Building New Pc - 1 Question - Help Please!

[Scratch]

Mr scratch....what would be a good motherboard match for E4600? I'm building one as well but I really don't know what to go for when it comes to m/b. I don't need anything over the top just a regular good value one.........and by good value I don't mean cheap.

Post a list of the other components that you're going to use to make this machine, I can give you a better answer that way.

Edited February 27, 2008 by Scratch

[Mayuri Krab]

Funny why people keep saying Vista is shit.........i've been using it for close to a year now, not once did it ever crash. The hibernate function is wonderful. All that run on 1 gig of ram.

How did you get it to run smoothly with only a gig? Did you turn aero off?

For me, I see vista is more usless (therefore making it appear "shit" to me) coz as far as I'm concerned It doesn't have any new "essential" features that I need. XP had the nice feature of having the image previews thing for pictures compared to 98 where you had to open each jpg to look at the pic.

Only thing that would make me (more like force me to upgrade) would be DX10. But considering that games that you could run in DX10 mode (ie Crysis in Ultra high details) would kill even a 8800Ultra, I just don't see any point in getting it for the time being.

And to lingeringsoul:

Gigabyte p35 DS3L is a pretty decent entry level motherboard, it still retains the good over clocking ability of the higher end Gigabyte models.

Btw the new 512Mb 8800GT & GTS are faster than the old 640mb GTS in almost all games (Google the test charts), since they use the new core (G92) and the increase in shader processors (112 for GT & 128 for GTS compared to 96 for the old GTS).

Edited February 27, 2008 by Mayuri Krab

[Scratch]

Only thing that would make me (more like force me to upgrade) would be DX10. But considering that games that you could run in DX10 mode (ie Crysis in Ultra high details) would kill even a 8800Ultra, I just don't see any point in getting it for the time being.

You can enable Ultra High settings in Crysis in DX9 on XP through an entry in the config file. Google it.

Btw the new 512Mb 8800GT & GTS are faster than the old 640mb GTS in almost all games (Google the test charts), since they use the new core (G92) and the increase in shader processors (112 for GT & 128 for GTS compared to 96 for the old GTS).

They are cheaper too, but they were not available when I bought my card... which is why I said you can get better and cheaper now, heck the q6600 has dropped by 10 bucks too. The point is - no matter what you buy it gets outdated, fast. Buy whatever suits your needs and make peace with it.

[Mayuri Krab]

You can enable Ultra High settings in Crysis in DX9 on XP through an entry in the config file. Google it.

Final nail in the coffin for vista ...

until they ditch xp support in games, atleast shouldn't happen for a while

& for the video card thing, sorry, didn't read your post properly, thought you were recommending him a 640mb GTS (didn't read the top line where you said it was your rig).

Edited February 27, 2008 by Mayuri Krab

[kralster]

lol vista is going to be around for a long while yet.

[lingeringsoul]

I'm going for about 2 gigs of ram (maybe 4), getting 8800gt 500gb hd, don't need a super super fast cpu and mobo, just a one thats not too bad. Used for playing odd new games here and there but mostly I'll be using it to watch a lot of movies.

So yeah, can't decide whats a decent cpu speed and mobo

I read that the P5N-E SLi seems pretty good but then I dont know what is a good match.

[Scratch]

I'd rethink your CPU and get a faster one, the 2.4 ghz e4600 will only slow down your video card. The new 45nm intel CPU's are out and some of them are cheaper and offer higher FSB support (1333 vs 800) than the older ones (use less power so they run cooler). An example:

E6850 core duo (3ghz 2x2mb cache) = $329

E8400 core duo 45nm (3ghz 2x3mb cache) = $279 <- i would looking at this cpu

(Prices ref: www.ple.com.au)

The p5ne-sli is a very good sli board, but uses an Nvidia 650i chipset (i think, dont have time to google) which doesnt support 45nm CPUs. Basically If you're planning on getting another video card now or in the next month or two and want to get the E4000 series intel CPUs, its worthy to consider this board.

if you're in this scenario however:

- you're not planning on SLI

- want the newer 45nm cpus

- dont want to tinker around and overclocking your pc that much

get an intel chipset. The nvidia chipsets are catered for the enthusiasts, good tweakability but also prone to weird driver problems/constant updates and then problems from those updates. Anyone who's had these chipsets and know what they are doing, have had a beta/tweaked driver at some point to get their system stable. The novice user would basically start the whole "awwww XP/Vista is crapz0r" when the machines gets unstable.

the p35 Intel chipsets support 45nm cpus and higher but usually only with a BIOS update - check with the vendor and make sure it will support 45nm out of the box or get them to update the bios for you. look into the Asus P5K .. very good value for money. The board design is a bit funny... the IDE connector is located in a ridiculous spot (not and issue if you're using a SATA dvd drive). long story short its a straight forward basic midrange motherboard with ok overclocking features if you wanted to experiement or couldnt be bothered.

The x38 chipset was designed for the 45nm generation, but its still a bit too expensive for my liking.

Motherboards are pretty clean cut - you pay for features. if you want more sata ports or an extra gigabit ethernet port or a built in wireless AP.. they cost more. If you dont want those features go for the basic board, and spend the dosh elsewhere.

The gigabyte motherboard mentioned above indeed has very good reviews, but I cant comment on it as i've never used it myself - i'm using a P5K on the otherhand.

besides the CPU and motherboard:

----------------------------------------

get faster ram try to get 1066 ram if possible if you're getting the 45nm cpu or 800mhz minium if youre going with the E4000 series. Dont get the fancy gamer spec ones with stickers and heat spreaders, the standard kingston will do.

ideally if you're using 32bit OS only (vista/xp) get 3 gigs of ram (2x 1 gig sticks and 2x 512 sticks - they all have to be the same speed (800, 1066, etc. Match the sticks to the ram slot color). if thats too much mucking around, just get 2 gigs or 4 if you dont mind losing 512mb.

Get a 500+ powersupply as well - look at the corsair range. very good value for money.

what case are you using?

Edited February 29, 2008 by Scratch

[lingeringsoul]

I'm getting a Thermaltake Soprano DX case, mainly because it looks nice and has plenty of vents for air flow.

So the 500w power supply is good enough?

I'm not really planning on SLI with gfx card to be honest but would like to have the option available.

I was looking at my choice of CPU and yes, maybe E4000 series is a little too mediocre so I may rethink to get a E6000 or E8000 cost pending.

MB I'm not too fussed about the functions, just the regular stuff - built in network plug, built in sound card and a few USB ports.

So for E4000 series CPU, go for p5ne-sli?

What's the recommended one for E6000 and E8000 series in your opinion?

[Mayuri Krab]

I'm getting a Thermaltake Soprano DX case, mainly because it looks nice and has plenty of vents for air flow.

Does that case come with the old 430W TT PSU like the old Soprano case (I have one btw)? If so, GET a new PSU & ditch that PSO.

When it comes to PSUs, the main thing to consider is the Amp rating on the 12V rail. The 430w PSU only has a single 12v rail with 18A on it & according to reviews its really only a 350w rebraded. With a 8800GT you should be looking at getting a PSU with a amp rating of atleast 22 or over on the 12V rail.

So the 500w power supply is good enough?

If its a good quality one (like the antec earthwatt or cosiar HX520) then yes, if its some cheapo generic crap (like SHAW) then no.

Another vote goes to the E8400, its easily the best bang for the buck CPU at the moment, already very fast @ stock (3Ghz) & can be pushed further quite easily. & since you are getting a 8800Gt you want a decent CPU otherwise theres gonna be bottlenecks, unless you heavily OC the E4xxxs.

As for motherboard, if you are not thinking of going into SLI then don't bother about the P5N-SLI board or anything SLI board for that matter as they are usually overpriced anyway. Just get a standard P35 motherboard. Like what Scratch said either a Asus P5k or Gigabyte P35 DS3 (or DS3L if you want to save a couple of $) I have a P35 DS3P & its a very decent board.

So the 500w power

What's the recommended one for E6000 and E8000 series in your opinion?

Just the E8400, & forget about the E6xxxs, as the E8xxxs cost about the same as their older counterparts.

Edited February 29, 2008 by Mayuri Krab

[Scratch]

I'm getting a Thermaltake Soprano DX case, mainly because it looks nice and has plenty of vents for air flow.

So the 500w power supply is good enough?

I'm not really planning on SLI with gfx card to be honest but would like to have the option available.

note: all of this is stated based on your intention for SLI:

Its good that you're looking into good airflow. the Gfx cards these days throw a lot of heat into the case, even when they have 2 slot coolers, 2 gfx cards will be killer. find the biggest case you can find you need lots of space for airflow. the soprano DX wont cut it. look at the thermaltake armour (not the jr version).

500W is not enough for SLI, you need go a lot higher. 750+ watt as a minium. you should also get low latency ram - if everything is up to par you get a 50% gfx improvement. Sub par= that figure dramatically drops. you need to invest in better cooling as well using noctua or scythe fans.. SLI isnt cheap

I've got the hx520 - i would have paid 40 bucks more and got the 620 instead but there was no stock.

if you're running non sli - 1 gfx, 3 case fans, 1 hd and 1 optical drive - 500watt as a minimum is fine.

the 8800GT are really popular cards.. looking back at history - these cards tend to run out of stock because of supply < demand. Nvidia is releasing a new gen of geforce series. they would be trying to push that instead of replenish stocks of the older card. This will affect your SLI propositions.. the new cards will be expensive and by the time you can afford them and updating system(mobo - ram ddr2 instead of ddr3, better cpu, better PSU). So if you're going sli do it on first base, or within the next 2 months.

So for E4000 series CPU, go for p5ne-sli?

What's the recommended one for E6000 and E8000 series in your opinion?

yep if the e4000 is what you want.. you'll be fine with the p5ne-sli. Again, I wouldnt recommend the e4000 series because of their price point but i'm assuming your considering it because the motherboard which support 45nms and do SLI are still crazy expensive.

honestly - if SLI is what you want/consider getting... hold off buying a PC for now. Technology is shifting and you're not going to get good value (good value but not that much cheaper)

Edited March 1, 2008 by Scratch

[lingeringsoul]

In light of all the info above, I've decided against SLi, I'm not hardcore enough to waste that much time playing games.....so it's going to non SLi.

Guess I'll be going for the 500W supply with E8400 ecu. If there's still supply available for 8800GT I'll that.

Also been thinking about a decent monitor. I'm really wanting a good 24" one and I've heard Dell come up more than a few time. So far I see two model, the base model and the better model with the HDMI connection. Now, the Q is, if I went and bought myself a DVI to HDMI adaptor and used that on the BASE MODEL of the 24" Dell monitor. Is that going to have the same quality as the higher 24" spec if I play PS3 on it? It is a big difference between $600 base model to the $1k high spec model.

[DivHunter]

LCD you get what you pay for, mostly.

E8400

Thermaltake TMG i1

Striker II Formula

4GB 1066 DDR2

2 x 9600GT

3 x 500GB SATA 3G

SATA Blu-Ray

Antec P182

I feel a new PC coming on.

Edited March 3, 2008 by DivHunter

[mid life crisis]

this thread caught my eye as my old pc has died . i do a bit of gaming mainly bf2 this parts have been suggested for my next pc maybe some of the more pc navvy smart guys can give me ther opinion ,

here goes intel cor dou e8400

gigabyte p31-ds3l mother board

8800gt gpu 512

psu 500 watt eartwatt supply

ram 2 x 1gbddr2800

do these componets look like they will match in well with each other i still need a case a hdd

thanks in advance dean

[Mayuri Krab]

this thread caught my eye as my old pc has died . i do a bit of gaming mainly bf2 this parts have been suggested for my next pc maybe some of the more pc navvy smart guys can give me ther opinion ,

here goes intel cor dou e8400

gigabyte p31-ds3l mother board

8800gt gpu 512

psu 500 watt eartwatt supply

ram 2 x 1gbddr2800

do these componets look like they will match in well with each other i still need a case a hdd

thanks in advance dean

Perharps change the motherboard to a P35 chipset one (the P31 is low end), like the Gigabyte P35 DS3L or DS3, DS3R or DS3P depending if you want extra SATA ports, Extra RAID levels & firewire.

Everything else seems good

[Scratch]

Yep p35 to match your 8400.. if you can afford it - push your ram to 1066, you will see a benefit in doing that.

look into the antec 900 case, check to make sure the 8800gt fits properly, the 8800gts was a tight fit, but it did fit.

500watt psu is minimum for one HD and optical with what you currently have + maybe 2 case fans. There isnt much difference cost wise between a 500+ psu and 600+ psu. Get the 600 and run better cooling.

Edited March 5, 2008 by Scratch

[Owgasm]

After reading all your comments, i have pretty much given up on this lol.

I really need a 2nd computer. But with so many options.... ><

[Scratch]

its the same as cars really you get different options and opinions eg: some people think split dump pipes are the ducks nuts and others say bellmouth ftw.

what you wanted originally is alright except:

1)get a dual core processor not quad.

2)get 3 gigs of non ECC ram.

3)Get a case with atleast 2 x120mm fans in it.

stuff you listed shouldnt cost you more than $1500

Edited March 10, 2008 by Scratch

[lingeringsoul]

I just bought a computer!!!!! FINALLY!!!!

here are the specs

E8400

4 gig ram

2x500gb HDD

Asus P5K SE mb

Asus 8800GT vid card

550W PSU

Soprano DX case

and ..................Samsunng 2493HM monitor!!!! I am absolutely in love with this monitor, the colors are so beautiful on this mornitor and there's no glare. Also comes with HDMI slot, so I'll be trying this out with my ps3 once I get the plug.

[25GTT]

nice, so were did you get it from and how much? The cpus have really started to come down a bit since we last left this, quad 6600s are now quite cheap, everyone is still going for the duals ATM until quads are needed.

so that samsung is a 24inch yeah? nice!

[lingeringsoul]

nice, so were did you get it from and how much? The cpus have really started to come down a bit since we last left this, quad 6600s are now quite cheap, everyone is still going for the duals ATM until quads are needed.

so that samsung is a 24inch yeah? nice!

I would have absolutely no need for a quad cpu really, just the odd game here and there, mostly this is for movies anyway hence the large hard drives and big monitor.

and yes 24 inch samsung, but not the 245 model, this has HDMI connection which I should be able to use for PS3. i'm thinking of a TV tuner now so I can watch some nicer TV but these'll wait until later next month.

paid a total of roughly 1850, the system from MSY and the monitor came from HB outlet all of which you'll find on Pricespy.com.au.