Newie building a computer first time

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xiang

New Member
Hi everyone, since I haven't used desktop for a very long time, so i'm not sure if i'm choosing the right thing... My goal is to run virtual machine VERY smoothly, and some other apps like Eclipse. I don't play a lot games, but a relatively good graphic card. I also would like to make my computer as a central home server that serves central file storage and streams files to other devices such as HDTV. I especially have a question about how much watt does a power supply need.


Here is my config:

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-P55A-UD4P

Memory: Crucial 8G kit (4G * 2)

Processor: Intel Core i5 750

Harddisk: WD Black 1T, 6Gb/s

Graphic card: Gigabyte GeForce GT 430

Case: Antec Nine Hundred Two Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

Power Supply: Corsair 550w power supply

Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks a lot!
 
The components of this build look to be a somewhat better than needed for the intended purpose. Not to say it's wrong to spend a little more than is strictly necessary, because I tend to do the same, but you could save money with a less expensive MB, 4GB of RAM rather than 8, The 550W PSU is a little more than needed, but if you're going to give yourself a little headroom, the PSU is the place to do it. The one thing that looks marginal for light gaming is the GT 430 graphics. If you intend to use the system for some gaming, I'd go with a GTS 450 at about $110 with rebate, or a GTX 460 (768 MB), at about $140 with rebate. From what I can tell, a 450 will just about double the frame rates of a 430, and a 460 would add about another 25% to the frame rates of the 450.
 
If you are not intending to shutdown the computer at all, then it's worth buying a PSU that can handle a bit more. Because if a component does it's job at a smooth way, a way where it still breath then it will last longer. But if doesn't have much power to deliver, then it will constantly try to reach for its maximum power which will shorten the life of that component.
 
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