This will be my very first build. I've been gaming for far too long with subpar systems and I decided it's time to build my own system. My budget is going to be around $1300 max. Since this is my first time building a system from the ground up, I just want to make sure I have everything I will need for the system to work properly. If there is anything that I have missed or compatibility issues please let me know. I do plan on making a slight attempt to overclock in the future once I'm a little more confident and have reasearched more, however, I don't plan on going SLI. ( That's for running two graphic cards if i'm not mistaken?) When using the Antec Nine Hundred case, do I need to consider if the power cable from my PSU is long enough to connect to the mobo, since the Nine Hundred holds the PSU at the bottom? I've only been able to locate OEM Hard drives, will I run into any complications with this seeing how it doesn't incude the wiring/manual and disk? If so, what will I need to purchase to complete the installation? Here is what I am considering so far after alot of research. Thanks for any help in advance. CASE: Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021 $119.00 - $40 mail in rebate = $79.99 PSU: Corsair VX 550W Power Supply - CMPSU-550VX http://www.buy.com/prod/Corsair-VX-550W-Power-Supply/q/loc/101/205852646.html $83.04 - $15 mail in rebate = 68.04 CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz 2 x 4MB L2 Cache LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115017 $279.99 MOTHERBOARD: GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128059 $99.00 OR GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3R LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail Ultra Durable 2, ultra cooling http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128050 $126.99 Cooling/Heatsink: ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186134 $21.99 MEMORY: CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145034&Tpk=Corsair+XMS+RAM $87.00 - $40.00 Mail In Rebate = $47.00 VIDEO CARD: XFX PVT88PYDF4 GeForce 8800GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150252 $269.99 HARD DRIVE: Western Digital Caviar SE WD5000AAJS 500GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136178 $94.99 Optical Drive: LITE-ON Black 20X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 20X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA DVD Burner - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106057 $34.99 OS: Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition http://www.microsoft.com/products/i...=22&pcid=a9d2c448-eb05-4a2b-a062-9c711c533e0c $200.00 LCD Monitor: Depends on final configuration cost w/shipping Sound card: Going to pick one up later
All looks good to me. OEM hard drives are fine, you should get all the cables you need with the motherboard anyhow. With that in mind I'd also consider getting an OEM version of windows, maybe goto PRO instead of Home Edition
yeah, you can save one hell of a lot with OEM Windows. The cables should be long enough from the PSU around the case. You cant go far wrong with that CPU cooler either (just ordered the AMD version for myself) Also, if you have the money, go for 4Gig of RAM, you will benefit a lot (even if you arent using 64bit OS) more RAM the better. other than this, I think that makes a good build. I have a W.Digital hard drive and I like it, I can barely ever hear it and I will probably stick with W.Digital when I buy a couple more sometime soon. From just looking over the motherboards I say go for the cheaper one unless you really want those 2 extra SATA ports
get 4GB run XP Pro... but maybe better with vista64 don't particularly like Corsair XMS and XMS2 series. imho, it's a mix bag of ... <self censored>
Great, thanks for the advice. I did consider an OEM OS at first but I am really unclear on the OEM version of the Windows XP Home OS. From what I understand, you can only download this version once, if you try to upgrade/swap out your MOBO then you won't be able to use this copy. What if I have a faulty MOBO and have to order a new one, will I have to purchase another copy of Windows XP Home afterwards. How exactly does that work? As far as the OEM version, will it even be a good idea for a first time builder to use OEM or should I opt for the retail version. Also, when dealing with the OEM version, would everything be included that would allow me to apply the software with ease as a first time builder? I did get some advice concerning the OEM OS from someone else prior to this but I'm still a little uneasy going that route. He was basically saying that he wouldn't suggest OEM versions of Windows. It's just too much bother if you change hardware and have to keep contacting Microsoft to verify you are not a pirate or something. He suggest getting the full non oem version so I can install it if necessary each time I upgrade or rebuild my machine without too much hassle. As much as I hate to say it, I would rather spend the extra $100 on the retail if it would be less of a hassle in the long run and get a monitor later.
That's a very good build. Personally, I would have gone for a very similar build if I was building a PC now. Stay with the 2GB of RAM.
I may eventually add more Ram, I'm trying to keep it affordable for now though. Any suggestions on similar priced ram that would be compatible with that mobo and video card? Also, I was looking at this OEM OS: Microsoft Windows XP Professional With SP2C - OEM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116400 $139.99 Is that a decent choice if I do decide to go with the OEM version?
MOTHERBOARD: GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128059 $99.00 This one above was actually my first choice until someone else suggested the second one because it has more SATA ports and RAID and more cables (for my OEM drives) and a bit better audio. You guys will have to forgive my ignorance, I'm learning slowly but I want to make sure everything is compatible and I get the best buy so I don't end up with a mess once I try to put everything together. I'm researching the SATA and RAID right now but it's all still a little over my head at the moment. Great suggestions so far everyone, thanks!
I think OEM XP Pro is good for gaming with 2GB. Re.. that ANTEC case is very solid and nicely built. if you want a better value for casing... may be you like to consider CM690.. $34.99 after $45.00 Mail-In Rebate http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119137&Tpk=coolermaster%2bcm%2b690 very nice build. good hunting.
Another quick question, how compatible is this mobo with the memory I have selected below? MOTHERBOARD: GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128059 MEMORY: CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145034&Tpk=Corsair+XMS+RAM or are these a lot better? Crucial Ballistix Dual Channel 2048MB PC6400 DDR2 800MHz EPP Memory (2x 1024MB) http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicat...-details.asp?EdpNo=1558870&body=WARRANTY#tabs I looked at the manufacturer's QVL to compare the memory for the motherboard's Memory Standard which is DDR2 1066. Will the 800 cards I have selected above run efficiently on this motherboard? I'm assuming the 1066 is just the highest MHz the card can go. If I'm not mistaken only the Crucial memory is compatible but I just wanted to be sure. Thanks again. http://www.gigabyte-usa.com/FileList/MemorySupport/motherboard_memory_ga-p35-ds3l_1.0.pdf
The Mobo and ram should work fine together as the mobo supports ddr2 up to 1066MHz. Hope this helped Good build =]
The case is horrible to build with. Instead, try the newr Coolermaster CM690. The power supply, you will want modular. THe Corsair HX520 is a bit more, but a much better choice. Make sure the Q6600 is a G0, and get the DS3R board. The Freezer 7 Pro won't be enough for the Q6600, try a Tuniq Tower, Hyper 212, or Ultra 120 Extreme. Get a Samsung drive if you want quietness, a Seagate for speed, but the WD is overall pretty good. The memory is expensive, this kit is just as good but cheaper: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3403880&CatId=2368 GO with XP OEM, and if you need to replace a motherboard, due to fault or something, just contact MS.
That not what I've read, there are numerous stories about it going over 3GHz no problem with a cooler 7... never tried it myself though
