Building a Computer

Marelo · 01-19-2009, 04:21 PM

Just wanted some opinions.

Intel Core2 Quad Q9400 2.66GHz LGA 775 95W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80580Q9400 - Retail

GIGABYTE GA-EG41MF-S2H LGA 775 Intel G41 HDMI Micro ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

EVGA 512-P3-N975-AR GeForce 9800 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail

HITACHI Deskstar P7K500 HDP725050GLA360 (0A35415) 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM

LG 22X DVD�R DVD Burner Black SATA Model GH22NS30 - OEM

Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

Antec Signature SG850 850W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply - Retail

Transcend 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model JM4GDDR2-8K - Retail

Saving money is a good thing. The current total is 928.91. The only question I have right off the bat is, is that PSU overkill? I can't figure out how to tell what the requirements are for the different components. General criticism (constructive, of course) is also very much welcomed.

Edit: Here's a link to the Newegg wish list. Also, the computer will be used for gaming (but not of the hardcore variety).

Nikose Tyris · 01-19-2009, 04:37 PM

I have that processor and I reccomend it thoroughly. It's got some serious kick to it. you can even take a step down on it, and still play most everything.

Typically, you can't go wrong with power supply having a good kick to it. 700w is usually more then sufficient.

Remember that Power supply tends to be the first thing to break, so a good one is an excellent choice.

Kim · 01-19-2009, 04:39 PM

Do AMD processors work with Intel motherboards? If so, you might want to check out this.

AMD Phenom II X4 940 Deneb 3.0GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM2+ 125W Quad-Core Black Edition Processor

It gets good ratings and reviews and doesn't seem much more expensive than the processor you chose already.

MasterOfMagic · 01-19-2009, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NonCon

Do AMD processors work with Intel motherboards?

Nope. Different sockets.

bluestarultor · 01-19-2009, 06:02 PM

I'd suggest not getting a Hitachi drive. From what I've heard, they're prone to failure. Seagate is a much better brand.

Edit:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148373

^ This should be enough to make you drool. This particular model has a few issues, but overall, chances are good you'll like it.

Also, I've heard good things about Western Digital. Will dig up an example in a minute.

Edit:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136284

Kim · 01-19-2009, 06:43 PM

Get this processor.

Intel Core i7 940 Nehalem 2.93GHz 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor - Retail

It's double what you were planning on paying, but it's a bit faster!

bluestarultor · 01-19-2009, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NonCon

Get this processor.

Intel Core i7 940 Nehalem 2.93GHz 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor - Retail

It's double what you were planning on paying, but it's a bit faster!

Noncon, that's the wrong socket for his chosen motherboard.

Edit: To clarify, Nehalem requires LGA 1366, where he's in the market for an LGA 775.

Kim · 01-19-2009, 07:06 PM

Oh. You know what, I'm just gonna stop making recommendations now...

Marelo · 01-19-2009, 09:52 PM

Yeah i7 is too expensive for me here. I say, "me", but this is really my girlfriend's computer. She insists on purchasing a "pretty" case.

Here's an updated list:

Replaced the hard drive with bluestarultor's first suggestion.

Replaced the PSU with this. Saved $100.

Replaced the case with this.

Current total is $813.91. Seem good?

Also, does anyone have a preferred brand of thermal paste? 'Cause I know nothing about it, and I don't want to fry her computer by using a bad brand.

Edit: Changed the hdd to this upon reading this article. New total is $793.91. This is great; we started with a prebuilt Dell as a model for what we wanted to end up with, and it was a quite hefty $1,200.

Nikose Tyris · 01-19-2009, 11:20 PM

I have had a bad history with Coolmax and the like.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817256037
This one would be my preference.

01-19-2009, 04:21 PM	#1
Marelo Napoleon Impersonator Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Kansas Posts: 816	Building a Computer Just wanted some opinions. Intel Core2 Quad Q9400 2.66GHz LGA 775 95W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80580Q9400 - Retail GIGABYTE GA-EG41MF-S2H LGA 775 Intel G41 HDMI Micro ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail EVGA 512-P3-N975-AR GeForce 9800 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail HITACHI Deskstar P7K500 HDP725050GLA360 (0A35415) 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM LG 22X DVD�R DVD Burner Black SATA Model GH22NS30 - OEM Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail Antec Signature SG850 850W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply - Retail Transcend 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model JM4GDDR2-8K - Retail Saving money is a good thing. The current total is 928.91. The only question I have right off the bat is, is that PSU overkill? I can't figure out how to tell what the requirements are for the different components. General criticism (constructive, of course) is also very much welcomed. Edit: Here's a link to the Newegg wish list. Also, the computer will be used for gaming (but not of the hardcore variety). Last edited by Marelo; 01-19-2009 at 04:24 PM.

01-19-2009, 04:39 PM	#3
Kim adorable Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 12,950	Do AMD processors work with Intel motherboards? If so, you might want to check out this. AMD Phenom II X4 940 Deneb 3.0GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM2+ 125W Quad-Core Black Edition Processor It gets good ratings and reviews and doesn't seem much more expensive than the processor you chose already. __________________ this post is about how to successfully H the Kimmy

01-19-2009, 06:43 PM	#6
Kim adorable Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 12,950	Get this processor. Intel Core i7 940 Nehalem 2.93GHz 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor - Retail It's double what you were planning on paying, but it's a bit faster! __________________ this post is about how to successfully H the Kimmy

01-19-2009, 07:06 PM	#8
Kim adorable Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 12,950	Oh. You know what, I'm just gonna stop making recommendations now... __________________ this post is about how to successfully H the Kimmy

01-19-2009, 09:52 PM	#9
Marelo Napoleon Impersonator Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Kansas Posts: 816	Yeah i7 is too expensive for me here. I say, "me", but this is really my girlfriend's computer. She insists on purchasing a "pretty" case. Here's an updated list: Replaced the hard drive with bluestarultor's first suggestion. Replaced the PSU with this. Saved $100. Replaced the case with this. Current total is $813.91. Seem good? Also, does anyone have a preferred brand of thermal paste? 'Cause I know nothing about it, and I don't want to fry her computer by using a bad brand. Edit: Changed the hdd to this upon reading this article. New total is $793.91. This is great; we started with a prebuilt Dell as a model for what we wanted to end up with, and it was a quite hefty $1,200. Last edited by Marelo; 01-19-2009 at 10:16 PM.