My PC Build '07

[itgl72]

My last rebuild, 2003 so I'm excited to get this new project going. The only thing I plan on re-using is my chieftec tower. I'm pulling the guts out of it and putting it in another tower. That p4 3.2 still does regular PC work just fine -- but I want to get back into the higher end gaming.

My budget is around $1600, I don't need to spend it all but want a good gaming machine. If I need to spend a little more, I might be able to if I'm out of my realm. Most of the stuff I play are first person shooters, C&C type games (New one coming!), and flight simulators like MSFS and IL2.

So far I have settled on the Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 since I can't justify the extra price of the Intel Core 2 Duo E6700 per its performance.

I think I'm also going with a single Western Digital Raptor WD1500ADFD 150GB 10,000 RPM hard drive.

I think I'm going to want 2GB of ram too, I used CRUCIAL on my last PC.

I'm open to all suggestions as I research some more. I'm open to motherboard, memory type, especially VIDEO CARD, and also a POWER SUPPLY.

I'm staying with XP for now, but will do VISTA later in '07.

TIA for suggestions!

 

[shata]

I would wait for vista also, im sticking with xp pro for now.

For ram id choose OCZ memory.

 

[Newf]

Long Live the Chieftec Dragon!!!
In some logical sequence:
OK an E6600 makes sense. Do you know about the planned Intel price drops coming in <1 month?
Next, you need to decide on a Videocard. Which flavor of NVidia 8800 makes the most sense to you? <$300 for a 320MB GTS to $525-575 for a GTX, they will all play current games easily.
3rd is your need for SLI, (or not). Seems silly to me but some will plan for dual 8800s.
Lastly, do you want to overclock this system? This will affect the choice of motherboard and especially ram. It also may require aftermarket cpu cooling.

Once you decide on all of the above, a motherboard and power supply can be selected.
The remaining components can be hashed out later.

 

[itgl72]

Long Live the Chieftec Dragon!!!
In some logical sequence:
OK an E6600 makes sense. Do you know about the planned Intel price drops coming in <1 month?
Next, you need to decide on a Videocard. Which flavor of NVidia 8800 makes the most sense to you? <$300 for a 320MB GTS to $525-575 for a GTX, they will all play current games easily.
3rd is your need for SLI, (or not). Seems silly to me but some will plan for dual 8800s.
Lastly, do you want to overclock this system? This will affect the choice of motherboard and especially ram. It also may require aftermarket cpu cooling.

Once you decide on all of the above, a motherboard and power supply can be selected.
The remaining components can be hashed out later.

I have seen something about a price drop, how long are we talking here? Less than a month can sometimes equal out to 6 weeks. I really have not dug too deep into the price drop story - whats the quick skinny?

I'm open to the SLI solution but not any time soon, if ever. It would be nice to have the option to do so. Having a DX10 ready video card wouldnt be aweful either for that vista upgrade down the road.

I have never really been much of an overclocker. Its not essential to me.

I'm happy with a quality, reliable, fast rig out of the box. But thats not to say I would never overlock, I have done it, just not a priority to me.

 

[Newf]

I have seen something about a price drop, how long are we talking here? Less than a month can sometimes equal out to 6 weeks. I really have not dug too deep into the price drop story - whats the quick skinny?

Current plans in the media show an April 22 '07 Intel price drop. AMD has already just made some more significant drops, but they currently do not have a counter to the E6600 and up Intel procs.

I'm open to the SLI solution but not any time soon, if ever. It would be nice to have the option to do so. Having a DX10 ready video card wouldnt be aweful either for that vista upgrade down the road.

SLI as a requirement will restrict you to an NVidia chipset motherboard. It will also require you to buy a more expensive power supply than the $100-150 you need for a single 8800/Conroe system.

I have never really been much of an overclocker. Its not essential to me.
I'm happy with a quality, reliable, fast rig out of the box. But thats not to say I would never overlock, I have done it, just not a priority to me.

If you do not need to OC, 2GB of value ram will run less than $150 and run reliably for years without boot/compatibility hassles. For OC use you can easily double that cost. No overclocking leaves your motherboard choice wide open, although boards that OC well also tend to be very stable at stock speeds.

You can start with likes/dislikes from this list and go from there:
Conroe E6600 2.4GHz 4MB Boxed $313+0 3/24/07
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819115003

Gigabyte GA-965P-DS3 LGA775 965 Conroe $123+6 3/24/07
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813128012
For your needs even a P965 Intel motherboard will work just fine.

Kingston DDR2667 2G kit KVR667D2N5K2/2G $120+0 3/24/07
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820134046
Since the stock FSB will run ram at DDR2-566, there is room for a little clock tweak.
OR
Kingston DDR2 2G 533 1.8v CL4 KVR533D2N4K2/2G $131+5 3/24/07
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820144157
These sticks run CL4 latency and at stock speed offer a little faster response.

EVGA 320-P2-N811-AR 8800GTS 320MB Retail $280-20+6 3/24/07
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130082
Lifetime warranty on an essentially generic board.

Creative X-Fi Gamer Retail $75+7 3/24/07 (Optional)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829102006

Seagate ST3320620AS 320GB/16MB SATA $84+0 3/24/07
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148140
Spend more on a Raptor if you want. If I wanted max performance I would get the new Raptor and use it as the boot drive, putting my programs/games on the Seagate.

Lite-on SH-16A7S-06 SATA DVD RW $40+6 3/24/07
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827106046

Logitech G5 931376-0403 Mouse $46+0 3/24/07
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16826104191
Gotta have it...

NEC 1.44MB Black Floppy $6+6 3/24/07
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16821152005

Corsair CMPSU-520HX ATX/EPS $120-10+9 3/24/07
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139001
Review: 8/15/06
http://www.jonnyguru.com/review_details.php?id=28
Seasonic S12 SS-550HT ATX/EPS Active $130+8 3/24/07
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817151027
There are numerous other good options for a power supply. There are also way to many garbage units out there. The forum section here on power supplies is very informative, as is JohnnyGuru.

 

[jamesgoddard]

Hitachi have a new disk drive that had just been released that performs better then the raptor, and available in 1TB and 750GB sizes, no point in using the raptor any more.

 

[Newf]

Hitachi have a new disk drive that had just been released that performs better then the raptor, and available in 1TB and 750GB sizes, no point in using the raptor any more.

And there is an easy-payment-plan set up so everyone can have one...

 

[itgl72]

HA.. I was just going to say! I dont need THAT MUCH SPACE and I would surely be PAYING for it! This machine is for gaming, not much else. I have a lapto p for work, office, etc.

 

[jamesgoddard]

Hitachi have a new disk drive that had just been released that performs better then the raptor, and available in 1TB and 750GB sizes, no point in using the raptor any more.

And there is an easy-payment-plan set up so everyone can have one...
The 750GB will be coming in at around $300 - not much more than a raptor

 

[Newf]

OK, $300 is not much more than $140 or $180...

 

[itgl72]

I appreciate the help you folks have given me, heres where I am thus far. Alright, been doing some reading and assembling lists. Below
is what I have so far as I go unless I get shot down with a
recommendation or suggestion to change my mind:

Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 Conroe 2.4GHz 4M shared L2 Cache LGA 775
Processor - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819115003

GIGABYTE GA-965P-DS3 LGA 775 Intel P965 Express ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819115003

Kingston 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Dual
Channel Kit Desktop Memory
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820134046

CORSAIR CMPSU-520HX ATX12V v2.2 and EPS12V 2.91 520W Power Supply 100
- 240 V UL, CUL, CE, CB, FCC Class B, TUV, CCC, C-tick - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139001

Western Digital Raptor X WD1500AHFD 150GB 10,000 RPM 16MB Cache Serial
ATA150 Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136011

EVGA 320-P2-N811-AR GeForce 8800GTS 320MB 320-bit GDDR3 PCI Express
x16 HDCP Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130082

I think it looks good, what do you folks think about the MEMORY? Do
you think thats the best I can use for this combo of parts or would
some other ram be a better choice? As for Video card, I guess I'm a
bit limited to wanting something that can give me DX10 for when I
finally DO go Vista. I know the tims hardware chart is subjective and
of opinions of others but I use it as a point of reference. This 8800
isnt beating out some of the other cards but the other cards are DX9.
Let me know if I'm off in my thought process.

Anyway I'm looking forward to doing some ordering, look forward to a
green light

 

[itgl72]

Oops! The actual link to the MB is:

GIGABYTE GA-965P-DS3 LGA 775 Intel P965 Express ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813128012

 

[Newf]

 

[itgl72]

I'm still under the budget cap. What about a little more memory on both the system RAM and video card? I was looking at these:

Kingston HyperX 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820134012


EVGA 640-P2-N821-AR GeForce 8800GTS 640MB 320-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130071&ATT=vga&CMP=BAC-TomsHrdw_txl_07

Suggestions on this topic? Different parts maybe?

 

[itgl72]

Although I would REALLY prefer to have this one:

EVGA 768-P2-N831-AR GeForce 8800GTX 768MB 384-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130072

But I just dont know if the price different per performance is worth it.

 

[Newf]

I understand the video card upgrade.
The memory? Spend an extra $100 for chips that need 1.95v instead of the standard 1.8. For an overclocking fiend maybe, but you? Have you changed your colors, or do you just want to throw money away?

 

[senor_bob]

I'm still under the budget cap. What about a little more memory on both the system RAM and video card? I was looking at these:

Kingston HyperX 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820134012

For whatever it's worth, that particular RAM is not on the mobo's support list. Newf's originally suggested RAM is on the list, as is the 512 MB version of the HyperX. I'd probably stick with the DDR2-667. I'm looking at almost identical build myself and just got done looking at the board specs. Here's the manufacturer's list:

http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/FileList/MemorySupport/motherboard_memory_ga-965p-ds3_3.3.pdf

EVGA 640-P2-N821-AR GeForce 8800GTS 640MB 320-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130071&ATT=vga&CMP=BAC-TomsHrdw_txl_07

Suggestions on this topic? Different parts maybe?

Nice card.

 

[itgl72]

I understand the video card upgrade.
The memory? Spend an extra $100 for chips that need 1.95v instead of the standard 1.8. For an overclocking fiend maybe, but you? Have you changed your colors, or do you just want to throw money away?

No, overclocking for me is still not a big deal. BUT, if you are saying the original ram I posted from your suggestion is a better value for me in my situation than thats fine with ,e

If the MB can handle DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) then why use DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) RAM? Are you saying the performance seen for the price jump, IF NOT OVERCLOCKING, is not worth it? See this is what I get for not being into overclocking much. LOL

Its fine with me, I rather take that extra $$ and throw it at the 8800GTX!!

 

[itgl72]

For whatever it's worth, that particular RAM is not on the mobo's support list. Newf's originally suggested RAM is on the list, as is the 512 MB version of the HyperX. I'd probably stick with the DDR2-667. I'm looking at almost identical build myself and just got done looking at the board specs. Here's the manufacturer's list:

http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/FileList/MemorySupport/motherboard_memory_ga-965p-ds3_3.3.pdf

Either my eyes are playing tricks on me, or... Anyway I dont see ANY DDR2 667 kingston memory on that list. I do see the Kingston DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) KVR800D2N5. for $115 and CORSAIR XMS2 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Desktop Memory Model CM2X1024-6400 - Retail for $99.

I need to slow down here now on the memory issue, I need to make sure it likes the board I'm going to use.


Heres where my list is, but the memory issue is going to probabaly adjust the list below:

* Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 Conroe 2.4GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80557E6600 - Retail
* GIGABYTE GA-965P-DS3 LGA 775 Intel P965 Express ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
* EVGA 768-P2-N831-AR GeForce 8800GTX 768MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Video Card - Retail
* Kingston 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model KVR667D2N5K2/2G - Retail
* Western Digital Raptor WD1500ADFD 150GB 10,000 RPM Serial ATA150 Hard Drive - OEM
* CORSAIR CMPSU-520HX ATX12V v2.2 and EPS12V 2.91 520W Power Supply - Retail

 

[itgl72]

I knew this would happen, I was just too curious NOT to go in and look
a little deeper at the nvidia flavors. Which got me thinking. SINCE I
am going with an nvidia 8800GTX would I be best suited with something
like an NVIDIA nForce 650i SLI type mother board???

I wouldnt need the 680i since if I did a skosh of overclocking it would be news. Overclocking is not on my radar.

You know, shoot -- this is a big investment and I can wait another day
or two to hear peoples input based on their experiences.

 

[senor_bob]

For whatever it's worth, that particular RAM is not on the mobo's support list. Newf's originally suggested RAM is on the list, as is the 512 MB version of the HyperX. I'd probably stick with the DDR2-667. I'm looking at almost identical build myself and just got done looking at the board specs. Here's the manufacturer's list:

http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/FileList/MemorySupport/motherboard_memory_ga-965p-ds3_3.3.pdf

Either my eyes are playing tricks on me, or... Anyway I dont see ANY DDR2 667 kingston memory on that list. I do see the Kingston DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) KVR800D2N5. for $115 and CORSAIR XMS2 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Desktop Memory Model CM2X1024-6400 - Retail for $99.

I need to slow down here now on the memory issue, I need to make sure it likes the board I'm going to use.

Oops, I was reading too fast and latched onto the ValueRam and ignored the speed. However, they support the KVR at 533 and 800? Odd that they'd support a brand at 800 and 533 but not 667? Anyway, if you are planning to go nForce that board is irrelevant. There are lots of guys on here running the nVidia 680 boards, haven't seen too many with the 650s but somebody ought to have experience with those.

Edit: Well at least linking to the RAM list was useful, even if I was reading way too fast.

As far as I know there's no particular benefit to running an nVidia board unless you plan to go SLI in the future.

 

[Newf]

The ram I posted will work just fine. 1.8v @ CL5.
If you go with the Kingston value ram 533, you get 1.8v CL4 memory which will originally POST at CL5-5-5-12. You can change the memory latency in BIOS and get even faster response.
Please note that IF YOU DO NOT OVERCLOCK, your memory will POST and RUN FOREVER at DDR2-533 speeds. Intel may call it 1066, but whatever...
This means that for someone that does not overclock, the value ram 533 can be the best option.
Kingston value DDR2 2G 533 1.8v CL4 KVR533D2N4K2/2G $131+5 3/24/07
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820144157
The reason I went with the 667 is simple.
Down the road you may want to upgrade to a Quad processor that runs a "1333" FSB. For that you will need DDR2667 memory and, by Jove you will already have it...

 

[Newf]

Want to take this line of reasoning to a logical conclusion?
Then look at this option. Spend more, but will you use it later?
Mushkin 2GB DDR2-800 1.8 CL5 $200-20+5 3/26/07
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146599

 

[itgl72]

Thanks again for the help. This just proves to me that anything I thought I knew about overclocking and memory has gone out the window since I've been away from building for so long.


I guess I always thought that out of the box, stock, 667 was faster memory than 533, and 800 was faster than 667. And I mean, doing nothing but PLUGGING IT IN, and turning on the PC.

I need to read up for the sake of my better understanding.

 

[itgl72]

Overclocking in the future?
Good price, good option for future overclocking:
https://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=85025-5


Thanks for everyones help. I believe Im good to go now.