Another 1st-time builder... please advise

[Camarilla]

First of all, HI! This is my first post, but I've learned a lot just from poking around the forums. I really need a new computer, and I've decided that building my own (though kinda scary) is better than buying something off the shelf.

I plan to use the computer to run SolidWorks and AutoCAD (for school) and probably for gaming. Sorry, don't know which games, since I can't play much on the oversized hand calculator I have now. Who knows what I'll get myself addicted to... I'd also like a fair bit of upgrade-ability (is that a word?) so that I can add more RAM, GPU, etc. as I need/can afford to.

So here's what I've found so far. I need help choosing a PSU and GPU, as well as a compatibility check and general criticism.

CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115017

Mobo: GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128358

HD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136073

RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231166

DVD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106269

Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021

OS: 64-bit Vista Home Premium
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116488

Ok... opinions? Please be gentle

 

[Backwoods166]

First of all, HI! This is my first post, but I've learned a lot just from poking around the forums. I really need a new computer, and I've decided that building my own (though kinda scary) is better than buying something off the shelf.

I plan to use the computer to run SolidWorks and AutoCAD (for school) and probably for gaming. Sorry, don't know which games, since I can't play much on the oversized hand calculator I have now. Who knows what I'll get myself addicted to... I'd also like a fair bit of upgrade-ability (is that a word?) so that I can add more RAM, GPU, etc. as I need/can afford to.

So here's what I've found so far. I need help choosing a PSU and GPU, as well as a compatibility check and general criticism.

Its compatible, works well together and can be upgraded unless you deck it out now. Nice choice on RAM BTW. Side note, that ram will not overclock and be stable, but it is fantastic RAM, CPU will overclock great especialy with an aftermarket cooler. PSU depends more on GPU than anything so we got to figure that one out.

If you plan on going dual video cards in the future (or now) that board supports crossfire which is ATI, so some good choices are the 4850 or the 4870. Go with 512mb versions for dual cards and remember that the 4870 takes 2 pci-e power cables so your PSU will need 4 power cables to support 4870 crossfire. Or you can go with an x2 card which is two cards built into one. Go with a 1g version of x2 if you choose that route. More than 1g of ram on GPU is only needed for extra big displays like 24"+

A PSU that would work with crossfire would be around a decent 750w for the 4870s and maybe a little less for the 4850s. Depending on which route you take just make sure you have enough power cables with the PSU.

 

[Camarilla]

Nice choice on RAM BTW. Side note, that ram will not overclock and be stable, but it is fantastic RAM, CPU will overclock great especialy with an aftermarket cooler.

Not a problem, as I don't intend to overclock anytime soon 'cuz I don't know what I'm doing. For now, is it ok for me to stick with the stock cpu cooler or should I go ahead and upgrade?

If you plan on going dual video cards in the future (or now) that board supports crossfire which is ATI, so some good choices are the 4850 or the 4870. Go with 512mb versions for dual cards and remember that the 4870 takes 2 pci-e power cables so your PSU will need 4 power cables to support 4870 crossfire.

I'd like the option for dual cards in the future, but it's not in the budget for now. What do you think of these? They're in the lower price range of the 4870, about the same as some of the 4850's:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102810

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161268

And going with 750W for the psu, I've looked at these:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817815002

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817202008

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817226008

Any preferences? They look pretty similar to me, but what do I know... Gonna re-read the PSU guide...

 

[daisymtc]

HDD: Go for 32MB Cache
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148288

CPU: Personally would go for Q8300 or Phenom II X4 920 instead, purely due to the increase in price for Q6600

Mobo: That mobo do support crossfire, but not at full speed. I would suggest a X48 chipset Mobo for Intel, or 790FX for AMD.

PSU: My prefered brand of 750W PSU are PC Power & Cooling or consair coz I prefer one strong single rail.