New PC build -RECEIVED- :D

[Kage]

Re: New PC build definite

esa193, I have opted for a Core 2 Quad The Q6600.

That monitor looks nice, but coming from the UK, Newegg is out of bounds.
I'd also personally want to stick to either 17inch or 19inch, because the resolution of 1280x1024 is fine for me, and will keep games running longer at native res.

I don't plan to run Vista though, at least not yet. XP is my home, and will be for quite a while to come.

Really? A bigger PSU? SLI isn't in my books though for the near future, if at all. Gaming isn't my first priority, but I want a system that'll run new games if it comes to it.

Hmm... the 9700 series I guess will blow away all opposition at air cooling? Any idea on price?
I'm worried about heat on a quad core, especially while overclocking, so sufficent cooling is a must

I just want to hit that order button for the system, but for some reason, I'm scared too...
That processor for example is at a special price, but I have no idea for how long for.

 

[THEpiGUY]

Re: New PC build definite

You may wonder why I've dropped the video card at the moment. Well thats because I don't know wheather I should get a 8000 series card yet.

Opinions? I could probably buy a 7000 series for much cheaper, wait until revisioned 8000 series cards come out, and then buy it. What do you think?

It depends on how long you are willing to wait. Nvidia has said they have plans (though it was a late May article I'm getting this from) to release G92 in time for Christmas, which supposedly will deliver a teraflop of performance. That's roughly 2-3 times more than the 8800GTX. That may be something you want to consider, if you can wait that long on a lesser expensive card.

 

[freestyler105]

Re: New PC build definite

Lol, the Zalman 9700 isn't even close the the best! If you want the best HSF, get the Thermalright Ultra 120. Or at least just get the Tuniq Tower 120.

You won't need more than 650 watts. Lots of people here pick excessively powerful PSUs...the only problem I have with that PSU is that it doesn't say how many amps it has on the 12V rail. Oh well, I wouldn't worry about it as long as you're not getting like an 8800GTX.


Don't get an X-Fi. Drivers are terrible, even for XP. If you really want the hardware of an X-Fi with good drivers, get an Auzentech.

 

[Webhead]

Re: New PC build definite

For graphics cards most people on various other forums I've seen seem to recommend the ATI Readen X1950Pro (or XT) for the moment untill the next generation Direct 10 cards come out.

 

[esa193]

Re: New PC build definite

i got an 8800 gts no regrets here
and who cares if it wont be able to run 4.1 shader
your not going to be able to see any difference
its a great buy
also ya id get a diff power supply
and the zalman 9700 is the best cooler in prefrence
just love it

 

[Kage]

Re: New PC build definite

Thanks for the help so far

I'm so indecisive...

I'm now wondering wheather to go back to a standard Dual Core, and go for the E6750 which is a lot cheaper.

Though, I know I'll use the power of the Quad with 3D Studio Max, but wow, the heat they give out, even with the likes of a good CPU cooler, especially if you overclock.

Auzentech, I'll give it a look, thanks.

I may just go for the 8800GTS and hope for the best

Arghhh.... Why can't I just select and order? haha...

EDIT:

After looking at the Auzentech, I may have to give it a miss. It doesn't seem to have a MIDI IN connector which I need for my keyboard... That seems to be the only downside.
Though, I'm thinking of upgrading my keyboard soon, and that'll probably have USB IN...

 

[TRDCorolla1]

Re: New PC build definite

With quad core, I wouldn't even think about OCing because of the great potential it has on just stock settings alone. You'll be fine with the cooling though. Haha, Newegg lowered it's price on the quad core, lol. Definitely jump on it. It's almost $290!!!!

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz 2 x 4MB L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115017

Don't worry about the heat issue. It's probably those that OC are complaining about the heat.

The 8800GTS is a really nice video card. Get it if the GTX is out of reach budget wise.

 

[Kage]

Re: New PC build definite

That works out at around £144 which, is £20 less expensive than I can get it here, on an offer price!
Still, I'm going to go for that, yes

Without overclocking though, it'll be slower than a higher clocked dual core won't it doing some tasks?

The 9700 is now selected as my cooling solution. That definietly the best bet on price vs cooling features? From reviews, it gets close to the Ultra 120, but that doesn't come with a fan, and is a bit more expensive, and I can't find the Tuniq Tower anywhere on the site I'm buying from.

Yep, the 8800GTS sounds like what I'll go for, but even the 640mb version may be pushing my budget a bit, so the 320mb version is the only choice.
That said, I'm wondering if over time, that'll really bottle neck the card, even at 1280x1024.

 

[Kage]

Re: New PC build definite

Right, I'm finally ready to order. After a lot of wondering, checking bank balance, haha, etc, I think I have it.

Please, only your honest opinions about these parts.
I wish I wasn't so much of a perfectionist over this:

First of all, the PSU:
650W Silent ATX PSU
http://www.microdirect.co.uk/(12394)650W-Silent-ATX-PSU-SATA-cable-12cm-fan-24.aspx

Case:
Antec Nine Hundred:
http://www.microdirect.co.uk/(16013)Antec-Nine-Hundred-Gaming-case-Black-full.aspx

Motherboard:
Abit motherboard IP35 Dark Raider:
http://www.microdirect.co.uk/(17580)Abit-motherboard-IP35-Dark-Raider-Intel-P35.aspx

I would have gone for the PRO, but for the price difference, I can't really tell. All that I can see that I would use that I'll lose is UGuru.

RAM:
Geil Ultra DDR2 2.0GB PC6400 Dual Channel memory kit (2 x 1GB) 800MHz:
http://www.microdirect.co.uk/(14777)Geil-Ultra-DDR2-20GB-PC6400-Dual-Channel.aspx

CPU:
Q6600 G0 stepping:
http://www.microdirect.co.uk/(21806)Intel-CPU-Core-2-Quad-Pro-Q6600-95W-Energy.aspx

g0 stepping. This wasn't here before on this site. Going Quad because of my rendering using 3D programs.

CPU Cooling:
Zalman 9700
http://www.microdirect.co.uk/(15874)Zalman-CNPS9700LED-Super-Aero-Flower-Cooler.aspx

Graphics card:
ATI X1950PRO 512MB:
http://www.microdirect.co.uk/(16138)Sapphire-Radeon-X1950PRO-512MB-DDR3-PCIE.aspx

This should last me a while, though of course its not the 8000 series or anything, but I'm not planning on going Vista for a while, so won't be using Direct X 10. From what I know, the X1950PRO is a great Direct X 9 card.

Sound:
X-FI Xtreme Music:
http://www.microdirect.co.uk/(14190)Creative-Soundblaster-XFi-Series-Extreme.aspx

Speakers:
Logitech Z-5500 Digital:
http://www.microdirect.co.uk/(8225)Logitech-Z5500-Digital-500W-RMS-51-Dolby.aspx

Hard Drives:
2x Seagate Barracude 320GB's (RAID 1)
http://www.microdirect.co.uk/(13888)320GB-Seagate-Barracuda-SATA-II-300-Hard.aspx

DVD:
Simple NEC 18x DVD writer:
http://www.microdirect.co.uk/(16379)NEC-Optiarc-AD7170S0B-SATA-Black-18x-DVD.aspx

Only not sure of the monitor now. Any assistance on that?
19inch would probably be best, with a spending limit of around £150

Total so far without monitor:
£925.89 Inc. vat

Is that good?...

I'm from the UK. No Newegg

 

[Istonian]

Re: New PC build definite

The only thing I would differ is the video card. I would get an 8800 GTS. Besides that I like it.