My new PC 2008 :: Configuration(s) :: Need advice(s)

Computer Forum New Build / Upgrade Advice
1

Configuration 1:

Processor/CPU: Intel E6550 (2,33GHz, 4MB Cache, 1333MHz FSB) - $180
Motherboard: ASUS P5K Deluxe/WiFi-AP (Intel P35, Integrated HD audio) - $235
Memory/RAM: Corsair XMS2 (DDR2, 1066MHz) - 4x1GB - $360
Graphics Card: XFX GeForce 8800 GT (DDR3, 512MB) - $300
Hard Drive (1): Hitachi (16MB Cache, 7200RPM) - 1TB - $325
Hard Drive (2): Samsung (16MB Cache, 7200RPM) - 500GB - $110
Cooler: Cooler Master X Dream 4/P775/P775+ - $15
Optical Drive: LG DVD+/-RW with LightScribe (20x) - $30
Chassis: ASUS TA-863 (black) - $50

Display: Samsung SyncMaster 931C (19 inch, TN) - $295
Speakers: Creative Inspire T10 (2.0) - $50
Keyboard: Logitech Media Keyboard Elite - $30
Mouse: Logitech G5 - $70

Total: $2050

P.S. If you have found any mistakes and want to correct them - please, feel free to reply. Also, if you have any suggestions or advices - please, feel free to reply too. This is my first self made configuration ever and I think it’s not bad. Again, any suggestions and/or corrections are welcomed here… that’s why I’m posting it, LOL. Tell me what you think! Thanks.

2

Do you seriously need 1.5TB of hard drive Space???

I recommend you get this monitor instead SAMSUNG 206BW Black

I think you should get this cooler instead ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro

I will be honest with you i don’t really like the case but hay your the one buying it. If you going to spend 2k on your rig might as well spend a bit more on a good Case like a Thermaltake.

Also what OS are you going to use???

Also you have not mentioned what PSU you are planing on getting. I recommend you get this one OCZ GameXStream

Everything else looks fine. :stuck_out_tongue:

3

LOL, I’ll explain to you, why I need that much of hard disk space…

1st: I don’t want my hard drive to end, whatever I will install on it.
2nd: I will use 1TB as for OS, programs and games… and the 500GB will be as a storage pit for all I want to collect (including porn, LOL… not really seriously…).
3rd: … it will be a well organized install files, pictures, music, videos and documents ( I don’t think I’ll need more, than 500GB for that).

About monitor…

I know this monitor (you have mentioned) very well, but the thing is, that I don’t really need a wide screen (in old games screen would look stretched).

About cooler…

I think I’ve heard about that cooler, but Cooler Master is more on silent operating, than efficiency. Thanks for you advice!.. I will think about it, find PROS and CONS of both. Plus, the one I’ve mentioned looks really cool, LOL.

About chassis…

Why I’ve picked that chassis? Well, becuase it’s BLAAAAAACK (like my lungs, maybe, LOL, acually it’s my favorite color) and because it has two (I think 80mm) fans on the rear side… maybe I will get a Cooler Master’s chassis fans for that purpose. I haven’t seen ThermalTake’s chassis, so I’ll go look right away / right now. Thanks for your correction!

About OS…

Like you’ve already noticed - I’m planning to have 4GB of system memory. Why? Becuase I’m planning to buy Windows Vista Ultimate edition, that needs to eat 3GB of system memory each day (32-bit version can handle only 3.2GB).

About PSU…

That was a base configuration and the power supply is coming with any chassis, so I haven’t mentioned it. I will get an independent power supply from “be quiet!” or CoolerMaster… both are quiet, LOL, I think.

P.S. :rolleyes: Well, if everything else looks fine - maybe my first self made configuration ever is not so bad! Thanks, nice to hear it from you… I wonder what others will say. This will be a PC for 2~4 years, after that, I’ll change it on new or maybe will make an upgrade, so $2050 is fine I think. Ok, looking forward TO SEE NEW OPINIONS and your next reply… thanks mate, peace. :cool:

Edite: DAMN!.. mate, Tupac Amaru Shakur is my favorite singer! I LOVE the song called, “Pac’s Life”… aspecially on very loud! … word it up… Pac’s life…

4

Lol u joker :smiley:

I can understand why someone would need 500GB of storage space for storing stuff wink wink nudge nudge lol. But i don’t understand why you need 1TB of space for OS, games and programs?? don’t you delete your games when you get board of them why keep so many games i doubt you play them all.

Wide screen looks really nice i think you should consider it. Also that Arctic cooler is the best on the market in terms of performance and price, i use it my self and highly recommend it.

If your looking for a good Thermaltake case but is on the affordable side then get the Armour Jr SuperMidi Tower and this is black :stuck_out_tongue:

Why not get Vista premium 64Bit instead of Ultimate to save you some money.

If your planing on making this rig last long then i think you should consider getting quad core like the Q6600 (special 95W edition).

One other point the motherboard you are getting is a little on the expensive side i recommend getting this one instead Gigabyte GA-P35-DS4
Its a brilliant mobo :smiley:

5

I’m not familiar with that Asus case, but if you want a second opinion, I really liked working with the CoolerMaster Centurion 5. It’s a tool-less design and comes with a front fan and a rear 120mm. They’re black, but do have some silver, blue or red accents up front, so I’m not sure if that’s what you want.

I’d also look at the MSI P35 series of boards as a good all-around option. Asus is nice, but they really sock it to you in the wallet.

I agree with the other guys: Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro. It’s a very well regarded and inexpensive solution. It’s typically within $10 or so more than that X Dream, which looks more like a pimped-out stock cooler. If you’re going to go with that, then you might as well stick with the stock cooler.

6

Configuration 2:

Processor: Intel, E4600 (2.4GHz, 2MB cache, 800MHz FSB) - $155
Cooler: with processor I[/I] - $0
Motherboard: ASUS, P5K-E/WiFi-AP (with HD audio) - $165
Memory: Corsair, 4x1GB I[/I] - $160
Graphics Card: XFX, 8800 GT I[/I] - $300
Hard Drive 1: Samsung, 500GB (16MB cache, 7200RPM) - $110
Hard Drive 2: Samsung, 250GB (16MB cache, 7200RPM) - $80
Optical Drive: LG, DVD+/-RW (with LightScribe) - $30
Chassis: ASUS, TA-951 (1x120mm front, 1x120mm rear) - $65
Power Supply: with chassis I[/I] - $0

Display: Samsung, SyncMaster 931C (1280x1024, TN) - $295
Speakers: Edifier, M3700 I[/I] - $85
Keyboard: Logitech, Media Keyboard Elite I[/I] - $30
Mice: Logitech, G5 (USB, laser) - $70

Total: $1545

7

Please, tell me what you think about my new configuration. Will 400W be enouph? Also, how you can see - I’ve reduced the price to minimum, but have good components.

Peace…

:cool:

Edite: couldn’t find P5K-E simple with no WiFi-AP in my country… price would be even better.

8

Configuration 3:

Processor: Intel, E4600 (2.4GHz, 2MB cache, 800MHz FSB) - $155
Cooler: with processor (stock) - $0
Motherboard: ASUS, P5K-E/WiFi-AP (with HD audio) - $165
Memory: Corsair, 4x1GB (800MHz) - $160
Graphics Card: XFX, 8800 GT (512MB) - $300
Hard Drive 1: Samsung, 500GB (16MB cache, 7200RPM) - $110
Hard Drive 2: Samsung, 250GB (16MB cache, 7200RPM) - $80
Optical Drive: LG, DVD+/-RW (with LightScribe) - $30
Chassis: ASUS, TA-951 (1x120mm front, 1x120mm rear)- $70
Power Supply: ASUS, A-55GA (550W) - $100
Fans: with chassis (2x120mm) - $0

Display: Samsung, SyncMaster 931C (1280x1024, TN) - $295
Speakers: Edifier, M3700 (5.1) - $85
Keyboard: Logitech, Media Keyboard Elite (USB) - $30
Mice: Logitech, G5 (USB, laser) - $70

Total: $1650

9

That’s my 3rd configuration, because I’ve calculated, that 400W would be as not enouph… plus - I’ve added some components.

10

Configuration 4:

Processor: Intel, E4600 (2.4GHz, 2MB cache, 800MHz FSB) - $155
Cooler: Intel, with processor (stock) - –
Motherboard: ASUS, P5K-E/WiFi-AP (with HD audio) - $165
Memory: Corsair, 4x1GB (800MHz) - $160
Graphics Card: XFX, 8800 GT (512MB) - $300
Hard Drive 1: Samsung, 500GB (16MB cache, 7200RPM) - $110
Hard Drive 2: Samsung, 250GB (16MB cache, 7200RPM) - $80
Optical Drive: LG, DVD+/-RW (with LightScribe) - $30
Chassis: ASUS, TA-951 (black with silver)- $70
Power Supply: ASUS, A-55GA (550W) - $100
Fans: ASUS, with chassis (1x120mm front, 1x120mm rear) - –

Display: Samsung, SyncMaster 931C (1280x1024, TN) - $295
Speakers: Edifier, M3700 (5.1) - $85
Keyboard: Logitech, Media Keyboard Elite (USB) - $30
Mice: Logitech, G5 (USB, laser) - $70

Total: $1650

This configuration is not too much difference from previouse, but it’s better to understand now. I need as much advices and mentions as possible… thanks.

11

I’d look at an Antec Quattro or Thermaltake ToughPower 600W+. Those two brands tend to be the most readily available around the world. For a list of decent brands and ones to avoid, check the PSU Sticky, linked in my signature.

Now…
I thought I asked you to stop PM’ing me right after you make a new post.

I am NOT here to be your personal tech support person at the drop of a hat. Stop sending me a message every time you have a new post, alright? This is not an instant messaging place but a message board. Replies are not automatic. This is at least the 3rd or 4th time I’ve told you to knock it off, and I’m starting to get a little pissed.

12

LOL… I’m really sorry, that you’re “starting to get” pissed… it’s just I’m a friendly person and I like to make new friends, too bad you don’t appriciate that… thank anyway (for all your help). :slight_smile:

13

Configuration 5:

Processor: Intel, E4600 (2.4GHz, 2MB cache, 800MHz FSB) - $155
Cooler: Intel, with processor (stock) - –
Motherboard: ASUS, P5K-E/WiFi-AP (with HD audio) - $165
Memory: Corsair, 4x1GB (800MHz) - $160
Graphics Card: XFX, 8800 GTS (512MB) - $350
Hard Drive 1: Samsung, 500GB (16MB cache, 7200RPM) - $110
Hard Drive 2: Samsung, 250GB (16MB cache, 7200RPM) - $80
Optical Drive: LG, DVD+/-RW (with LightScribe) - $30
Chassis: ASUS, TA-951 (black with silver)- $70
Power Supply: ASUS, A-55GA (550W) - $100
Fans: ASUS, with chassis (1x120mm front, 1x120mm rear) - –

Display: Samsung, SyncMaster 931C (1280x1024, TN) - $295
Speakers: Edifier, M3700 (5.1) - $85
Keyboard: Logitech, Media Keyboard Elite (USB) - $30
Mice: Logitech, G5 (USB, laser) - $70

Total: $1700

P.S. This configuration is maybe final. Need you to tell me, if 550W is enouph.

14

Configuration 6:

Processor: Intel, E4400 (2.0GHz, 2MB cache, 800MHz FSB) - $125
Motherboard: GIGABYTE, GA-P35-DS3 (with HD audio) - $95
Memory: OCZ, 4x1GB (800MHz) - $130
Graphics Card: XpertVision, 8600 GTS (256MB) - $160
Hard Drive: Hitachi, 500GB (16MB cache, 7200RPM) - $110
Optical Drive: LG, DVD+/-RW (with LightScribe) - $30

Chassis: ASUS, TA-951, 400W (1x120mm front, 1x120mm rear) - $65

Display: Dell, E198FP (1280x1024, S-IPS) - $250
Speakers: Edifier, R1200T (2.0) - $35
Keyboard: Microsoft, Digital Media Pro (USB) - $30
Mice: Microsoft, Laser Mouse 6000 (USB, laser) - $25

Total: $1055

P.S. That is probably the smartest my configuration. Need your comments.

15

Configuration 7:

Processor: Intel, E4400 (2.0GHz, 2MB cache, 800MHz FSB) - $125
Motherboard: GIGABYTE, GA-P35-DS3 (with HD audio) - $95
Memory: Corsair, 4x1GB (800MHz) - $160
Graphics Card: XFX, 8600 GTS (256MB) - $210
Hard Drive: Hitachi, 500GB (16MB cache, 7200RPM) - $110
Optical Drive: LG, DVD+/-RW (with LightScribe) - $30

Chassis: ASUS, TA-951, 400W (1x120mm front, 1x120mm rear) - $65

Display: Dell, E198FP (1280x1024, S-IPS) - $250
Speakers: Edifier, R1900TIII (2.0) - $85
Keyboard: Microsoft, Digital Media Pro (USB) - $30
Mice: Microsoft, Laser Mouse 6000 (USB, laser) - $25

Total: $1185

P.S. What do you think about this configuration? Which is better?

16

I’d go with this one basically. The only things I’d change would be getting into a good power supply. More details are in the PSU sticky, but wattage doesn’t tell the whole story. Whatever you do, do not use a power supply bundled with a case. A good power supply starts at around $100 USD, usually in the 550-600W range, and there’s no way you’re going to get a quality unit in cases that include a power supply and go for, say $50.

Thermaltake and Antec seem to be the most prevalent worldwide, so a 600-700 Toughpower from Thermaltake or a 600-700W TrioPower/Quattro PSU from Antec are where I’d look. If you see a Seasonic, OCZ, PC Power & Cooling, FSP, or Sparkle, something in the 550-650W range should be a good choice as well. Don’t try and skimp on the power supply or you’ll likely run into trouble.

The second thing I’d do is go for the 8800GT, or alternatively, the RadeonHD 3870, which is a bit cheaper. It’s not exactly the same performance, but it’s something you should consider if available to you.

17

Thanks for your support Big B! You know - your input is very important for me (aspecially in this thread, because it’s my new PC for 2 years or so)… I value it :).

By the way, do you know, that NVIDIA has finally released their GeForce 8800GTS on 512MB?

About power supply… it’s the cheapest way to go with the chassis one, but thanks for warning me. I guess 400W would be enouph for configuration 6 and 7, but with higher specifications graphics card, like (new) GeForce 8800 GTS on 512MB would be a need in higher W…

I will post new configuration(s) soon (not too much, because I’ve done much enouph) and I will REALLY NEED an opinions from someone like you (a real specialist :D). This is the my most important thread right now, so please - try to help me somehow as I will go on.

Thanks. :x:

18

That Gigabyte board as a few models like you said you are getting. I know of at least the DS3R and I want to say the DS3L, too. Which are you getting. I think the DS3L is the cheaper of the series so I’m guessing that one. Either way it’s a pretty solid board.

I would also agree with Big B on the PSU. NEVER, never use a case’s stock PSU. There’s only one exception that I would make on that and that’s with an NZXT case and NZXT PSU. They have been getting alot of rep for their PSUs lately, mostly good from what I’ve seen (but I haven’t dont any extensive research into it.)

Big B is also correct on that 8600GT you are planning to get. It is paperweight. Depending on how far you plan on overclocking (I don’t see an after-market HSF on your list) you will be much happier with:

Low overclock: 3850 or 8800GT 256.
Med: 8800GT 512 or 3870
High: 8800GTS 512 / GTX (Why throw away money though..)

Remember this though, running the 38xx series video card in your rigg will reduce power usage by ALOT. They are very light on power consumption, I believe right next to that P.O.S. 8600GT

Whichever you would plan on going for, it will render circles around that 8600GT. Please reconsider that video card, because it is the type thing that regrets are made out of…

19

Configuration 8:

Processor: Intel, E4400 (2.0GHz, 2MB cache, 800MHz FSB) - $125
Motherboard: GIGABYTE, GA-P35-DS3 (with HD audio) - $95
Memory: Corsair, 4x1GB (800MHz) - $160
Graphics Card: XFX, 8800 GTS (512MB) - $350
Hard Drive 1: Hitachi, 500GB (16MB cache, 7200RPM) - $110
Hard Drive 2: Hitachi, 500GB (16MB cache, 7200RPM) - $110
Optical Drive: LG, DVD+/-RW (with LightScribe) - $30

Chassis: ASUS, TA-951 (1x120mm front, 1x120mm rear) - $65
Power Supply: be quiet!, BQT E5-550W (550W) - $130

Display: Dell, E198FP (1280x1024, S-IPS) - $250
Speakers: Edifier, R1900TIII (2.0) - $85
Keyboard: Microsoft, Digital Media Pro (USB) - $30
Mice: Microsoft, Laser Mouse 6000 (USB, laser) - $25

Total: $1565

P.S. I think, that this configuration is equal to “good PC for good price”. Thank you very much for your comments/suggestions. Please, tell me what you think of it. :slight_smile:

20

Out of curiosity, why are you going with 4x1GB sticks instead of 2x2GB? If you decide to upgrade later, having the free RAM slots would be good.

I think be quiet! is fine from what I can recall, but they seem to be a little pricey. I know the Corsair 620HX (620W) is in the $100-120 range, and is an excellent unit to consider.