Building new rig. Suggestions?

Computer Forum CPU, Motherboards and Memory
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I’m currently trying to build a mid-end computer. I’m not very familiar with hardware brands, reps and the lot as I used to build pcs out 2nd hand shops for fun. Any suggestion is welcome. My budget would preferably be under $750 for the tower.

Motherboard. I intend to try out SLI technology. Although I remeMber reading somewhere two video cards can actually be used on a non-SLI mobo using PCIe. That will also do if it’s possible. I would generally prefer one with 4 or more SATA ports, 4 or more RAM ports and 5 or more PCIe/PCI/AGP slots. I do not intend to overclock this rig. Of lesser importance is the size of the board. I like easy accesibility instead of having to remove two thirds of the components before I can add a stick of memory or something.

As for processors, I’m going for an Intel dual-core. Preferably a higher-end one since Quad core’s all the craze now (gotta keep up the speed :chk: ). I’m not a cooling freak, so it’s more casual on the cooling part.

Video boards! It would be cool to have an 8800 to fiddle with now, but I definitely can’t afford it. Recommendations for some lower-spec (around the Nvidia 6600~7700 range) vid boards with a reasonable price tag are most welcome.

Hard disks are aplenty in my area. However, I want a hard disk which has a power-failure-stop feature: the arm retracts automatically back into the landing zone if power to the drive is suddenly stopped to avoid scratching the platters. Would also prefer SATA/SATA2 (by the way, pardon me for asking but what is the difference?) and high reliability, unlike the “Deathstar”.

Also on a lower priority is memory, power supply and some “all-in-one” DVD+CD drive.

Thanks to all in advance. :slight_smile: Apologies for the wall of text.

Edit—
The power supply should have the appropriate types of connectors, such as PCIe, SATA, IDE, etc etc.

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Hi. I can try to help you out with some of this.

Motherboard - If you want SLI, you will need a mobo that supports it (Has two PCI x16 slots) and a Power supply (psu) that supports SLI. A good motherboard that supports that would be the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard (Here at Tiger Direct) It supports Sata, has SLI, good reviews, and supports Dual Core and Quad when you want to upgrade. All for $150.

Processor - A good dual core are the Intel Core 2 Duos which run right around $200 (+ or -). Here is a good one that will work in your mobo: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Processor
A cheaper one is here: Intel Core 2 Duo E4600 Processor

A power supply company I have been used for a while is OCZ. I like their PSUs and never had one fail. I would recommend at least 600 Watts if your are going SLI. Here is a nice one I found: OCZ / GameXStream / 700-Watt / ATX

It has 6 SATA connectors and supports SLI.

As far as Graphics cards, I would go with two 8600s if you want the best cost performance ratio.

Let me know if you have any questions.