Help me build a new PC, please

TheDude13

TheDude13

TheDude13

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Hi all, this is my first post, been waiting ages to be activated lol

Ive been looking at this site for almost a week now building different PC's and I decided where better to get help than the forums.

Basically I want a really fast PC to replace my Pentium 4.

I have a budget of around £1,750.


This is what I have come up with so far for £1,590 using the PC builder option.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/syscon_int.php?prodid=FS-066-OK

I have also seen the pre-built system - Ultima OC 8800GTX SLI - for £1,408, not including operating system, case and memory upgrade, but was put off by the memory being split into 4 banks of 1GB instead of 2 X 2GB.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=FS-050-OK


Specification

Case - Antec Nine Hundred Case

Processor - Intel Quad Core Q6600 2.40GHz overclocked too 3.00GHz

Cooler - Tuniq Tower 120 CPU Cooler

Mobo - Asus P5N-T Deluxe nForce 780 SLi Motherboard

Memory - OCZ SLi Approved 4GB 1000MHz (2x2GB)

Graphics - 2 X NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTX 768MB GDDR3 (SLI Configured)

HDD 1 - Western Digital 500GB 7200rpm 16MB Cache Hard Drive

HDD 2 - Western Digital 500GB 7200rpm 16MB Cache Hard Drive

DVD - Samsung 20x DVD±RW Dual Layer ReWriter

Card Reader - Scythe Card Reader Floppy Drive

Sound Card - Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Platinum Fatal1ty 7.1 Champion Series Sound Card

PSU - OCZ GameXstream 850W Power Supply

Operating System - Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 64-Bit



However I have a couple of questions.

How will this processor perform? Am I worth getting a fast Dual core instead or is this quite fast? I wasnt to struck on getting a quad core but I figured getting one already overclocked would mean good performance at a cheaper price? I also figure it will be more future proof?

Motherboard - Is this a good one?

PSU - Ive read some negative things about the PSU, any experiences with is anyone?

Case I know its personal choice but I cant decide between the Antec Nine Hundred and the Cosmos Sport. The difference is £70, which is allot of money, so is it really worth it or would it be more sensible to stick with the Antec? Ive read good things about both!

Graphics Im tempted to wait untill overclockers offer the 9800GX2 in there pre-built systems before ordering but dont know how long this will take. However, I have also seen how well 2 8800GTX's perform. Would I be dissapointed with 2 X 8800GTX's. I could always sell them at a later date when the 'Next Gen' cards come out!

64-bit Should I be worried aboout choosing a 64-bit software? I understand to benefit from the 4GB I need to go with 64-bit but will I suffer with software compatibility issues?


Finally, please make any suggestions, possible upgrades you like, Thanks very much!
 
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What screen resolution are you using? SLI really isn't needed unless you game at high resolution (1920x1200+), same with the GX2. Generally a single powerful GFX is enough. NV chipset doesn't tend to overclock as well as Intel chipset so unless SLI is absolutely essential to you I'd stick with a decent P35 board.

Personally I have not had any problem with the 64bit vista, all software that I used on xp has worked on 64bit vista but I cjian't say for sure that all apps you use will work on 64bit. There is always the option to run any software in legacy compatibility mode should it not work in 64bit vista, I had to do that with one of my photo resizing software but that's it.

Also I won't get the pre-oced option as you can just as easily overclock it yourself for free, all it takes is a few BIOS settings. Besides if you're not sure you can alwasy ask on the forum. As for quad vs. dual there has been much discussion; if all you do is game then a faster dual core is better at the moment and you can always upgrade to a quad later. But if you're not going to upgrade it for the next few years then a quad is a better bet - quad support for games can only get better.

Otherwise the spec looks good. I'm not one for spending too much on a case so if it was me I'd go for the Antec over the cosmos. but as you said it's a personal preference so if you can justify the cost then by all mean go for it.
 
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steve258 said:
What screen resolution are you using? SLI really isn't needed unless you game at high resolution (1920x1200+), same with the GX2. Generally a single powerful GFX is enough. NV chipset doesn't tend to overclock as well as Intel chipset so unless SLI is absolutely essential to you I'd stick with a decent P35 board.

Personally I have not had any problem with the 64bit vista, all software that I used on xp has worked on 64bit vista but I cjian't say for sure that all apps you use will work on 64bit. There is always the option to run any software in legacy compatibility mode should it not work in 64bit vista, I had to do that with one of my photo resizing software but that's it.

Also I won't get the pre-oced option as you can just as easily overclock it yourself for free, all it takes is a few BIOS settings. Besides if you're not sure you can alwasy ask on the forum. As for quad vs. dual there has been much discussion; if all you do is game then a faster dual core is better at the moment and you can always upgrade to a quad later. But if you're not going to upgrade it for the next few years then a quad is a better bet - quad support for games can only get better.

Otherwise the spec looks good. I'm not one for spending too much on a case so if it was me I'd go for the Antec over the cosmos. but as you said it's a personal preference so if you can justify the cost then by all mean go for it.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the detailed response!

I just bought a new monitor, Samsung SM2232BW which has a resolution of 1680 X 1050, to be honest 24" just seemed to big as stupid as it sounds.

Although I know I dont need SLi I just really fancy either 2 X 8800GTX's or even a 9800GX2 with the possibility of adding another in the future.

I know its not necessary its just Ive been waiting ages to get a new PC and really want the best.


Cheers for the reassurance about 64-bit and you're most likely right about the case, stupid to spend £70 more for aesthetic appeal.



As regards over-clocking, I really dont fancy doing it myself, even if it is simple, I am more than happy to pay a bit more for it to be done for me. I really am not hugely interested in overclocking at all to be honest and would prefer the system to be quite fast and reliable straight away.

How fast will this perform at 3GHz, in comparison with the Extreme Quads which I cant justify purchasing?


And also, the memory, I hear the heatsinks are restricting if I ever plan on addin more? Does this mean they wont even be in 2 parralel slots?



Thanks again and appologies for my spelling, its late and I cant even be bothered to look at the screen as I type lol :o

Edit Also the HDD. Which is the fastes/Quietes out of the WD 500GB, Seagate Barracuder 500GB or Samsung F1 750GB?

I may even consider getting the Raptor as the main drive with a larger one as storage although I dont know if I would benefit hugely.

I dont intend on RAID'ing them.


With regards to the pre-built system, I considered it but it says the processor would go from 3.3GHz to 2.8-3GHz if the 4 slots are taken up by the 4GB of memory so why dont they have 2 X 2GB memory or would that not make a difference?
 
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Fair enough :)

if overclocking is not your primary concern that P5N-T is a very nice sli motherboard. It's just that 8800GTX has been discontinued and since the new 9800GTX is almost identical in spec as the current 8800GTS 512mb it might be a good idea to just sli 2 8800GTS 512mb instead for quite abit cheaper than the GTX sli setup.

If it's the QX9650 3Ghz you were refering to then the Q6600 at the same 3Ghz will be slightly slower (5-10%) but the difference is likely unnoticeable.

Even if the memory heatsink block the remaining 2 DIMM it's unlikely that you'd need more than 4Gb memory anyway even in vista for general usage.

Not sure if you have seen this:

Award winning OCZ 2GB PC2-8500 CAS5 (2x1GB) Dual Channel Kit (Overclocked at 1000MHz+) (Note when upgrading to 4GB overclock drops to 2.80GHz on CPU)
Click to expand...

Doesn't sound right when you paid for a quaranteed overclock to 3.3Ghz :/
 
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steve258 said:
Fair enough :)

if overclocking is not your primary concern that P5N-T is a very nice sli motherboard. It's just that 8800GTX has been discontinued and since the new 9800GTX is almost identical in spec as the current 8800GTS 512mb it might be a good idea to just sli 2 8800GTS 512mb instead for quite abit cheaper than the GTX sli setup.

If it's the QX9650 3Ghz you were refering to then the Q6600 at the same 3Ghz will be slightly slower (5-10%) but the difference is likely unnoticeable.
Click to expand...

Cheers man, what I planned to do was get the 9800GX2 with the intention of adding another when they drop in price! Its just Im not sure that Overclockers will include an SLi motherboard when they finally include the 9800GX2 in there system build option.


I know what you;'re saying about the 8800GTS, it would make sense for me to get 2 of them as they perform very well, its just I really want the newest and Im willing to pay for it.



As regards the Processor, that sounds good to me! :D

What about the PSU? Any need to worry about that and also the memory (cheers, just read you're response) and the HDD's?


Overall will this be a pretty fast system for the money?

I know I am overspending by not making it myself but I was always willing to spend more to have someone else build it for me.



Is it pretty much a given that I should get 4GB memory? It seems that way from what I hear!



I may even consider the PC Builder Ultima 8800 QUAD option -

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/syscon_int.php?prodid=FS-065-OK

And when they include the 9800GX2, have that only get the processor oversclocked to 3.4GHz!

That way I wouldnt be getting unnecessary SLi and Id have a pretty fast PC!

Then with some of the money saved get the better case and 2 Samsung F1 750GB Drives
 
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Yes saw that message with regards to cpu slowing down to 2.8Ghz if ram is upgraded to 4Gb and it's ridiculous. Won't go for that prebuilt system then.

In terms of speed the raptor is best but it's noisy, runs very hot and has very little space. if you go for the samsung f1 750gb it is using 320gb platter from what i read and the sustained speed is up there with the raptors.

The 600W PSU should handle the system nicely even with a 9800GX2, 1kw isn't really needed unless you plan to quad sli 2 9800GX2.

You can go for the ultima quad setup but you won't be getting sli motherboard so sli will be out of the question. And yes you'll end up with a very fast pc although it won't be the best value for money as you have suggested.
 
steve258 said:
Yes saw that message with regards to cpu slowing down to 2.8Ghz if ram is upgraded to 4Gb and it's ridiculous. Won't go for that prebuilt system then.

In terms of speed the raptor is best but it's noisy, runs very hot and has very little space. if you go for the samsung f1 750gb it is using 320gb platter from what i read and the sustained speed is up there with the raptors.

The 600W PSU should handle the system nicely even with a 9800GX2, 1kw isn't really needed unless you plan to quad sli 2 9800GX2.

You can go for the ultima quad setup but you won't be getting sli motherboard so sli will be out of the question. And yes you'll end up with a very fast pc although it won't be the best value for money as you have suggested.
Click to expand...

Thanks again for the response.

I wont go for the Raptor then! Ill get 2 Samsung F1's. As long as there quiet.

As for the PSU and Mobo, Ill just have to wait and see how they are going to offer the 9800GX2 in with their packages and PC builder option.


Cheers for the help, Ill let you know how it all goes when I finally get it!
 
steve258 said:
Generally a single powerful GFX is enough. NV chipset doesn't tend to overclock as well as Intel chipset so unless SLI is absolutely essential to you I'd stick with a decent P35 board.
Click to expand...

Also, is ^ this ^ why Overclockers don't give the option of the 3.4GHz overclock on the SLi Ultima?


I figure if they offer the 9800GX2 with the Q6600 overclocked at 3.4GHz will be fast enough for me for a long time.
 
Just a coincidence I think.

Both Intel and sli chipset are capable enough to take a Q6600 to 3.4Ghz but for if you are looking for extreme overclock Intel is a better choice.
 
steve258 said:
OCUK Ultima OC 9800GX2


Or with your budget you can get:

Ultima OC HD 3870 X2 Crossfire

Quad crossfirex! Doesn't come with quad core Q6600 though.
Click to expand...


Cheers for you're post! These must have just been added today.

That 9800GX2 system is so tempting but Im going to wait for them to put it in the PC Builder option.

The pre-built one - OCUK Ultima OC 9800GX2

Looks very good for the price but comes with 4 X 1GB memory, only 1 hard drive, no sound card which I can modify.

The thing I still find strange is this -

Note - If you select the 4GB Memory Upgrade option then the CPU overclock is reduced to 3.1GHz - 3.2GHz region to maintain stability with all four memory banks filled.

Now this has gone up from last time as they said between 2.8 and 3GHz.

But if this truly is the case, then why dont they offer 2 X 2GB memory in which case only 2 banks would be taken up?




They also seem to have reduced the price of this system by almost £200 which is also tempting! - http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=FS-050-OK&groupid=43&catid=1081&subcat=


Im determined to resist untill I can get exactly what I want!


I basically want the 9800GX2 system with 2 Samsung F1 drives, 2 X 2GB memory, Fatality Sound Card and the case of my choice!
 
TheDude13 said:
I basically want the 9800GX2 system with 2 Samsung F1 drives, 2 X 2GB memory, Fatality Sound Card and the case of my choice!
Click to expand...

Ever thought of building your own computer with the exact parts of your choice? It's not very difficult, people here will help you out, and there are a few guides, including pictures, on the interwebs.
 
Smirnoff said:
The " budget " system will mash the GX2 based system into the ground in any games or benchmark :) I would get that tbh
Click to expand...

Yeh it would but I really don't want an ATi card. I dont know why, I just don't lol

Ive also come to the conclusion that I dont need SLi/Crossfire, as I am only going to play at a Resolution of 1680 X 1050. I figure there will always be a fast enough single card solution.

Basically I want,

Case - Coolermaster Cosmos Sport

Processor - Intel Quad Core Q6600 2.40GHz overclocked to 3.40GHz

Cooler - Tuniq Tower 120 Silent CPU Cooler

Mobo Abit IP35 Pro Motherboard - Maybe an SLi motherboard so I can add another in the future!

Memory - OCZ Reaper 4GB 800MHz (2x2GB)

Graphics - NVIDIA GeForce 9800 GX2 1024MB GDDR3 AVIVO HDTV/Dual DVI/HDMI (PCI-Express) DirectX 10 Graphics Cards

HDD X 2 Samsung Spinpoint F1 750GB 7200rpm 32MB Cache SATA2 HDD
Samsung Spinpoint F1 750GB 7200rpm 32MB Cache SATA2 HDD

DVD - Samsung 20x DVD±RW Dual Layer ReWriter

Card Reader - Scythe Card Reader Floppy Drive

Sound Card - Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Platinum Fatal1ty 7.1 Champion Series Sound Card

PSU - OCZ Stealth 600W Power Supply - Hoefully they will offer a better PSU

Operating System - Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 64-Bit

[Robster];11367796 said:
Ever thought of building your own computer with the exact parts of your choice? It's not very difficult, people here will help you out, and there are a few guides, including pictures, on the interwebs.
Click to expand...

Yeh Ive thought about it to but I just cant be bothered.

I know I could do it its just Im happy to pay more for someone else to do it.
 
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The 9800GX2 Ultima system seems to have dropped in price by quite a bit - http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=FS-021-OK

I can now get all of the below for £1500 - This is including upgrading the case, memory, Vista Home Premium and buying a Creative Soundblaster Sound Card and a Samsung F1 750GB HDD separately which I wont have any trouble installing.


Case - Coolermaster RC-1100 Cosmos S "Sport" Silent Full Tower Case

Processor - Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 GO 2.40GHz Quad Core CPU Overclocked too a minimum of 3.30GHz and beyond.

Operating System - Vista Home Premium 64-Bit

Cooler - Tuniq Tower 120 Pro Blue LED Intel approved cooler

- Arctic Silver 5 Heatsink compound professionally hand installed by our technicians

Mobo - Abit IP35-Pro Intel P35 (Socket LGA775) PCI-Express DDR2 Motherboard

Memory - Award winning Crucial 4GB PC2-8500 CAS5 (4x1GB) Dual Channel Kit
(Overclocked at 1000MHz+)

HDD - 500GB Western Digital 16MB Cache SATA-2 Hard Drive

Graphics - NVIDIA GeForce 9800 GX2 1024MB GDDR3 AVIVO HDTV/Dual DVI/HDMI (PCI-Express) DirectX 10 Graphics Cards

Disk Drive - Pioneer 115DBK 20x DVD±RW Dual Layer ReWriter (Black)

PSU - OCZ 600W Next Generation Power Supply


Bought Separately -

HDD - Samsung SpinPoint F1 750GB SATA-II 32MB Cache - OEM (HD753LJ)

Soundcard - Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Platinum Fatal1ty 7.1 Champion Series Sound Card - Retail



What do you think of this? Seems quite allot for the money and is way below my budget?


One Question, will I get much worse performance having 4 X 1GB of memory instead of 2 X 2GB? Bearing in mind it is overclocked?
 
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Will the 600W PSU thats supplied, with the below system, be enough to power the whole system plus the extra HDD and the Soundcard which I want to add?



TheDude13 said:
The 9800GX2 Ultima system seems to have dropped in price by quite a bit - http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=FS-021-OK

I can now get all of the below for £1500 - This is including upgrading the case, memory, Vista Home Premium and buying a Creative Soundblaster Sound Card and a Samsung F1 750GB HDD separately which I wont have any trouble installing.


Case - Coolermaster RC-1100 Cosmos S "Sport" Silent Full Tower Case

Processor - Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 GO 2.40GHz Quad Core CPU Overclocked too a minimum of 3.30GHz and beyond.

Operating System - Vista Home Premium 64-Bit

Cooler - Tuniq Tower 120 Pro Blue LED Intel approved cooler

- Arctic Silver 5 Heatsink compound professionally hand installed by our technicians

Mobo - Abit IP35-Pro Intel P35 (Socket LGA775) PCI-Express DDR2 Motherboard

Memory - Award winning Crucial 4GB PC2-8500 CAS5 (4x1GB) Dual Channel Kit
(Overclocked at 1000MHz+)

HDD - 500GB Western Digital 16MB Cache SATA-2 Hard Drive

Graphics - NVIDIA GeForce 9800 GX2 1024MB GDDR3 AVIVO HDTV/Dual DVI/HDMI (PCI-Express) DirectX 10 Graphics Cards

Disk Drive - Pioneer 115DBK 20x DVD±RW Dual Layer ReWriter (Black)

PSU - OCZ 600W Next Generation Power Supply


Bought Separately -

HDD - Samsung SpinPoint F1 750GB SATA-II 32MB Cache - OEM (HD753LJ)

Soundcard - Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Platinum Fatal1ty 7.1 Champion Series Sound Card - Retail



What do you think of this? Seems quite allot for the money and is way below my budget?


One Question, will I get much worse performance having 4 X 1GB of memory instead of 2 X 2GB? Bearing in mind it is overclocked?
Click to expand...
 
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