards are still shady for me. Would the 4850+24 inch monitor be able to withstand games at pretty high settings and such? If so I might go with that setup. I think $600 for one video card is a tad pricey heh.

Edit: What are the main differences between the X38/48 and P35/45 chipsets?
Edit(2): There actually is a good combo deal on the Asus P5Q pro and HD 4850 on newegg.
 
Smallsz92 said:
Would the 4850+24 inch monitor be able to withstand games at pretty high settings and such? If so I might go with that setup. I think $600 for one video card is a tad pricey heh.

Edit: What are the main differences between the X38/48 and P35/45 chipsets?
Edit(2): There actually is a good combo deal on the Asus P5Q pro and HD 4850 on newegg.
Click to expand...

All of the motherboards I recommended are compatible with everything you've chosen so far. At pretty high settings on 24", the HD4850 should be able to handle most games pretty well. Until proven otherwise by HardOCP, it looks like the HD4850 actually beats the 8800GTX by quite a large margin.

X38: Has x16/x16 Crossfire support and PCI-E 2.0. Support for 8GB of RAM and 6 SATA ports.
X48: Slightly tweaked version of the X38
P35: Same features and capabilities as the X38 but no x16/x16 Crossfire support or PCI-E 2.0
P45:45nm version of the P35. Now has x8/x8 Crossfire support and PCI-E 2.0. Supports up to 16GB of RAM.
 
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