Building My First Computer - Need some help. [Mobile/Archive]

Zen Davis

03-26-2007, 11:43 AM

First of all, to get this out of the way, I don't know what I'm doing. :bouncy:

I've chosen those components and I wanted to know if I'm going to be experiencing any compatibility problems. I think the motherboard and the videocard may not work together so if someone could give me some pointers, that would be awesome! Also let me please know if I'm missing something.

Thanks!

APEVIA X-CRUISER-BK Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16811144151

APEVIA CF12SL-UBL 120mm Blue LED Case Fan

http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16811998121

MSI P6N SLI-FI LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 650i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard

http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16813130082

EVGA 320-P2-N811-AR GeForce 8800GTS 320MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Video Card

http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16814130082

ENERMAX Liberty ELT500AWT ATX12V 500W Power Supply

http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16817194003

Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 Conroe 2.4GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80557E6600

http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16819115003

CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 675 (PC2 5400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X2048-5400c4

http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16820145015

LINKSKEY LKA-CR15B 19-in-1 USB 2.0 Black Card Reader/Writer

http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16820300901

HITACHI Deskstar E7K500 HDS725050KLA360 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive

http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16822147007

LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with 12X DVD-RAM write and LightScribe Technology Black E-IDE/ATAPI Model LH-20A1H-185 - OEM

http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16827106055

Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer 7.1 Channels PCI Interface Sound Card - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16829102006

ZALMAN CNPS9500 LED 92mm 2 Ball Cooling Fan with Heatsink

http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16835118223

Chacrana

03-26-2007, 11:45 AM

johnnypark

03-26-2007, 11:49 AM

Any chance you can provide links to the hardware? Having full technical details on each component would make it a lot easier to comment on their quality, etc.

Zen Davis

03-26-2007, 11:52 AM

Have to ask -- are you planning on installing Vista? If so, kill the sound card. Creative's Vista drivers are completely worthless and the sound card can't even use EAX in Vista (intentionally) so it's pretty much pointless.

Other than that... most of this stuff looks good. Maybe get a DFI mobo instead of an MSI one since I don't like that company... but yeah. Processor, video card, and RAM look excellent.
Yeah I was going to install Vista with this. Do you have any suggestions on what other sound card I should get?

Also I was going through Newegg and I noticed in the mobo specifications, things like 'Memory Standard: DDR2 800'. Does that mean that the DDR3 on the videocard won't work with it?

Any chance you can provide links to the hardware? Having full technical details on each component would make it a lot easier to comment on their quality, etc.

The links have been added good Sir.

munch

03-26-2007, 11:59 AM

If you can wait a while there's supposed to be a price drop on Core 2 Duo processors in April. That could save you a bit of cash.

Zen Davis

03-26-2007, 12:02 PM

If you can wait a while there's supposed to be a price drop on Core 2 Duo processors in April. That could save you a bit of cash.

I'm in no hurry so I can wait for the price drop. I just want to make sure that when I do it, I actually make a functioning computer.

Roufuss

03-26-2007, 12:04 PM

Wouldn't recommend that case at all... this is in the Newegg reviews -

Cons: No instructions, my 8800 GTS video card barely fit...needed to tweak case. Airflow could be better.

Don't really want the card barely fitting... might want to get a slightly bigger case.

I would probably go for a 600W power supply too, just to give the 8800GTS more than it needs.

I've also heard the 8800 series will get a price drop soon, either when they roll out 8900's or ATI brings out its cards.

Rig

03-26-2007, 12:23 PM

Good luck on the build, OP.

I'm actually going to be building my next computer in June or July.

-Phantom-

03-26-2007, 12:45 PM

I would avoid using a Hitachi Deathstar. In my experience Hitachi drives have proven to have an incredibly short life span.

Vinny

03-26-2007, 01:22 PM

That case sucks. It feels like a cheap piece of shit to me. That's the case I originally got for my build and I returned it after opening it. I'm not sure what to recommend to you though since that 8800 is long as hell.

I'm not too big a fan of MSI mobos though I can't comment on which one would be a better mobo for the C2D.

Hitachi HD's aren't exactly my top pick for reliable storage. I'd got with a 7200.10. I have two of these and they're wonderful- very quite and they run cool. You might also consider getting dual HDs (like a pair of 320GB 7200.10s). A small one to put your OS and programs on and a larger one to hold all of your important data. Check Fatwallet- there's always good deals for HDs on there.

Why are you getting that aftermarket cooler (I'm assuming you're planning on OCing)?

It looks like a great build otherwise, I'm definitely jealous.:) Waiting might not be a bad idea- Intel's going to cut prices on processors and the mighty R600 will most likely force Nvidia to cut prices of their cards.

johnnypark

03-26-2007, 01:22 PM

I don't have time to look over everything, but 1st glance, you'll need a different power supply. You want a PSU w/ a lot of power on the 12V, this one doesn't have much.

Here's the Enermax output:

+3.3V@28A, +5V@30A, +12V1@22A, +12V2@22A, -12V@0.6A, +5VSB@3A

vs. the Seasonic (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817151029) I'm using:

+3.3V@24A,+5V@30A,+12V1@18A,+12V2@18A,+12V3@18A, +12V4@18A,-12V@0.8A,+5VSB@3.0A

Just because it's high wattage doesn't mean it'll be good for your system, because most high-end video cards need more power on the 12V rails, but it's cheaper to increase the 3's and 5's.

Don't let the limited feedback on Newegg deter you from considering this unit, here's the review which convinced me:

http://www.hardwarelogic.com/news/137/ARTICLE/1249/2006-07-27.html

They also have a 600W model, which is also modular (which btw is excellent for cable management!).

I agree with Roufuss - you probably need more than 500W, especially for that 8800. Dual-core CPUs eat up a lot of your voltage, in fact they double it since there are 2 cores. Play around with this link, it's a PSU calculator and should give you an idea about how much power you'll need: http://extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp

Keep in mind, this version of it doesn't consider the use per 12V, but it's a good starting point of reference.

Chacrana

03-26-2007, 01:24 PM

Yeah I was going to install Vista with this. Do you have any suggestions on what other sound card I should get?

Also I was going through Newegg and I noticed in the mobo specifications, things like 'Memory Standard: DDR2 800'. Does that mean that the DDR3 on the videocard won't work with it?

The links have been added good Sir.

1) Use onboard sound. Other sound cards will make you take a significant performance hit in games for the most part... the X-Fi is so broken that you shouldn't bother with it in Vista.

2) Don't worry about the DDR3 on the video card. You're fine.

Oh, and that case does suck. And for the hard drive, maybe look into the Seagate Barracuda HDs.

Roufuss

03-26-2007, 01:50 PM

That case sucks. It feels like a cheap piece of shit to me. That's the case I originally got for my build and I returned it after opening it. I'm not sure what to recommend to you though since that 8800 is long as hell.

I'm going with this -

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16811133021

It's pricey, yea, but notice how 81% of people are happy with it, vs the 50 - 60% of people on other cases.

I'm pretty much guaranteed all my shit is going to fit, and I'm guaranteed future components are going to fit into that too. This case is going to last a good long time. Tons and tons of good air flow too.

mr ryles

03-26-2007, 02:04 PM

I've had that case for about a year now and I have had no problems with it thus far, all my gauges work fine plenty of good air flow, and who ever said their 8800 wouldn't fit in the case is full of it. I don't have one, I'm running a 7900. I know the 8800's are bigger but I just don't see it being "that" big that it wouldn't fit.

Animal7390

03-26-2007, 03:31 PM

my suggestion is don't go with vista at all just stick with xp or 2000

Chacrana

03-26-2007, 03:40 PM

mr ryles

03-26-2007, 03:44 PM

The 8800 is absolutely huge. It's ridiculous.

well the way everything in mine is set up, I can see can't see how it couldn't fit, I have a good 6 inches of spacing all around my current card. I doubt the 8800 is 6 inches bigger all around.

Chacrana

03-26-2007, 03:47 PM

well the way everything in mine is set up, I can see can't see how it couldn't fit, I have a good 6 inches of spacing all around my current card. I doubt the 8800 is 6 inches bigger all around.

You cannot be wrong with such an analysis. :lol:

mr ryles

03-26-2007, 03:48 PM

You cannot be wrong with such an analysis. :lol:

I'm always right.

Zen Davis

03-27-2007, 02:31 PM

Hitachi HD's aren't exactly my top pick for reliable storage. I'd got with a 7200.10. I have two of these and they're wonderful- very quite and they run cool. You might also consider getting dual HDs (like a pair of 320GB 7200.10s). A small one to put your OS and programs on and a larger one to hold all of your important data. Check Fatwallet- there's always good deals for HDs on there.
Are those the Seagate drives?

Why are you getting that aftermarket cooler (I'm assuming you're planning on OCing)?
I just wanted to make sure the system stayed cool. I don't know much about overclokcing.

It looks like a great build otherwise, I'm definitely jealous.:) Waiting might not be a bad idea- Intel's going to cut prices on processors and the mighty R600 will most likely force Nvidia to cut prices of their cards. Would the price drops happen by May/June?

my suggestion is don't go with vista at all just stick with xp or 2000I probably am going to stick to XP.

I agree with Roufuss - you probably need more than 500W, especially for that 8800. Dual-core CPUs eat up a lot of your voltage, in fact they double it since there are 2 cores. Play around with this link, it's a PSU calculator and should give you an idea about how much power you'll need: http://extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jspIs there anyway I can ask for a suggestion? I know you said the Seasonic M12-500, but keep in mind that I am utterly new to all facets of this.

http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16817151028

Would that work in your opinion?

Roufuss

03-27-2007, 04:42 PM

Chacrana suggested this for me, and I went with it... OCZ is supposed to be an awesome brand:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341001

Lots of good reviews for it too.

I just built a computer similar to yours, except I went for an E6400 instead of a 6600 to save some money (I'm just going to overclock my 6400 anyways). I also went for OCZ 2 GB Ram instead of Corsair.

I also went for the 8800GTS 320 MB Superclocked edition, it comes from the factory already overclocked, from EVGA. I might use the step up program in a month or two to go for the 640 one, depends upon how I feel.

Zen Davis

03-27-2007, 06:47 PM

I just built a computer similar to yours, except I went for an E6400 instead of a 6600 to save some money (I'm just going to overclock my 6400 anyways). I also went for OCZ 2 GB Ram instead of Corsair.

What is usually the difference in RAM between two companies? I also checked for superclocked but those are way too expensive. :(

FlipSide

03-27-2007, 07:21 PM

For now ditch Vista, Install XP for now. XP is much more stable and there are too many driver issues with Vista it might just cause you problems. Partition your hard drive to at least 2, so you can also install Vista to a different partition later.

Dont go cheap with your Motherboard, its the backbone of your PC. I suggest going with ASUS brand, I've had great experience with them. They are very durable.

If you are looking at a Video card, Leadtek is my personal favorite. You can't go wrong with VisionTek either. They are not built cheap like other brands.

Last, I agree with the previous posters that you will need more than 500w for your PSU. I'm gonna suggest Seasonic but if thats too expensive (but they are worth the price) I'd go with Antec.

Good luck in building your computer..

Synergy

03-28-2007, 01:10 AM

Good luck with the first build! Its definitely a fun, learning experience. I just finished my first build last week with some similar parts. Here's the advice I can offer you on your choices:

- If you can afford it, I would go with a little more oomph from your PSU, especially with the better video cards. Then you'll be covered should you decide to add anything to the comp. Its always better to have a little headroom with the PSU.

- I was actually thinking about getting that card reader you picked out, so you'll have to let me know what you think of it. The reviews seem entirely mixed.

- I would go with Seagate or Western Digital on the HD.

Overall the build looks good. You'll enjoy it, the c2d E6600 is awesome. :D

Roufuss

03-28-2007, 01:34 AM

What is usually the difference in RAM between two companies? I also checked for superclocked but those are way too expensive. :(

My Superclocked EVGA was only $305, which is only $25 more than the card you're paying for now. It has no mail-in rebate, though =/

The difference in RAM between the two companies is usually minimal... just brand names and such. I think the OCZ Ram might be a little bit better, as well.

I just got turned off with the Corsair's when so many people on Newegg reported them DoA.

tomfoolery

03-28-2007, 12:43 PM

i'd get a case from thermaltake since they are huge and provide a whole lot of room and options. also, get a power supply that is 650 watts or more. i'd even recommend a 700 or 750 and silverstone makes great ones. everything else looks good although I didn't know the creative sound cards have issues in vista. I don't really know much about other brands, i've always used creative since forever ago.

GOod luck on the build!

Vinny

03-28-2007, 01:09 PM

The Thermaltake Armor is definitely one finely built case... I would've gotten that one but it's too big for me.

Yes, the 7200.10s are Seagate drives. I have 4 Seagate drives and the only one that's given me any problems was the 7200.9 and that was because my fan controller died and killed all my system fans, causing all of my HDs to hit 70C. The drive works fine, but my OS files got corrupted. The 7200.8 and the two 7200.10 I have have been problem free.

You shouldn't need to worry about an aftermarket cooler if you don't want to OC. Stock coolers will keep your processor plenty cool. Save that money for something else.

The price drops should be taking effect slowly now. I just saw the 320MB 8800GTS for $270 AR at Newegg. That's a hell of a price for such a great card. I think the R600 is supposed to come out at the end of April so the price drops should be happening then. Not sure when the C2D price drops hit though.

That Seasonic PS you linked to should work out great for you though I'm more of a fan of the new Corsair PSes. I'm a little iffy on OCZ though... I've gotten two bad PSes in a row and the one I have now looks like it might be having some problems (a bad batch probably). The new OCZ (such as the GameXtream) lines are from Fortron though, and they make some of the best PSes.

I'd go with this personally- plenty of power and modular (something I wish I had gone with after seeing all the wires hanging around in my case).
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139002

For RAM, Corsair and OCZ are pretty much tied. OCZs tend to use more volts so they run hotter- but they're more reliable. Corsairs are cooler but as Roufuss said, they have a higher DoA rate (mine have been perfectly fine though).

bhzrd4

04-09-2007, 02:48 AM

check out this website for help building your first computer http://www.how2buildapc.com/ it may also help you decide on hardware to put into your configuration and the samples page has a pretty affordable killer rig.

LinkinPrime

04-09-2007, 03:22 PM

Roufuss

04-09-2007, 03:35 PM

How much is this build running you OP? I'm about to make a Dell XPS 410 and its going to be about $1,000+taxes. I was considering building, the one you are going to be building is similar to the stuff I choose for the XPS. I've never built a PC myself but always wanted to and I'm a fast learner so I'd give it a try if it can save me money.

It's really simple, it just takes some time and a good guide, and a bit of trial and error.

I don't like buying prebuilt PC's anymore since they come loaded down with a bunch of shit most people never use, and in my experience, are a bitch to upgrade.

I built a computer similar to the OP (except I tacked on extra cooling, a monitor, and an expensive case) and without the extra stuff, I think I hit about $1,200 before rebates - rebates pulls that number down to roughly $1,100. Newegg dosen't charge tax, just shipping, and many items have free shipping. I think I paid about $30 to ship 60 pounds worth of stuff with UPS 3 day?

But yea, building your own is always ideal to buying it from somewhere... it's a fun project, as well. If you're patient, the rumor is that sometime in April the Core 2 Duo's are going to have a price cut, as well.

LinkinPrime

04-09-2007, 03:40 PM

It's really simple, it just takes some time and a good guide, and a bit of trial and error.

I don't like buying prebuilt PC's anymore since they come loaded down with a bunch of shit most people never use, and in my experience, are a bitch to upgrade.

I built a computer similar to the OP (except I tacked on extra cooling, a monitor, and an expensive case) and without the extra stuff, I think I hit about $1,200 before rebates - rebates pulls that number down to roughly $1,100. Newegg dosen't charge tax, just shipping, and many items have free shipping. I think I paid about $30 to ship 60 pounds worth of stuff with UPS 3 day?

But yea, building your own is always ideal to buying it from somewhere... it's a fun project, as well. If you're patient, the rumor is that sometime in April the Core 2 Duo's are going to have a price cut, as well.
I'm guessing that price is without the monitor right? Forgot to mention whats included on XPS 410: Core Duo E6400, 256MB nVidia Geforce 7300LE TurboCache, with 250GB HDD along with a 20 widescreen flat panel with Vista Home Premium. If I can make something for less or about the same, I'm game.

Roufuss

04-09-2007, 03:49 PM

I'm guessing that price is without the monitor right? Forgot to mention whats included on XPS 410: Core Duo E6400, 256MB nVidia Geforce 7300LE TurboCache, with 250GB HDD along with a 20 widescreen flat panel with Vista Home Premium. If I can make something for less or about the same, I'm game.

The problem with that setup is that the Geforce 7300LE isn't a DX 10 card, so it won't be able to take advantage of Vista's DX 10 drivers.

Right now, I think only the 8800 Nvidia series are DX 10 compatible, but once ATI releases it's DX 10 cards you're going to see prices fall on those.

The Core 2 Duo's are rumored to fall this month sometime, as well... the E6400 is a great chip, and excellent for overclocking, I've got mine running at 2.8 ghz right now with no problems. I could probably push it up higher if I wanted to, I know people have gotten it to 3.2 ghz on stock cooling.

I would say it's very possible to build a comparable system for the same amount of money, however. Just poke around Newegg, see what looks good, which ones have rebates, etc etc.

It also depends on if you're building 100% from the ground up, or reusing parts from an old PC like a DVD drive... I went ahead and just built from the ground up because I'm selling my old PC to my girlfriend's parents.