I would appreciate your feedback on my first build components and questions below, before I order anything.
Primary uses and priorities:
-Family video editing
-Pictures
-Email, web, and other
-May add TV tuner in the future for PVR functionality
-Quiet operation
-Light gaming, but not a priority
-Budget: About $1,000, although I'm flexible if there is an appealing "bang for the buck" upgrade
-I’m not planning to over-clock, although it sounds tempting
Background:
-New build to replace a 1999 Dell
-Build experience limited to ram, hard-drive, and optical drive upgrades
-I'm interested in a mid-grade system that is probably overkill for my needs. I've debated buying a "value PC" from Dell or a "performance PC" from Velocity Micro. After reading the DIY articles and forums, I'm tempted to build a performance PC with a lower price.
Components:
Case: Antec Solo $85
PSU: AeroCool ZERODBA ZERODBA-S500 $100
MB: Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3R $130
CPU: E6550 $183
RAM: Crucial Ballistix 2GB DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)
Model BL2KIT12864AA804 - Retail $65
GPU: GIGABYTE GeForce 8600GTS 256MB (fanless) $183
CPU cooling: Intel standard $0
HD: Samsung Spinpoint T HD403LJ 400 GB $85
CD/DVD:Sony NEC Optiarc Black AD-7170S-0B 18X SATA $35
Any thermal paste
OS: Existing XP Pro; upgrade to Vista later $0
Total: $866
Why these components?
-I’m interested in a fanless GPU in order to reduce noise. The 8600GTS seems to be an adequate mid-range card for my needs. However, you may have better suggestions and I believe that the latest GPU review suggests an ATI card rather than the NVIDIA (for midrange users).
-I picked the Antec P182 case due to reviews on Tom’s and SilentPC. It seems relatively expensive, but I’ve seem nothing but positive comments.
-I’m indifferent on the RAM choice, but this is on the Gigabyte approved list.
-I believe that the standard Intel cooler may be adequate for this system. However, the upgrades are only $30 so that is not a problem if it is the way to go.
I’ve selected these components based on other “first build” threads and the system build articles on Tom’s Hardware and some of the Silent PC reviews. So, please fire aware with any comments or suggestions.
First build questions:
I read the How to assemble article, but I still have a few questions:
http://www.tomshardware.com/2006/12/14/how-to-build-a-pc-part-3/inde x.html
-Will all the necessary cables be included with the components?
-Are there any other supplies or accessories that I should need?
-Are there any common first-build mistakes that you could help me to avoid?
-I do not have any experience with BIOS settings. I believe that once the build is complete, I should be able to simply install XP from the DVD drive.
Thanks in advance for your feedback!
Primary uses and priorities:
-Family video editing
-Pictures
-Email, web, and other
-May add TV tuner in the future for PVR functionality
-Quiet operation
-Light gaming, but not a priority
-Budget: About $1,000, although I'm flexible if there is an appealing "bang for the buck" upgrade
-I’m not planning to over-clock, although it sounds tempting
Background:
-New build to replace a 1999 Dell
-Build experience limited to ram, hard-drive, and optical drive upgrades
-I'm interested in a mid-grade system that is probably overkill for my needs. I've debated buying a "value PC" from Dell or a "performance PC" from Velocity Micro. After reading the DIY articles and forums, I'm tempted to build a performance PC with a lower price.
Components:
Case: Antec Solo $85
PSU: AeroCool ZERODBA ZERODBA-S500 $100
MB: Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3R $130
CPU: E6550 $183
RAM: Crucial Ballistix 2GB DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)
Model BL2KIT12864AA804 - Retail $65
GPU: GIGABYTE GeForce 8600GTS 256MB (fanless) $183
CPU cooling: Intel standard $0
HD: Samsung Spinpoint T HD403LJ 400 GB $85
CD/DVD:Sony NEC Optiarc Black AD-7170S-0B 18X SATA $35
Any thermal paste
OS: Existing XP Pro; upgrade to Vista later $0
Total: $866
Why these components?
-I’m interested in a fanless GPU in order to reduce noise. The 8600GTS seems to be an adequate mid-range card for my needs. However, you may have better suggestions and I believe that the latest GPU review suggests an ATI card rather than the NVIDIA (for midrange users).
-I picked the Antec P182 case due to reviews on Tom’s and SilentPC. It seems relatively expensive, but I’ve seem nothing but positive comments.
-I’m indifferent on the RAM choice, but this is on the Gigabyte approved list.
-I believe that the standard Intel cooler may be adequate for this system. However, the upgrades are only $30 so that is not a problem if it is the way to go.
I’ve selected these components based on other “first build” threads and the system build articles on Tom’s Hardware and some of the Silent PC reviews. So, please fire aware with any comments or suggestions.
First build questions:
I read the How to assemble article, but I still have a few questions:
http://www.tomshardware.com/2006/12/14/how-to-build-a-pc-part-3/inde x.html
-Will all the necessary cables be included with the components?
-Are there any other supplies or accessories that I should need?
-Are there any common first-build mistakes that you could help me to avoid?
-I do not have any experience with BIOS settings. I believe that once the build is complete, I should be able to simply install XP from the DVD drive.
Thanks in advance for your feedback!