New build complete

[boneca1]

Finally after 2 months putting funds together I was able to put together a new build which I?m very happy with from hardware, software and price points.

I will list parts I used with pricing, software I was able to successfully install on 64-bit system, so it can be helpful for somebody who thinking of putting new build for 64-bit OS.

I went to this build being very skeptical about 64-bit but I?m happy I did and it?s turned out to be a success so far.

Keep in mind that this is not a OC system, this also won?t be used for heavy gaming. I just wanted to put together quality parts that will last 2 ? 3 years with minor upgrades if needed.

Keep in mind that parts were bought over couple of months period, so it?s possible to find better pricing at this time.

Hardware:

Mobo: Gigabyte GA-965P-DS3 (rev 3.3) ? Generally I?m very happy with this motherboard, the only exception is it?s missing Fire Wire on board, but since I have FW build in to my Sound Card this isn?t a big issue ? Cost after shipping $124.47
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 Conroe 2.4GHz - Cost after shipping $235.99
CPU Cooler: Artctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro for Intel 775. I was glad that I was able to buy this for 50% cheaper than on NewEgg but I had a hard time locking pins in place. This was the toughest part of the build - Cost after shipping $29.19
RAM: 4GB G.Skill (4 x 1GB) DDR2 667 (PC2 5400) - Cost after shipping $225.29
RAM Hetsinks: 4 x Vantec Iceberg DDR-A1A Aluminum - Cost after shipping $27.91
Video: XFX GeForce 7600GT 256MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 - Cost after rebate $99.99
Sound: Creative SoundBlaster Audigy 2 ZS ? Cost $0 (from previous build)
TV Tuner: Hauppauge Win-TV 150. This is the only hardware/software that I wasn?t able to get to work so far ? Cost $0 (from previous build)
HD: WD 74GB Raptor 10K RPM ? Cost $0 (from previous build)
HD: WD 250GB KSRTL 250GB SATAII 16MB Cache - Cost after shipping $74.99
HD: WD400GB SATAII? Cost $0 (from previous build)
HD: WD500GB MyBook external ? Cost $0 (from previous build)
PSU: SeaSonic S12-430 ATX12V 430W Power Supply - Cost after shipping $100.30
DVD: Samsung 18X DVD±R 12X DVD-RAM Write, LightScribe. This is the only OEM part in this build - Cost after shipping $41.99
Case: LIAN LI PC-A05B. This case is truly beautiful inside and outside, it?s well build and there is enough room for everything even the size of the case on a small side - Cost after shipping $94.99
OS: Vista Ultimate 64-bit. I was thinking of buying a OEM version for $199 but then I decided to stop by at my local CompUSA store which is going out of business. With the 40% off and 5% MA taxes I bought it for $252.00 which I think is a pretty good price for retail Ultimate with both 32 and 64-bit If I ever needed.

Total build cost: $1,307.11

I got Vista score 5.3 which is not bad I think, CPU got the lowest score of 5.3, video ? 5.9, hard drive 5.7

Software:

Obviously first is OS which I had no issues installing and getting all of the updates. Everything took about 40 min.
64-bit Drivers and software for GeForce Video Card downloaded from nVidia site ? no issues
64-bit Drivers and software for SoundBlaster Sound Card downloaded from Creative site ? no issues
64-bit Drivers and software for HP 7310 AIO printer downloaded from HP site ? no issues
64-bit Drivers and software for Epson R220 printer downloaded from Epson site ? no issues
64-bit Drivers and software for Logitech keyboard, mouse, webcam downloaded from Logitech site ? no issues
Norton Internet Security 2007 + add-on, downloaded from Symantec site ? no issues
MS Office 2007 ? no issues
Adobe PS3 ? no issues
Adobe Acrobat reader v.8 ? no issues (the only app. I had to run in XP SP2 comp.l mode)
Nero 7.8.5.0 (Nero Burning Room, Cover Designer, Light scribe add-on) ? no issues
Epson PrintCD ? no issues
64-bit Codec pack for (Video) ? no issues
WinRar v.3.62 ? no issues
Total Commander v.6.55 ? no issues
CCleaner ? latest ? no issues
Azureus ? latest ? no issues with installation, I had issues with NAT, solved it by resetting the router.

This is all I can remember right now. I had few other specific apps installed which are not very interesting for others so I won?t mention those.

Sorry for long post but I thought this can be useful for people thinking of going 64-bit.

Questions or comment are welcome.

 

[GregGreen]

There are supposed to be 64bit drivers for the PVR-150. Did you have issues finding them or with them after installation?

EDIT: Here is the url for the PVR-150. if you need them.

 

[boneca1]

Originally posted by: GregGreen
There are supposed to be 64bit drivers for the PVR-150. Did you have issues finding them or with them after installation?

EDIT: Here is the url for the PVR-150. if you need them.

I got the drivers and new WinTV2000 application but first time installing I had some issues and it didn't work. I think I didn't follow directions very closely. I'll try again. Thanks

 

[Black Market Baby]

Where did you get the Arctic 7 for that price? Thanks in advance.

 

[ribbon13]

This?

 

[GregGreen]

Originally posted by: boneca1

Originally posted by: GregGreen
There are supposed to be 64bit drivers for the PVR-150. Did you have issues finding them or with them after installation?

EDIT: Here is the url for the PVR-150. if you need them.

I got the drivers and new WinTV2000 application but first time installing I had some issues and it didn't work. I think I didn't follow directions very closely. I'll try again. Thanks

You might try using MCE (which you have with Ultimate) instead. The WinTV app hasn't been updated since 2006. IMO MCE is a ton better -- much prettier with more features and free. It will should still work with your remote too. I've got my PVR-250 set up with it -- with Vista Home 32bit (no 64bit drivers for the 250 :/). Good luck!

 

[Black Market Baby]

thanks!

 

[boneca1]

I tried it again and it won't install the drivers which are 64-bit per Hauppauge say.