Build Opinion

R

razule

Geek Trainee
I am going to build a new computer buying part by part. I want opinion on my rig please.

GPU: BFG Tech Geforce 7900GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 (1 to start, 2 eventually)

CPU: Intel Pentium D 930 Presler 3.0GHz 2 x 2MB L2 Cache LGA 775 Dual Core Processor

COOL: ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro CPU Cooler

MOBO: ASUS P5N32-SLI Deluxe Socket T (LGA 775) NVIDIA nForce4 SLI Intel Edition ATX Intel Motherboard

RAM: CORSAIR ValueSelect 2GB (2 x 1GB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC 3200)

SOUND: M-AUDIO 9900-40901-00 7.1 Channels 24-bit 192KHz

PSU: THERMALTAKE TR2 500W Power Supply ATX12V V2.0

HD: Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD2500KS 250GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive

This will cost me roughly $1200 (1500 after second GPU).

So I would like opinion on this setup. and also I would like a recommendation on a GOOD case to buy with plenty of room and airflow, not costing me a fortune for it. Any other recommendations for case airflow, such as fans and what not. Please let me know.
 
Very nice...I like that case alot!
I will buy that case and scrap the PSU. THANK you for that opinion.

Now, I am not up to date on core duo processors. what is the advantage of it to the one i was looking into? Just curious.

Edit: Also with this CPU, will the arctic cooler fit on this? or would I have to change that also? and if so what is suggested?
 
Well, let's see.

GPU: Okay
CPU: If you're going to go with Intel, get a Core 2 E6300 at minimum. The Pentium D's will get creamed by AMD's Athlon 64. If you're going to stay with the older stuff, then an Athlon64 will be a much better choice. Core 2 is an entirely different beast, and is worth considering if you don't have to have it right now.
Cooling: Those are pretty popular, I'm not sure about the Freezer 7 off the top of my head, but you'll want to make sure it works with LGA775
Motherboard: Asus is good, but from what I hear, the nForce 4 SLI Intel edition has some quirks to it.
RAM: Not a bad choice, however, if you're considering overclocking, you'll want to look at Corsairs XMS, Crucial Ballstix, OCZ XTC, or Patriot XBL stuff. Addtionally, Intel has been using DDR 2 for awhile, and nearly every motherboard for LGA775 processors will require DDR 2. DDR 2 and DDR are not compatible with each other, both physically and electrically.
Sound: Nothing wrong with that.
PSU: It will work, but for the price, there are much better options available.
HDD: Nothing wrong with that. You may also consider Seagate's 7200.9 or 7200.10 drives, but WD is a solid choice.

I don't know where you've looked but, Newegg comes highly recommended. I've purchased from them numerous times and have never had problems.

Based on the direction you're headed, I put a list together that's along the same lines as what you have, but with some tweaks to get you the best bang.

Motherboard: Asus P5NSLI $119.99
CPU: Core 2 Duo E6400 $240.00
RAM: OCZ Gold DDR2-667 2x1GB $179.99*
Video Card: XFX GeForce 7900GT $262.99* (x2 = $525.98)
Hard Drive: Western Digital 250GB SATAII 16MB $77.99*
Optical Drive: Pioneer 16x DVDRW $31.99
Sound Card: M-Audio 9900-40901-00 $90.00
Case: Chenming CMUI-601AEB-W $59.99
Cooling: Arctic Freezer 7 Pro $24.99
Power Supply: OCZ GameXStreme 600W $124.00*
(*before rebate)

Total: $1,475.91 + shipping (+tax for CA, NJ residents)

I have the case I suggested. It's pretty plain, and isn't lite, but it does have a pretty good cooling setup. It comes with two 80mm fans and you can mount two more in the front. You don't have to get that one, so you might check out CoolerMaster for a little better look. One thing to keep in mind is the front intake. Make sure the case you choose has front vents to suck air in.

Also, the retail box CPU's all come with a cooler that is effective for cooling. They're not extreme solutions, but if you're not overclocking, they will do the job and then some. Something to think about.
 
Ok, I am attempting to keep it at about $1200.

About the Asus P5NSLI, there are only 2 reviews on newegg and they are both bad. so i am weary of that.

i don't really want to shell out an extra $70ish dollars for the core2 6400 so i'd go with the 6300.

so if i went core2 are there any other suggestions for mobos? i'll swap the ram to ddr2 so it is compatible.

Edit: As far as i see there are only like 8 mobos which support core 2 duo. so should i risk the p5nsli, go core 2 duo 6300, swap for ddr2 ram?
I want to get the case that harrack recommended. i have an antec server case and have always loved them. and to come with a 500w PSU and additional air holes sounds nice.
 
you say athlon 64 is better than the core 2. can you make a recommendation around the power/price i am look for in a mobo/cpu for an amd setup please?
 
No he said the exact opposite: Core 2 Duo > AMD X2

There are other good mobos out there which are cheaper, but since you're going the sli route, your options become severly limited I'm affraid. Those P5NSLIs, whichever ones you get, are pretty much the only options out there.
 
That's the killer. Core 2 is very new, and if it weren't for the SLI route you wanted, there's other options like the Asus P5B or Abit AB9 that would do the job you need. Now, you could get one of the boards I just mentioned and a GeForce 7950, which is essentially two 7900's in SLI in one card, and get what you wanted.
 
Ok
I can probably get away without SLI.


MOBO: Asus P5B
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 (Maybe 6400)
RAM: OCZ Value Series 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2
GPU: BFG Tech Geforce 7900GT 512MB (or Gigabyte 7950GX2)
COOL: Arctic Freezer 7 Pro
Case:Antec TX 1050B (W/ 500w PSU)
Same Souncard And HD

eh?

I already have a DVD R/W drive so i am ok there.

tell me what you think.
 
Yes I think i will too.

Thanks for all the help. I am looking forward to building it over the new few months!
 
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