Building a computer, advise please

[Arden]

Hello,
I came here looking for advise on the gaming computer I plan to build during the holidays. Here is the current design:

Firstly, only talk of you know what yout talking about. Thats probably drumbum, proanti, and myself. But if you think you know what your talking about, post.


I need advice on this computer design. Any ideas?


I'm forgetting what it's called right now, but I have a wireless network and I need one of those things to let me connect to it. Does that come with the mobo?



Design:

2x eVGA 512-P2-N635-AR Geforce 7950GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card- 559.98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130061

APEVIA (ASPIRE) X-Plorer ATXB8KLW-AL Black/Silver Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case -$59.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811144103

Microsoft Windows Vista- Unnanounced
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/

18" UV Sensitive Single Device Round IDE Cable - $3.49
http://www.xoxide.com/uvsesichidec.html

Dual Blue Cold Cathode Kit - $7.99
http://www.xoxide.com/bluecathode.html

BELKIN F8E093 Anti-Static Wrist Strap -$5.49
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16899888207

Enermax EG701AX-VE-SFMA 24Pin Power Supply / Noisetaker 600W - $127.95
http://www.coolerguys.com/840556018988.html

ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe Socket 939 NVIDIA nForce4 SLI ATX AMD Motherboard - 119.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131517

Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 (Perpendicular Recording Technology) 320GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - $94.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822148140

PX-755SA 16X/8X/16X ,DVD+write/dvd+rewrite/dvd-read, 16X/6X ,dvd-write/dvd-rewrite - 119.99
http://www.amazon.com/PX-755SA-DVD%2Bwrite-dvd%2Brewrite-dvd-write-dvd-rewri/dp/B000F5LZ68/sr=1-5/qid=1163562769/ref=sr_1_5/002-5608594-9966406?ie=UTF8&s=pc

AMD Opteron 175 Denmark 2.2GHz 2 x 1MB L2 Cache Socket 939 Dual Core Processor - 240.40
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103584

CORSAIR XMS 2GB (2 x 1GB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC 3200) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - $240.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145486

MITSUMI Black 1.44MB 3.5" Internal USB 2.0 digital card reader with Floppy Drive Model FA404M BLK - 18.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16821104104




Here are some questions that I am hoping you could help me with:
*I don't really love my RAM, any suggestions on better memory.
*Could someone try to redesign this rig for a DDR2 setup. Could I do this in a similar price range?
*I am interested in Intel's Quad-Core systems, maybe someone could post a similar setup for that?
*As you all know more about computers than me, are there any other suggestions that you guys have?

[.Maleficus.]

If you want a DDR2 setup and still want AMD, look into AM2. It's newer than 939 and it uses DDR2.

Similar Quad-Core setup?
Only Quad-Core processor I could find was the QX6700 which is $1,500 (USD) and that's probably close to your entire system as it currently stands.


Also, I think you're talking about a wireless router.

Hope I could help, and welcome to the forums!

[SgtM]

Hello,


Firstly, only talk of you know what yout talking about. Thats probably drumbum, proanti, and myself.

There's PLENTY of knowledge around here.



I'm forgetting what it's called right now, but I have a wireless network and I need one of those things to let me connect to it. Does that come with the mobo?


If you have the router, then you will need the wireless PCI card. They also make wireless USB adapters. No, it doesn't come with the motherboard.

[ajmilton]

erm. that motherboard doesn't run opterons as far as i can tell.

from newegg:
CPU Socket Type Socket 939
CPU Type Athlon 64 FX/Athlon 64/Sempron

opterons are the right socket type, but not the right "cpu type" - it's designed for athlon/sempron

if you want to keep the SLI, you'll need to use a motherboard like
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813151037

and you lose the capability for ddr2.

i'd go with this (or similar) for motherboard:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131068

switch to athlon 64 xp's or something, can use ddr2 in the am2 motherboards.

[jreffy]

Just a little backround. I recently have been building my own "ultimate gaming PC" and I spent a good month or two doing research on forums like this one before putting together my current built. You can see my components in my sig, and also a link to my case-mod as well. I don't claim to be a computer expert, but I have done a lot of research on setups and parts before putting together my own system.


First off, why build an Opteron system? Personally, the Core 2 Duo is the best thing available right now, especially when you are talking bang-for-your-buck.

Intel Core 2 Duo E6400; $221.50
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819115004

it costs less than the Opteron and it performs better as well, especially with a small overclock. You can even step down to the E6300 ($183) and still be getting a great CPU for an even better price.


*I don't really love my RAM, any suggestions on better memory.

There really isn't a significant difference in stock performance between DDR and DDR2 memory. However, people have seen a definite improvement in DDR2 memory when overclocking. Again, you could go with your Core 2 Duo processer I suggested above (with a modest overclock), and go with DDR2 RAM like;

G. Skill (2x1GB) DDR-667 (PC2 5400) - $229.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820231055

Of course you'd have to change your motherboard, so here's my suggestion.

Gigabyte GA-8N-SLI; $84.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813128316

I also notice you're going super-hardcore with your SLI setup. However, with the release of the G8800 (i think that's the name) DirectX10 cards, and you also mentioning that you're going to be running Vista, I would also suggest buying a single video card, and waiting for the release of Dx10 and Dx10 games.

I suggest this because in about a year people are projecting the release of a lot of Dx10 games. In order to take advantage of the Dx10 games, you'll need a Dx10 card. Since you are building a gaming machine I would assume you'd want to upgrade. So why not save the extra money you are spending for only a small increase in performance? Yes, SLI sounds great, but much like dual-core systems, most games haven't been coded to take advantage of dual video cards. You aren't getting a real significant increase in your FPS to warrant the extra 500$ for SLI. Save that money, go with a single card, and upgrade to a Dx10 in a year.

Just my suggestions, take em or leave em for what you think they are worth.

[Timoi]

I would personally go with jreffy's suggestions... and recommend that you go along those lines. The motherboard is a very nice card with very reasonable capabilities (no quad core but the price skyrockets when you get quad core ready boards...) from a very reliable brand at a very low price considering. On the video card, WAIT!!!! If you have a choice, ALWAYS go with the newest technology. ESPECIALLY if there is very little difference in pricing... I'm killing myself now because I went AGP8x on a computer that I build not this last summer that just passed but the one before. Now one of my IDE ports (the one I use for CD-roms) got fried and I can't find a reasonable replacement since I DEFINITELY do not want to change this video card and I can't find a motherboard with reasonable capabilities that runs AGP8x anymore... I have found a way to bypass the problem but it just isn't as good as having everything actually working in your computer...

[Arden]

Thanks guys, sorry about the knowledge thing, I posted this on a non-computer forum for advice, and just copy and pasted. I should've proofread. Thanks so much guys, i'll post an updated system in a few hours for more advice (-;

Edit: I think I have a router. I need something to connect to it, like the card in a notebook.

[Silenced_Coyote]

The first thing I noticed was your video card choice. Jreffy already stated it so I won't repeat it.

I personally would wait later for Vista. It is a very expensive OS and so far only 2 games (Alan Wake and Crysis) will be taking advantage of DX10.

Do you really want to pay that much for a Plextor just because it has the SATA interface?

By the way, TigerDirect.com has the Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6700 for $1099 (way cheaper than Newegg).

I'm not sure about this, but I think some Asus motherboards come with a wireless reciever.

If you do decided to go with Intel, get the Core 2 Duo E6300 instead of the E6400. They got the same cache and all of them overclock very well. I personally think the E6400 and E6700 are pointless because of that fact.

[Arden]

The core 2 duo is more than i expected, and i really can't afford it, so oh well. I don't really know what this dx10 is, could someone explain. If it is really coming out soon, I guess I should get a "temporary graphics card."

This is my current setup:

2x eVGA 512-P2-N635-AR Geforce 7950GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card- 559.98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130061

APEVIA (ASPIRE) X-Plorer ATXB8KLW-AL Black/Silver Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case -$59.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811144103

Microsoft Windows Vista- Unnanounced
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/

18" UV Sensitive Single Device Round IDE Cable - $3.49
http://www.xoxide.com/uvsesichidec.html

Dual Blue Cold Cathode Kit - $7.99
http://www.xoxide.com/bluecathode.html

BELKIN F8E093 Anti-Static Wrist Strap -$5.49
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16899888207

Enermax EG701AX-VE-SFMA 24Pin Power Supply / Noisetaker 600W - $127.95
http://www.coolerguys.com/840556018988.html

GIGABYTE GA-8N-SLI Socket T (LGA 775) NVIDIA nForce4 SLI ATX Intel Motherboard - $83.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813128316

Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 (Perpendicular Recording Technology) 320GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - $94.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822148140

PX-755SA 16X/8X/16X ,DVD+write/dvd+rewrite/dvd-read, 16X/6X ,dvd-write/dvd-rewrite - 119.99
http://www.amazon.com/PX-755SA-DVD%2Bwrite-dvd%2Brewrite-dvd-write-dvd-rewri/dp/B000F5LZ68/sr=1-5/qid=1163562769/ref=sr_1_5/002-5608594-9966406?ie=UTF8&s=pc

Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 Conroe 2.13GHz 2M sharing L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor - $221.50
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819115004

MITSUMI Black 1.44MB 3.5" Internal USB 2.0 digital card reader with Floppy Drive Model FA404M BLK - 18.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16821104104

G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - $299.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820231090


TY for the suggestions.

[jdbnsn]

DX10 is supposed be the next big thing in Gfx cards, but if you're on a budget I'd hold off. They are likely to be real expensive and you can still get cutting edge out of what's available now. Plus, a funny thing happens when "cutting edge" stuff comes out. The people who camp out to buy it sell their gear off cheap to pay for it. You'll do yourself a solid by waiting a while and using PCIe, but if price is no object...

[Arden]

Can someone post some links to like a four hundred dollar dx10 card? that way i'll hold off on sli, while spending the same ammount, and later upgrade. I dunno, what do you guys recommend I do (include product links and dates please.)

Also, how are the new 8 series nvidia cards, is that what your talking bout

How about cooling, will mine suffice? (sp?)

[jreffy]

Can someone post some links to like a four hundred dollar dx10 card? that way i'll hold off on sli, while spending the same ammount, and later upgrade. I dunno, what do you guys recommend I do (include product links and dates please.)

Also, how are the new 8 series nvidia cards, is that what your talking bout

How about cooling, will mine suffice? (sp?)

Yes, the 8-series are the new Dx10 cards...the G8800 Dx10 card just came out THIS WEEK. So you won't find anything for under 500. However, you CAN get one of the new 8800 cards that came out for around $550-600. But again, it's not worth it until games come out that utilize Dx10, which won't be for a year or so. Here's the cheapest one on the egg just for ****s and giggles.

eVGA GeForce 8800GTS 640MB; $469.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130071

Even though the price looks nice, you're really not going to get a huge benefit from it until Dx10 games come out. That won't happen for a year. So, again your best bet is to save your money. That way, the Dx10 cards will drop in price, and you can even go SLI Dx10 when the Dx10 games hit the market.

Basically MY advice is to go with a higher-end video card that won't cost you that much. I bought my ATI for around 350 and it's going to do just fine for the next year or so, especially if I overclock it. You should probably look for the Nvidia equivalent. Probably around a 7800? Not quite sure.

Edit: Found one, and it's going to kick serious ass, and only cost you around $300, and it will kick pretty much every game's ass for the next year.

BFGTech GeForce 7950GT 512MB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814143071

[Arden]

Okay thanks, so what your saying is that in about a year I should upgrade that card to an 8+ series nvidia card?

Anyway, heres my current configuration:

BFG Tech BFGR7950512GTOCE GeForce 7950GT 512MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card - $269.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814143071

APEVIA (ASPIRE) X-Plorer ATXB8KLW-AL Black/Silver Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case -$59.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811144103

Microsoft Windows Vista- Unnanounced
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/

18" UV Sensitive Single Device Round IDE Cable - $3.49
http://www.xoxide.com/uvsesichidec.html

Dual Blue Cold Cathode Kit - $7.99
http://www.xoxide.com/bluecathode.html

BELKIN F8E093 Anti-Static Wrist Strap -$5.49
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16899888207

Enermax EG701AX-VE-SFMA 24Pin Power Supply / Noisetaker 600W - $127.95
http://www.coolerguys.com/840556018988.html

GIGABYTE GA-8N-SLI Socket T (LGA 775) NVIDIA nForce4 SLI ATX Intel Motherboard - $83.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813128316

Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 (Perpendicular Recording Technology) 320GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - $94.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822148140

PX-755SA 16X/8X/16X ,DVD+write/dvd+rewrite/dvd-read, 16X/6X ,dvd-write/dvd-rewrite - 119.99
http://www.amazon.com/PX-755SA-DVD%2Bwrite-dvd%2Brewrite-dvd-write-dvd-rewri/dp/B000F5LZ68/sr=1-5/qid=1163562769/ref=sr_1_5/002-5608594-9966406?ie=UTF8&s=pc

Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 Conroe 2.13GHz 2M sharing L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor - $221.50
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819115004

MITSUMI Black 1.44MB 3.5" Internal USB 2.0 digital card reader with Floppy Drive Model FA404M BLK - 18.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16821104104

G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - $299.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820231090

[jreffy]

Okay thanks, so what your saying is that in about a year I should upgrade that card to an 8+ series nvidia card?

Yes, OR, whatever the higher-end cards are that are out there. Basically you won't get any value for an 8-series card until Dx10 comes out (with Vista release) and games that use Dx10 come out as well.

Oh yeah, and dump the wrist strap, lol. You don't need it.

Just touch the frame of your case before messing with any of the components, that will ground you and you won't have to worry about static, unless you go around rubbing your bare feet on the carpet.

As for cooling, any high-end heat sink will be great for you, especially if you want to do a small overclock. Zalman I know is a big air-cooling name out there.
This is where my research ends however, since I decided to do water-cooling.

Right now your build is running 1308$, not too bad for a pretty high-end system.

[Arden]

How much will it cost me to water cool?

[jreffy]

How much will it cost me to water cool?

Depends. Your system doesn't need water-cooling. You only need to watercool if you're going to really push the overclock on your processor. If this is one of your first builds and I'm assuming it is since you're asking for all the advice, lol, I wouldn't do it. You can fry your processor or get a leak and basically ruin the compoents that cost you a few hundred bucks to get.

[Arden]

K, and about that component i need to connect to wireless internet, what would you recommend?

[jreffy]

K, and about that component i need to connect to wireless internet, what would you recommend?

You just need a wireless card, nothing really to recommend, you can get them most anywhere. Just walk into the store, ask for a wireless card for a desktop PC, pay for it, walk out.

[Arden]

I dunno, I looked on newegg and they only have them for notebooks. It also looks like they have alot of types on this page: http://www.newegg.com/ProductSort/Subcategory.asp?Subcategory=34

[Silenced_Coyote]

I still think you shouldn't get Vista or that Plextor drive. Why do you want Vista right when it comes out anyways?

Also, if you are going to overclock, even just slightly, you can save $40 or so by getting the Core 2 Duo E6300. It will basically be an E6400 with very modest overclocking.

They are for notebooks because you seached under notebook accessories. Is this what you are looking for? (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?N=2050410031&Submit=ENE&Subcategory=31&Description=wireless+pci+adapter&Ntk=all)

[jreffy]

I dunno, I looked on newegg and they only have them for notebooks. It also looks like they have alot of types on this page: http://www.newegg.com/ProductSort/Subcategory.asp?Subcategory=34

This is the link you want.

http://www.newegg.com/ProductSort/Subcategory.asp?Subcategory=31

[Arden]

I'm going for the plextor becuase i'm lazy and want SATA cables. Are there any SATA drives with a similar price range you would recommend? I probably won't overclock for a while as this is my first computer build. Will this model work well with my computer
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16833122163

[xdxforever]

By the way. a single 8800GTX will outperform that sli setup in most games, it also costs the same as the two cards and has future proofing. In my opinion the above $500 video card choice is clear. in terms of cutting cost ill repeat teh recomendations of getting the E6300 and an IDE optical drive like a NEC or Samsung. also there are better memory choices than that one: let me look... for less money there are two better performing options i see right away: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820227139
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820231098
With over $100 saved there you could go for a more modern MoBo which is always good. An intel chipset would be good, but this is really something: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813188009
if you want another PSU choice over 600 watts there is this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817163108
Personally i would get this because its the best: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817151027

Edit: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16833147017 might be what you are looking for for a wireless card.

[jreffy]

I'm going for the plextor becuase i'm lazy and want SATA cables. Are there any SATA drives with a similar price range you would recommend? I probably won't overclock for a while as this is my first computer build. Will this model work well with my computer

I'm pretty sure that's an external wireless reciever, which I doubt you want.


This one fits into one of your PCI slots and simply has an antennae that comes out the back

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16833127145

[Silenced_Coyote]

There is only one other SATA drive and it is from Lite-On but it doesn't burn DVDs.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827106040

You could use the $70 savings going with an IDE drive instead. Make better use of it. Put it towards a video card or mobo.

[Arden]

Okay thanks guys, you are really really helpful people, i've made many of your alterations and this is my current setup. More advice is great, chances are if I ignored your comment it's becuase I missed it so don't feel hurt and please repost. The only things I am not listening to is the PSU thing, as mine isnt overcocked 600'll be fine, and enermax is an old respected reliabe company, and the MoBo suggestion. I am willing to pay more on a motherboard, but 250 dollars is to much I think. Any other alternatives?



BFG Tech BFGR7950512GTOCE GeForce 7950GT 512MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card - $269.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814143071

APEVIA (ASPIRE) X-Plorer ATXB8KLW-AL Black/Silver Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case -$59.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811144103

Microsoft Windows Vista- Unnanounced
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/

18" UV Sensitive Single Device Round IDE Cable - $3.49
http://www.xoxide.com/uvsesichidec.html

Dual Blue Cold Cathode Kit - $7.99
http://www.xoxide.com/bluecathode.html

BELKIN F8E093 Anti-Static Wrist Strap -$5.49
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16899888207

Enermax EG701AX-VE-SFMA 24Pin Power Supply / Noisetaker 600W - $127.95
http://www.coolerguys.com/840556018988.html

GIGABYTE GA-8N-SLI Socket T (LGA 775) NVIDIA nForce4 SLI ATX Intel Motherboard - $83.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813128316

Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 (Perpendicular Recording Technology) 320GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - $94.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822148140

PX-755SA 16X/8X/16X ,DVD+write/dvd+rewrite/dvd-read, 16X/6X ,dvd-write/dvd-rewrite - 119.99
http://www.amazon.com/PX-755SA-DVD%2Bwrite-dvd%2Brewrite-dvd-write-dvd-rewri/dp/B000F5LZ68/sr=1-5/qid=1163562769/ref=sr_1_5/002-5608594-9966406?ie=UTF8&s=pc

Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 Conroe 2.13GHz 2M sharing L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor - $221.50
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819115004

MITSUMI Black 1.44MB 3.5" Internal USB 2.0 digital card reader with Floppy Drive Model FA404M BLK - 18.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16821104104

D-Link DWL-G510 IEEE 802.11b/g 32bit PCI2.2 2.4G Wireless Adapter up to 54Mbps Data Rates 64/128-Bit WEP, 802.1x, WPA - $29.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16833127145

OCZ Platinum Revision 2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - $249.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820227139


Edit: Can people post recommendations for optical drives. I want to be able to burn dvds and everything. If not sata what do i have to do?


Edit Edit: I really want to have a "top of the line GFX" card. This one looks really good:
http://www.bfgtech.com/8800GTX_768_PCIe_wc.html Have they announced a price yet? What kind of water cooling kit should I use with it?

[.Maleficus.]

Yes, they have announced a price. TigerDirect has it for $799.99.


Edit: Also, your motheboard choice doesn't support Core 2 Duo processors.

[jreffy]

Edit Edit: I really want to have a "top of the line GFX" card. This one looks really good: Have they announced a price yet? What kind of water cooling kit should I use with it?

THAT is the Dx10 card we have been telling you about this whole time lol. You don't need a Dx10 card yet. Yeah, it's beefy and stuff, but you really won't get a performance gain until Dx10 is released with Vista, AND Dx10 games start coming out (which won't be for a long while).

Don't waste your money on a $800 card when a $400 card will give you near the same performance.

Also, the G8800's just came out, so they are highly overpriced. If you wait 6 months and wait until Dx10 and Dx10 games are released, the prices will drop considerably by then.

And my fault on the motherboard, I must have not read it close enough.

Here; http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813128025

However, keep in mind that is NOT an SLI motherboard. But again, games really haven't taken advantage of SLI and you really don't get any performance benefits from it for gaming. You are better off going with the single, non-Dx10 cards that several people have mentioned.

[Arden]

I don't know about that motherboard, I really want to have the option to upgrade to SLI in the future. Any other recommendations?

As for the optical drive, what suggestions do you have?

[.Maleficus.]

Reviews make this look pretty nice.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813188009

[Silenced_Coyote]

That IS a VERY nice board. Just because it is by EVGA, who isn't a major motherboard maker, it doesn't mean that it is some crappy, reference rebranded motherboard. The board is an overclocking beast; it will overclock your Core 2 Duo very well. There are a lot of BIOS options too. Another good thing is that it is price relatively cheap compared to the soon to be announed Asus Striker Extreme ($400 at ZipZoomFly... and $375 at places that I never heard of when I searched Froogle).

[Arden]

WOW, thats alot of money on a MoBo. What does it do that is so much better? When this "DX10" comes out, will I be able to run it? How long will it be "cutting edge?"



What i'm really getting at is: Is it worth 170 bucks more?


Edit: Okay, i'll get it. Here is my current setup, any more suggestions? I still need an optical drive recommendation.


BFG Tech BFGR7950512GTOCE GeForce 7950GT 512MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card - $269.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814143071

eVGA 122-CK-NF68-AR Socket T (LGA 775) NVIDIA nForce 680i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard - $259.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813188009

OCZ Platinum Revision 2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - $249.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820227139

Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 Conroe 2.13GHz 2M sharing L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor - $221.50
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819115004

PX-755SA 16X/8X/16X ,DVD+write/dvd+rewrite/dvd-read, 16X/6X ,dvd-write/dvd-rewrite - 119.99
http://www.amazon.com/PX-755SA-DVD%2Bwrite-dvd%2Brewrite-dvd-write-dvd-rewri/dp/B000F5LZ68/sr=1-5/qid=1163562769/ref=sr_1_5/002-5608594-9966406?ie=UTF8&s=pc

Enermax EG701AX-VE-SFMA 24Pin Power Supply / Noisetaker 600W - $127.95
http://www.coolerguys.com/840556018988.html

Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 (Perpendicular Recording Technology) 320GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - $94.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822148140

APEVIA (ASPIRE) X-Plorer ATXB8KLW-AL Black/Silver Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case -$59.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811144103

D-Link DWL-G510 IEEE 802.11b/g 32bit PCI2.2 2.4G Wireless Adapter up to 54Mbps Data Rates 64/128-Bit WEP, 802.1x, WPA - $29.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16833127145

MITSUMI Black 1.44MB 3.5" Internal USB 2.0 digital card reader with Floppy Drive Model FA404M BLK - 18.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16821104104

Dual Blue Cold Cathode Kit - $7.99
http://www.xoxide.com/bluecathode.html

BELKIN F8E093 Anti-Static Wrist Strap -$5.49
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16899888207

18" UV Sensitive Single Device Round IDE Cable - $3.49
http://www.xoxide.com/uvsesichidec.html

Microsoft Windows Vista- Unnanounced
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/

[Silenced_Coyote]

So you are willing to pay $800 for a water cooled 8800GTX from BFG, then you would have to pay another $100-$300 (depending on what water cooling parts you buy) but you aren't willing to fork over $250 for a motherboard?

The EVGA motherboard will make your Core 2 Duo E6400 (overclocked) perform better than a X6800 (stock). This also applies to the E6300.

Nothing is cutting edge for long. But that really doesn't matter. This board will stay with you for a long time unless you are a ver frequent upgrader with a lot of cash. But even then, you would just be wasting your money. This board can take Intel quad core and future Intel products that require a 1333 MHz Front Side Bus. So you still got a very good upgrade path that is available to you. The board can take 3 GPUs, so you are ready when NIVIDIA is going to launch their "Quantum Physics".

Save about $115 if you drop down to the E6300, a IDE CD/DVD burner, and forget the anti-static wrist strap. Money better spent on a motherboard.

[Arden]

Thanks, thats what I was asking. Now do you havve any recommendations on an optical drive.

[xdxforever]

I would like to point out that it would be much easier and cheaper to get a standard fan cooled 8800GTX. the performance One of these cards gives in current games IS BETTER THAN ANY SLI SETUP! read a review on anandtech.com for clarification.
If you cant justify the price for one of these: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130072
then you can still get similar performance with the GTS for $200 less: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130071

for a dvd burner this will do: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827151133
its cheap and has the best speeds, there are NEC drives for the same price i would reccomend and you can always get a different color face.

returning to the topic of motherboards: if you really want SLI and good overclocking with the C2D then the 680i boards are the only way to go. if you are willing to have a worse OC then get a 570 board (way cheaper), if you are willing to not have SLI but have a good OC then there are many choices with an Intel 965 being probably the best (also much cheaper).
Personally i would give up the SLI because you will get great performance without it and once you need more performance new tech will make upgrading a better choice.
#1: the EVGA mentioned above
#2: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813127014
#3: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131032
between 2 and 3 would be a P965 intel but i dont like them really myself, you have to get memory that will boot at low voltage... they cost $150.

[Arden]

Thanks, I swapped the optical for the one you suggested. As for the motherboard and GPU it seems like there is a bit of a disagreement between you and some other member, so i'll wait for more opinions.

[Arden]

err...bump....any more suggestions?

[jreffy]

Again, save your money and go with a moderately high GPU. Right now it's not critical to get the "top of the line" GPU as there are diminishing returns the higher up you go.

In my opinion, you're not getting the best bang for your buck buying a card that's specifically made for Dx10, when Dx10 is NOT released and won't be for a few months, and furthermore there are no games that will be released for Dx10 within the next 6 months.

Wait it out, save your money. The other reason is that these 8800 cards that are "the best thing out there" right now, will drop severely in price over the next few months, while still being kick ass cards.

[Arden]

Okay, thanks for all the suggestions. I am going to post my final setup. I ask for one more read through from all of you. Any suggestions or alterations?


BFG Tech BFGR7950512GTOCE GeForce 7950GT 512MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card - $269.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814143071

eVGA 122-CK-NF68-AR Socket T (LGA 775) NVIDIA nForce 680i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard - $259.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813188009

OCZ Platinum Revision 2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - $249.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820227139

Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 Conroe 2.13GHz 2M sharing L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor - $221.50
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819115004

Enermax EG701AX-VE-SFMA 24Pin Power Supply / Noisetaker 600W - $127.95
http://www.coolerguys.com/840556018988.html

Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 (Perpendicular Recording Technology) 320GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - $94.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822148140

APEVIA (ASPIRE) X-Plorer ATXB8KLW-AL Black/Silver Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case -$59.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811144103

SAMSUNG Black 18X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 18X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2M Cache E-IDE/ATAPI DVD Burner - $29.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827151133

D-Link DWL-G510 IEEE 802.11b/g 32bit PCI2.2 2.4G Wireless Adapter up to 54Mbps Data Rates 64/128-Bit WEP, 802.1x, WPA - $29.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16833127145

MITSUMI Black 1.44MB 3.5" Internal USB 2.0 digital card reader with Floppy Drive Model FA404M BLK - 18.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16821104104

Dual Blue Cold Cathode Kit - $7.99
http://www.xoxide.com/bluecathode.html

BELKIN F8E093 Anti-Static Wrist Strap -$5.49
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16899888207

18" UV Sensitive Single Device Round IDE Cable - $3.49
http://www.xoxide.com/uvsesichidec.html

Microsoft Windows Vista- Unnanounced
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/

[jreffy]

Everything looks fine to me. And in retrospect I really do like the idea of forking otu the extra money for the 680i Motherboard. It may be a bit expensive, but it sets you up for any upgrades that will come out for the next year +. So you won't have to bother putting in a new mobo for any new GPUs or processors that come out.

Good luck with your build!

[Silenced_Coyote]

Which Vista version are you planning on getting?

[Arden]

The first..... I know it'll have glitches, but I don't want to end up buying two operating systems.

Question: Should I overclock? If I do, do you guys know of any good tutorials I should look at?

PS. I would like to thank all of you guys for the help. Special thanks to Jreffy and Silenced Coyote.

[Silenced_Coyote]

What do you mean by "the first"? Do you mean Home Basic? Just to let you know, Home Basic doesn't have the Aero feature. If that matters to you.

You should overclock if you want to. But your setup doesn't need to overclock. It will be able to play all the games perfectly fine. I think you should overclock only because you want to learn about it and feel like pushing your system. But remember, overclocking can damage your system.
Here is a pretty good guide (http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=263753).
Maybe someone else could direct you to a newer and better guide.

[Arden]

you mean home as opposed to like media center or pro right? what is the aero feature?

[Silenced_Coyote]

Windows Vista will be available in four distinct retail versions:

Windows Vista Home Basic, $199/$99.95 (full/upgrade)
Provides a basic platform for home users who want to keep tabs on email and Internet activity. Comes standard with Vista's new Search Explorer, Sidebar and Parental Controls.


Windows Vista Home Premium, $239/$159
Builds on Home Basic by adding the Windows Aero interface, Windows Media Center functionality, Windows Tablet PC technology and integrated DVD burning.


Windows Vista Business, $299/$199
Supports the Aero user interface, offers improved document managing and Windows Tablet PC functionality.


Windows Vista Ultimate, $399/$259
Vista Ultimate combines the functionality of Vista Home Premium and Vista Business.

You can read some more about Vista from Microsoft. (Link (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/))

Here is the page talking about the new Aero interface. (Link (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/experiences/aero.mspx))

[Arden]

probably home premium...but whats it mean $239/$159


thats a big difference to me...

[Arden]

if i have xp on another computer....and i have the disk for that install....could i do that?

[ajmilton]

technically, yes.
legally/ethically/morally, probably not.
i'm not clear on microsoft's requirements for upgrades, but the assumption is that the new OS replaces the old one. that is a bit of a fuzzy area of what to do with the old OS if you still have the discs on that

and i sure don't feel like reading EULAs to find out :P

[monoflap]

Personally, I would not overclock a system like that until I owned it for a good while. Your set up should play the vast majority of games perfectly fine for some time so its really unnecessary. Also, when you overclock you drastically reduce the lifetime of your hardware, especially if you are aggressive.

[Arden]

ty, i wont overclock than.

Edit: If vista isn't out in time I plan on running Ubuntu. Will that work.

[Arden]

Bump....can i run ubuntu on this? also will games work fine off of ubuntu?

[.Maleficus.]

Yes you can run Ubuntu on it. I have Edgy Eft (6.10) running on my computer right now. It works great.

Most games aren't Linux compatible, but you can get Cedega or Wine to try to get them running. Cedega costs money (not much, but more than I want to pay) and Wine is free. You will have better luck with Cedega but Wine is just as capable of playing some games. Check out the websites for more info.

Wine - http://www.winehq.com/
Cedega - http://www.transgaming.com/index.php?module=ContentExpress&func=display&ceid=2&meid=-1

[Arden]

TY for the help man. So what good pc games could I run? Also, how many monitors will I be able to plug into this PC?

Edit: Also, what are your guy's thoughts on Physx cards? Are they worth the $?

[Arden]

bump.

edit: question, how good is the integrated audio on my mobo?

[Arden]

UPDATE: I am now in the process of installing windows xp. I switched the psu to an enermax liberty and the case to a really nice (and expensive)-=) antech

[jdbnsn]

You should be able to run two monitors off of that card. And as for on-board sound, well... I not so long ago told someone here that I thought the on-board was just as good as a soundcard. Now I have to say that I was wrong, I run an X-fi fatality and there is a clear distinction.