Computer build help

[yasunobu13]

Hello all, it's been 5 years since I last built a computer (the one I'm still using by the way), and as it has slowly been dying. Over the last year I've realized that it would be in my best interest to create a new build.

Now, last time I built a machine, PCI Express was just shining star in the near future and single core processors were the standard, so I may be a little lost and I'm looking for some assistance.



Here's my build at newegg with details and links for all the items.

A few notes:

• Any input is appreciated
• I used to use AMD quite a bit, but I am purposely buying Intel this time around
• I'm an nVidia whore, so I'd prefer to stick with an nVidia 9 series card
• I'll mostly be using this for playing games, graphics programming and recording TV shows with some internet surfing
• I need the most help with the motherboard (the EVGA board looks like it has most everything I need and the reviews are good, but I doubt I'll ever do a 3 SLI setup).
  
  I plan on buying a second graphics card once prices drop. At least one PCI slot and 2 PCI Express 2.0 slots are a must. Some eSATA ports would be nice though.
• 5 or 6 channel not a must at all. If I ever have my computer's sound up I will be listening through headphones, so stereo will suffice.

Thanks

[MyFriendIsATaco]

The only thing I'd suggest is getting some higher quality RAM. It'll pay off in the end. A good set of 2GB should set you back around $200+. The cheap-o stuff goes bad, (I've seen it happen many times), and it will all around make your system feel a bit sluggish.

[yasunobu13]

Actually, I used that brand of RAM in my last build and has lasted me 5 years without a single piece of trouble, and the reviews for this RAM have always been glowing. So, I really need to know the benefit of RAM that's twice as costly.

I'm not being stubborn about it, I just want to hear people's opinions on why to use the more expensive stuff.

Do you have any specific suggestions (Corsair, OCZ, ...)?

[MyFriendIsATaco]

If it's been good for you, go for it. It just wasn't a brand I recognized and didn't look it up.

Also, I'm not the biggest guru on this stuff, I just know things here and there. I don't build computers anymore for this very reason!

[FlashLackey]

RAM is not what it was 5 years ago. I'm not an expert either. But, over the last two years or so, having the correct timing on RAM, etc. has been probably the biggest issue I've run in to. It seems like improving usage of RAM has been a focus of newer technology and it's become more finicky and complex as a result.

So, I second the recomendation to not skimp on the RAM.

I think the motherboard you choose might depend a lot on whether or not you're into over-clocking, modding, custom BIOS and all that mania. If so, ASUS seems to be the popular choice. If you're going for standard, long-term use and stability, I've been very happy with a simple Intel board I picked up recently. They offer good support and regular updates for it where-as, with my ASUS, you got the initial set of files from them and any tweaks or updates had to come from the great nerd under-ground. Just too much time needed to figure all that out unless you enjoy it for the process of it.

It also seems like you're spending a lot between the case and power supply. Seems like you should be able to get a sufficient combo of the two for half the price.

[yasunobu13]

Yes, I should have mentioned, I am not at all into overclocking, so no need for any of that.

The case is known for keeping the computer quiet and giving a lot of airflow to keep the whole system cool. The power supply, I'm mostly paying for the energy efficiency and the lack of noise. Both could definitely be replaced.

If anyone has any suggestions (specific items or favorite brands) mention them.

I'll check out the Intel boards.

[WannaBe_80z]

I use Corsair XMS2 and had the Corsair XMS series in my old build and my system is pretty quick and I have never had any problems and I don't game too often anymore but when I do it is usually cutting edge games maxed out. I got my 2 gigs for real cheap too- def not $200.

This is what I am running right now with all my old internal and external drives from my old system with my OS running on a WD 10,000 rpm Raptor.

My old mobo was a Asus and I didn't have one problem with it so I went with Asus this round as well but my first one decided to catch on fire the first time I turned it on. The replacement has worked perfect since but I have heard lots of reviews of Asus really going down the tubes quality wise and gigabyte being pretty decent and solid these days.

[gerbick]

Your RAM choice is ok with me... I'd rather pay the premium to get a higher CAS timing for my RAM, so that means I tend to get Corsair typically, I've switched to them for the last 7 years without incident.

Research into your choice of motherboard... EVGA isn't a bad brand name, but I can not say anything about their motherboards. They make good/moderate level video cards. Great job on the video card though... stick with that brand.

I'm back to Seagate hard drives mostly here too after the fiasco I've had with a group of Western Digital HD's - four 500gb SATA failures in less than a half-year in a machine that runs cooler than any machine I've had before it.

Just surprised that you didn't go quad-core for almost the same price(s) if you search around a bit. Maybe a 50-100.00 premium for a machine that you'll keep for another 4 years. I'm already planning to replace my dual-core machine as we speak.

[WannaBe_80z]

This might be a silly question but what is honestly the point of a triple core cpu? We have really nice high end dual core and the quad cores are really starting to shape up and for decent prices. I just don't see the point.

[gerbick]

Easy. It's for the casual users that don't know that a triple core is basically a failed quad core.

The extra core(s) do enhance normal things over dual or single core, so they might see that MS Word might not be as sluggish on open.

What better way to sell the CPU's that don't exactly make the cut?

[jAQUAN]

Didn't you go to school to learn to build hardware Yasu? If so this is an ironic thread

[Googooboyy]

Yasu, pretty decent config you've got going on. Btw, were you building this for Vista in mind?

Ooh, get the 10k rpm drives if you can afford to increase your budget a little. *Nudge nudge*

[WannaBe_80z]

I am sure you are bringing over your old HD's in this system but I always like to have my OS, apps, and games completely separate from my other misc files.

[random25]

I ordered the Zotac 9600gt video card from ewiz for around $150.00, it had the highest clock rate of all the 9600 cards.

I installed it just yesterday, I cant believe how good the graphics look in unreal 3. Totally kicks the crap out of my old 6600.

[FlashLackey]

Yes, I should have mentioned, I am not at all into overclocking, so no need for any of that.

Overclocking is like the Low Carb phenomenon of computer hardware. You can probably save a decent amount by getting a mobo that has the same basic specs without overclocking features.

Don't get anything EVGA. I had one of their graphics cards die. Not that that was horrible by itself. Hardware fails. But, when I sent it back for replacement, they sent me the same, still broken, card back, all packaged up like it was a different one. PIA.

The case is known for keeping the computer quiet and giving a lot of airflow to keep the whole system cool. The power supply, I'm mostly paying for the energy efficiency and the lack of noise. Both could definitely be replaced.

I think I picked up my case/power supply combo for $80. I'm skeptical that the shape of cases and where they put the holes has a dramatic effect on flow and temp. I think you would do just as well to get a basic, inexpensive case and replace all the fans with quiet Thermaltake's similar to the set-up Wannabe has. I've never even heard of a heat-pipe cooled power supply. The best supply they were selling at Frye's a couple years ago was $80 and I thought that was a lot for a PS. Maybe I'm behind the times on that though.

Heat and noise are kind of subjective things. There's always ways to spend more and improve there. So, that's more of a what's it worth to you type of preference. I can say though that the aftermarket fans are a huge improvement over the throw-aways that they usually include in cases (and power supplies).

[yasunobu13]

Your RAM choice is ok with me... I'd rather pay the premium to get a higher CAS timing for my RAM

I have to say, RAM timings have always confused me. All I figured out was lower is better. Anyone have links as to what it all means?

Didn't you go to school to learn to build hardware Yasu? If so this is an ironic thread

I went to school to learn how to program computers, not build them.

---
I'm looking at cases and I'm not seeing much. What brands for motherboards other than Asus and Intel do you people recommend?

[gerbick]

By "higher" I meant consistently lower. CAS timing - hit up Wikipedia or read this...

[yasunobu13]

whoops, didn't mean for that to read in that way. I know what you were saying; thanks for the link.

[FlashLackey]

Also download the manual for any board you intend on buying and make sure the ram you choose is on their list of supported modules.

I had a set of ram sticks that had all the correct timings for my ASUS board. But, they still wouldn't work on it. I ended up returning and buying different ram sets 2 additional times and none of them would work on that board. Finally, after having owned the board for about 2 years, ASUS released a BIOS update "for improved ram compatibility" and then the ram set (I hadn't returned yet) worked. By then, I had concluded that the board was broken and bought the Intel board (which had no such ram problems). But, all along it was some flaw in ASUS' BIOS.

Bottom line is that you can't even rely on the recomended timing settings and bus speeds to guarantee they will be compatible with a given board. So, you'll want to make sure that the product id number for the ram is listed as being tested and approved by the mobo company.