Advice on proposed computer build

[elsmandino]

Hello everyone,

I am proposing to build the following PC:

Antec P-182
2 X 2GB Corsair PC6400 RAM
E8400
ASUS P5Q-E
HDD X for
1TB Samsung Spinpoint OR 640GB Western Digital Caviar Black (For OS and Programmes)
1TB Samsung Spinpoint (For important Documents and Media)
Corsair TX 750W
Sapphire Radeon HD 4850 - Vapour X
Pioneer DVR-215
XP

By way of background, I shall be buying Windows 7 64-bit, when it comes out and then maxing the Ram.
I am not a big gamer and am unlikely to upgrade the graphics card and will certainly not be adding
a second card - the only likely future upgrades would be a couple more hard drives, perhaps more fans (if needed), a TV Tuner Card/TV Capture Card and a dedicated sound card. I might upgrade to a Quadcore in the next few years - my current computer is an AMD XP 2500, so you can see I leave quite a while between upgrades. I am also certain I would like to take the Intel rather than AMD route.

Other than the usual, I use my comp for basic video editing and music recording with Cubase and the like.

Have spent quite a while coming up with the above specs and would be really grateful for your comments before I take the plunge - anything that I should change, recommended alternatives or additions etc.

The only thing that I have noted that is that perhaps the 750W is perhaps overkill, even including head room for upgrades. I know that having a much more powerful PSU than requested is not bad, but is a waste of cash if a weaker PSU would do. PSUs are something I know little about and am not entirely sure.

Another thing is the hard drive I should use for my system files. The Caviar is slightly faster than the spinpoint, but the spinpoint is a whole 320GB extra for little extra cost - what would you choose?

Would also be grateful for any estimates on how much you think this would cost to put together - is it better to buy separately or get it pre-built by a company (I have read online that getting it done this way can be pretty competitive).

Many thanks

Al

 

[elconejito]

The only thing that really pops out is you may as well get PC8500 RAM instead of PC6400. The cost difference is negligible and if you decide on overclocking it will give you a little more headroom.

Personally, I'd go with the WD 640GB, but you're OK with either drive. If you're only keeping OS/apps on the first drive, then the extra storage space isn't really a factor.

For the PSU, yeah that 750 is way overkill Corsair has a 400w (400CX?) that is pretty good. Antec 500w (EA500) is also good, and maybe the EA380 also, but that might be cutting a little close. There are other options in the ~$50 range with good quality and efficiency. You really aren't asking much of the PSU with those components.

Prices off the top of my head would be 100 for case, 50 for RAM, 150 for that CPU, 100 for the mobo, 150 for the 2 HDDs, 50 for PSU, 120 for video, 30 for dvd, 100 for OS is a total of 850. Personally, the only time I go for pre-built is buying absolutely cheapest I can. It's really impossible to compete at the low-end with OEMs. But for middle and high-end it's always best to (IMO) build your own. You won't get an e8400 from an OEM, you won't get as nice a case as that P182. You won't get a second HDD without paying through the nose for it (markup on drives and RAM is insane). And it will also limit your upgrade options. If in a year or two you want to get a quad it's an easy drop-in upgrade on a custom built rig, odds are 50/50 on an OEM. Ditto with RAM or HDD upgrades.

Also, since you've got "important Documents and Media" listed next to the storage drive, make sure you have a good backup plan. Matter of fact, the cash you save from downgrading the PSU I'd invest in an external drive.

 

[ChaiBabbaChai]

Samsung Spinpoints = garbage / avoid / not worth the paper the money is printed on / avoid / caution / danger / come on dude you can do better for your important files

XP = no good for new hardware.

everything else looks good enough.

 

[M0RPH]

The Q8400 is only a few bucks more. I would go with a quad for the type of use you mentioned.

Also if you have a Microcenter nearby you can get great deals on Intel quads. I believe they were selling the Q9400 for $130 and Q9550 for $170. Check the hot deals forum.

 

[elconejito]

^^^ also the Q8200 for $120.

But between all of those a Q9550 for $170 is the winner.