Building new gaming PC

[Internets]

Hello all.

My intent of purpose is to build a desktop capable of high end gaming (circa 09/2008) and blazing fast media processing/encoding. I have an $1800MAX budget but would like to see a system for $1500. I intend to recycle my 19" LCD(1280x1024), mouse, and keyboard. All other parts are fair game.

I wish to use an Intel/Nvidia platform unless I can be convinced there is better value in ATi. Take in mind I value Nvidia(s) support and driver capabilities. The last meeting I had with ATi was through their 9800PRO. Have the feature set of ATi drivers improved with this new generation of GPUs?

I have preference for OEM CPU so I can provide my own heatsink. I like an even balance of effective cooling and silence. No unnecessarily loud fans. What do you recommend for LGA775 processors?

I am a bit of an audiophile and enjoy having optical and coaxial inputs. Do not discount the sound card for on board audio if better options are available.

Lastly, I do not intend to overclock. I would like a fast system at stock speeds.

This is my preliminary build:

Case: LIAN LI PC-65B Black Aluminum ATX Mid Tower - $119.99
Power supply: SeaSonic M12 SS-700HM 700W ATX12V V2.3 / EPS12V V2.91 Modular Active PFC - $159.99
Motherboard: ASUS Maximus II Formula LGA 775 Intel P45 - $264.99
Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775-OEM - $184.99 *What heat sink to go with this?
Memory: CORSAIR DOMINATOR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) - $149.00
Video card: EVGA GeForce GTX 260 896MB 448-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 - $279.99

Hard drives:
-system drive: Western Digital VelociRaptor WD1500HLFS 150GB 10000 RPM - $179.99
-storage drive: Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA - $189.99 x 2 - Want to setup in RAID
---------------------

I am a bit unsure about my choice of motherboard. I think it is a bit pricey but I like some of the features it has such as automatic RAID with no need for additional OS drivers. Does anyone have personal experience they can share about this motherboard?

I'm also unsure about the quality of my RAM and if I do not intend to overclock can I get DDR800? Is there any performance loss from DDR800 to DDR1066? Is it simply an overclocking difference?

What about my choice of graphics card? Is the GTX260 worth the price versus performance or is there better to be found?

Do you find the Velociraptor to be a frivolous expense? I heard the Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB was a blazing fast alternative at a fraction of the price. Is this true?

 

[sonnygdude]

If you're not OC'ing, the motherboard seems like overkill. If by "automatic RAID" you mean the ASUS Smartdrive or whatever it's called, I think this mobo has it as well for a much more reasonable price:

P5Q Pro at Newegg

As for memory, if you're sure you're not OC'ing I think you could go as low as DDR2-533 with that CPU as I believe it has a 1033 stock FSB. If you get faster memory you can run it at higher speeds by changing the divider ratio.

The GTX260 seems like a good card, but I personally don't know. At that price point you could also get an HD4870, which in my experience is a very nice card, and it seems to be a tossup which of those is actually faster (one seems to be faster in some games, the other in different games).

In my experience, the 6400AAKS is a very sporty drive, there seems to be a lot of opinion out there that the Velociraptor, while speedier, doesn't offer enough of a gain to be worth the extra money. Especially given that you could buy two of the 6400AAKS for the price of that Velociraptor

Edit: Whoops, one thing I forgot to mention - if you're serious about just re-using the monitor and running at 1280x1024, both the GTX260 and HD4870 I mentioned are way overkill. Unless you have firm plans to upgrade to a bigger monitor, don't get those cards, buy the time you do buy a monitor there will probably be better performance for price from newer ones. You can probably find something that will scream at that resolution in the $120-$130 range, if not even cheaper (HD3870? 9800GT?)

 

[Internets]

I will get a faster GPU in lieu of being able to upgrade monitors in the future. I hope to be on a 24" at some point. I also do not see the point in going below DDR2-800 when I find the price for 4GB more than agreeable.

Any recommendation on heat sinks? I will keep looking into the motherboard options. The P5Q was on my list for sometime I just found the Maximus Formula II so pleasing from an engineering standpoint.

Does any one have thoughts about Nvidias motherboard chipsets? Still shadowed by Intel? A viable solution for future home computing?

 

[sonnygdude]

Originally posted by: Internets
I will get a faster GPU in lieu of being able to upgrade monitors in the future. I hope to be on a 24" at some point. I also do not see the point in going below DDR2-800 when I find the price for 4GB more than agreeable.

Nope, don't disagree with you there. The prices for 4GB of -800 are great right now, and you can always run the RAM faster through the divider even if you're not OC'ing. I could even argue that for $5-10 more it would be worth it to get -1000 just to have more overhead. But it's certainly not necessary

Any recommendation on heat sinks? I will keep looking into the motherboard options. The P5Q was on my list for sometime I just found the Maximus Formula II so pleasing from an engineering standpoint.

That mobo does ahve high e-peen points. I'm using an AC Freezer 7 Pro, it shoud be good for stock speeds, but I've heard tell that it's not a serious enough HSF for OC'ing

Does any one have thoughts about Nvidias motherboard chipsets? Still shadowed by Intel? A viable solution for future home computing?

My impression is that Nvidia mobo chipsets are plagued by stability issues and are generally undesirable if you're not planning on SLI graphics solutions

 

[Roguestar]

If you're not overclocking, here are some thoughts:
Get DDR2-800 like you thought, you'll not even use its speeds so DDR2-1066 would be a bigger waste.
Get a cheaper motherboard. You don't need all the overclocking bells and whilstles on that one. Check out the Asus P5Q instead.
Do not use RAID-0, incase that's what you're thinking. Ideally if you're using RAID it'd be with a hardware controller.
Ditch the MoneyShredder, I mean, VelociRaptor for the WD 640GB like you've considered.
Get an ATI 4870 or 4850 instead of the GeForce.
This power supply: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817139006 is better and cheaper.
Just incase you didn't take me seriously enough: Do not use RAID-0. Don't.
You need to pay more for your components if your enjoyment comes from telling people what hardware you have. (In reference to sonnygdude's e-peen comment above)

 

[dmw16]

Some very good advice here already, but I will add my 2cents.

Some of your general questions first...

Intel vs nVidia chipsets:
I prefer Intel. nVidia has driver and stability issues.

Intel vs AMD Graphics cards:
It seems that right now, AMD has the edge on bang for your buck, but nVidia has a slight edge in performance (at the expense of increased noise and sometimes price). Also, AMD seems to have been a lot better recently about releasing WHQL certified drivers on about a montly basis. nVidia on the other hand puts out a lot of beta drivers, but not certified ones. So I think your preferring the support of nVidia is misplaced. If anything, it is the other way around. To me, support for your card comes from the company that boxes it. So I like Visiontek because they have a lifetime warranty.

Your components...

Case: love it
Power Supply: Get the corsair that power supply linked elsewhere in this thread (savings: $30)
Motherboard: See the link elsewhere to the P5Q (savings $126)
CPU: Good choice
Memory: Go with some DDR2 800 w/ a rebate typically about $60 (savings $90)
Video card: I like the 4870 over the 260GTX, but look at the benchmarks and decide what works on the games you want to play.

STORAGE
system drive: Get the 640MB Western Digital. I have it and love it. (savings ~$80)
storage drive: RAID'ing your storage drive is a bad idea if you mean RAID 0. Having 2 drives increases the chances for failure and if that data is important to you that would suck. No RAID 1 for storage I can get behind.

Now, the reason I listed out the savings is because a 19" monitor is just the pits and making the changes I and others suggested would save you $326 so get a 24" LCD

 

[MarcVenice]

Why are you all saying he should stick with a q6600, if he's building a gaming rig? E8400 all the way dude, quadcores have nonexistant support, a faster clocked e8400, 45nm chip, will blow right past a q6600.

 

[dmw16]

He wants to do media processing and encoding. Figured quad cores would be the way to go. It isn't like the Q6600 is a slow chip.

 

[Internets]

I feel like the q6600 is a better value in terms of performance and longevity. When developers begin to harness the extra two cores I'll be happy I own them. I hate this term but I consider it a "future proof" move. I would also like to point out the extra cores will be useful during encoding.

As for disk space it's settled I will get 1x WD 640GB(system) and 1x WD 1TB(storage).

Does the CORSAIR CMPSU-750TXcome with a modular cable alternative? I think modular cables are an attractive feature when considering maximum air flow and cable management. Any thoughts on modular cabling with those with past experience?

I will go ahead and grab 4GB of DDR800. The P5Q Pro looks more promising bang for the buck.

What of sound cards? I currently have the 5.1 Z5500 speaker set running on optical connection. It is within my plans to put a pair of studio monitors on this PC at some point. I would very much like to have optical, coaxial, and analog connections present.

I am still debating and researching the GPU.

 

[dmw16]

Yes, Corsair makes the HX series (I think thats what it's called) that are modular. I got a modular Corsair and love it. You could probably dial back to a 550W PSU with no issue.

 

[Internets]

The only modular HX series is the 620W but it is a bit more expensive than everything else and 80W less output. Why is this?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817139002

What of sound cards? I currently have the 5.1 Z5500 speaker set running on optical connection. It is within my plans to put a pair of studio monitors on this PC at some point. I would very much like to have optical, coaxial, and analog connections present.

I am still debating and researching the GPU.

 

[sonnygdude]

I read somewhere that the HX series were tested/certified to their advertised settings at 50 deg ambient. I don't know if the 750 TX is not rated to such a strenuous level, but that and the added appeal of the modular cables may explain the higher price. The HX series also has great results for power stability as well, but again I don't know if the TX doesn't have the same quality

I agree with DMW16 on being able to scale back the PSU a little. For what it's worth, I am running an E8500, 8GB of RAM, two HDD's (one of which is the 6400AAKS), and an HD4870 on the HX520 power supply. Absolutely zero issues so far, so the HX620 and 750TX could be overkill a little

For MarcVenice - I don't think anyone jumped on him about the Q6600 because the dual vs. quad core issue is so contentious! I didn't want to get emailed death threats by the quad core mafia if they thought i was bad mouthing the 6600

 

[Internets]

System memory is so dirt cheap. I can not believe this! I feel like I'm skimping out on RAM when I look at the price!

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) - $69.99

I have never used G.SKILL before I have strictly been a Corsair Memory man all my life. Any thoughts on this brand?


As it stands with the repalced PSU, memory, and new disk drive configuration the grand total is $1,236.91 -- Down almost $200 from first posting!

I still need to consider heat sink, sound card, DVD/CD burner/reader, and come to a final verdict on GPU.

Thanks a lot for the input fellas'

 

[MarcVenice]

IMO future proofing is lame. If you're not overclocking, go with the e8400, by the time games use more then 2 cores, your q6600 will be to slow anyways.

If you're overclocking, and clock the q6600 at 3.0ghz ( easy to do ) then I say go ahead by all means.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Originally posted by: Internets
I would like a fast system at stock speeds.

then buy a faster cpu

 

[Internets]

Originally posted by: MarcVenice
IMO future proofing is lame. If you're not overclocking, go with the e8400, by the time games use more then 2 cores, your q6600 will be to slow anyways.

If you're overclocking, and clock the q6600 at 3.0ghz ( easy to do ) then I say go ahead by all means.

This is a sure point about the quad cores being slow by then. With that in mind how do you think an e8400 does versus a q6600 in terms of encoding video? Will it be a substantial loss in performance losing two cores simply to get a 3.0ghz CPU ala e8400?

Originally posted by: BTRY B 529th FA BN

Originally posted by: Internets
I would like a fast system at stock speeds.

then buy a faster cpu

I plug my mouse in where?

 

[Roguestar]

Into your ludicrously overpriced motherboard, from the looks of things.

The Corsair 620HX is rather good and I'd personally shell out more for a modular PSU. I just migrated all my components into a new P182 case today and I am so thankful that I have a modular PSU.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Originally posted by: BTRY B 529th FA BN

Originally posted by: Internets
I would like a fast system at stock speeds.

then buy a faster cpu

I plug my mouse in where?

If i remember correctly in the tom & jerry cartoon, the mouse came out of the wall by the base molding, try there

 

[Internets]

This is my final build after reading on GPU components and ultimately settling for the HD4870.

Case: LIAN LI PC-65B Black Aluminum ATX Mid Tower - $119.99
Power supply: CORSAIR CMPSU-620HX 620W (Modular) - $169.99
Motherboard: ASUS P5Q Pro LGA 775 Intel P45 - $139.99
Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz (OEM) - $184.99
Memory: G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR2 1000 (PC2 8000)
Hard drive: Western Digital SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB (system) - $84.99 , Western Digital Black WD1001FALS 1TB (storage) - $169.99
Video card: ATi VisionTek Radeon HD 4870 - $260.00
Grand Total: $1,219.92 shipped
----------------

I have only a few remaining questions. Is 620W enough for this system, what heat sink should I consider, and what of sound cards? I would like optical, analog, and coaxial connections.

 

[Roguestar]

That looks pretty good! Good luck, and don't forget to come back and post whether or not it all worked together etc. :thumbsup:

 

[sonnygdude]

Originally posted by: Internets

I have only a few remaining questions. Is 620W enough for this system, what heat sink should I consider, and what of sound cards? I would like optical, analog, and coaxial connections.

You should be fine with that particular PSU, I'm running a very similar system (except that it's dual-core) on an HX520, so the extra 100W should easily cover your quad.

I would hold off on a sound card, that mobo has onboard audio and you should at least give it a try before you buy anything else. If you feel it's not up to snuff, you can add a sound card later.

Good luck! Like Roguestar says, don't forget to post how it comes out

 

[Internets]

I am having some second thoughts about my case.

Current: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811112040

I wonder if that Lian Li will have enough space to house bigger cpu heat sink, HD4870, and GPU heat sink? I hate how GPU and heat sinks are getting so large. I want to make sure everything will fit nice and proper.

Since the 4870 runs hot I would think the cramped aluminum build of this Lian Li would make internal temperatures worse.

I am considering the Antec P182 but also have worries with this case. I namely do not like how you mount the PSU on the bottom of the case. What if the ATX cable does not reach the power connector on the motherboard?

Anybody have experience with either of these cases?


http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811112040
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811129025

 

[Roguestar]

You can mount the PSU either upside down or right-way up. You can either run the 24-pin ATX connector up normally or buy a $5 30cm extender like I did and run it up the back of the motherboard panel and through a hole in the top. FYI I own the Antec P182 and it's great .

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

I wouldn't skimp on the graphics. I just installed COD4 on my 8400 machine and it runs decent with my machine at 3.6Ghz with the 3870 but runs way better on my quad at 3.3Ghz with my 4870

 

[Internets]

Originally posted by: BTRY B 529th FA BN
I wouldn't skimp on the graphics. I just installed COD4 on my 8400 machine and it runs decent with my machine at 3.6Ghz with the 3870 but runs way better on my quad at 3.3Ghz with my 4870

What do you mean? I'm getting the VisionTek HD4870 with the Accelero S1 Rev2 for passive cooling. I hear these cards run hot, hot, hot. Is there a better option for graphics at the moment? I do not want to spend $500 on a card if that is what you mean?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16835186016 - heat sink
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814129113 - graphics card