Topic: Specs for a new computer (Read 2855 times)

pepperman · « **on:** January 02, 2007, 02:29:45 pm »

I am getting ready to build a new machine probably sometime later this month and would like your thoughts or opinions on the following specs. The machine will be primarily for gaming; however, it will also do double duty as an all purpose back-up machine. Trying to keep it under $1200.

Motherboard: ABIT AB9 Pro Socket T (LGA 775) Intel P965 Express ATX Intel Motherboard
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 Conroe 2.13GHz 2M shared L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor

Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 Conroe 2.4GHz 4M shared L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor

Memory: CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model
Video Card: BFG Tech BFGR76256GTOCE GeForce 7600GT 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card
Hard Drives: 2 x Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 320GB SATA Drives

IAF Lyrkiller · « **Reply #1 on:** January 02, 2007, 05:37:32 pm »

Quote from: pepperman on January 02, 2007, 02:29:45 pm

I am getting ready to build a new machine probably sometime later this month and would like your thoughts or opinions on the following specs. The machine will be primarily for gaming; however, it will also do double duty as an all purpose back-up machine. Trying to keep it under $1200.

Motherboard: ABIT AB9 Pro Socket T (LGA 775) Intel P965 Express ATX Intel Motherboard
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 Conroe 2.13GHz 2M shared L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor

Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 Conroe 2.4GHz 4M shared L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor

Memory: CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model
Video Card: BFG Tech BFGR76256GTOCE GeForce 7600GT 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card
Hard Drives: 2 x Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 320GB SATA Drives

May I shoot you.

just j/k.

Those specs are better then my desktop syst.
But of course, I buy my parts a few at a time and uprade when I can.

Centurus · « **Reply #2 on:** January 02, 2007, 07:52:06 pm »

You should try and get an EVGA card instead of the BFG, but that's just me. What other components do you plan to have in the rig, and also, make sure you have at least a 500W power supply.

pepperman · « **Reply #3 on:** January 03, 2007, 07:03:10 am »

Not much else as I have already exceeded my budget by ~$200…may have to go with only one HDD to start with. Here is what I have thus far. I still need to identify a good CPU heatsink/cooling solution, preferably one that doesn’t sound like a jet engine.

Case: Addtronics 7698A Sever Case, with Panasonic Panaflo fans (all ready have these items)

Power Supply Unit: PC Power & Cooling’s SILENCER® 750 EPS12V (~$190)

Motherboard: ABIT AB9 Pro Socket T (LGA 775) Intel P965 Express ATX Intel Motherboard (~$146)

Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 Conroe 2.4GHz 4M shared L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor (~$322)

Memory: CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model (~$308)

Video Card: BFG Tech BFGR76256GTOCE GeForce 7600GT 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card (~$144)

Hard Drives: 2 x Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 320GB SATA Drives (~$190)

CD/DVD Burner: PLEXTOR Black 16X SATA DVD Burner Model PX-755SA (~$106)

And then there is the OS that must be factored in.

E_Look · « **Reply #4 on:** January 03, 2007, 10:15:05 am »

May I air some ideas which may be... well, different?

You could save more money and then spend it on good/better components by getting a cheaper, less cool-looking case, as that's all it really does, unless you happen to pick one that has awful air flow and heat retention. I'd prefer two hard drives over a good looking case any day, for example.

And, do you really need five hundred watts? If not, a few watts less, a few bucks saved, to be spent on something else.

As for the heatsink/fan combo, if the sound is tolerable, cooler is better than warmer!

Now, I'm not the hippest on the cpu scene, but perhaps AMD might offer the same or better performance at less cost, still? Someone check me on that one!

Of course, I'm not a real gamer, modeler, nor programmer.

NJAntman · « **Reply #5 on:** January 03, 2007, 10:30:51 am »

Here is a slightly better DVD burner for ~ $40
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?ATT=27151141&CMP=AFC-Spoofee&Item=N82E16827151141

pepperman · « **Reply #6 on:** January 03, 2007, 02:26:22 pm »

I currently have AMD chips in two of my computers..both overclocked..and have been quite satisified with them. It is my understanding that Intel's Core 2 Duo Conroe chips have blown AMD out of the water and nothiong AMD has can touch them.

I already have the case and fans so there is not cost there...

Any suggestions on a good heatsink/cooler for the Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 Conroe 2.4GHz 4M shared L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor?

Centurus · « **Reply #7 on:** January 03, 2007, 04:06:23 pm »

Quote from: pepperman on January 03, 2007, 02:26:22 pm

I currently have AMD chips in two of my computers..both overclocked..and have been quite satisified with them. It is my understanding that Intel's Core 2 Duo Conroe chips have blown AMD out of the water and nothiong AMD has can touch them.

I already have the case and fans so there is not cost there...

Any suggestions on a good heatsink/cooler for the Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 Conroe 2.4GHz 4M shared L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor?

You're correct in assuming that the new Core 2 Duo processors exceed AMD eqivalent processors currently. Also, more vendors carry the newer Core 2 Duo processors, which makes them more affordable in some cases than the AMD chips. And keep in mind, I'm running an AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+ processor, so I am a big fan of AMD chips.

I agree with E_Look a bit, better to get parts that aren't as good at first, and then upgrade later on when the cash is available. Although I still highly recommend a 500w power supply at least, but from what I understand of your current system specs, I think you've gotten an even more powerful PSU, which is good.

As for the heatsink, I've currently got a Zalman heatsink. Big sucker, but it's very quiet and keeps my CPU cool.

Also, I agree, go with one hard drive right now. Probably be wise in terms of cost.

And as for the DVD burner, can you give me one too???? Please??? :-D

FCM_SFHQ_XC · « **Reply #8 on:** January 03, 2007, 07:54:30 pm »

Id say definetly go with the Intel Core 2 Duo.. from some of the people who have upgraded to it, I've heard it runs VERY well

GermzSlap · « **Reply #9 on:** January 04, 2007, 01:05:08 pm »

A little bit of warning about the Abit motherboard, in order to install drivers for it you'll have to have floppy drive to install them because they are on floppies. A lot folks dont get em these days, my friend had this problem after getting it so thats why i know.

I would also recomend an evga graphics card, and get 256 mb instead of 128 mb, you can get for $129 here:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130062&ATT=14-130-062&CMP=OTC-d3alt1me

GermzSlap · « **Reply #10 on:** January 04, 2007, 04:12:07 pm »

By the way, i forgot to mention the heatsink, you can get an Intel LGA775 certified cpu fan and heatsink or CoolasterMaster liquid CPU cooling fan system kit. Im building my own intel core duo pc, so this is something i looked at and considering it myself.

And if you want quiet i recomend visiting www.endpcnoise.com for quiet pc parts.

Also what kind of sound card are you getting? its not on your list. Iwould suggest getting either something from the creative Audigy series (less money) or X-FI series (more expensive).

Elvis · « **Reply #11 on:** January 04, 2007, 06:10:23 pm »

Quote from: GermzSlap on January 04, 2007, 01:05:08 pm

A little bit of warning about the Abit motherboard, in order to install drivers for it you'll have to have floppy drive to install them because they are on floppies. A lot folks dont get em these days, my friend had this problem after getting it so thats why i know.

I would also recomend an evga graphics card, and get 256 mb instead of 128 mb, you can get for $129 here:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130062&ATT=14-130-062&CMP=OTC-d3alt1me

BFG or eVGA your not going to go wrong, I currently have Evga cards and have not had any problems but wouldn't hesitate in buying a BFG. Oh by the way if you read his post the video card is 256MB and not 128MB. It is 128 bit however but so is the EVGA card. You don't see the 256 bit cards until 7800 or above. For heatsink I just installed a Thermaltake Blue Orb 2, it is pretty quiet. Most of the noise from my machine comes from the video card(s). IF you can swing an Artic Cooling silencer your case would be pretty damn quiet, but you would lose an expansion slot. I've got an HTPC machine that uses a 92mm Zalman flower type cpu cooler and a silencer, and it is barely audible.

GermzSlap · « **Reply #12 on:** January 05, 2007, 12:02:47 am »

Quote from: Elvis on January 04, 2007, 06:10:23 pm

Quote from: GermzSlap on January 04, 2007, 01:05:08 pm
A little bit of warning about the Abit motherboard, in order to install drivers for it you'll have to have floppy drive to install them because they are on floppies. A lot folks dont get em these days, my friend had this problem after getting it so thats why i know.

I would also recomend an evga graphics card, and get 256 mb instead of 128 mb, you can get for $129 here:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130062&ATT=14-130-062&CMP=OTC-d3alt1me

BFG or eVGA your not going to go wrong, I currently have Evga cards and have not had any problems but wouldn't hesitate in buying a BFG. Oh by the way if you read his post the video card is 256MB and not 128MB. It is 128 bit however but so is the EVGA card. You don't see the 256 bit cards until 7800 or above. For heatsink I just installed a Thermaltake Blue Orb 2, it is pretty quiet. Most of the noise from my machine comes from the video card(s). IF you can swing an Artic Cooling silencer your case would be pretty damn quiet, but you would lose an expansion slot. I've got an HTPC machine that uses a 92mm Zalman flower type cpu cooler and a silencer, and it is barely audible.

Oops, sorry about that, my fault, though he can still save a few bucks by going with the evga. As for the Zalman brand cooler, i do keep hearing about them as well, perhaps that is they way to go.

Centurus · « **Reply #13 on:** January 05, 2007, 12:22:52 am »

I can vouch for the Zalman heatsinks. As I said, I have one currently installed in my system, and it's pretty damned quiet, and my CPU is cool.

I recommend it.

pepperman · « **Reply #14 on:** January 05, 2007, 02:33:21 pm »

Thanks, sounds like a plan.

Commander Maxillius · « **Reply #15 on:** January 06, 2007, 01:32:39 pm »

if you can get a mobo with 4 RAM slots, get it with 4x 512mb ram chips. Also, go with a single 500 GB hd. Those mods to your spec list should bring you back under budget since you're going to want a mobo that doesn't require floppies.

also, 4 ram slots will be faster than two.

pepperman · « **Reply #16 on:** January 06, 2007, 06:34:27 pm »

ABIT's AB9 Pro has 4 memory slots so that should be good to go. I was thinking two HDD and set them up in a RAID.

Hopefully, I should be able to OC this beasty to ~3.0 GHz.

Quote

A little bit of warning about the Abit motherboard, in order to install drivers for it you'll have to have floppy drive to install them because they are on floppies. A lot folks dont get em these days, my friend had this problem after getting it so thats why i know.

Thanks for the warning. I have a floppy in my old computer so I'll just use it.

Quote

I can vouch for the Zalman heatsinks. As I said, I have one currently installed in my system, and it's pretty damned quiet, and my CPU is cool.

Think I go with the ZALMAN's CNPS9500 (~$54)

Look's like I am looking at ~1250 plus the cost of the operating system.

Centurus · « **Reply #17 on:** January 07, 2007, 12:07:09 am »

Where are you getting your parts from. There are many places that'll sell you an OEM of XP for 100 bucks for XP Home, and 150 bucks for XP Pro. As you know, these are full versions, and normally if you purchase either a hard drive, motherboard, a combo, or even a BYO system, you have the option of buying the OEM of XP.

If you already bought all the parts, or the place you're buying your parts from don't sell OEM copies of XP, you can always get the OEM off EBAY. :-D

Tus-XC · « **Reply #18 on:** January 14, 2007, 04:42:55 pm »

you could also save some money by going with another DVD drive. I don't see any need to pay 105 for that dvd drive when you can get one for 36 bucks (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827106046). As far as i can tell there isn't much special about that drive other than a lot of error checking and burn protection features. You probably could also save another 40 bucks by switching your memory to these http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16820134009 . Kinston is another good brand, and assuming your board can provide 1.95V to them they should work fine.

Another area is your PSU, its a 750W, but your system as it is configured won't need 750Watts ever, i would suggest drop down to 600W. If you really want to you can also get a 700W for about 40 bucks less http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16817341002 from most of the reviews i've read online its a realiable PSU that gives good voltages on its rails.

Those 3 things there will save you about 150 bucks

BTW what are you going to do for sound? use the onboard sound?

pepperman · « **Reply #19 on:** January 14, 2007, 08:24:34 pm »

Thanks Tus for the susggestions. As for the sound, I will probably go with onboard sound for now. Probably will have to wait until I get my tax refund to order things so maybe the price will drop slightly.

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Topic: Specs for a new computer (Read 2855 times)