Build a computer - could I get some feedback?

[Eric Boyer]

Hey,

Long story short I need to put together a new computer. I'm reluctant to do this because I don't want to spend the money. However, I want to try, with my modest budget, to make it last me a while. My last one served me reasonably well for 5+ years.

Here my list of components:

Power Supply: 550W Corsair HX (Dual SLI Compatible) (Silent Edition)
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E6550 2.33GHz (1333MHz Front Side Bus) (4MB Cache)
Motherboard: nVidia 650i Core 2 Quad (nForce 650i Ultra)
Memory: 2GB DDR2 Corsair at 800MHz XMS2 (Dual Channel)
Digital Media Card Reader
Hard Drive 1: 160GB Western Digital (16MB Cache) (7200 RPM) (SATA)
Hard Drive 2: 250GB Western Digital (16MB Cache) (7200 RPM) (SATA)
Setup hard drive 1 and 2 in a Raid 0 Stripe
Optical Drive 1: DVD-ROM/CD-ROM (DVD Reader 16x / CD Reader 40x)
Optical Drive 2: DVD-R/RW/CD-R/RW (DVD Writer 20x / CD-Writer 48x) (LightScribe Edition)
Network Card: High Speed Network Port (Supports High-Speed Cable / DSL / Network Connections)
Video Card: nVidia GeForce 8600GT 512MB (PCI-Express)
Sound Card: Motherboard Multi-Channel High Definition Audio
Cooling: Air Cooled Stage 2 (Silent Artic Cooling Heat-sink (Copper Heatpipes)
Windows OS: Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium
Office: Microsoft Office 2007 Home and Student (Word Excel PowerPoint OneNote)

I don't if this is overkill or what - I just know what needs to go together to make a computer...I guess.

All I really need it to do is connect to the internet, run Photoshop, run Word, and the occasional game. Specifically I'm holding out for the Ghostbusters game coming out in the fall (I'm a GB fanatic).

Do you think the nvidia geforce 8600GT will be able to handle that game when it comes out? (and hold up for the next few years?) Should I get the GTS instead? Or do you think I should bite the bullet and get something in the 8800 series?

Also I'm having problems getting a definitive answer as to whether the 8600GT is SLI capable or not. It'd be nice to know if I could add a second video card down the road to keep up.

Speaking of bitting the bullet; I guess I'm going to have to get Vista because I assume it's going to be the new standard whether people like it or not. I'm curious what the 64 bit version of it entails though?

Oh, last question (for now) - I take it the input on the integrated soundcard on the mobo is sufficient for recording my bass? (effects demos..etc.)

So, anything up there look like it might not cut the mustard?

Any input in this would greatly appreciated,

-Eric

[Sir Edward V]

Originally Posted by Eric Boyer

Oh, last question (for now) - I take it the input on the integrated soundcard on the mobo is sufficient for recording my bass? (effects demos..etc.)

I don't really trust any input on a computer to not have noise issues... but I haven't used any quality ones... I'd go with something that connects via USB or firewire if you want quality.

[Eric Boyer]

Originally Posted by Sir Edward V

I don't really trust any input on a computer to not have noise issues... but I haven't used any quality ones... I'd go with something that connects via USB or firewire if you want quality.

Ah, cool - good to know.

Yeah, I definitely want to make sure this computer a bajillion USB ports

-Eric

[Sir Edward V]

Originally Posted by Eric Boyer

Ah, cool - good to know.

Yeah, I definitely want to make sure this computer a bajillion USB ports

-Eric

Oh yeah, you should probably buy a PCI USB Bus... haha unless the motherboard comes with some? do they do that?

[bobbykokinos]

I just built a E6550 several months ago as a home theater/gaming PC.. Whats your budget? I might be able to give you some suggestions based on what I got..

The biggest thing I can say, and I can stress it enough, skip the 8600GT and get the 8800GT.. I originally bought the 8600GT and returned it a week later for the 8800GT and am 100% glad I did.. I play Crysis on this system with little slow down..

I running Vista Ultimate 32bit edition I believe. If you turn off all of the fancy crap and services you dont need, it actually takes less RAM then WinXP

Integrated sound CD works fine for me..

Let me know your budget, or PM me if you wish, and I'll try to help you out.

[Eric Boyer]

I knew there's was something I forgot to post: my budget.

Ideally, I'm trying to keep this under $1500.

Actually I also forgot to mention that I use my computer for watching DVDs and taking screencaps, so maybe I should be looking at the one of the 8800's?

Bobbykokinos, are you overclocking at all? I'm debating doing it with this computer - it'd be my first try though.

I've heard that disabling and tweaking all lot of the non essential stuff in Vista makes it tolerable.

-Eric

[Eric Boyer]

I guess I should mention that that'd be $1500 Canadian

-Eric

[Sir Edward V]

Originally Posted by Eric Boyer

I knew there's was something I forgot to post: my budget.

Ideally, I'm trying to keep this under $1500.

Actually I also forgot to mention that I use my computer for watching DVDs and taking screencaps, so maybe I should be looking at the one of the 8800's?

Bobbykokinos, are you overclocking at all? I'm debating doing it with this computer - it'd be my first try though.

I've heard that disabling and tweaking all lot of the non essential stuff in Vista makes it tolerable.

-Eric

In my computer engineering classes this quarter I found out exactly what clock speeds mean/are there for etc, and now I know reasons not to overclock... the biggest one being that your processor would be more prone to have errors calculating things. So don't overclock it too much, doing it a little shouldn't be a big deal since engineers give plenty of lee-way when designing these things just to make sure to minimize errors.

That said, I have never overclocked myself, and don't know how much faster they make things or anything

[improvpwnd]

[quote=Eric Boyer;5473336]

Do you think the nvidia geforce 8600GT will be able to handle that game when it comes out? (and hold up for the next few years?) Should I get the GTS instead? Or do you think I should bite the bullet and get something in the 8800 series?

Get the 8800 series.

Originally Posted by Eric Boyer

Also I'm having problems getting a definitive answer as to whether the 8600GT is SLI capable or not. It'd be nice to know if I could add a second video card down the road to keep up.

Yup it is...but SLI is NOT worth it. I have used SLI with 7600's and for the price I could have gotten a better performing single card which I did. Remember, SLI isn't compatible with all games--some games/apps will only recognize one card!

Originally Posted by Eric Boyer

Speaking of bitting the bullet; I guess I'm going to have to get Vista because I assume it's going to be the new standard whether people like it or not. I'm curious what the 64 bit version of it entails though?

TRY TRY TRY to get XP by any/all means if you plan on doing any kind of audio work with this computer... Vista STILL sucks.

Originally Posted by Eric Boyer

Oh, last question (for now) - I take it the input on the integrated soundcard on the mobo is sufficient for recording my bass? (effects demos..etc.)

Nope! Well, if you want decent sounding recordings... If all you need is something to record and playback to yourself just to hear it, built-in sound is fine, but just get an MBox or the M-Audio interface...they are cheap and do 48k/24bit!

Good luck on your purchase

[bobbykokinos]

I never overclock.. At your price range, if you want faster, get a heaftier processor instead of over clock..

Here is start.. This is based on some of what I used to build mine and what you want.. Its all from newegg.com and prices are after rebates:

Graphics Card 1: EVGA 512-P3-N801-AR GeForce 8800GT - $199.99
Graphics Card 2: EVGA 512-P3-N801-AR GeForce 8800GT - $199.99
Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD3200AAKS 320GB - $74.99
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-P31-DS3L LGA 775 - $68.99
Processor: E6550 - $169.99
Memory: A-DATA 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 800 - $33.99
Case: Whatever you Want… - $60.00
Power Supply: Antec Earthwatts 500W - $89.99
DVD/CD ROM: ASUS Black DVD-ROM DVD-E616A3T - $18.99
DVD-R: ASUS Black 20X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW Lightscribe - $31.99
OS: Microsoft Windows Vista 32-Bit Home Premium - $99.99
TOTAL: $1,048.90

You still have around $500 to change things up and pay for shipping! You have money to get a better sound input, better processor, and some games

[bobbykokinos]

Originally Posted by improvpwnd

TRY TRY TRY to get XP by any/all means if you plan on doing any kind of audio work with this computer... Vista STILL sucks.

I tend to disagree.. Vista is only as bad as the software you install on it.. If you DX10 support isnt important for newer games, then, yes, go with XP...But, if you get Vista, turn off all of the "pretty" junk on it.

I'm running it on a gaming system and my everyday laptop. So far, its been more reliable than my XP box.. Thats with all of the "prettiness" turned on..

[Eric Boyer]

Originally Posted by Sir Edward V

In my computer engineering classes this quarter I found out exactly what clock speeds mean/are there for etc, and now I know reasons not to overclock... the biggest one being that your processor would be more prone to have errors calculating things. So don't overclock it too much, doing it a little shouldn't be a big deal since engineers give plenty of lee-way when designing these things just to make sure to minimize errors.

That said, I have never overclocked myself, and don't know how much faster they make things or anything

I hear mixed arguments (pros and cons) about it, but I'm just going to steer away from overclocking. My biggest concern is if something goes wrong I definitely want to be covered by warranties and be able to get tech support.

That being said, I do know someone's who overclocks his 2.3mhz cpu up to 3.2mhz - but apparently can significantly shorten it's lifespan no matter how well it's cooled.

Improvpwnd, that was some super helpful info, escpecially about the vid cards - thanks!

Originally Posted by bobbykokinos

I never overclock.. At your price range, if you want faster, get a heaftier processor instead of over clock..

Here is start.. This is based on some of what I used to build mine and what you want.. Its all from newegg.com and prices are after rebates:

Graphics Card 1: EVGA 512-P3-N801-AR GeForce 8800GT - $199.99
Graphics Card 2: EVGA 512-P3-N801-AR GeForce 8800GT - $199.99
Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD3200AAKS 320GB - $74.99
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-P31-DS3L LGA 775 - $68.99
Processor: E6550 - $169.99
Memory: A-DATA 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 800 - $33.99
Case: Whatever you Want… - $60.00
Power Supply: Antec Earthwatts 500W - $89.99
DVD/CD ROM: ASUS Black DVD-ROM DVD-E616A3T - $18.99
DVD-R: ASUS Black 20X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW Lightscribe - $31.99
OS: Microsoft Windows Vista 32-Bit Home Premium - $99.99
TOTAL: $1,048.90

You still have around $500 to change things up and pay for shipping!

First, althoughI wish we had newegg, since I'm up in Canada I'd probably deal with www.tigerdirect.ca (I already can't find the E6550 on their site ) but that certainly is a decent rig, and the price sure is right.

-Eric

[improvpwnd]

Originally Posted by bobbykokinos

I tend to disagree.. Vista is only as bad as the software you install on it.. If you DX10 support isnt important for newer games, then, yes, go with XP...But, if you get Vista, turn off all of the "pretty" junk on it.

I'm running it on a gaming system and my everyday laptop. So far, its been more reliable than my XP box.. Thats with all of the "prettiness" turned on..

How about a little OS X for prettiness AND stability?!

[Eric Boyer]

Well, this video made me fell a *little* better about the possibility of running Vista:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0T1QMUOt9IE

-Eric

[improvpwnd]

Originally Posted by Eric Boyer

Well, this video made me fell a *little* better about the possibility of running Vista:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0T1QMUOt9IE

-Eric

Isn't he just giving a rundown of Vista's interface? If you want to get Vista, just make sure that you know that it will be fully compatible with the software you plan on using... and unless you know every piece of software you are going to be using, how will you know if its Vista ready?

FYI, some popular audio applications such as Pro Tools and Nuendo aren't...

[BetterBottomEnd]

Go with 4Gb of RAM especially if you are considering Vista. get 2x 2Gb stick so you have more space to upgrade with tossing the old stuff. SLI is probably unnecessary but if you have the cash go for it. RAID is not worth your time and trouble. Drop some money on quality air cooling components and a good power supply. Probably the most overlooked part of your system but if everything is getting rock solid voltage its more stable and has a longer life. Also drop a couple bucks for a non-integrated sound card. It's an inexpensive way to drop a little load off you CPU and have better sound. Still probably not suitable for recording more then clips and ideas.

[improvpwnd]

Originally Posted by BetterBottomEnd

Go with 4Gb of RAM especially if you are considering Vista.

Only if you get a 64bit operating system (XP or Vista)...
A 32bit operating system can barely access 2 gigs of RAM even under the most strenuous conditions.

[TrooperFarva]

I'd get bigger hard drives if I were you, hard drives are dirt cheap

750GB Drive for $140

[DigMe]

Raid isn't worth it unless you are really into gaming. Then I'd say it is. If you do set up RAID then get two identical drives.

Here's a tip - Next month some of the processor prices are going to have big price drops due to Intel releasing the rest of their new Penryn line of procs. This is a scheduled price drop that is trickling straight down from Intel. Look for the Q6600 to drop down to around $220ish. The Q6700 should drop down under $300.

Overclocking is not dangerous if you read up on it and make small increases. It can result in performance that is equal to much more expensive processors.

that's all I have time to say right now. best of luck.

bc

[BetterBottomEnd]

Originally Posted by improvpwnd

Only if you get a 64bit operating system (XP or Vista)...
A 32bit operating system can barely access 2 gigs of RAM even under the most strenuous conditions.

Do explain because I've set up multiple XP systems with 4GB of RAM with no problem. Understanding of course that XP can only access a total of 4GB of memory that means with a 512MB video card its 3.5GB system RAM. I still wouldn't really touch 64-bit for most people.