First time builder - Will these components work well together?

[omaralqady]

Hi,
This is my first time building a desktop, and I wanted to ask you guys what you think about these components and if they'll work well together. I researched them online and read their reviews and ratings, and most manufacturers websites, and this is what I came up with:


MB: GIGABYTE GA-890GPA-UD3H AM3 AMD 890GX SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard

Processor: AMD Phenom II X6 1090T Black Edition Thuban 3.2GHz Socket AM3 125W Six-Core Desktop Processor HDT90ZFBGRBOX

*Case: RAIDMAX SMILODON ATX-612WBP Black 1.0mm SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Foldout MB Computer Case With 500W Power Supply

Memory: CORSAIR XMS3 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 Desktop Memory Model CMX8GX3M2A1333C9

HDD: Western Digital Caviar Black WD6402AAEX 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

DVD/CD: LITE-ON 24X DVD Writer Black SATA Model iHAS424-98 LightScribe Support

Monitor: ASUS VW193DR Black 19" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor

Keyboard & Mouse: Logitech MK320 Black USB RF Wireless Standard Desktop


*First of all, the Outervision PSU calculator generated 351w for this stuff, but I didn't enter a video card as it's not listed, but at the same time, it's an onboard one, so I'm not sure if it should be counted separately or not.I also chose "high end-desktop" for the motherboard, but I'm not sure if this board is high end or regular.


All in all, I have two main concerns:
1. Will this 500w power supply be enough for these components?
2. Will all these components work well together or not?

I would appreciate your thoughts and comments on this, so I would know whether I need to change anything before I make the purchase and start building

 

[ubercake]

The RAM is rated at 1.5-1.65. You'll be able to run it at the 1066 speed at the motherboard rated voltage. A better option would be to pick up something like this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231311&cm_re=g-skill_ripjaw-_-20-231-311-_-Product

It's rated to run at the motherboard specified voltage of 1.5 at 1333 speed.

That power supply with be absolute junk. You want a power supply you can trust because a bad one can ruin all of your components. Power should be your first consideration after you decide what you want to do with the machine; not your last consideration. Go with something like this and you'll be glad you did:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817815008&cm_re=500w_80_plus-_-17-815-008-_-Product

It is an 80-plus bronze power supply with a 7-year warranty. It is not the best power supply, though it's good for that price range, and you know it will properly power your equipment and exceeds the non-rated 500W power supply that comes with the case.

If you're using on-board video, you don't have to worry much about additional wattage.

Other than those suggestions, everything will work just fine together.

 

[omaralqady]

First of all, thank you for your quick response

Second, I was worried that the case w/psu w/fans for that price was too good to be true, and you obviously think so as well, so I'll take your advice and get the PSU you mentioned above. I was wondering though is there a specific reason for you suggest this one? I found some other ones in the same price range from more recognizable brands[to me at least, I'm obviously no expert here ])

Third, I'll trust you with switching the RAM, but to be quite honest with you, I don't really understand what you said I have no clue to what 1.5-1.65 vs 1.5 means

Fourth, I guess I'll get another case then since I don't want to stick with this one and throw away the included PSU even if it's worthless I like this one Antec Three Hundred Illusion Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case, it has good ratings and reviews, it looks nice, and has places for plenty of fans. I'm only not sure about it because the PSU in it is bottom-positioned, would this matter? If so, would it work well with the PSU you suggested?

Finally, thank you very much for taking the time to help me and for making those suggestions

 

[boiler1990]

First, I have a question - why go for the 6-core without a graphics card? Just curious as to your usage of the system, since 6 cores are almost never used in any desktop software application.

Second, ubercake is talking about the voltage of the RAM. The higher the voltage, the slower the speeds (when we're talking about stock settings, in general). 1.5 is where you want to be ideally.

Back to your question, the Antec 300 Illusion is a fantastic case. I had the Antec 300 (only difference is that the Illusion comes with the hard drive fans in front), but I added 3 fans to the 2 that come with it and it kept my 2xGTX 460s around 60C at load. Most users prefer a bottom-mounted PSU, since it can make the case unstable, seem dangerous if the PSU is at risk of falling on components, or just makes cable routing a pain overall.

The power supply he suggested is ok, but it's still not one of the greatest. Take a look at Antec's and Corsair's PSUs. Anything but Antec's Neo series is good, and they tend to be cheaper than Corsairs, though the Corsair CX series is very aggressively priced given Corsair's usual pricing.

I actually have a 1 1/2 year old Antec 650W that I'm selling for $40 shipped if you're in the US. It's powered 2xGTX 470s in my signature without a hiccup; I had to get a 950 to upgrade to a 3rd 470 😉

 

[aznshinobi]

Siggy bam! I think the 450$ build would work. Just change that 2100 for a 2400 and it'll own that 1090T, plus with the 5670 you'll possibly get some gaming in as well. It'd total to about 520$.

 

[itserenity]

MB: GIGABYTE GA-890GPA-UD3H AM3 AMD 890GX SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard

Greatboard... I have made three machines from this... no problems for my clients.


Processor: AMD Phenom II X6 1090T Black Edition Thuban 3.2GHz Socket AM3 125W Six-Core Desktop Processor HDT90ZFBGRBOX

This is overkill unless you plan on running CAD-CAM software, or some really big Servers( MySQL, Apache, PHP ) and expect a lot of users hitting those servers. Even today, very little sfotware actually takes advantage of Symetrical Multi Processing.

*Case: RAIDMAX SMILODON ATX-612WBP Black 1.0mm SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Foldout MB Computer Case With 500W Power Supply

I am no fan of cases that include a power supply. Rarely is the power supply worth it's weight in lead.

Since Corsair has entered the PSU market, they have been shipping some great product. CORSAIR Builder Series CX500 (CMPSU-500CX) 500W ATX12V v2.3 Active PFC Power Supply can be had at newegg for $55 with a $20 MIR.


Memory: CORSAIR XMS3 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 Desktop Memory Model CMX8GX3M2A1333C9

For a few dollars more go with the better timings and voltages... step up to: CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9

And until 4/10 get $10 off with coupon at NewEgg. I am a dedicated Corsair Builder. Once past my burn ins... I never have problems from Corsair. If I get something that is DOA, I get replacement parts with out any questions. Corsair stand behind their products 100%... an I value Quality over $.

Any HD, Optical Drive, Monitor, Keyboard and mouse will work with this system as well as any others sold today.

No one needs to worry about Wattage unless you are running multi sets of $250+ high dollar video cards. Unless you are running this all off solar panels.

 

[omaralqady]

First, I have a question - why go for the 6-core without a graphics card? Just curious as to your usage of the system, since 6 cores are almost never used in any desktop software application.

Second, ubercake is talking about the voltage of the RAM. The higher the voltage, the slower the speeds (when we're talking about stock settings, in general). 1.5 is where you want to be ideally.

Back to your question, the Antec 300 Illusion is a fantastic case. I had the Antec 300 (only difference is that the Illusion comes with the hard drive fans in front), but I added 3 fans to the 2 that come with it and it kept my 2xGTX 460s around 60C at load. Most users prefer a bottom-mounted PSU, since it can make the case unstable, seem dangerous if the PSU is at risk of falling on components, or just makes cable routing a pain overall.

The power supply he suggested is ok, but it's still not one of the greatest. Take a look at Antec's and Corsair's PSUs. Anything but Antec's Neo series is good, and they tend to be cheaper than Corsairs, though the Corsair CX series is very aggressively priced given Corsair's usual pricing.

I actually have a 1 1/2 year old Antec 650W that I'm selling for $40 shipped if you're in the US. It's powered 2xGTX 470s in my signature without a hiccup; I had to get a 950 to upgrade to a 3rd 470 😉

First of all, the x6 is because I use virtualization software, which I think works better with more cores.

Second, I'm not really into gaming, so that's why I'm not getting the graphics card, and will stick with the onboard one for now.

Third, alright then Antec 300 Illusion it is

Third, I'll have a look at these PSU's, and try to decide

Finally, I'm not in the US so that's rather difficult

Thanks a lot for your help and suggestions

 

[omaralqady]

Siggy bam! I think the 450$ build would work. Just change that 2100 for a 2400 and it'll own that 1090T, plus with the 5670 you'll possibly get some gaming in as well. It'd total to about 520$.

As I said to boiler1990, I'm getting the x6 for virtualization, which I think would work better with more cores. I'm also not that into gaming, so a graphics card is not a priority for me right now

Thanks for your suggestions

 

[omaralqady]

MB: GIGABYTE GA-890GPA-UD3H AM3 AMD 890GX SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard

Greatboard... I have made three machines from this... no problems for my clients.


Processor: AMD Phenom II X6 1090T Black Edition Thuban 3.2GHz Socket AM3 125W Six-Core Desktop Processor HDT90ZFBGRBOX

This is overkill unless you plan on running CAD-CAM software, or some really big Servers( MySQL, Apache, PHP ) and expect a lot of users hitting those servers. Even today, very little sfotware actually takes advantage of Symetrical Multi Processing.

*Case: RAIDMAX SMILODON ATX-612WBP Black 1.0mm SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Foldout MB Computer Case With 500W Power Supply

I am no fan of cases that include a power supply. Rarely is the power supply worth it's weight in lead.

Since Corsair has entered the PSU market, they have been shipping some great product. CORSAIR Builder Series CX500 (CMPSU-500CX) 500W ATX12V v2.3 Active PFC Power Supply can be had at newegg for $55 with a $20 MIR.


Memory: CORSAIR XMS3 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 Desktop Memory Model CMX8GX3M2A1333C9

For a few dollars more go with the better timings and voltages... step up to: CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9

And until 4/10 get $10 off with coupon at NewEgg. I am a dedicated Corsair Builder. Once past my burn ins... I never have problems from Corsair. If I get something that is DOA, I get replacement parts with out any questions. Corsair stand behind their products 100%... an I value Quality over $.

Any HD, Optical Drive, Monitor, Keyboard and mouse will work with this system as well as any others sold today.

No one needs to worry about Wattage unless you are running multi sets of $250+ high dollar video cards. Unless you are running this all off solar panels.

First, The x6 is for virtualization, which as I read in various places, would work better with more cores (correct me if I'm wrong though )

Second, I'll have a look at that PSU as well as the ones suggested above and compare them and make my decision

Third, as ubercake advised me, I was going to get http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231311&cm_re=g-skill_ripjaw-_-20-231-311-_-Product, and as I saw on newegg, they have great ratings and reviews, or do you think the ones you suggested are better? (As I saw on newegg, they're DDR3 1600, and my board only supports that when overclocking, which I'm not sure if I'll use any time soon or not, as I'm still new to all this ) I also value quality over price, but my budget is kind of tight, but RAM of course is no small thing, so I can't go for the cheap option if the better one is only a few bucks higher

Thanks a lot for your help and suggestions

 

[ubercake]

First of all, thank you for your quick response

Second, I was worried that the case w/psu w/fans for that price was too good to be true, and you obviously think so as well, so I'll take your advice and get the PSU you mentioned above. I was wondering though is there a specific reason for you suggest this one? I found some other ones in the same price range from more recognizable brands[to me at least, I'm obviously no expert here ])

Third, I'll trust you with switching the RAM, but to be quite honest with you, I don't really understand what you said I have no clue to what 1.5-1.65 vs 1.5 means

Fourth, I guess I'll get another case then since I don't want to stick with this one and throw away the included PSU even if it's worthless I like this one Antec Three Hundred Illusion Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case, it has good ratings and reviews, it looks nice, and has places for plenty of fans. I'm only not sure about it because the PSU in it is bottom-positioned, would this matter? If so, would it work well with the PSU you suggested?

Finally, thank you very much for taking the time to help me and for making those suggestions

I chose that supply not necessarily because the company is a well-known power supply company, but because the company provides good products in general, it meets the power needs of your system, it has a great warranty, and because - since you were considering a case/PSU combo - you must have been looking for a low cost solution. Most people have been suggesting the lower-end Corsairs lately (builder series), though none have good efficiency ratings (aren't 80-plus certified).

With the RAM the classify it according to how fast it will run given a certain voltage rating. Your motherboard specification says it accepts 4 1.5V (volt) RAM modules. The RAM you were originally looking at was rated to run at the higher speeds with a voltage range beyond your motherboards default specification. It's not good to have to over volt the RAM just to run your RAM at advertised voltages. I just wanted to provide you with a better option.

That's a great Antec Case. Another case to consider is an HAF 912. Both have similar features.

 

[ubercake]

First, The x6 is for virtualization, which as I read in various places, would work better with more cores (correct me if I'm wrong though )

Second, I'll have a look at that PSU as well as the ones suggested above and compare them and make my decision

Third, as ubercake advised me, I was going to get http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231311&cm_re=g-skill_ripjaw-_-20-231-311-_-Product, and as I saw on newegg, they have great ratings and reviews, or do you think the ones you suggested are better? (As I saw on newegg, they're DDR3 1600, and my board only supports that when overclocking, which I'm not sure if I'll use any time soon or not, as I'm still new to all this ) I also value quality over price, but my budget is kind of tight, but RAM of course is no small thing, so I can't go for the cheap option if the better one is only a few bucks higher

Thanks a lot for your help and suggestions

Your homework with regard to virtualization is correct. Keep with that strategy.

There are other power supply options out there, though the one I provided is a decent low-cost solution that will power your system. The Corsair builder series supplies are their low-end offerings with no 80-plus efficiency certification. They are relying on sales of these lower-end products to be driven by the reputation of the superior products they offer in the mid and upper end markets. I wouldn't necessarily recommend them myself (though their mid and higher end 80-plus products are second to none).

I still say the Xigmatek I recommended above is a good option for your build.

 

[omaralqady]

I chose that supply not necessarily because the company is a well-known power supply company, but because the company provides good products in general, it meets the power needs of your system, it has a great warranty, and because - since you were considering a case/PSU combo - you must have been looking for a low cost solution. Most people have been suggesting the lower-end Corsairs lately (builder series), though none have good efficiency ratings (aren't 80-plus certified).

With the RAM the classify it according to how fast it will run given a certain voltage rating. Your motherboard specification says it accepts 4 1.5V (volt) RAM modules. The RAM you were originally looking at was rated to run at the higher speeds with a voltage range beyond your motherboards default specification. It's not good to have to over volt the RAM just to run your RAM at advertised voltages. I just wanted to provide you with a better option.

That's a great Antec Case. Another case to consider is an HAF 912. Both have similar features.

It's true I was going for a low cost solution,but I didnt' know that the main issue here is PSU efficiency

I didn't know that about the RAM, too.

I did come across that case but didn't pay much attention to it, I'll check it out again against the other one to make my choice

Thank you for explaining and for your help

 

[omaralqady]

Your homework with regard to virtualization is correct. Keep with that strategy.

There are other power supply options out there, though the one I provided is a decent low-cost solution that will power your system. The Corsair builder series supplies are their low-end offerings with no 80-plus efficiency certification. They are relying on sales of these lower-end products to be driven by the reputation of the superior products they offer in the mid and upper end markets. I wouldn't necessarily recommend them myself (though their mid and higher end 80-plus products are second to none).

I still say the Xigmatek I recommended above is a good option for your build.

Good, then I'll stick with the x6

I'll probably also get the Xigmatek as you suggested, because you're right that no one else provides high efficiency PSU's in that price range.

Thank you so much for your help

 

[itserenity]

If you are run Windows XP mode in Win7, then all XP Apps launched will only run on a single CPU core. No matter how many cores you have, Virtual PC from MS only supports one core for all running Windows XP mode Apps.

If you want to do real virtualization run VirtualBox or VMware. These will actually allow you to install each OS in it's own virtual machine and assign cores (CPU's) to each OS.

My suggestion, is that if you are only running XP mode, buy a x4 and take the exra $100 the x6 costs and invest in doubling your memory.

Win7 runs fine in 8GB, now you want to add another OS... albeit MS Virtual PC... which really is just a bunch of desktop extensions enabled to run a previous version of Windows. It will not support any other OS. And the fact that XP Mode runs on top of the Win7 desktop... you can not really call that true virtualization. VirtualPC clearly does not give XP it's own machine.

You are not doing mission critical work, you have a tight budget, x6 is over kill.

 

[omaralqady]

If you are run Windows XP mode in Win7, then all XP Apps launched will only run on a single CPU core. No matter how many cores you have, Virtual PC from MS only supports one core for all running Windows XP mode Apps.

If you want to do real virtualization run VirtualBox or VMware. These will actually allow you to install each OS in it's own virtual machine and assign cores (CPU's) to each OS.

My suggestion, is that if you are only running XP mode, buy a x4 and take the exra $100 the x6 costs and invest in doubling your memory.

Win7 runs fine in 8GB, now you want to add another OS... albeit MS Virtual PC... which really is just a bunch of desktop extensions enabled to run a previous version of Windows. It will not support any other OS. And the fact that XP Mode runs on top of the Win7 desktop... you can not really call that true virtualization. VirtualPC clearly does not give XP it's own machine.

You are not doing mission critical work, you have a tight budget, x6 is over kill.

Actually my main OS is Linux(Ubuntu), but I'm thinking of trying out Fedora, too. I use VirtualBox for a Windows VM for the things that I can't run on Linux, and sometimes an extra VM with different OS's for experimenting

So at times I have 2 VM's running, that's why I thought I should go for x6, but I'm definitely not doing anything mission critical Is x6 too much for this, or is it just a bit more than needed? If it's only a bit more, I think a bit more is better than a bit less

Besides, I can get more RAM later, but a new CPU is a whole other thing

**A question to everyone though, do any of you know if AMD Bulldozer will be released any time soon?

 

[omaralqady]

Best answer selected by omaralqady.

 

[Mousemonkey]

This topic has been closed by Mousemonkey