New build - Need some opinions

[Lyan]

Hello guys,

I'll start off with the basic guiding ideas behind my system build. First is that I'm trying to keep it fairly budgeted; under or kind of close to 1000 dollars. Second, my main focus for this build is primarily video editing and graphic design, but still capable of gaming. Third thing I'll get to at the end of the thread since it requires a little bit of explaining.

Ok, I did some looking around and decided this is fairly well rounded, and a pretty strong setup for budget. However, I'd like honest and critical opinions if you have time to provide them.

CPU - Q6600 - 249.99
Mobo - GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L - 89.99
GPU - eVGA 8800GT 512 - 209.99 (30 $ mail in rebate so 179.99)
Memory - Kingston HyperX 4GB(4 x 1GB) - 121.99
OS - Vista 64-bit Home Premium - 99.99
PSU - Raidmax Quantum 700W - Combo deal w/ Mobo so 35 off = 114.99
Heatsink - Rosewill RCX-Z775-EX 92mm 2 Ball - Combo deal w/ CPU so 25 off = 24.99 + 35 from mail in rebate so kinda for free.
DVD Burner - Samsung SH-S203N - 33.99
Case - ABS Stealth ATX Mid Tower - Combo deal w/ DVD Burner so 20 off = 79.99

Total = 1,013.89 w/ 1 warranty n' shipping and mail in rebates.

Now about that third thing guiding my choices. It doesn't really reflect my purchases all that much aside from maybe the PSU, OS and hopefully Heatsink (probably not), but I do have Nehalem in mind. I'd like this system to be strong throughout the next year to hopefully 2 years. With Nehalem processing and rendering the industry will begin to change fairly dramatically over the course of about 2 years after its release, more likely less depending on software/hardware companies. Which means style wise 2 to 2 1/2 years processing and graphics will be in a very different operating style and ballpark. So, I'd like this to keep me fairly happy until the time in which Nehalem style setups are on leveling out phase for price gouging websites.

So there you have it. Probably too long of a read for most peoples tastes, but I'm pretty sure many people will have an opinion by just glancing at my list of items. If you can help me out in either shaving some money off or providing me with insight into upgrading a spot or two to something better please let me know. Thanks.

EDIT: Last minute add in that I forgot, I'm willing to drop to a C2D(E8400 or X3110) as I've read their performance is phenomenal, but I did the Q6600 b/c 4 is bigger than 2! Just joking, the deal with the heat sink n' savings seemed good and performance wise is still competitive.

 

[GameSinewPCs]

Looks pretty good. You could change the powersupply to a Corsair 550 or 520 if you wanted...

 

[JRMBelgium]

This heatsinks is MUCH better, and cheaper:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233003&Tpk=S1283

 

[nguyenpeter76]

get 2x2gb of ram instead of 4x1gb. why? it runs less power. and if your planning to oc the ram, then get 800mhz since that's all you need.

for this setup you dont need 700w. get the corsair 550vx from buy.com. from what i remember from the top of my head... they are $85 ($70 AR).

 

[JrRacinFan]

If he is still getting psu as part of a combo, I don't normally say this, but keep it on the list. It right now has a $40 mail in rebate. Then again the corsair is stil a nice power supply. Meh .. to each his own.

 

[Lyan]

Thanks for the replys, I've been doing a lot of looking around and weighing the value of certain things and weather or not I really need them. Long story short I dropped the new case, PSU, and the heat sink. I think I may opt for a E8400 instead of a Q6600 and get the above recommended heat sink. Found it in stock @ Mwave.com and the XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 is only 36.99 with it.

I have a Antec 550W power supply right now so I guess I'll just stick with it, but I'll def keep the corsair in mind.

What is really killing me at the moment is deciding on a vid card. I know I listed the 8800 GT by eVGA earlier, but I keep looking around and I'm starting to become undecided on it. Since the mobo I'm getting only has 1 PCI-E slot I can't upgrade to SLI later so I want to be sure on the vid card. Any recommendations?

EDIT: Looking into ram atm, any recommendations on some sticks that would easily oc? I was mainly looking at the 1066 to keep it well rounded and would like to keep that speed, but if I can just oc a good set that would probably help shave the system a lil. I've read Ballistix is good, but also read some pretty mixed reviews.

 

[nguyenpeter76]

well you could go with a 8800gts g92 512mb and if you need better performance you could step up within 90 days if you get evga or 100days if you get from bfg. or you could get the 8800gt and step up later as well.

 

[webwizard]

I am using the Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro and works very well with keeping my E8500 at 28C

 

[calvary1980]

E8500 at 28c that is definitely not right, I don't think a pre-burn in with liquid cooling could achieve that.

I'll write back a new shopping list for you.

PS, Welcome to TPU Lyan!

- Christine

 

[JrRacinFan]

Sounds like he is using an old version of coretemp that detects the tjunc wrong.

Christine, never told you this before, nice rig.

 

[webwizard]

I am using CPUID Hardware Monitor 1.07.1 Just checked it with PC Wizard 2008 and the temp is 43C. The CPUID must be wrong.

Processor Temperature (Core 1) : 43 °C
Processor Temperature (Core 2) : 43 °C
Mainboard Temperature : 34 °C
ACPI Thermal Zone : 40 °C
GPU Temperature : 54 °C

 

[calvary1980]

43 degrees on idle is still respectable. and Thank You JR

I have a question what kind of display do you have Lyan? this is one of the rare instances I would recommend a Quad over a Dual for your needs.

Case: Cooler Master Centurion 590 - $69.99
Heatsink: Xigmatek HDT S1283 - $36.99
Power Supply: Corsair 520HX - $104.99 AR
Memory: Transcend aXeRAM - $79.99

- Christine

 

[Lyan]

Thanks for the suggestions calvary1980, and thanks for the welcome. I think I'll definitely go with the heat sink, from what I've read about it it seems very good. About the memory though, I do want to stick with 4GB and they mentioned earlier that sticking to 2x2GB sticks would probably be best instead of going with 1GB sticks. I understand that is mostly for power consumption concerns, is there a notable performance difference between the two?

Also, is there a good set of DDR2 800 memory that oc's well? If I can just cut costs on memory a little by oc'ing a set then thats fine, but if overall going for DDR2 1066 would be a better balance and longevity then I'll stick to that.

Edit: I have a 24" wide screen dell monitor and a 19" that I run along side it as well. 24 is flat, 19 is CRT, do that mostly for color comparison n' balance plus having a big area to work with is great.

 

[GameSinewPCs]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227269