My first build

JamieGoldsworth · 12 Aug 2009 at 14:33

This is the first time I'll have built a computer, and wanted to post my specs to check that it'll all work together before I order.
Unfortunately i can't afford to buy it all in one go, but I will endeavor to post my progress (with pictures if I remember) throughout the build :cool:

Coolmaster Elite 335 Case
Gigabyte GA- EP45- DS3P mobo
OCZ ModXStream SLI Ready PSU
Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 LGA775 2.33 Ghz
Western Digital Caviar Blue 500gb SATA II HDD
Asus GeForce 9400GT 1024mb DDR2 PCI Express GPU
Corsair XMS2 4GB (2 x 2GB) PC2- 6400 C5 RAM
Sony Optiarc DRU-870S 24x DVD±RW SATA Dual Layer ReWriter

These may not be the best specs, but once it is together and working with an OS I will continue to add and upgrade parts.

Also I was thinking Vista Ultimate for an OS. I know Windows 7 is coming but I don't have that sort of money, and i figure that Vista prices are gonna drop when 7 is released...

So, thoughts? Corrections? Directions to helpful resources?

StevenRaith · 12 Aug 2009 at 14:59

If you are plannning on doing any virtualisation [virtual box, VMware, etc] then do NOT use the Q8xxx series - the VT Stuff is disabled on the CPU. Q6xxx/Q9xxx are fully features, though.

What do you plan to use it for, anyway?

Oh, and Windows 7 is pretty much ready to go now - I've been using it without any problems daily since April - I'd suggest getting one of the Vista+upgrade to 7 packages such as this:
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=SW-118-MS

Doesn't seem to be anything wrong with that spec though, should all fit together. Have you thought about getting a different CPU cooler for quieter running, though? The retail packed standard HSF isn't the quietest thing when the C2Q heats up.

My current box spec is
Asus P5Q
8GB OCZ Gold 8500
1tb Spintpoint F1
XFX 4850 XXX edition 512mb + Trad2 GPU coooler
DVD burner,
Coolermaster 335 case
2 x noctual NF-S12 fans, 2x NF-P12 fans
Noctua CPU cooler+PWM fan from a Fenrir [that I still haven't fitted

]
Antec Basiqs 550W PSU

With the Noctua S12 chassis fans and the P12 on teh GPU cooler on the lowest setting, and the CPU at stock, to all intents and purpose the machine is silent and still perfectly cool [38 deg mobo, 36min-58max GPU, PWM CPU fan never spins up beyond it's lowest speed] - it's worth noting that the fan that comes with the chassis isn't terrifically loud, but it's not as quiet as the Noctua S12. The S12s don't push a massive amount of air, but you don't need much to keep it happy and cool at stock clock speeds.

Just a few random thoughts

Andelusion · 12 Aug 2009 at 15:28

I would buy it all in one go, the last thing you want is to buy half of the parts, wait a while, buy the rest and find the bits you already bought are now cheaper. Unless you have some other reason for buying it in not all at once.

JamieGoldsworth · 12 Aug 2009 at 15:33

Well, I have no idea about visualization, that's where you can run 2 OS's at the same time? One inside the other? i don't really want to that, but I will probably dual boot with Linux at some point- will this be a problem? I should have pointed out that I have a very basic knowledge of computers.

In regards to windows 7, I'm not buying an OS yet as there isn't much point. And by the time i do Windows 7 will be released and Ultimate will be £300! No chance I'm spending that on an OS, and I do really want the best version of whatever Os I get.

I also forgot to put on a couple of bits:

Akasa AK965BL CPU fan
Akasa AK- 274CB- 4BLS 120 mm fan for the front of my case
Edimax EW- 7128G 54mps Wifi PCI card

Also, any tips on building- with regards to hardware AND software- maybe some detailed online docs?

JamieGoldsworth · 12 Aug 2009 at 15:34

Andelusion said:
I would buy it all in one go, the last thing you want is to buy half of the parts, wait a while, buy the rest and find the bits you already bought are now cheaper. Unless you have some other reason for buying it in not all at once.

I can't afford it