First Major Build

atentora

atentora

New Member
Well, I finaly have a good paying job and in one month I will have about $1.5k to spend on a system. So I'm doing my first build, with moderen parts (I refurbish older computers) so I'm not really upto date on everything. I've done some research, but being so far behind it's hard to learn everything I need to know. So, I am asking you guys what you think of this one. Compatibilaty issues? Better parts for about the same amount? ect. I also want my system to be able to expand a bit. I plan on upgrading the CPU and RAM eventualy as well as what ever else seems like it would be good. This will be my main computer and a gaming rig.

APEVIA X-Plorer ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811144102

Western Digital 640GB Hard Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136218

ABS 700w Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817814015

CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145184

ASUS Maximus II Formula Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131319

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.4GHz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115017

MSI GeForce 8800 GT 512MB SLI Supported Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127329

and extra fans: 1 - 120mm and 2 - 80mm + CPU heatsink and fan
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811998121
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835150037
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835150082

Thanks in advance for any help

UPDATE: Changed CPU and RAM also added CPU heatsink and fan

Total: $1,081.55
After Mail In Rebates: $1,029.55
 
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Seems great. One question - why not spend $10 more and go for a Quad?

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 @ 2.4Ghz Retail Kentsfield
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115017

I take it you don't need an operating system? If not, what do you have? XP should run that, but Vista would use DX10 on the graphics card. If you need Vista, it's another $230.

Vista Home Premium 32 Bit SP1 DVD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116469

One final thing - no CD/DVD drive? Do you have one already, or were you planning on installing an OS by waving the disk at the computer? A DVD burner is another $22.99.

LiteOn 20X DVD Burner
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106263
 
I have a DVD burner and another DVD player in my current computer, both are newer. As for operation system, I might go with ubuntu or take the lazy way out and use the copy of vista ultimate I got from school for free ^_^.
As for the CPU, this is why I am posting this. My question is weather a 3.16GHz dual core is better of worse than a quad 2.4GHz if it is I will definetly spend the extra $10.

BTW total cost so far is $1107 with shipping. ($1057 with rebates)
 
What are you going to be using the computer for?

For video editing, 3D modelling, and pretty much everything else (minus some games which run better at higher clocks on a dual core, but still run perfectly on the quad), the Q6600 is a better processor. It saves you spending another $190 on an upgrade, when you could simply spend it now.

I would go for the Q6600, and I'm sure most others would too. The copy of Vista Ultimate would run fine, but why bother buying a decent graphics card, and then putting Ubuntu on it?

Ubuntu can't run games, therefore the graphics card is pretty much useless.

The other DVD burner should be fine, as long as it is a SATA drive (pretty much anything recent). The new processor brings your build to $1117 then, and $1067 after rebates. Not too much there.

Hope this helps. Just make sure you read the reviews on the products you're looking at getting.

PS If you're planning on overclocking, buy an aftermarket cooler for the processor. They're not expensive, and they're vital for overclockers. If you're not overclocking, don't worry - a well ventilated case will keep that CPU fine.
 
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I don't plan on overclocking, atleast not till I learn a bit more. I'll by a CPU cooler if I end up doing it. Ubuntu would probaly be used for dual booting and to keep on top of the OS and controls (the computer I refurbish use Ubuntu cause it's free). This would be used for gaming and some 3D modelling. Thanks for the advice.

PS. ahead of you on the reviews, one reason I picked those parts. (I'm just making sure I get my moneys worth ;))

CPUs are also the same price.
 
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atentora said:
I have a DVD burner and another DVD player in my current computer, both are newer. As for operation system, I might go with ubuntu or take the lazy way out and use the copy of vista ultimate I got from school for free ^_^.
As for the CPU, this is why I am posting this. My question is weather a 3.16GHz dual core is better of worse than a quad 2.4GHz if it is I will definetly spend the extra $10.

BTW total cost so far is $1107 with shipping. ($1057 with rebates)
Click to expand...

Whoa back up there sparky! :P How did you get a copy of Vista for free from school? Is there some sort of sign up program or something?
 
Pck21 said:
Whoa back up there sparky! :P How did you get a copy of Vista for free from school? Is there some sort of sign up program or something?
Click to expand...

I get heavily discounted software from my school, and I'm only 14. I can get Vista at 80% off the retail, and recently got the Adobe CS3 Software Suite for 66% off. My school has a deal with Microsoft for Vista and Office and stuff, and a deal with RM (for loads of other stuff, but M$ stuff too - but its cheaper through the M$ deal).

You might wanna ask your IT department, and see if they're interested in a deal, or if they already have one. Only downside is they'll only give you one of each software - no worries got Ultimate 64 Bit and 32 Bit. Two copies at 80% off the retail price. One's on my rig below right now.
 
azwebs said:
I get heavily discounted software from my school, and I'm only 14. I can get Vista at 80% off the retail, and recently got the Adobe CS3 Software Suite for 66% off. My school has a deal with Microsoft for Vista and Office and stuff, and a deal with RM (for loads of other stuff, but M$ stuff too - but its cheaper through the M$ deal).

You might wanna ask your IT department, and see if they're interested in a deal, or if they already have one. Only downside is they'll only give you one of each software - no worries got Ultimate 64 Bit and 32 Bit. Two copies at 80% off the retail price. One's on my rig below right now.
Click to expand...

Damn! I'm in college and I haven't heard about anything like this! I'll definitely ask around and see what I can do because I want Vista, I just don't want to pay for it or download it illegally. Thanks!
 
Pck21 said:
Damn! I'm in college and I haven't heard about anything like this! I'll definitely ask around and see what I can do because I want Vista, I just don't want to pay for it or download it illegally. Thanks!
Click to expand...

Yeah, no problems. Here to help.
 
I took a Microsoft operating system class. Microsoft actualy was the one that funds the class and they offered a free copy of Vista if we brought in a blank DVD. This was last year, maybe it was just that they were desperate for new users. Similar to azwebs they did offer discounted software at my college, not highschool though :\
 
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