New Computer Build Help!

Level9

New Member
Thanks for reading and replying. I have done a lot of browsing on various forums, sites, etc to find a nice computer. This is what I have come up with, any criticisms or help would be GREATLY appreciated. I am looking to stay within $1,500 for the first part then eventually with a bit more money to invest head up to around $2,200 or so.

:: Mother Board :: EVGA 132-CK-NF78-A1 LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 780i SLI 775 A1 Version - $260
http://www.evga.com/products/moreInfo.asp?pn=132-CK-NF78-A1

:: Processor :: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz 2 x 4MB L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor GO - $275 ( Overclocks to 3.0 )
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115017

:: Computer Case :: APEVIA X-JUPITER G-Type X-JUPITERG-AL Silver Aluminum ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Retail - $160
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811144202

:: Graphics Card :: EVGA 512-P3-N802-A1 GeForce 8800GT Superclocked 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail - $290
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130303

:: Power Supply :: Rosewill RX850-S-B ATX12V v2.2 & EPS12V v2.91 850W Power Supply - Retail - $120
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182072

:: RAM :: OCZ SLI-Ready 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ2N800SR2GK - Retail - (x2) $140
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227198

:: Cooling System :: ZALMAN CNPS 9700 NT 110mm 2 Ball Ultra Quiet CPU Cooler - Retail - $60
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835106102

:: Hard Drive :: Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250410AS 250GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM - $70
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148262

:: CD/DVD ROM Drive :: Sony NEC Optiarc Black IDE DVD-ROM Drive Model DDU1615/B2s - OEM - (x2) $36
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827101131
(already have a burner to install)

:: Sound Card :: Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Fatality

:: Operating System :: Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium DVD 64-Bit - Retail - $220
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116142

:: LED Fans :: APEVIA CF12SL-UBL 120mm Blue LED Case Fan - Retail - $7 (Price not included)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811998121


I plan on doing SLI on 2x 8800 GT's, and probably a RAID setup for my HD's, although for gaming I hear they suck a lot of memory.

Mobo - EVGA is a highly underrated mobo manufacturer IMO, the new 780 from what I have read is awesome and completely buries the ASUS Striker...if I can find it =P

Case - Also, I am wondering about the case. Yes, everyone knows that Antec 900 is one of the best cases around, but it's horrid ugly and I would rather be different anyways. I enjoy good looking cases, but if it cannot handle an OC'ed system then I can consider something else.

Processor - Still cannot decide between Dual core at around 3.6ghz stable or Quad Core 3.0ghz. I do a lot of gaming, but also usually game with about 12 apps running including graphics editing software, media player, downloading clients, vent, etc.

Power - cheap, 850w, and colorful, but I am thinking of an Antec PSU.

RAM - Yes, I know Crucible, Kingston, may be better from what I hear but, not sure what RAM would be comparable and cheap for 4 gigs.

Everything else is probably self explanatory, sorry I typed so much, I just want the best help I can get and providing more info may help. Thanks again.
 
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I agree with you on the motherboard...I have the NF67-A1 and I love it. I got it at a good price, too.

I don't like that case too much. Spotty reviews and questionable quality lead me to believe that it's a crappy case. I have the Antec P180B and it is a fantastic case. I personally love the look of it and the overall design and quality of it. They also make a silver version, the P180.

As for the processor, it depends on what you want. I also have the Q6600 and am happy with it. If you can afford/want to upgrade your processor in the next year or so, then I'd so go with a top of the line dual core processor. However, for a more "future-proof" computer I'd suggest the Q6600. The only drawbacks it has really is that not many applications have quad-core support. However, that is sure to change soon. Additionally, for multi-tasking as you describe above, a quad-core would be better than a dual core.

As for the power supply...Rosewill is a pretty good brand. If you want to spend the extra money for the extra quality/power, I'd go with an Antec. The model above is not a bad model at all, though.

As for the RAM, the memory above is not bad, however I prefer Corsair memory. It's also slightly cheaper for 2x1gb DDR2-800 memory. Take a look here: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...2308477&Description=Corsair&name=2GB+(2+x+1GB)

Other than that, it looks like a really solid build. Honestly, everything looks great as it is right now, except really the case, which I wouldn't trust too much. But it's all up to you. Hope I could help!
 

Level9

New Member
thanks for the replies, does anyone think i should spring for a 1000w PSU, if i choose to SLI the 2 GT's, with a RAID setup and having the comp OC'ed. I think 850w should be enough, but I hear 1000w is better for future upgrading.

If i did get a case it would have to at least have a clear panel like the Antec 900 case. the clear sides may be for show and not for performance, but I love vanity. =P

i could go Antec 900, with perhaps blue LED fans and Green UV reactive Cable covers that cover the power, SATA, IDE, ect. cables. And does anyone have a link to some good color covers? i cannot seem to find any. =/

~ cheers
 
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