First time builder...need input on system.

[redice]

First I'd like to say that this will be my very first build, as I am due for a new PC (last one being a Dell). I'm not looking for a gaming PC (will probably be doing light gaming), but more in the needs for everyday use while im at school and heavy multimedia. I also want to be able to output HD content to an 1080p 42" (doing a 1920 x 1080 res). Since I do not purchase new computers quite often (Dell purchased 4 years ago), I want to be able to have room to upgrade with this PC as I want this to last me another 4 years. I'm just looking for a super fast computer(dont we all ) to handle everyday jobs with no lag.

My budget is around $1200. Here is what I have come up with (no need for any peripherals), I'm looking to run 32bit Vista at first then maybe move on to 64bit. I also plan on over clocking in the future.

Please let me know what you think and if certain parts are unnecessary for my use. Thanks for your input!!

Processor $289.99 - will make sure to get the G0 stepping
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600

CPU Heatsink + Fan $64.99 + $19.99
Thermalright Ultra-120 Extreme

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835185006
<b">">Scythe S-FLEX SFF21F</a>

Motherboard $129.99
GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3R

Memory $109.99
Crucial Ballistix 2GB (2 x 1GB) DDR2800 (PC26400)

Video Card $164.99 - I plan on using a 1680x1050 monitor and output to a 42" like I said previously
MSI RX2600XT Radeon HD2600XT 512MB

Hard Drive $194.99 - Would rather have speed than size (will probably get a 500gb in the future)
Western Digital Raptor WD1500ADFD 150GB

Optical Drive $29.99 - Will I have trouble with this being its OEM?
Samsung SH-S182D

Power $79.99
<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817139003&ATT=17-139-003&CMP=OTC-pr1c3grabb3r&cm_mmc=OTC-pr1c3grabb
<b">
3r-_-Power+Supplies-_-Corsair+Memory++Inc.-_-17139003">CORSAIR CMPSU-450VX 450W</a>

Case $129.99
Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

Total $1,214.90

I know I can probably get it cheaper on other sites, but just wanted to use Newegg as a basis.

 

[SpartanGTR]

This depends very much on what you plan on doing with your computer, but here it goes. Well for starters, if you're planning on getting a 2600 xt, I wouldn't worry too much about a high end CPU cooler as you won't need to overclock. There are plenty of cheaper ones that will do the job anywho. On the same note, i wouldn't worry about getting a 10k rpm HDD also, just get a simple $90 Seagate 320GB or the like. Cheap cheap cheap! And again on the same note... there are plenty of cheaper motherboards that will do the trick for you. It seems like you aren't complementing your components very well. Again, this all depends on what you plan to do with the computer!

 

[redice]

Can you explain why I will not need to overclock with the 2600xt?
Is the Radeon X1950XT, is that a better choice? Will that last longer (tech wise) than the 2600xt?

For the cooler, I was also looking at the ZALMAN CNPS9500, should I just go with that instead? As I was deciding amongst this the Thermalright and the Tuniq. I'd actually prefer the Zalman over the Thermalright, for one its cheaper and looks easier to install. I'd like Raptor for my HD cause I want the OS to run as fast as possible. Can you recommend me a Motherboard for my needs? Thanks.

 

[redice]

Originally posted by: SpartanGTRIt seems like you aren't complementing your components very well. Again, this all depends on what you plan to do with the computer!

Can you collaborate on this?

Anyone else have any suggestions? Thanks!

 

[MarcVenice]

Your build looks fine for your uses, you'll be able to do light gaming on that videocard and it should help the cpu when running HD content on your screen. I too would drop the raptor though, the price doesn't really justify the small performance increasement. Only if you're spending 2k or would it be a wise purchase, right now I'd go with something bigger though.

As for the cooler, you plan on doing 3.2ghz or higher with the qaud?

 

[redice]

I want to go at least to 3.0ghz in the future. Should I get the Zalman 9700 instead?

 

[MarcVenice]

For 3ghz I'd prolly recommend the artic freezer 7 pro. If you want more, just go with the thermalrigh though, it's pretty cool to have a q6600 at 3.6ghz

 

[tdawg]

Based on personal experience, I can't imagine why you'd "need" to OC that Quad to accomplish what you want to do with your machine, unless it's for some sort of bragging rights.

Just the other day I was encoding a video, updating software packages in Fedora in a Virtual Machine, and watching Planet Earth on the xbox 360 HD-DVD player attached to my PC, all with no hiccups. So I can't image what the extra few hundred mhz would get you.

I'd go with the quad, try to find memory on special (seems to be weekly now there's options with rebates), get a regular HDD with more capacity, and dumb down the case. I have a Cooler Master Elite I got from newegg for $30 and it stays cool and quiet. Your list looks like since you have a budget of $1200, you're doing your best to max it out. Do yourself a favor and save some of that money and get more realistic parts for your needs.

 

[sandiegoislandboy]

if you purchase today (22aug2007) you can get a 520w corsair power supply from clubit.com for $75 after rebates (plus shipping and tax). its more power and modular (get rid of the unwanted cables). check it out: http://www.clubit.com/product_...il.cfm?itemno=A6200026 but like i said, it ends today. they also have a 620w version for $90 after rebates (plus shipping and tax). just a thought to give you a bit of upgrade room without damaging the budget.

check clubit.com too. some things are a bit cheaper than newegg. also, theres a coupon code out there for free shipping on orders over $300. so if you use that to your advantage you could save a bit of money.

im building a rig too and things are clubit were a bit cheaper but charged shipping while newegg was a little more but free shipping. spending $300 on computer parts is easy, so i qualified for the free shipping no problem.