£1k+ PC Build - feedback please

[MarkPW]

I'm a novice at building PC's. This will be my second build, so would anyone be kind enough to go through my shopping list and ensure it's ok / suggest changes / make sure nothing is missed?

I built a similar system a couple of months back, so I'm also wondering if some of the hardware could be improved.

Thanks

 

[BillytheImpaler]

It's a good spec and it'll all work together. However, I think you could spend less and get the same performance with some changes. A spec is forthcoming...

 

[Nelly]

Everyones got their own opinions but I would change the cooler to this:- Thermalright Ultra-120 Extreme CPU Cooler £41.11 inc VAT (+£15 Better Cooler)

Change CPU Fan to:- Scythe S-FLEX 1600RPM Ultra Quiet 120mm Fan £12.91 inc VAT (+£1 Better Fan)

To save money at un-noticeable no performance loss:-

Change ram to:- OCZ 4GB (2x2GB) PC2-6400C5 Dual Channel Vista Gold Series DDR2 (OCZ2G8004GK) £72.84 inc VAT (Saves £50ish)

Change Motherboard to:- MSI P35 Neo2-FR Intel P35 (Socket 775) PCI-Express DDR2 Motherboard £75.19 inc VAT (saves £32)

 

[BillytheImpaler]

Sorry about the large image, my usual spec'ing setup is on the fritz ATM.

This should be a most excellent rig. It'll overclock better than the more expensive rig you have above. The new G92-based GTS has all the performance of the old GTX but it uses less power so it's the card to get IMO. This CPU cooler is a bit smaller but it doesn't have some of the same manufacturing niggles that hold back the Thermalright. It'll cool the proc up to 3.6 Ghz and beyond. The case is identical except for the tacky finish.

I could saved on the mobo but decided to get a shiny new one with X38 for future proofing, extra features, and because there was so much money left in the budget.

 

[Nelly]

Just a difference of opinion.

I could saved on the mobo but decided to get a shiny new one with X38 for future proofing, extra features, and because there was so much money left in the budget.

No point purchasing the QuadGT got a few problems at the moment especially if you try running VISTA on it as the drivers are currently incompatable at the moment - XP works fine, the bios is very inmature & wont clock any better with that than a P35 motherboard not even 1 FPS better if that in terms of performance, would be better off sticking with the IP35 PRO, only thing it brings to the table is 2 x16 graphics slots but he wont see no benefit their because hes using a single 8800GTX or new GTS & the board cannot run sli as it's a crossfire mobo, I suggested the MSI motherboard because it saves £30 & is just as good as the IP35 PRO.

EDIT: If he wants to go the X38 route, I would buy the Asus Maximus Formula - its got very good feedback on various forums including this one.

 

[BillytheImpaler]

EDIT: If he wants to go the X38 route, I would buy the Asus Maximus Formula - its got very good feedback on various forums including this one.

Good call, sir.

I suppose we should ask before going any further. MarkPW, how much do you plan on overclocking?

 

[balls]

The Akasa Eclipse will give you better cooling than the P182

 

[MarkPW]

Thanks for all the responses. I'm doubtful this will be overclocked, so I'm happy to pay a little extra to get hardware with decent default clock speeds.

I think my main concern is whether paying the extra for the RAM is worth it compared to the suggested and far lower priced OCZ Vista Gold Series. Is there a noticeable difference?

As for the case and OS.. I appreciate the cheaper price, but I would rather stick with the mirror case and 64 bit ultimate. I owe the person I'm building this for a lot of credit and I don't think he'd be too impressed if I'd gone for the cheaper stuff (in those areas in particular).

Regarding the graphics, I have the 8800GTX. I see this new Gainward GTS uses less power, but how does it perform compared to the 8800GTX? The GTX isn't that much more expensive and since it's on offer, I thought it's a good deal (especially since I bought it at £300 2/3 months ago).

Thanks for your help

 

[BillytheImpaler]

Thanks for all the responses. I'm doubtful this will be overclocked, so I'm happy to pay a little extra to get hardware with decent default clock speeds.

If you won't be overclocking at all you could save a boatload of money on the motherboard and CPU cooler, since fancy enthusiast parts are unnecessary. I recommend that you overclock it yourself to at least 3.0 GHz before giving it to your client to get your money's worth.

I think my main concern is whether paying the extra for the RAM is worth it compared to the suggested and far lower priced OCZ Vista Gold Series. Is there a noticeable difference?

You won't notice the difference in the least. It'll be very nice.

Regarding the graphics, I have the 8800GTX. I see this new Gainward GTS uses less power, but how does it perform compared to the 8800GTX? The GTX isn't that much more expensive and since it's on offer, I thought it's a good deal (especially since I bought it at £300 2/3 months ago).

As I said above, the new G92-based GTS has all the performance of the old GTX. Check out some review sites that compare the two. It's definitely a better buy in my opinion.