I humbly come before this forum seeking advice from its wise denizens...

So, I have been planning on building a new computer since a long long while ago. What really got the search started was how yesterday I spilled pineapple juice all over my laptop's keyboard. Long story short, I'm screwed. I plan on building a desktop for some pretty nice gaming.

But, I am getting confused with the mobo and the RAM, with all of the frequencies and whatnot. I still cannot figure out the needed relationships between CPU FSB speed and RAM speed, and Supported Memory Speed (for the mobo) and the RAM speed...The voltages and whatnot confuse me something dreadful.

Finally, for the mobo...I have no idea what I need. All I really want is to be relatively future-proofed, like getting a faster processor, RAM, and maybe eventually going SLI/Crossfire.

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Processor (almost definitely): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037

Likely candidates for the RAM are:

If I need DDR2 1066 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231184 and http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231166 (both of which seem identical).

For DDR2 800, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231122

For DDR3 1333, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231200

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The kind of graphics might be something like:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130384
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814261027
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130376
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814133232
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814261027

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I will probably get a PSU between 600-1000 Watts, and either a full or mid tower. Altogether, do my plans look like they might be sensible?

 

Alright, first: If you're going to do SLI/Crossfire (I don't know the difference, I use Linux, and have never run more than one video card at once.), you'll need a higher range power supply; but we'll get there in a minute.

If you *really* want to future proof this system (i.e.: only needing minor upgrades in two to three years to keep up), I don't suggest using DDR2 memory - it'll be on it's way out in a few years. But, there are more quality (read: recognizable name brands) motherboards out there that use DDR2 right now than DDR3.

The DDR3 memory you found looks pretty good, but the lack of ratings means it's brand new or hardly anyone has bought it. I personally wouldn't ever buy anything except Geil, Crucial, OCZ, Corsair, or Kingston - but that is a personal preference (and years of habbit/tradition), but G.Skill seems to do pretty good.

For the DDR2, I would go with the second one you posted (the sky blue heatsink; DDR2 1066). For a budget build, I would suggest sticking with a generation 'downstream' of the bleading edge. If I were limited to G.Skill, this would be the memory I would get.

I recently did a build with 4 GB of Geil DDR2 800 memory, and it soars. (It could also be the difference between Windows and Linux, but even Windows running as a virtual machine seems to be faster than normal.) So the DDR2 800 would probably work too.

Please also remember that without a 64 bit Operating System, your OS will only be able to address a certain amount of memory. (Mine - since stupid me forgot to grab the 64 bit version of Ubuntu - can only address 3.75 GB. I think Windows XP/Vistrape can address up to 3.5.)

For motherboards, since you wish to go for SLI, you'll need to get a board with at least two PCI Express 2.0 x16. I really don't know anything of use about SLI/Crossfire, because I've never used it. Maybe someone here has experience and can help you out. Anyway, I would suggest one of these for DDR2 1066. (I really hope that link works. If not, I did the advanced search and used the following filters: Intel Motherboards > CPU Socket Type : LGA 775 > FSB : 1600/1333MHz > PCI Express 2.0 x16 : 2 > CPU Type : Quad-core / Core 2 Extreme / Core 2 Duo / Pentium > Number of Memory Slots : 4×240pin > Memory Standard : DDR2 1066)

I couldn't really find anything worth anyone's money for DDR3 1333, but following my above filters, you may be able to find something I missed. It is 5 am after all, and I've been awake almost all weekend.

Of those video cards, I would probably go for this one if I didn't have a money limit, but since they are probably over $200 a card, I'd have to stick with this one.

For power, your best bet would be to take what one of those video cards says it needs, and doubling it. Don't forget to add ~300-400 extra watts (just to be safe) for motherboard/processor/optical drives/hard drives/memory/etc. Edit: It appears only the second one tells you how much power it requires...I'm going to guess that the lower bound would work for that card with the upper bound working for the first one, but don't quote me on that.

I'm sure you were going to do this anyway, but I would suggest posting your finished parts list before buying. I'm sure someone'll have some more input for you (extra cables you'll need, etc.).

Hope I was at least some help, in my half-coma state of being.

 

First off, thank you for the help.

As for cooling, is it recommended that I get an after-market CPU cooling unit? Also, would all the heat generated need something like 4 120 inch fans? I was told that large fans pull a lot of dust into the case, and that they can break easily. Additionally. how do I know if the PSU will actually fit inside? Do I just order it and check it out?

Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119160
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146047
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133021

Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8400 - Retail

Mobo: I still have no idea, but now I am trying to make DDR2 AND DDR3 compatibility a must-have. For my troubles, all I can find is http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128082 . It doesnt seem to have terribly great reviews, but it seems to be the best I can get. What do I do?

RAM: Now is entirely dependent on what I get. I still have no idea.

Video Card: Based on some ratings I saw over at TomsHardware, I decided to settle on the http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814129112 . I just hope it works with the mobo.

PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006

Hard Drive: least of my worries, probably will get a nice 7,200 rpm model.

Optical Drive : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135156

Well, that seems to be all I can think of, except for if the RAM actually needs to be supported on the company's page for the mobo?

 

Cool, so it looks like its all coming together nicely. I suppose that I will indeed give in and pick the Antec 900, everybody else seems to =P

I dont know, I just really wanted the possibility of upgrading to DDR3 in a few years, assuming that I still have the system then. I guess I COULD just get a regular DDR2 board...if I did, I might just get the http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131296 , along with whatever nice ddr2 800 RAM is right for it.

So, does the specific RAM actually need to be listed in the mobo specs?

In the end, I think I might just be a bastard, and get a quote from Puget Systems, and post the setup for their technicians to examine. If I get the go ahead, I might just say 'sorry, changed my mind', buy the parts from newegg and build it myself. I kid you not, Puget charges maybe twice as much as the cost of the parts?

$2,172.69

That is the price that Puget would want for a computer whose parts I can get for $1,257.90 on newegg. Yes, there is something to be said for warranties, and a bit for effort in building...but about twice the base cost?! This is blasphemy, this is madness!

 

Looks pretty good. Some alternatives to the 900: here (I use this one currently) and here (the one I used in my latest build for my Aunt).

If you do get the 900, here's a PSU that'll get $50 bucks off (with the case) and has 100 extra watts. Offer ends on Halloween though.

With memory, you usually want to find the lowest latency numbers combined with the lowest voltage. As long as your board says it can handle DDR2/3 XXXX, it'll work. (I would read the reviews just to make sure though. If a reviewer says they've had problems with a specific brand of memory, it'd be wise to avoid it like the plague.)

 

Don't worry about making sure to get an SLI/Crossfire motherboard for future upgrading. SLI/Xfire is expensive and a hassle for what you get. If you do want the power of two video cards later on, then both ATI and nVidia produce 2-in-1 cards now. SLI/Xfire on just one card, using up just one slot.

Either way, do NOT skimp on your power supply. Buy a good quality, brandname PSU. It does actually make a difference. Leave plenty of headroom between what your system requires and what the power rating is on the PSU. Modern video cards use a lot of power. SLI'd video cards use twice as much.

 

I have to agree with Yak. Cooling down the heat inside the case is very important. I remember I fried 1 computer in San Luis Obispo (California), and it was pretty hot out. I used it too long and fried it.

Even the computer I have now generates a lot of heat, and I have a Quadcore 6600 with a Ge-Force 8800GTS. Video card gets so hot I can't even touch it for half a second.

 

Hehe, actually Militis, I was speaking with somebody, and they helped me conclude on the P182 already XD Only problem with it is that some people reported not being able to fit large PSU's into it without removing a fan or something, and I really don't want to mess with that.

650 should still be enough though, yeah? Also, unfortunately, the RAM that I was thinking of getting isnt in the QVL for either of the mobos...

Current specs:

Case = http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129025

Processor = Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8400 - Retail

Motherboard = Either http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131296 or http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131299 . Honestly, the reply to low reviews consisting almost entirely of 'Please contact our Technical Support Department at http://vip.asus.com/eservice/techserv.aspx and reference case number "NE270219"' gets a bit alarming, so maybe something else? Also, people keep raving about how ASUS quality control has really started to slip. Maybe I will pick http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813186148 . Then again, their info on RAM compatibility isnt even accessible.

RAM = Maybe http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227284 , depending on the end mobo choice. Though, as I said before, its not in the QVL.

Video Card = http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814129112

PSU = http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139005

Optical Drive = I'll find it later.

Hard Drive = http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136218

HSF = http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186134 or http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103040 , but the latter seems too big?

 

Your PSU seems alright. I would be a little wary before assuming it can actually handle SLI on the latest gen video cards though. You should be very happy with your ATI 4850.

Your heatsink and fans are horrible. They are no better than the stock Intel HSF that comes free with the CPU. Take a look at this comparison of HSF solutions. The Tuniq Tower performs consistently well in all of those tests and is only $3 more than the CoolerMaster your linked to at NewEgg.

The only question with the Tuniq is whether it's too large for your case. In the Tuniq comments, one person wrote that it fits like a glove in their Antec 300 case. Both the Antec 300 and your Antec P182 are 8.1" wide according to NewEgg's specs. That's not a 100% guarantee that it'll fit, but it very likely will. If you're concerned about the fit, then ask around on some of the overclocking forums. Personally, I'd assume it fits and just buy it.

There may be a better HSF for your system and budget; I stopped looking when I came across the Tuniq because it seems good enough. Some of the Tuniq tests in the comparison review I linked to were done with a very quiet fan rather than the stock Tuniq fan. If noise is an issue for you, then feel free to buy a quieter fan. All fans are not made equal. Be sure to check reviews before picking one.

 

I've got a motherboard thats similiar to the second mobo that you posted. Its SLI but I actually have to turn a chip around physically to get it into SLI mode. But thats about all the difference it has. The motherboard has worked fine ever since I bought so I would go for the pro board.


I really dont think you need an HSF replacement for the stock one unless you're going to be doing something to the cpu like overclocking it. Your case comes with 3 big fans. Im pretty sure that it will work to sufficiently cool your system. Hell one of them is pretty much dedicated to the PSU.

 

Mercenary is right. You don't need a replacement HSF if you're not overclocking.

 

After a little break, I have rejoined the hunt. Unless any of you guys think there needs to be something fixed, this will be the final build. Thanks for all the help!

Case: Antec Twelve Hundred Black Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Retail

Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz

Motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.145008

Ram: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231122

Graphics Card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.145008

PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139005

HD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136218

Card Reader: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820162016

Optical Drive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136152

Additional Fans (two of them):http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811999061

Additional Extension: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812198005


So, I have a good feeling about everything except the case and the graphics card. I read that it runs kinda hot, but less so than some other stuff. The case just kinda scares me on account of it being a full tower, but whatever. Its cheaper than my previous Antec P182 and a little larger. The amount of fans...

 

Why do you need the 4pin extension?

The case'll cool just fine. I've got the Antec P182 with stock fans (only 3 of 'em) and it cools just fine. With your extra fans, it'll be no contest.

 

This, Building a system and designing it to rely on xfire or SLI is a total waste of money. Get 1 good card instead of 2 crappy ones. Less heat in the case, less power used the better. Two shitty cards doesn't equal 1 good one, and depending on the size of the textures you're using it might barely even give you an increase in the first place, depending on the RAM and mem speed of the cards, and if you're running in a giant res or itty bitty one.

Now if you have 1 good cards, and you're running max everything, with monster resolution, and you can run it, but you're getting 20 fps, then yeah SLI might be able to spot you another 10-15 fps b/c you're taking some load off the card. But honestly, you're almost always better getting 1 good card in the first place. If you're getting 20 fps on an older game and stuttering grabbing another budget card won't always let you turn the game up a few resolution notches and play on high like some folks seem to think.


I liked this post which sums it up.

tl;dr buy a good card to start with. the 8800 series is dirt cheap right now, they're all awesome cards, get those. Never skimp on the vid card, PSU, or heat sink. With CPUs being so cheap right now anything Intel with 2 + cores that's not a Celeron and is socket 775 you pretty much can't loose above 150$.