First Build

This is my first time building my own rig. I did my reasearch for a good amount of time and picked my final parts, I was now hoping to get some opinions on my final specs while waiting for them to be delivered.

Asus A8N SLI Premium
AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+ Manchester (Main reson for the processor is the multi-tasking capabilities)
Corsair XMS 2GB (2X1GB) DDR 400 (PC 3200) unbuffered duel channel kit
2 XFX GeForce 6600LE 256MB DDR PCIe running in SLI (not really a PC Gamer but wanted to try out the SLI configuration)
Current 160GB Seagate Baracuda
ULTRA X Connect 500 Watt Modular Power Supply
Microsoft Windows XP Media Center 2005 Edition
planning on adding at a later date:
2 WD Raptors in Raid 0
Microsoft Windows XP x64 Edition

First time building a machine so I figured it might as well be a beast.

 

That is a beast! 4200+ :love:

I have used the ULTRA X-Connect 500W and really liked it. Removable cables and quiet.

 

your better off buying one gf 7800gt or gtx or 6800gt, it might cost a little more, but it will last longer

 

The Ultra power supplies are some no-name rebadged units from what I gather, making them un-recommended for your needs. If you must have a modular power supply, then look at the OCZ Modstream series over the Ultra's. For such a beast, you owe it to yourself to have a solid PSU.

nVidia has a list of SLI approved power supplies, and I don't believe there are any modular PSU is on that list. You should be able to find a few of those Antec and Enermax units for under the $100 mark. Actually, I know for a fact the Enermax EG565P-VE is around $80.

 

yeah with a beast of a computer like that you dont want your PSU suddenly giving up the ghost and taking your newly built friend with it, you'll have to factor in a new PSU into your budget,

 

whats difference between modular and normal?

 

modular means you can disconnect the cables you're not using and free up space and not worry about hiding the cables away, you only connect the ones you're using

 

ah, like mine

 

Big B, as usual talks, mega sense!

Why listen to good advice? Listen to me:

Several weeks after completing my new PC my PSU, a generic 400W, decided to pack-up and go away, costing me, luckily just the motherboard.

Thankfuly, as both were under guarantee, I got new parts. However, I still have a generic, will-it-work-tomorrow-morning-when-I-wake-up-after-4-hours-of-video-conversion PSU....
If you are spending this kind of money on parts, do your system a favour and stick to quality parts.

All I am doing at the moment is moan about the noise and pray it will hold until I can afford a decent one.....

Best of luck with what ever you choose. Come back and tell how it is all going...

 

Hey Big B,

I know you are not a fan of cheaper PSU's.
However, I am very short on cash and probably will not be able to afford the type of PSU's you recomend.

How good (or shall I say how bad....) are makes like Q-Tech, Antec or Colors IT? When push comes to shove will they be safer and beter performance than generic PSU's?

Thanks

 

well, so your using a generic psu again, to be honist, thats would be a very very stupid thing to do, unless you dont mind frying another motherboard.

i thought antec were good :s, i heard about Q-TEC they use cheapo power supplys, Jeantech also are BAD.

your going to have to get a decent psu.

well, at least you will have plenty of fuel for the fire

 

I completely agree with you.

Unfortunately, I cannot aford a new quality PSU....

I wish I could. It is right at the top of the wish list....

Oh santa baby......

 

well, if you cant afford a decent psu, then there is 3 word DONT USE COMPUTER :\

 

how much do you have to spend? thermaltake make some good relatively cheap units...

 

Willhub, that's a bit harsh.... :yesmaster I hope your just jesting....

Matt555, I would like to spend not more than £20-£30.

I have something going on eBay. See what it will go up to.
It is a Thermaltake 480W.....

 

£30, you dont seem to understand! that will not get you a good psu, and if your not prepered to buy a decent psu, dont use your computer!

becouse you know what will happen if you use your computer with a crap psu dont you? kabooooooom/fried bread

 

yeah thats not a lot, mine cost me £55 (a good deal as well, some places were charging £72)

 

£30 will NOT get a good psu, at least £50, i payed £72 for mine

 

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/acatalog/Online_Catalogue_Antec_103.html
at the bottom is a cheap PSU, its the cheapest antec one on that site...
http://www.eclipsecomputers.com/products.aspx?cat=0&subcat=25&brand=101
there's some thermal take ones there
http://www.eclipsecomputers.com/products.aspx?cat=3&subcat=25&brand=137
Your in luck! there's a PSU there thats 330 thats only just over £30 but its not all that powerful and you'll need something with a little more ooomf...
http://www.eclipsecomputers.com/subcategories.aspx?subcat=25&subcatname=Power Supply Units (PSUs)
just have a look at the rest of them there....browse and search around

 

Thanks Matt555

A bit more constructive.....

I had a look and yes, these look like they are worth a slight strech. Better start saving....

Cheers for the tip (links).