Help I need to know if this build is good.

[kazuya-kun]

This is my first gaming rig. So I before I buy it, it'll be nice if I got some feedback to make some changes or so. Thanks 😀

- Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Quad-Core Socket LGA775, 2.40 GHz, 1066 MHz FSB, 8MB L2 Cache, 65nm - 289.99$

- MSI 975X Platinum V.2 Socket 775 Intel 975X + ICH7DH Chipset Dual-Channel DDR2 533/667/800 1066MHz FSB 8-Channel High Definition Audio Gigabit Lan Firewire Dual PCI-Express Graphics Slots Support Crossfire Support Intel Core 2 Duo - 184.99$

- Sapphire ATI RADEON HD 3870 512MB GDDR4 Dual Dual-Link DVI HD Audio Shader Model 4.0 320 Unified Shaders PCI-Express 2.0 Graphics Card - 262.99$ x 2 = 525.98$

- OCZ (OCZ2VU8004GK) DDR2 PC2-6400 800MHz Vista Upgrade Edition 4GB (2x2048MB) Dual Channel Kit - 102.99$

- Samsung SyncMaster 245B Black 24" Widescreen TFT-LCD, 1920 x 1200, 3000:1, 5ms - 399.99$

-Thermaltake Toughpower W0104RU 650W w/14cm Fan Power Supply (Black) -146.99$

- LG GSA-H62L(Black) SATA LightScribe DVD-Writer 18x DVD+R/-R 8x DVD+RW/6x DVD-RW 10x DVD+/-R9 Dual Layer 48x CD-R 32x CD-RW OEM - 35.99$

- Thermaltake CL-P0369 Max Orb CPU Cooler for Intel Socket 775 & AMD 64 754/939 & AM2 - 53.99$

I'm a little unsure about the Mobo. and a few other things like whether or not the PS will be enough for the CF. I'm planning on using Vista, 1600x1200 or higher resolution on it. This is all in CAD and I just found the prices straight off of Canada Computers, not NCIX since there's a store close-by. I'm just hoping that the prices drop during boxing day cause my budget is only about 2000$. Thx again.

 

[akhilles]

These are CrossFire Certified psu's. The one you picked out may be a slightly different model, but should be fine for CF.

http://ati.amd.com/technology/crossfire/buildyourown2.html

Ditch the mobo & pick up a good P35 such as GA-P35-DS3P for CF. X38 does CF at x16.

I don't think you can get everything at discounted prices at the same time. Maybe in 2/3 weeks. Just pick up the deals when you see them.

 

[nameneeded]

I agree with akhilles. I would go the x38 route for the mobo.

I would consider getting a heavier PSU though. Below are some examples. But with some surfing i'm sure you can find comparable for less.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182070

or

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817814014

Regardless of a PSU being "rated" for SLi or Crossfire power demands on PSU's can be brutal. The ATI cards you have choosen are power hungry. Then factor in overclocking and the accessories that need power (back lit keyboards, wireless mice etc) its better to have a PSU that is running at a gentle level rather than maxed out. That also means its fan will not have to be ramped up thus quieter.

Think of it like a car. Sure that little 4 cylinder can go 100mph but its working for it. That 5.0 V8 is just cruising and hardly working though.

 

[Avenger_K]

I would consider getting a heavier PSU though. Below are some examples. But with some surfing i'm sure you can find comparable for less.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182070

or

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817814014

Regardless of a PSU being "rated" for SLi or Crossfire power demands on PSU's can be brutal. The ATI cards you have choosen are power hungry. Then factor in overclocking and the accessories that need power (back lit keyboards, wireless mice etc) its better to have a PSU that is running at a gentle level rather than maxed out. That also means its fan will not have to be ramped up thus quieter.


The ATI cards he has chosen together pull about as much wattage as one HD2900XT. They're not all that power hungry.

Lol at the choice of the Rosewill PSU. I wouldn't put one of them in the system, but the ABS one was a great choice.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371009
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006
Just a couple other choices....

 

[kazuya-kun]

thanks akhilles

i thought the mobo i picked up did CF at x16, thank god you pointed that out for me.
and i will go for the mobo you suggested.

MoBo: http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=24247&vpn=GA-P35-DS3P&manufacture=Gigabyte

as for the PSU, how much watts would the PSU need to be? i'm seeing about a range of 700~850 watts from the ones you guys mentioned. how much watts would I need to do some overclocking on the 3870s? I just figured that 600watts was enough

 

[nameneeded]

Well for me more is better. I wouldn't settle for anything less than 700 but if your budget can allow it try for into the 800's. I am running this

http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/PID-MX15272(ME).aspx

Akhilles is right about the Rosewill PSU. Its not very highly recommended but I just wanted to show you whats out there and it was on the same page The link above is for a local Canadian vendor I use alot..

 

[dwthor02]

yea i wouldnt do anything less than 700. i had a 750 psu in my rig and it kept shutting down on me. i went to 1000 and runs like a champ

 

[akhilles]

Go to Ati link I posted. Under the HD3870, any of the psu's is fine. Yes, I would pick out a more than enough psu so that it won't be stressed at all times. A larger psu will last longer, & run quieter.

 

[Psymonx]

go with the PcP&C 750W PSU. Its awsome. Best quality PSU you can find.

750 will be enough for 2 of those ATI's.

Find a better CPU cooler. Arctic Freezer 7, Tuniq Tower, or the Zalman 9700... The first being the easiest on the budget, and easiest to install.