My New Computer

[_Ray]

OK, as far as I know, for the time being, this is my final build.

MY PC BUILD

Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16813128358

Power Supply: OCZ StealthXStream OCZ600SXS 600W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready Active PFC Power Supply - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...thXtream%20600w

Case: Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16811129021

Operating System: Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit for System Builders - OEM

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16832116488

Video Card: PNY VCG981024GXEB GeForce 9800 GT 1GB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16814133243

RAM: (2 SETS TOTALING 8GB) OCZ Platinum 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16820227298

Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda ES.2 ST3750330NS 750GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM

And an 80GB IDE 7200RPM Hard Drive (In My Current Computer)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16822148295

Optical Drive #1: LG Black 6X BD-R 2X BD-RE 16X DVD+R 6X Blu-ray DVD-ROM 4MB Cache SATA Internal Blu-ray Burner 6X Blu-ray Disc Burner & HD

DVD-ROM Drive Model GGW-H20LK - OEM

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16827136155

Optical Drive #2: LITE-ON Black 20X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 20X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 20X DVD±R DVD Burner - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16827106264

Multi-Media Reader: Koutech IO-FPM220 3.5" Floppy Drive & Multi Card Reader Front Panel - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16813998514

Monitor: SAMSUNG 2433BW High Glossy Black 24" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 DC 20000:1(1000:1) - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16824001309

CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 Yorkfield 2.83GHz 12MB L2 Cache LGA 775 95W Quad-Core Processor - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16819115041

Speakers: Logitech Z-2300 200W RMS 2.1 Speaker System

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16836121122

All this, plus shipping on a few things that aren't free shipping, and my keyboard, mouse, transfer software, speakers, SATA to IDE Power Cable, 3.5" to 5.25" Port Adapter, etc., add up to about $1,950

Pretty good computer, eh?

Any small suggestions let me know. (Remember, as far as I know, I still have another $50 in budget)

And is the 600W PSU enough for all that? I'm pretty sure it is, but just wanna make sure.

Also, would buying 2 sets of 4GB Dual Channel DDR2 1066 RAM work to equal 8GB and still be Dual Channel DDR2 1066? Because the board can only handle dual-channel. My concern is that by buying 2 sets of dual-channel RAM, it will total up as quad-channel, which won't work, but I really have no clue.

Case: Thermaltake ArmorPlus ESA VH6001BWS

CPU: Intel Core i7 920 Nehalem 2.66GHz

Graphics Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 4850 X2 2GB 512-bit GDDR3

Motherboard: ASUS P6T Deluxe/OC Palm LGA 1366 Intel X58

Memory: Corsair XMS3 6GB (3x2GB) DDR3 1333

HDD: Western Digital WD20EADS 2TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s

Power Supply: PC Power & Cooling S75QB 750W

Monitor: Samsung 2433BW 24" 5ms LCD

That setup will be a little over budget but you could always get a cheaper HDD or something. Or get a normal 4870.

Sorry dude, clearly my setup is very, very different, but the case, board and PSU suggestions were excellent ideas.

EDIT: lol!!! You suggested the same monitor I did, and I picked the Samsung before I even saw you posted it..... sweet......

Edited February 3, 2009 by raybob95

[_Ray]

Scrap the HDD I had before, this is better, and cheaper.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16822148274

Edited February 4, 2009 by raybob95

[_Ray]

With Shipping, Tax, Transfer Software, Drive Bay Adaptor, SATA to IDE Power Adaptor, etc., the TOTAL TOTAL COST comes to less than $2,200. A bit overbudget, but it should work.

Also, if somebody could give me a total compatibility check, I would greatly appreciate it.

MY PC BUILD

Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16813128358

PSU: OCZ StealthXStream OCZ600SXS 600W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready Active PFC Power Supply - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...thXtream%20600w

Case: Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16811129021

OS: Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit for System Builders - OEM

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16832116488

GPU: PNY VCG981024GXEB GeForce 9800 GT 1GB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16814133243

RAM: (BUY 2 SETS TO TOTAL 8GB) OCZ Platinum 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16820227298

HDD #1: Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST31000340AS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16822148274

Optical Drive #1: LG Black 6X BD-R 2X BD-RE 16X DVD+R 6X Blu-ray DVD-ROM 4MB Cache SATA Internal Blu-ray Burner 6X Blu-ray Disc Burner & HD DVD-ROM Drive Model GGW-H20LK - OEM

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16827136155

Optical Drive #2: LITE-ON Black 20X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 20X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 20X DVD±R DVD Burner - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16827106264

Multi-Media Reader: Koutech IO-FPM220 3.5" Floppy Drive & Multi Card Reader Front Panel - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16813998514

Monitor: SAMSUNG 2433BW High Glossy Black 24" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 DC 20000:1(1000:1) - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16824001309

CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 Yorkfield 2.83GHz 12MB L2 Cache LGA 775 95W Quad-Core Processor - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16819115041

Mouse and Keyboard: LITE-ON SK-7360 Beige 104 Normal Keys 14 multimedia keys Function Keys PS/2 RF Wireless Standard Keyboard - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16823107132

Speakers: Logitech Z-2300 THX-Certified 200-Watt 2.1 Speaker System (Silver)

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detai...ER&v=glance

HDD #2: Samsung 7200RPM 80GB IDE Hard Drive (I already have)

Optical Drive #3: Memorex External USB 2.0 DVD Multi Recorder CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD ROM, DVD RAM, DVD+R DL (I already have)

NEW_PC_BUILD.doc

Edited February 7, 2009 by raybob95

[_Ray]

Why has my last post been reported?

Oh, and thanks for moving it, whoever did.(Note to self, anything related to PCs goes here.....)

Edited February 7, 2009 by raybob95

[Huckleberry Pie]

No need to quadruple post, Ray, but that config would be fine... Are you building it yourself, or is someone doing the assembly work for you?

[_Ray]

No need to quadruple post, Ray, but that config would be fine... Are you building it yourself, or is someone doing the assembly work for you?

Both. I have no clue how to do it, but i'm going to be taught, one of my friends knows how.

I'm only 13 and my parents have no clue.

My Dad was a PC Programmer in the '80s, but now he doesn't know crap about PCs.

And sorry for the quadpost.....

Edited February 7, 2009 by raybob95

[_Ray]

OK, CHANGES.

PSU: Same model, but changed from a 600W to a 700W version.

HDD: SAMSUNG Spinpoint F1 HD103UJ 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM

(This is cheaper, has better reviews, same specs, and the Seagate Barracuda was discontinued.)

And so, the only thing that is the same as when I first started, is the CPU. (Amazing Performance for Price)

Edited February 9, 2009 by raybob95

[Pandora]

Uhm.. since when is 2k a real big amount?

Anyway, I'd suggest a Asus Rampage Formula. Very, very nice board.

[_Ray]

Uhm.. since when is 2k a real big amount?

Anyway, I'd suggest a Asus Rampage Formula. Very, very nice board.

I've already decided the board, no way I'm going to change.

Besides, as I've already said, I'm going to go Gigabyte regardless. Too many good experiences.

And we're not all rich, Jace.

The PC I have now was mid-range, built in 2005, and only cost $500.

[_Ray]

OK, more changes:

Different GPU

Added a CPU Heatsink

Added another HDD

Uploaded a DOC file with specific build, sorry about the corruption of the previous one....

NEW_PC_BUILD.doc

[Pandora]

Ah, well.. you can't have it all

Anyway, all looks good. Don't know why you want that second WD HDD though.. Looks sort of overpriced for what you're getting too.. but I guess you've got your reasons.

Other then that, I think 4GB is enough for the timebeing. Leaving the option to upgrade at a later time open (by filling 2 of the 4 DIMMs). But then again, it's your choice. Nothing wrong with 8GB of course, but you won't need it for things like gaming, that's for sure.

And looking at the CPU of choice (which can be called high-end IMO), I'd suggest getting a bit better cooler, as the Artic Freezer is a rather basic one. It's enough if you don't want to go overclocking, but if you do plan to, then I'd suggest moving to a better one. Coolers aren't exactly expensive, so don't sweat it about that.

All in all it looks like a system that you'll like a lot. Hope it all works out (:

[_Ray]

Ah, well.. you can't have it all

Anyway, all looks good. Don't know why you want that second WD HDD though.. Looks sort of overpriced for what you're getting too.. but I guess you've got your reasons.

Other then that, I think 4GB is enough for the timebeing. Leaving the option to upgrade at a later time open (by filling 2 of the 4 DIMMs). But then again, it's your choice. Nothing wrong with 8GB of course, but you won't need it for things like gaming, that's for sure.

And looking at the CPU of choice (which can be called high-end IMO), I'd suggest getting a bit better cooler, as the Artic Freezer is a rather basic one. It's enough if you don't want to go overclocking, but if you do plan to, then I'd suggest moving to a better one. Coolers aren't exactly expensive, so don't sweat it about that.

All in all it looks like a system that you'll like a lot. Hope it all works out (:

I'm only planning to OC to 3.2GHz from 2.83, so it shouldn't overheat.

I have 3 HDDs for reasons, though I did debate the WD or not.

I guess I'll use the 160GB for Installing Windows and Ubuntu, via 80GB Partition(s), and using the 80GB IDE to Backup stuff.

The 1TB Drive will be for all else.

LOL, I just realized I'll have a 1TB Drive, and 3 80GB Drives (Drive Letters) in Windows.

Edited February 17, 2009 by raybob95

[Pandora]

Isn't it sort of unwise to use such a slow HDD for Windows when you've got that 1TB disk at your disposal?

[_Ray]

Isn't it sort of unwise to use such a slow HDD for Windows when you've got that 1TB disk at your disposal?

How is it a slow HDD? Obviously it won't be quite as fast as the 1TB Drive, because it has 16MB Cache and holds 160GB, but it'll still be pretty fast because it's still a SATA 3.0Gb/s HDD.

And I changed my mind from before, the 160 will be for Ubuntu and serve me as #1 incase the 1TB Fails, the 80GB IDE will be for Backing up Data on my other 2 drives, and the 1TB will be for Vista, and everything else.

The 160 will be 1 partition.

Edited February 18, 2009 by raybob95

[Pandora]

... I don't give a crap about it being s-ata. Point is that the data density is extremely low, thus making it a quite slow HDD.

So 1TB is going to be for the main OS? Cause then you're all fine. Just wouldn't install my main on a slow HDD.

[_Ray]

... I don't give a crap about it being s-ata. Point is that the data density is extremely low, thus making it a quite slow HDD.

So 1TB is going to be for the main OS? Cause then you're all fine. Just wouldn't install my main on a slow HDD.

I don't know, I may install it on the 160 still.

It's still a 3.0Gb/s drive, thus being still quite fast, and it'll be even faster with nothing else on the drive and taking up the drive's resources but the OS. It'd probably even run better than being on the 1TB for those reasons.

I'm still debating.

But if I can find any other cheap $50 drives that hold e.g. 320GB, then I'd definetly take that.

EDIT: Found this for only $70, pretty good reviews, great HDD

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16822148335

EDIT 2: Found this, like it better, looks more reliable. $75

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16822136320

I think I'll partition it into a 300 for Windows, and a 200 for Ubuntu.

Edited February 19, 2009 by raybob95

[Pandora]

It's still a 3.0Gb/s drive, thus being still quite fast,

That's the speed S-ATA can do, not the disk itself..

Try to find a disk that uses 320 or 500 gb platters.

[_Ray]

EDIT 2: Found this, like it better, looks more reliable. $75

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16822136320

I think I'll partition it into a 300 for Windows, and a 200 for Ubuntu.

Yeah, I did.

Edited February 19, 2009 by raybob95

[Spaz The Great]

... I don't give a crap about it being s-ata. Point is that the data density is extremely low, thus making it a quite slow HDD.

I've tried explaining that to him. He ignored me. He is very stuck in his way of thinking.

[_Ray]

I shall state this once again:

EDIT 2: Found this, like it better, looks more reliable. $75

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16822136320

I think I'll partition it into a 300 for Windows, and a 200 for Ubuntu.

EDIT: LOL, found this one, much better, only $5 more.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16822136319

Will Partition into 2x 320GB

Edited February 19, 2009 by raybob95

[Pandora]

Much better, yes.

[_Ray]

HOORAY!!! More Changes.....

#1: The 640GB Will be partitioned into a 280 for Vista, a 180 for 7 Beta, and a 180 for Ubuntu/ All Ubuntu Related. (Everything Ubuntu will be on the 640 Drive, all windows files other than OS will be on the Samsung 1TB)

#2: I have finally decided that my 56k Modem PCI Card, and my SB Live! PCI Sound Card will be put into my new PC and taken out of the one I'm using now.

#3: OPTICAL DRIVE CHANGES!!!! Optical Drive 1: LG Black 6X Blu-Ray DVD-ROM 16X DVD-ROM 40X CD-ROM SATA Internal Blu-Ray/HD DVD-ROM & 16X DVD +/- R DVD Burner Model GGC-H20L - Retail (Will use only for playing BD and HDDVD)

Optical Drive 2: ASUS Black 22X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 22X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 22X DVD Burner - Retail (Mine Only for general use, everybody else in my family will use my External DVD Burner only)

The BD-ROM is $75 cheaper than the BD-RE, which I didn't need. The ASUS is faster, and I like better, has gotten good reviews, and free shipping.

Edited February 21, 2009 by raybob95

[Pandora]

The SB Live! won't work. No drivers for all recent OS's.

[_Ray]

The SB Live! won't work. No drivers for all recent OS's.

It has a driver for XP.....

Well, none for Vista, hmmmm.......

I really don't want to have to buy a USB joystick.....

I'll look for a PCI Card with a game port on it.

EDIT: How about this Sound Card? Bad Reviews on sound quality but I'm gonna stick with my onboard sound and use this for the game port: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16829130001

Edited February 21, 2009 by raybob95

[_Ray]

EDIT: Video Card Change!! I found this card, others here recommended it, good reviews, free shipping, only $50 more, $20 rebate, etc. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16814130372

YET ANOTHER EDIT: Is this Video Card worth $30 over the one I just mentioned?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16814102813

And LOL, even after I decided on 700W, over 600W, all of a sudden I'm fearing that my 700W OCZ Supply won't even be enough.....

I think it has 4 20 or 22 Amp Rails. Hopefully enough.

EDIT: Shit, only 18A each. Enough for a Quad/Crossfire System?

This website told me 704W Recommended: http://www.thermaltake.outervision.com/Power

If I Overvolt the CPU (I shouldn't have to though) it told me 715W.

Also, since this is a dual-chip card, will GTAIV/ FSX see both chips and all 1GBs and utilize it all? Or will it only see and use one chip and 512 MB? Is the GTX260 a dual-chip card?

Edited February 21, 2009 by raybob95