High End Build Advice/Help

[dstaiti]

Hello All!

First, this is a great site! What a wealth of information.

Second, I need advice and suggestions on building my first PC. I have never built my own system from scratch before. I am going to use it for normal Internet type use, but I need a power house for playing games. I am fortunate in that I don't have to keep on a tight budget.

It seems like the 8800GTX is the best card around, but from my research it seems that there are specific minimum guildlines with respect to RAM, Power Supplies, CPUs, etc. to get the most out of such a premium card.

Can anybody give me suggestions on what they would use for other components or recommend builds to get the max performance from this card? If possible, be specific as I don't yet know all of the lingo.

THANKS!!!

 

[dstaiti]

OK... I have come to some ideas on my own... what do you think?

Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021

Seagate ST3400632A-RK 400GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache IDE Ultra ATA100 Hard Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148218

Crucial Ballistix 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148069

Thermaltake Toughpower W0128RU ATX12V / EPS12V 650W Power Supply 100 - 240 V - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817153040

AMD Athlon 64 FX-62 Windsor 2.8GHz 2 x 1MB L2 Cache Socket AM2 Dual Core Processor - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103861

ASUS CROSSHAIR Socket AM2 NVIDIA nForce 590 SLI MCP ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131593

EVGA 768-P2-N835-AR GeForce 8800GTX 768MB 384-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 SUPERCLOCKED HDCP Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130079

 

[i_am_mustang_man]

get a conroe instead of the fx-62. e6600 if you can swing it, but e6400 otherwise. and get any 975 chipset that's good at overclocking, or the 680i mobo if you want to do sli eventually (i don't recommend it tho, you'd need a new psu too.)

http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?sduid=0&t=498297


and get a sata hard drive for lord's sake, it's 2007!
maybe 2x320gb drives, (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148140)
it'd be the same price

welcome to tpu, btw!

 

[dstaiti]

Why Intel vs. AMD? I hear that the AMD chips are easier to overclock and are generally faster for gaming purposes? Either way, I can spend $300+ on the CPU alone, so what are my best options with either AMD or Intel in that range? Secondly, what are my motherboard concerns with either?

Can you explain SLI? Is that running 2 GPUs at the same time? Will I really need that with a TOL 8800 GTX???

Are you in Boston by the way? I live in the area too... I'd hire you as a consultant so I don't screw this build up!!!

 

[i_am_mustang_man]

currently, intel is much faster than amd in everything but memory access, but for gaming intel is faster. plus these new conroes overclock like crazy.

you don't need sli, but you would need to get a 680i mobo in order to do so, but don't do that anyways, so just get a 975 based motherboard. other people here know more about conroe mobos than i, and they will tell you which ones in particular.

also, out of curiousity what resolution are going to be running?

btw, that's the best case evar, imo. sweet build! i am in boston, but taking finals for the next 3 weeks, so i will be unavailable mostly! but i will be more than happy to consult online for free

 

[bruins004]

Not a bad for a first try.
I am impressed since you never built a system before and its all compatable
Anyways, I am suggesting you are using this for gaming? Am I correct? If not then what?
Also, what is your budget?

Anyways, these days Intel's C2Ds are the better processors (unless you are going for a budget build).
So I would suggest to stick with Intel since they have the newer and better architecture currently.
You will obv. have to change your motherboard as well this means.

As for the Hard Drive, you may want to consider a SATA hard driver instead of a PATA (or IDE) hard drive. The main reasons are many high end mobos are getting rid of 2 PATA interfaces and only use 1 now (which is used by your DVD and/or CD Drives). The other is that data travels faster over SATA.

As with your memory, very good choice.
I would agree to stick with the Crucial Ballistix 2 x 1GB kit, but go for either DDR2-667 or DDR2-800 RAM. Go with the DDR2-800 RAM only if you are going to OC. If not then stick with the DDR2-667 RAM. The reason I say dont bother with the DDR2-1066 RAM is bc you wont see any benefits from this RAM over the others and it isnt worth the premium. Plus, the DDR2-667 and DDR2-800 modules can reach DDR2-1066 when OCed.

I would suggest looking at Corsairs Power Supplies. They are one of the best brands out right now and they are modular (which helps when building and doing wire management).
When shopping for a power supply you mainly want to pay attention to the amps provided on the 12V line(s). This is what powers most of the components in your computer. Plus the Corsair PSUs offer one of the highest effeciency percentages.

Very nice video card choice (Can't beat EVGA either )

Nice Case (it is very popular).

So here is my build list: (If you have any questions, I would be happy to help and answer them)

Processor
Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 - $235
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115003
With this you can get Supreme Commander free with the Combo Deal

Motherboard:
EVGA 122-CK-NF68-T1 LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 680i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard - $189.99 AR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813188012

Memory:
Now with the memory you have a few choices:
I see those Crucial are actually the cheapest ones on newegg and is a good buy. But if you want to save money try these. These modules contain Micron D9 memory chips (the same used in the Crucial)
G Skill DDR2-800 2 x 1GB Set - $159.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231065

Power Supply:
Corsair 620HX PSU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139002 -$140 AR
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=373110 -$123 AR

Hard Drive:
Get 2 of these and RAID them
Western Digital 250GB SATA Hard Drive - $70
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136046

Video Card:
EVGA 8800GTX - $579.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130079

Case:
Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case -$129.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021

TOTAL is rougly $1575

By the way good time to build a system. Intel and AMD has just had price cuts and DDR2 RAM is really priced very low.

 

[dstaiti]

Thanks for the advice. I didn't know that about the Intel vs. AMD.

As for budget, I don't really have any constraints there. Ideally, my wife will be unhappy if I creep up above $2000 to $2500, so if I can spend a little extra on any of the components you suggested and get some more longevity out of the system, I'll do it.

Also, when it comes to DVD drives, media card readers, mouse, keyboard, monitor, do you have any suggestions? I know that a nice monitor might cost me some $$$. Any recommendations?

 

[mandelore]

Hmm, why not wait a bit and invest in an amd quad or r600 card? then blow the crap outa an intel rig?

 

[bruins004]

Hmm, why not wait a bit and invest in an amd quad or r600 card? then blow the crap outa an intel rig?

Bc you can wait forever and ever. There is something always around the corner.
And Barcelona for mainstream desktops wont be out until end of Q3 or beginning of 2008.

 

[bruins004]

Thanks for the advice. I didn't know that about the Intel vs. AMD.

As for budget, I don't really have any constraints there. Ideally, my wife will be unhappy if I creep up above $2000 to $2500, so if I can spend a little extra on any of the components you suggested and get some more longevity out of the system, I'll do it.

Also, when it comes to DVD drives, media card readers, mouse, keyboard, monitor, do you have any suggestions? I know that a nice monitor might cost me some $$$. Any recommendations?

For DVD Drives or CD Drives I usually use Lite-on drives, but really any that are cheap are good (usually around $30-$40).
Also, monitors have come down quite a bit.
It also depends on how big you want the monitor.
20.1" LCD monitors are now below $300.
I suggest taking a look at the Dell monitors if you want one of the best (its is good for almost everything).

As for the mouse, I suggest really any mouse.
If you want a gaming mouse check out the Logitech G5 (about $60).

For the keyboard, you could use any keyboard really.
If you want a high end keyboard then take a look at the Logitech G15 (its about $100)

I dont know much about card readers so I cannot help you there.

 

[dstaiti]

Am I better off spending another $100 on a E6700 vs. the E6600?

Assuming I finalize a build similar to the specs you gave me, does this site, or any others, have any good online guides or walkthroughs to help guide a newbie through assembly, installing OS and drivers, testing, configuring, etc.???

 

[bruins004]

I know there are various guides on here on how to assemble a build.
As for the E6700 vs. E6600 - I dont believe the performance gain is worth $100 extra dollars. It would be better spent elsewhere (like a monitor). On top of that you wouldnt notice too much of a difference between the 2.

 

[Grings]

if you wanted amd over intel, then a 6000x2 is better than an fx62, cheaper too, if i were to build a monster system like so, i'd go for a 700w or more psu, and not one by thermaltake (i've seen them get some good reviews recently, but i had a 480w one a couple of years ago and it was utter shite)

 

[techbuzz]

Not a bad for a first try.
I am impressed since you never built a system before and its all compatable
Anyways, I am suggesting you are using this for gaming? Am I correct? If not then what?
Also, what is your budget?

Anyways, these days Intel's C2Ds are the better processors (unless you are going for a budget build).

So I would suggest to stick with Intel since they have the newer and better architecture currently.
You will obv. have to change your motherboard as well this means.

As for the Hard Drive, you may want to consider a SATA hard driver instead of a PATA (or IDE) hard drive. The main reasons are many high end mobos are getting rid of 2 PATA interfaces and only use 1 now (which is used by your DVD and/or CD Drives). The other is that data travels faster over SATA.

As with your memory, very good choice.
I would agree to stick with the Crucial Ballistix 2 x 1GB kit, but go for either DDR2-667 or DDR2-800 RAM. Go with the DDR2-800 RAM only if you are going to OC. If not then stick with the DDR2-667 RAM. The reason I say dont bother with the DDR2-1066 RAM is bc you wont see any benefits from this RAM over the others and it isnt worth the premium. Plus, the DDR2-667 and DDR2-800 modules can reach DDR2-1066 when OCed.

I would suggest looking at Corsairs Power Supplies. They are one of the best brands out right now and they are modular (which helps when building and doing wire management).
When shopping for a power supply you mainly want to pay attention to the amps provided on the 12V line(s). This is what powers most of the components in your computer. Plus the Corsair PSUs offer one of the highest effeciency percentages.

Very nice video card choice (Can't beat EVGA either )

Nice Case (it is very popular).

So here is my build list: (If you have any questions, I would be happy to help and answer them)

Processor
Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 - $235
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115003
With this you can get Supreme Commander free with the Combo Deal

Motherboard:
EVGA 122-CK-NF68-T1 LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 680i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard - $189.99 AR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813188012

Memory:
Now with the memory you have a few choices:
I see those Crucial are actually the cheapest ones on newegg and is a good buy. But if you want to save money try these. These modules contain Micron D9 memory chips (the same used in the Crucial)
G Skill DDR2-800 2 x 1GB Set - $159.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231065

Power Supply:
Corsair 620HX PSU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139002 -$140 AR
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=373110 -$123 AR

Hard Drive:
Get 2 of these and RAID them
Western Digital 250GB SATA Hard Drive - $70
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136046

Video Card:
EVGA 8800GTX - $579.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130079

Case:
Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case -$129.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021

TOTAL is rougly $1575

By the way good time to build a system. Intel and AMD has just had price cuts and DDR2 RAM is really priced very low.

Not true. AMD ROCKS!

 

[bruins004]

Not true. AMD ROCKS!

Not saying AMD doesnt rock.
I have 2 AMD systems myself over here.
Its just that the C2D does much better at the moment.
The only place the C2D cant compete at the moment is the lower budget end (Nothing can beat the X2 3600+ for $65).

But for this situation obv. Intel is the better option.
Lets not turn this thread into a fan boy thread.

PCGolfer, next time please add some useful info to the thread and not spam like you did above.

 

[dstaiti]

Yes, no fan boy threads please!

I'd appreciate it if you could recommend a specific guide that is user friendly enough for a newbie like me.

As for the motherboard and power supply, am I builiding in adequate upgradability with a 7000W or more power supply and the motherboard recommended above?

 

[bruins004]

Yes, no fan boy threads please!

I'd appreciate it if you could recommend a specific guide that is user friendly enough for a newbie like me.

As for the motherboard and power supply, am I builiding in adequate upgradability with a 7000W or more power supply and the motherboard recommended above?

What kind of upgradeability are you looking for?
Are you thinking of SLIing 2 8800GTXs?

If so I have another PSU to recommend.
The Corsair PSU can handle 2 8800GTS and an 8800GTX.

As for the guide here it is (http://www.techpowerup.com/articles/other/144)
Also, if you want take a look on the techpowerup homepage and click on the Wiki, it has some nice guides in there as well.

 

[dstaiti]

Sorry... newbie naiveté...

I want something that won't require I throw out every single component and upgrade again in 6 months. I'd like a motherboard and power supply in a case that would allow me to keep those components for a while, and perhaps get a better CPU or GPU when something drastically better becomes available... does this even make sense???!?!?!!?!?

 

[techbuzz]

This is a general statement:

At stock my AMD 64 6000+ runs much faster than the C2D e6400. If you are interested in overclocking your computer than Intel is the way to go.

If your like me and you want a 100% stable computer with zero problems, than AMD is the way to go.

Also, overclocking your chip could void the warranty.

I am sorry if I came accross as being a fanboy, but I am not.

 

[bruins004]

This is a general statement:

At stock my AMD 64 6000+ runs much faster than the C2D e6400. If you are interested in overclocking your computer than Intel is the way to go.

If your like me and you want a 100% stable computer with zero problems, than AMD is the way to go.

Also, overclocking your chip could void the warranty.

I am sorry if I came accross as being a fanboy, but I am not.

An AMD 64 6000+ costs $240 and the E6400 costs $196. The E6600 costs $250, so obv. Intel is the way to go.

Its ok...I just didnt want fan boys to hijack this thread.

 

[techbuzz]

Not saying AMD doesnt rock.
I have 2 AMD systems myself over here.
Its just that the C2D does much better at the moment.
The only place the C2D cant compete at the moment is the lower budget end (Nothing can beat the X2 3600+ for $65).

But for this situation obv. Intel is the better option.
Lets not turn this thread into a fan boy thread.

PCGolfer, next time please add some useful info to the thread and not spam like you did above.

Sorry.

 

[bruins004]

Sorry... newbie naiveté...

I want something that won't require I throw out every single component and upgrade again in 6 months. I'd like a motherboard and power supply in a case that would allow me to keep those components for a while, and perhaps get a better CPU or GPU when something drastically better becomes available... does this even make sense???!?!?!!?!?

I am like you and I like keeping my systems for 4+ years (not upgrading anything).
Throwing in a better processor is possible, the listed motherboard allows you to put Quad Cores in and better C2D processors as well.

If you want you can get a better PSU for better upgradibility.
Take a look at this page ( http://www.slizone.com/object/slizone_build_psu.html )
Look at the list under Dual 8800GTX SLI.
I would suggest getting either of the Silverstone PSUs.
But please note that most, if not all of these PSUs are about $200+.

 

[i_am_mustang_man]

the e6600 is better than the e6700 due to price and oc ability.
the e6600 is better than the e6400 due to the larger cache (4mb vs 2mb) and higher ratio and better overclocking

the e6600 is faster than the X2 6000+, esp when oc'ed. the intels are beastly overclockers.

as far as the psu debate is going, the thermaltake one you have selected is fine, but the best one around is this corsair

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139002

this will last a long time, has great efficiency, is modular, which is nice for making a clean looking build.

also, i recommend getting the 2 320gb drives over 2 250gb drives because for 20$ more, you get 140gb more storage, and perpendicular drives are faster in certain areas of performance. also, i might recommend not doing raid because if you are rather new, it can be uber frustrating losing all your data if one drive coughs out, instead of half if you leave the drives independent. and you really only gain speed in windows load time and game load time, and these not by much, it won't increase fps in games either.

but it is faster, but not necessary. i would raid, but it would be a gut check even for me.

 

[bruins004]

the e6600 is better than the e6700 due to price and oc ability.
the e6600 is better than the e6400 due to the larger cache (4mb vs 2mb) and higher ratio and better overclocking

the e6600 is faster than the X2 6000+, esp when oc'ed. the intels are beastly overclockers.

as far as the psu debate is going, the thermaltake one you have selected is fine, but the best one around is this corsair

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139002

this will last a long time, has great efficiency, is modular, which is nice for making a clean looking build.

also, i recommend getting the 2 320gb drives over 2 250gb drives because for 20$ more, you get 140gb more storage, and perpendicular drives are faster in certain areas of performance. also, i might recommend not doing raid because if you are rather new, it can be uber frustrating losing all your data if one drive coughs out, instead of half if you leave the drives independent. and you really only gain speed in windows load time and game load time, and these not by much, it won't increase fps in games either.

but it is faster, but not necessary. i would raid, but it would be a gut check even for me.

I agree that the Corsair is great, but it wont be able to handle 2 8800GTXs in SLI (which is something I believe he might be looking to do).
Also the 320GB drives you mentioned do not come with anything, except the drive itself.
SInce this is his first build, I listed retail to help him out a bit

 

[WarEagleAU]

nice suggestions and you cannot beat that case. I have that case (first one here with it) and you will absolutely love it. Roomy as hell, great cooling and top notch. Get some swiffer cloths, so you can make your own filters (best in the biz really) and get a 120mm (12cm) Antec TriCool fan, so you can attach it to the side. Air cooling will work as well as some water cooling in this case, provided you plan out your build and maxmize air flow. Currently, I use water and rarely get to 30C on the cpu on an overclock. AMD is good and they have some great stuff out, you could go that route or wait for the Agena and Kuma cores to come out or you can go C2D. Either way, you wont be hurting on games. C2D is mainly a benchers lifeline really ( am an AMD fanboi myself) but they are great procs. Get that and an Asus Striker or Commando or any of their Extreme Gamer boards and youre set. That PSU he recommended will handle more than the rated 620W and thats coming from Corsair itself. It would power a Quad FX 74 system, 8800GTX in SLI and 2 hdds. According to their chieft technology officer.