Comments on my build please!

D

dug987654

New Member
I have finally got the money to get a new computer. It is for uni work, including CAD work. I very rarely play any games. I am looking at this computer as an investment, so am aiming for as upgradable as possible. In terms of budget I am at the max already, so any price reductions/savings will be welcome!

So, this is what I have got so far:

MOTHERBOARD:

Asus M4A785TD-V EVO - £73

I plan to use the onboard graphics for the time being as this seems to be adding upto quite a lot! The only game that might be used is if my girlfriend wants to play Sims 3 - will it be OK?

CPU:

AMD Phenom II X4 945 3.0GHz Socket AM3 6MB L3 Cache - £130

Do you reccomend getting a aftermarket cooler? Would getting one significantly reduce the noise?

Also can you reccomend some thermal paste.

RAM:

Corsair 4gb (2x2gb) Ddr3 1333mhz Xms3 Memory Kit Cl9 (9-9-9-24) - £70

CASE:

Antec 300. Cheapest I have found is £44 on ebuyer.com, anyone know where I can get one any cheaper?

POWER SUPPLY:

Is 450w enough?? PSU Calculator seems to say 258w is OK, and I have included a cheap graphics card in that calcualtion.

Corsair 450W VX Series PSU - ATX12V v2.2 - £48

or;

Xilence XP480-12R Power 480W Quiet PSU - £41

or;

Antec Basiq Power 500W PSU - 20+4pin 2x SATA 1x PCI-E 5x Molex - £41

I know that the first power supply is the best, but are the others acceptable? I probably won't overclock and won't spend a huge amount on a graphics card.

HARD DRIVE:

Samsung SpinPoint F1 HD103UJ 1TB Hard Drive SATAII *32MB Cache* - OEM - £55

How are Samsung drives? Are they as good as Seagate/WD drives?

DVD:

Some black one.

OPERATING SYSTEM:

I have got Windows 7 on the way.


So, what are your opinions. I appreciate the time you put into this!

Thanks, Doug :good:
 
Anyone any views/suggestions/criticisms? Sorry to be impatient but I am keen to order this asap as I have been waiting for the money to come in for a little while now!

Cheers, Doug.
 
CAD work- is it 2D or 3D?
I think you would need a video card for 3D.

PSU- I haven't heard of Xilence before...

HDD - personally stick with WD/ Seagate

cooler - are you going to OC a lot? Usually the heatsink included should be fine.
For thermal compound, I recommend AC MX-2
 
daisymtc said:
CAD work- is it 2D or 3D?
I think you would need a video card for 3D.
Click to expand...

With the CAD it is the CPU that does all the work - hence the quadcore. Most CAD programs only support (and work better with) workstation cards; Quadro FX etc.

My main worry is just running the aero effects smoothly.

Also, new question: How are Antec Earthwatts powersupplies? I am looking at a Sonata III combo with 500w EW psu.

Thanks a lot, Doug :good:
 
Final bump before I order the stuff tomorrow. 43 views and only one comment!? Anyone who has any views on this please comment, even if it is to say it will all work. I appreciate you taking the time to look at this, I would just like some reassurance before spending 500 quid!.

Thanks, Doug.
 
Last edited:
Your build looks pretty good. You have picked a good CPU and Motherboard. The Antec Sonata is a really nice case and the Antec Eatherwatts is a good quality power supply that should last you a long time. I would defiantly go with the Antec Sonata and PSU combo. For hard drive try to stick with western digital or at least Seagate. I have never really have good luck with samsung HDD and I don't think many people have. Later on you can get you a graphics card something like a 4850 or 4870 would be just right for that PSU. Anything over that would be pushing the limit. Everything looks good and is compatible so you should be good.
 
Thanks Fatback, that was the kinda thing I wanted to hear. I changed the HDD to a WD 500Gb Caviar Black, can always add more later on.

Ordered the stuff, just need to wait fo it to arrive now! Ta, Doug.
 
dug987654 said:
Thanks Fatback, that was the kinda thing I wanted to hear. I changed the HDD to a WD 500Gb Caviar Black, can always add more later on.

Ordered the stuff, just need to wait fo it to arrive now! Ta, Doug.
Click to expand...

No problem

Good luck with the build hope every thing goes OK for ya.
 
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