My first build, am I on the right track?

Edit: the build I ordered: http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=7371834

Salutations, Ive never put a comp together before, so if I have computability issues in the build please let me know. Ive listed several cases, not really sure what to go with on that front, probably not the cube... but that just looks cool! Would this build handle the new games, don't really need fully maxed graphics, but handle with grace ya know. (for once be able to play a fps without it getting chopy and the like)

What I'm running now just isn't cutting it anymore. It's a P4 2.53 Gigahertz, 760 MB ram, with a 128 MB Radeon 9200 graphics card. Id like something that's lasted as long as it has, and that's a very long time. This it self is a lot of high end stuff, with some very low tacked on, room for upgrades as I see it. Next Id want to improve my monitor, its a 17" right now. After that keyboard and mouse, not too big on sound so a cheap might just do there. (I just want to get rid of my current wireless keyboard/mouse for now, the mouse has run its course several times over - well ok the whole system has)

Id say as far as budget goes, this would be my top end at least for now. At first I was looking for a prebuilt, 600-800 and found there is no gaming machines in that range. The ones under I found under 1500 wasn't that great. I can get a discount on Dell of 7%, but still, a comp like this would clear over 2k (maybe just under with the discount) as far as I can tell. Lets not mention the really high end gaming brands like Alienware. Then the ones that are affordable seem pretty hit or miss, like cyberpower (from what I can tell the most recent reviews aren't very bad really). I think building one could be fun, and Ive already learned a good bit. Plus it looks like a higher end system like this would be some high end savings compared to a pre made.


I do apologize for the essay, and thanks for any feedback

case=
Sunbeam UFO ACUF-HUVB UV Blue Clear Acrylic ATX Cube Computer Case - Retail
@80$ http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811166042
Thermaltake Armor Series VA8003BWS Black Full Tower Case w/ 25CM Fan - Retail
@170$ http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133021
Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
@110$ http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021


power supply=
CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply
@110$ -20 rebate http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006


motherboard=
EVGA 132-CK-NF79-A1 LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 790i Ultra SLI ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
@336 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813188025


cpu=
Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 Yorkfield 2.83GHz 12MB L2 Cache LGA 775 95W Quad-Core Processor - Retail
@320 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115041


ram=
Kingston ValueRAM 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model KVR1333D3N9K2/4G - Retail
@136$ http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820134810


graphics card=
MSI N260GTX-T2D896 OC GeForce GTX 260 896MB 448-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card
@240$ -40 rebate http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127361


hd=
Western Digital VelociRaptor WD3000GLFS 300GB 10000 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
@270$ -30 rebate http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136260


dvd/cd=
ASUS Black 18X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM SATA DVD-ROM Drive Model DVD-E818A3T
@23$ http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135176


cooling system=
ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler - Retail
@27$ http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186134


keyboard/mouse/speakers=
Logitech SBF-90 Black 3 Buttons 1 x Wheel PS/2 Wired Optical Mouse - OEM
@5.25$ http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826104051
Logitech 967738-0403 Black 104 Normal Keys USB Standard Deluxe 250 Keyboard - OEM
@9$ http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823126013
Logitech S-220 17 Watts 2.1 Multimedia Speaker System - OEM
@20$ http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836121014

monitor=
none

total=$1,606.25 (+60 for higher end case) - possible rebates (I think up to 110 total), and + shipping.

 

Here a some suggestions:

MOBO: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128347
VIDEO CARD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102770
FAN: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835154001

As for CPU, I would use a Q6600, since combined with the suggested fan, it can overclock to amazing speeds, but then again, it's just my opinion.

 

The mindset with the Mobo is to get one that will last at least a few years, preferably up to six. I was thinking DDR3 would be nice for this, hence that board and the ram. Id like to clock the cpu up to near 4 gigahertz, may or may not happen. Whats the odds a 6600 could pass 3.75? Its by far the most loved cpu Ive read about, and may end up with that, just a choice Ill have to make.

the vid card and fan looks good, Ill take that into account. Would I be correct to assume that the mobo I posted, and the one suggested can both use either a Radeon or a Geforce?

 

Was wondering why such a high PSU until I saw it's priced the same as the lower counterparts, nice deal on that.

 

You've got the right idea building a PC rather than buying one, especially at this end. There's nothing much wrong with your build except for the motherboard, which is pretty dire, and the graphics card, while fine, wouldn't be my personal choice. I'd swap the two out for these:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128345
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102797

 

Thanks for the suggestions, the motherboard is probably my biggest uh, center of research? Ive never looked at specs for mobo's like this, its a learning experience for me. Thanks for the suggestions, one thing I just cant find is a good mobo with ddr3 ram, but hey that would make it a good bit cheaper wouldn't it. Still a lot of research to do, glad to see I'm not too far into the woods

I do have some other questions, not sure if this is the place. Like, in setting out to build one and pretty much be your own support should I expect a few parts to be doa, or die soon and have to replace. Or if everything is done properly do things run smooth as a pre made (that isn't always saying a lot).

Thanks again. Any further comments would be appreciated, Ill do some more research and post back later.

 

DDR3 doesn't make a bit of difference, you're better off sticking with DDR2.

 

Thanks for the advice, Ive taken ddr3 out in favor of ddr2. Ive hit a wall in a way though and would like some advice.... Right now my computer is inside the desk, one of those that has a door that opens and the computer inside with a drawer above it, the back punches out for the wiring. I measured the size I'm working with and realized its very small, the hp in there seems small so I thought it was a good size. Maybe its just that all the good cases are huge, heh. Most of the cases, if not all don't seem that good, would a cheap one be ok?
Something like http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811156139 or http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811121010.

Furthermore in the realization that the computer would be in closed this way, would it be best to put the computer on top of the desk or just flat wait until I get a new desk? I'm worried airflow could be constricted in a way possible leaving it warmer then it should be. Should I not be worried about this? Id kinda hate to get a new desk on top of a new computer, anyway Id really like some advice on that, if possible.

Also I'm curious if I should wait to order anything until Thanksgiving and/or black Friday. Is there normally better then average deals then?

Here's my build currently on a newegg wish list: http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=7371834

Added a few things I added, 2nd cd/dvd drive, and a card reader.
Don't have a case picked yet due to the problem.

 

it won't just warm the system up, it'll probably cause it to overheat and crash. I'd strongly recommend you change where your PC is situated.

 

Thanks again Sam, I don't understand what took me so long to realize that. I don't see a +rep button, if there was one I'd defiantly give you one

Looks like I have some more pricing to do, haha.

 

For reference, your build list is now excellent, nothing bad on there at all

 

Thanks again, glad to hear it. Could you comment on weather or not computer components have any good deals normally around black Friday or Thanksgiving?

 

From what I remember Black Friday is the best for PC deals, possibly of any sale day. However, I don't live in the US, so I only have word of mouth to go on for that.

 

Order placed on black Friday. Came in today (5 mins before I left for work). To comment on my last question of timing, I haven't noticed a big difference, very item dependent I guess, newegg seems to have good sale prices often, but the best would probably have been on
cyber Monday'. Again didn't notice a huge difference, maybe on monitors and a few specific items (mostly with rebates).

OK the questions I have is:
1: anti static bracelet? I didn't look one up, I don't figure Id really need one, but how would such a thing hurt (a couple dollars, less then lunch until you add shipping)? Question is would it be recommended? Bracelet's seem reusable, the gloves I looked up on newegg looked like one time things by the reviews.

2: thermal compound, Id just like to mention I peeked at the cooler I ordered, OMG that thing is HUGE! It did come with some, I think that should work, but I'd like to know if its recommended to order some (and what kind, I'm not familiar with this stuff).

Thanks again for the help, I'm very excited! Ill be sure to post what results I get on the q9550. Just need to get a comp desk tomorrow, and figure out what to do with this one (I have some family that could use it, just getting it to them and storing it until I can/do is a challenge, but that's a whole other topic)

Thinking of the differences between the current computer I have and the parts I have is... well its huge, everything is doubling/quading/or even higher.

 

Heh, good thing you've never seen a tower cooler, the Freezer 7 is small by comparison...
The stuff that comes with the freezer 7 pro is usually pretty good, you should be fine with that.

As for anti-static bracelets, I know people who use them. I don't personally, and haven't encountered any problems, but each to their own, you can use them as many times as you like.

 

Ah Sam again! Thanks, the only fan Ive really looked at are the ones on all the prebuilts we have, and there all over 4 years old now, tiny things they are.

I think your talking about http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186134
I'm not sure if you can see the wish list I posted, but I went with http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835154001

 

Ah right, sorry, I just panned to the first post in this thread.

 

Hi again, I got it together and all is running somewhat smoothly. I had a to remove a fan from the case for the cooler to fit (should have expected as I read in comments about that for the case installing a tuniq cooler). I have a few questions though.

Easy tuner 6 that the mobo board disc came with is showing ~18°C for cpu and ~30°C for system (after boot up)(after idling a little while cpu is up to 21, and system 34, seems high for stock to me (no overclocking yet)). Also shows the fan going over 2k rpms (I didn't install the fan speed controller, at least not yet - seems fine to me, but don't want to burn the fan out or anything) I'm wondering how the system is higher then the cpu? (system is mobo? Not even really sure)

I tightened up the tower cooler as much as I felt safe, I read a review somewhere (forgot where) of someone tightening as much as possible, is there no danger of striping the bracket, or breaking the board if you tighten too much? Should I take it off clean it, and re tighten it? Ive read 91% or better Isoprpyl alcohol or better should be used for cleaning, is this accurate? The tower cooler seems to move a little bit (well even skyscrapers move at least a few feet in the wind I guess) but should it be tight enough to not move at all (like only move if the whole motherboard does).

Furthermore, is taking out the cooler and cleaning it something that should be done regularly? (Again read this somewhere, from once a quarter, to once a year in general, seems right to me, but I'm one that neglects things that aren't on top of my mind most of the time, the question is should I make it a point and leave notes to remind myself, or is just once a year or bi yearly ok?)

I'm waiting until I have a better monitor (using a super old one that don't even fit on the desk really atm) to start overclocking and actually using the new pc. I'd pretty much need to disassemble it again to reinstall the cooler if I decide to, its a super tight fit and once all is in, you cant get to all the screws to tighten it (of the tuniq).

OTHER THOUGHTS: I wish the tuniq had a airflow diagram with what way it was blowing air, though its not that hard to figure out I guess. Also I had a order a extra sata cable for the 2nd dvd/cd drive. The install instructions was terrible for pretty much everything. Would have been better on some things to just leave a note saying use common sense, as the pictures is worthless, and instructions more less too. I should have not gotten a 3.5 in. Maybe a external instead, that cable in there takes up a lot of airflow room methinks.

Sorry for the essay, and thanks for any feedback, again. Also if anyone has advice for software, or anti virus I wouldn't mind hearing it, I'm not letting it onto the net until it has something, and I haven't decided what yet. As far as software goes too, most things I've read about seem pricey, even if it only rates the system, is there any decent freeware, or low cost software? (I just knew if I built one software would add up, that's why I never wanted to build one, ugh) Since people will generally ask what software, Ill add to that real fast before I head off: From what Ive read, the largest areas would be; overclocking software; testing software; stressing software; anti virus; temp monitoring; and ect.

Happy holidays, Merry Christmas.

 

With the Tuniq, it looks something like this from the top view:

^^^^ - direction of airflow

\\\\
//// - The Tuniq tower

^^^^ - direction of airflow

Looking at the diagram, the air would flow up. You can definitely tell if the fan is at max speed. Just stick your hand somewhere next to it and you will feel the air blowing. I have mine set up so that the air blows towards my rear fan, so it takes all the heat out of the case.

Sorry for the bad diagrams. I can try pictures if you'd like.

For the temps, I am not sure what Easy Tune is reporting as temps. Maybe Northbridge Temp and case Temp? Try using something like Speedfan or CoreTemp. This will give you the temps of each core. If all you are concerned about is temperature, use CoreTemp as that does not need to be installed

Comparing the Temps you gave though, mine are 29 degrees and 13 degrees. My actual core temps are 23/19/17/19 and I have my fan at minimum using the fan controller.

For installing the Tuniq, I tightened the screws all the way. I used the supplied TX-1 thermal compound. It was a little hard to work with, so I put an ultra thin layer and then a glob in the middle and figured the Tuniq would smash the glob and tit would spread on it's own I guess it worked since my temps are very low.

Cleaning the Tuniq has to be a pain... It was frustrating installing is since it is so HUGE. I imagine if it gets dusty you will start having airflow problems, so let that be your guide rather than every x months or whatever. I hope it will be many years before I have to clean this thing because I do not want to take it out again...

Anti virus software I think comes with the Motherboard disc. Mine came with Norton OEM edition. I haven't installed it. I'm going to get a new HDD soon, so haven't worried about anti virus and such. Also, I have Symantec Corporate with unlimited updates, so no need for regular Norton for me. If you go to college, your university should give you a free anti-virus program. Download it and use that. It will be corporate level, so it will never expire as long as the school has a license or until the program itself is no longer supported.

For overclocking software, EasyTune looks pretty good, but I recommend using the BIOS to overclock. You have more control inside the BIOS. When you turn the PC on, hold down the "delete" key. This will enter your BIOS. Then select M.I.T.. All the options for overclocking are in there. Also, there are some changes that should be made in Advanced BIOS settings otherwise you will have power savins options enabled and that might not work well with an overclocked CPU.

For Stability, I think Prime95 is the best test. Run it in Blend Mode. For Temps, after last night, it is possible that Cinebench gives the highest temps, but use CoreTemp or SpeedFan to monitor the temps. ALso monitor them while running Prime95. You do not want to run something a long time when temps are too high.

Benchmarking software, you can use 7zip which has a benchmark included and doubles as a free file compression/decompression tool. Very good software and I use it anyways.

There is also SiSoft Sandra Lite, which is also free. This compares your setup to other builds.

Cinebench is free which was mentioned before. This does an OpenGL test as well as a rendering benchmark. I think this will be more accurate than a synthetic benchmark.

You can download a trial of Passmark v6.1. This will run a series of tests and then give you an overall PassMark score. It also gives a CPUMark, 2D Mark, Memory Mark, 3D Mark, DiscMark and CDMark. Run this benchmark at Stock settings. Then save it as a Baseline. Then when you overclock your PC, you can load the baseline to see how much everything improved.

Fritz Benchmark is another free one.

There is also Everest. You can download the trial of that and run a series of synthetic benchmarks.

Any other software you would need would be software to use your PC like Office suite, Graphics editor, etc... Look for open source software like OpenOffice, Gimp, etc... Also, freeware like ImgBurn, DVDShrink, DVD Decrypter, DeepBurn, etc... I don't know what you use your PC for, so I can't help too much on that area.

 

Interesting stuff, I didn't know 7zip was anything but a compressor. Very informative, thanks. A lot of the programs Ive seen talked about in other posts, but a lot I haven't. I have a copy of a really old Symantic from when I was in school back in 03-04ish Ive used that for what seems like ever. I don't get a warm and fuzzy from it much anymore, not long after surfing the net it starts giving pop ups x3 on start up that it isn't loading, that just cant be good.

I tried using my hand for what way air is flowing on a few fans, but I just couldn't tell for sure, I may just get a toothpick, and put a strip of tape on the end to make a mini flag to actually see airflow, haha. Thanks for the diagram, seems mine is blowing out the back as well with my setup.

As for temps I have but one question off the top of my head, do any of the programs track the temps over time, like crt+alt+del does cpu usage? Or to check temps under load do you alt tab and check(if your in a program, for example)

Thanks again.