Build a custom PC???

[MikeyBK]

Debating if I will be interested in building a custom PC or not, and am looking for input, suggestions, and recommendations regarding it...
Following is a preliminary list of components...any feedback is most welcome...thanks...

http://forum.digital-digest.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=12985&stc=1&d=1178844620

[Chewy]

300$ for a case and PS? little overkill?

of course if you add a 3-400$ vid card and 2-3 hard drives and a couple of burners?

[MikeyBK]

300$ for a case and PS? little overkill?

of course if you add a 3-400$ vid card and 2-3 hard drives and a couple of burners?

Thanks Chewy, for the feedback.
I really like the case, so the case is most likely set. As for the PSU, I suppose I could go cheaper, but I was looking for quiet and enough juice because I do plan for atleast another HDD, and perhaps up to 5 DVD burners (one of which may even be a HD-DVD burner). As for the video card, I am looking for something in the $200 range. maybe a GeForce 8600 or 8800.

[jm1647]

Good Luck with the build MBK!!! . Don't let the pieces sit around like me when ya get 'em :rotfl: I got one running but only half the stuff I wanna put in it in and the other I only put the CPU, HSF and memory on the mobo so far :toast: :beer:

[katzdvd]

A little cheaper on the PS, you could go for a thermaltake; I know Chewy likes them, & the one I put in this last pc I built is whisper-quiet! Now I know how loud my other pc really is, & I am looking for ways to quiet it down a bit!

Good luck with the build! :)

[MikeyBK]

Well Chewy, I think you will be glad to hear that I got the Antec 900 case and the PSU for only $180...:thumbs_up :)
The PSU is the Antec True Power Trio TP3-650 ATX12V 650W, which I got for $79 bucks from CompUSA about a week ago (80 instant savings). I also got the Antec 900 at CompUSA as well, for only $99 (40 instant savings)!!..

Not bad huh Chewy??.. Thanks for letting me know that I could/should go for less than $300 for those two components..:toast:

Also @ John,
Yeah, I hope to get going soon. I have the final list for the rest of the components that I'd like, ready to order at Newegg.com, but am going to look for some more deals for a few more weeks or so..

Here's my wish list for the other components...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16813131177
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16814150229
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16820220144
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16819115003
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16822148140

Let me know if anyone has any other suggestions or input.. Thanks..:toast:

BTW, Anyone ever install an OEM version of Windows Media Center OS??
I want to go with that but I read some having install glitches...just was wondering?? :)

[jm1647]

[COLOR=blue]
The PSU is the Antec True Power Trio TP3-650 ATX12V 650W, which I got for $79 bucks from CompUSA about a week ago (80 instant savings). I also got the Antec 900 at CompUSA as well, for only $99 (40 instant savings)!!..

@Mikey again good luck with the build. Not to be the bearer of bad tidings but my brother in law also picked up the Antec 650 PSU at Compusa for $79 (he was first in the store and there was only 1 on the shelf in Mt Laurel) He had bought one for a build a month earlier at a show and all of a sudden the PSU fan stopped running completely and also the case fans powered from the PSU. A bench test proved something in it went.

Coulda been a Monday built power supply and sometimes there is trouble with any make, model or manufacturer of any thing these days. :toast: :beer:

[MikeyBK]

@Mikey again good luck with the build. Not to be the bearer of bad tidings but my brother in law also picked up the Antec 650 PSU at Compusa for $79 (he was first in the store and there was only 1 on the shelf in Mt Laurel) He had bought one for a build a month earlier at a show and all of a sudden the PSU fan stopped running completely and also the case fans powered from the PSU. A bench test proved something in it went.

Coulda been a Monday built power supply and sometimes there is trouble with any make, model or manufacturer of any thing these days. :toast: :beer:

I sure hope that was simply just a fluke!! Read some of the reviews...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductReview.aspx?Item=N82E16817371001 Hope mine is OK..:mad2:, better check it out..thanks for the feedback John..

[jm1647]

I sure hope that was simply just a fluke!! Read some of the reviews...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductReview.aspx?Item=N82E16817371001 Hope mine is OK..:mad2:, better check it out..thanks for the feedback John..
When we got the new one home and jumpered it the PSU fan started right up, with the old one out and jumpered, nadda happened. Nothing else went just the PSU and case fans stopped working and the box he has has a 200MM fan in the top and 2 120MM fans in the front and I think 1 120MM fan in the back so everything else stayed cool.

The reviews he seen he is why he bought it and I think he paid $119 at the show. Probably just a fluke, or it could be our family luck :rotfl:. I had a new Seagate 400GB SATA II drive go in less than a month not too long ago.

Like I mentioned today with the best of anything there is always the possibility of a bad apple in the bunch. :toast: :beer:

[katzdvd]

Looks like a great build, MikeyBK, real nice components; those Seagate drives are absolutely the best! I have never had one go down on me, & I even knocked one of the table onto a hard floor once... :(

Might I suggest that you power it all thru a UPS system. I purchased one years ago, & have been very happy with it. You can't beat filtered/conditioned power along with the security of being able to properly shut down the system in the event of a power failure...

[Chewy]

where's the killer HSF, it would be an absolute crime to not overclock that beast with that good memory

you might research which ram has the best chipsets

[MikeyBK]

Thanks for the suggestion Katz, will take that into consideration.

Chewy, the Antec 900 is well equiped with 4 fans, and the E6600 does come with the hest sink and fan. Do you think I might still need more cooling?

Seems that the Patriot Rams and the E6600 are very overclockable, while still staying stable....
First things first though, gotta build the system first, lol ...although I have have tinkered with most components seperately, I am sortof a virgin when it comes to building a system from scratch/OEM, :p

BTW John, I haven't had a chance to test my PSU yet, I'm at my son's trying to sort out the electrical re-wiring that my brother-in-law (my wife's side of the fam) screwed up on. Now I have to go in behind him and re-wire his crappy re-wiring!!! lol :D (actually it's not really a laughing matter I guess)
Anyways I'll test it out later, thanks for letting me know about your brother-in-laws' prob....hey wait a minute!?!?...brother-in-law??...hmmmmm...lmao :D

[Chewy]

HSF is heatsinkfan(cpu cooler)

modest OC will be fine but to push it and not burn it up the first year a premium is reccomended

http://club.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?t=217004&page=3&pp=25

this is a good thread to see what those cpu's will do with the right combination

little overboard but it's a hobby

[jm1647]

@Mikey you'll be fine with the build, if I can do it you can too. The basic build is easy it's the OC'ing that needs the skill to get the best bang for the buck. You have all real good proven components there that work nice together you should be fine. But like Chewy said a better HSF for overclocking you'll definitely need if ya wanna go for the gusto

Hope ya get the wiring straightened out before the sparks fly :toast: :beer:

[MikeyBK]

Thanks guys, I'll take all input/suggestions into consideration and look into them. I'm hoping that this case, w/ it's 3- 120 mm and 1- 200mm on top of the case, will keep the CPU really cool even while it is overclocked. But I will keep an eye on it and look into a more premium HSF if I go that far..:thumbs_up

And John, I did test the PSU and it's Alive!!...lol, thanks for mentioning it, it would've sucked if I left it sitting around until I got all the other components only to find out it was DOA....
:toast:

As for the re-wiring of my son's house...fortunately 'no sparks'...lol.
Did however re-wire two rooms for him because of my brother-in-laws' half-ass work!!!:mad2: Worst part about that, is that he's the licensed electrician!!! :smashead:

ah well....thanks again guys...:toast:

[jm1647]

@Mikey, I'm glad to hear "it's alive" And I'm not sure but I think you got the same case my brother in law has.

And for the no sparks, glad to hear that. :toast: :beer:

[MikeyBK]

Alright...I'm ready to get this done...but a couple of last things.

First I have decided on this Mobo (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16813127030) instead of the This (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16813131177) one...
Feedback???...any will be appreciated.

Second, My best friend and my son are both against me buying seperate CPU, Mobo, and video cards...both are saying that I'd be better served by starting with a Mobo w/CPU and onboard video for my first build.
Not sure why they are sticking to their guns on this. They seem to feel I'm over-killing everything...???...I love it!!! LMAO..,.I'd love to surprise and shock them by getting this Beast put together!!!!!

Anyways...Here are the rest of my component final decisions....

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115003 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16819115003)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820220144 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16820220144)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814150229 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16814150229)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148140 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16822148140)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116171 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16832116171)

I placed the order yesterday...http://forum.lgsoftwareinnovations.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

'A Bit' http://forum.lgsoftwareinnovations.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif http://forum.lgsoftwareinnovations.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif ..more info on the Abit Mobo...http://www2.abit.com.tw/page/en/moth...AME=IP35%20Pro (http://www2.abit.com.tw/page/en/moth...AME=IP35%20Pro)

Anyone got experience setting up a RAID 0 array for a new custom build at first boot??
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[ipaulo]

Here's something that might interest you. I'm also in the process of building a super system w/the help of a buddy who some experience w/builds. I bought one of these just for the OS and your programs and most of the other data will be stored on separate Hds. These are super fast. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136012 Right now I'm borrowing a laptop, so I will post details of my new system when I get up and running. Good Luck on your build.

[gonwk]

Hi MBK,

What the heck you need 5 Burners for ... in one system?

Just curious!?!?

G!

[MikeyBK]

Here's something that might interest you. I'm also in the process of building a super system w/the help of a buddy who some experience w/builds. I bought one of these just for the OS and your programs and most of the other data will be stored on separate Hds. These are super fast. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136012 Right now I'm borrowing a laptop, so I will post details of my new system when I get up and running. Good Luck on your build.

Yeah IPAULO, I had originally planned to get a Raptor HDD, but the price ($199) and low space (only 150 GBs) made me opt for maybe the two Seagate 320 GB SATA HDDs on a RAID 0 array. However, on getting recommendations against loading my Windows OS on the RAID from Chewy, my software engineer buddy, and members from another forum I frequent as well, I have opted to load the Windows on one Seagate and the other one for basically storage...or maybe put two Seagates on a RAID 0 array for DVD, video, performance requiring proggys, and storage.

Thanks for the wish of good luck...I may need all the offers of luck I can get!!...lol :p

[MikeyBK]

Hi MBK,

What the heck you need 5 Burners for ... in one system?

Just curious!?!?

G!

Just was thinking out loud Bro...lol...
I could put up to 5 DVD burners (or more) if I really wanted. I just like to test out a few different drives and softwares, sort of a hobby. I do have 2 IDE burners already sitting around (got one on sale at Newegg and my son bought me one for my B-day), so I plan to put those in for sure. Then I eventually plan to put atleast one SATA DVD burner in, maybe two, to see how it/they perform over the IDEs. Then ultimately I plan to install a HD-DVD burner as well, and probably will keep the other drives in, or may just opt to keep only three burners in at any one given time ( so that I don't have to take out one of the 120mm case fans...

But that's what I really like about this Antec 900 case...Options Galore!!!...:thumbs_up :)

[ipaulo]

Wow Mike, I real like your case. You got me thinking of switching. I order this one. http://www.newegg.com/Product/ShowImage.aspx?Image=11-133-020-18.jpg%2c11-133-020-02.jpg%2c11-133-020-03.jpg%2c11-133-020-04.jpg%2c11-133-020-05.jpg%2c11-133-020-06.jpg%2c11-133-020-09.jpg%2c11-133-020-07.jpg%2c11-133-020-08.jpg%2c11-133-020-10.jpg%2c11-133-020-11.jpg%2c11-133-020-12.jpg%2c11-133-020-13.jpg%2c11-133-020-16.jpg%2c11-133-020-17.jpg%2c11-133-020-14.jpg%2c11-133-020-15.jpg&CurImage=11-133-020-09.jpg&Depa=0&Description=Thermaltake+Armor+Series+VA8003SWA+Sil ver+ATX+Full+Tower+Computer+Case+w%2f+25CM+Fan+-+Retail I opted for silver thinking that the dust will show up less. I did not realize how big the thing is, it won't fit in the computer compartment of my desk. The height is ok but the length is too long, sticks out about 3" and can't close the door of the compartment. I'll just have to put it on the top of the desk, I figure the cooling will be much better anyway. I plan to put the burners in the bottom two slot so I don't have to stand up everytime to use it. Well the case came a couple of days ago. The box was torn in one of the corners. And when I opened it the silica bag was riped opened and that stuff was everywhere. Little tiny clear beads were all over the living room floor and all in the case. I finally found the riped silica bag stuck between the framing and the right side panel. I took off that panel and there it was torn wide open at the seams. I spent over 2 hours clean up the floor and the case. I would keep tapping on the case and more would keep coming out of the cracks and crevices. Did this process over and over and when I thought I gotten all, I would bang on the case again and more would come out. After I got it all I found that the door on the top for the USB ports etc. was damaged. When closed your suppose to push down and it pops open, but this one would not pop up. Man was I upset. I called Newegg, they said that they cannot sent another one out before the recieve the damage one. So to save shipping time I drove it there, but they don't allow you to pick-up. I called them today (Sat.) but there closed, I guess nothing can happen till Mon. I like this case because of the big fan on the side door, but man it's been one big hassle. I got them to give me $15 of my next order and free overnite delivery, but I was instructed to call them right after I place the new order to get this offer. Well there closed on the weekend. Guess I just have to wait for Monday.

[MikeyBK]

Sorry to hear of your case problems IPAULO, hope you resolve it to your satisfaction...Newegg is pretty good about those things usually.
I had looked at that case before ultimately settling for the Antec 900...:thumbs_up


I have most of the PC put together already. The XFX video card and the Windows XP MCE are delayed so am still waiting on those. Newegg also gave me a $15 shipping credit for the delay, so I used it to get these...
3 of SATA II cables (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16812123110)
and one each of these two...
Round IDE cable (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16812119060)
Samsung SATA DVD-RW (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827151141)

Hope to get all these by next weekend and have the system up and running at that time...hopefully!!!...:p

BTW, I have a question...
My Antec 900 case came with two FP audio wire plugs...a HD Audio and a AC97 audio...which would I connect to my Abit mobo FP Audio1 connection header ?

[gonwk]

Hi MikeyBK,:)

You know after you have the entire thing put together ... may be you could type out your Hardware List & OS Software list for the next person who want to embark on such a task. While I am asking ... may be a Short Guide also.

G!:angelgrin

[MikeyBK]

Hi MikeyBK,:)

You know after you have the entire thing put together ... may be you could type out your Hardware List & OS Software list for the next person who want to embark on such a task. While I am asking ... may be a Short Guide also.

G!:angelgrin


I will if I don't Blow Up the damn thing!!!...lmao...:p :toast:

[MikeyBK]

:pWell I finally got all my components and put together the rig last night. thanks to all for their input and suggestions...:toast: Appreciated it.

I tried using the Abit Mobos' windows based OC utility (UGuru), but I pushed it too much, too early and caused it to reboot, so I'm gonna study up a little more on overclocking before I try it again...lol..

Anyways, Here's some pics...

[Chewy]

I'm gonna study up a little more on overclocking

forget uguru

figure a couple of weeks of study and trial and tribulation, lots of pulled hair

http://forum.abit-usa.com/showthread.php?t=124502

[jm1647]

figure a couple of weeks of study and trial and tribulation, lots of pulled hair

http://forum.abit-usa.com/showthread.php?t=124502

Good Luck Mikey, and don't forget to fasten your seat belt, it's a hellavu ride :D Once ya bite the over clock apple, your hooked :toast: :beer:

[MikeyBK]

Thanks guys. I like that link Chewy, thanks.
And John, so far I've been unsuccessful in finding the right adjustments to overclock my Intel E6600 more than just a wee bit...??? not sure what voltage and other adjustments I need to make in order to overclock while keeping the system stable??...:p

It's still fast just as is, but would love to learn to overclock it 'A Bit' more...lol:D

[Chewy]

not familiar with the newer boards, but stock voltage should do fine for the cpu for 10%, gently raise it for higher, the thing to remember is to not try and overclock the memory, downclock it as you raise the fsb

http://club.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?t=217004

[gonwk]

Hi folks,

@ MikeyBK ... dang dude ... what is that a "Stand-Up Freezer Chest" :bglaugh2: if I hadn't seen your 4th thumbnail I would have sworn that's what it was. Well enjoy it guy ... wish I had a toy like that!:toast:

@ jm1647 & Chewy ... guys after looking over your 2 URLs ... I now realize how green I am as far as computer and processors go ... oh well another project and lots of "wasted" time trying figure things out ... BUT, will it put "Food" on my table ... Noooop!!!:beer2::bglaugh2::bounce:

G!

[doctorhardware]

I am putting a new computer for the wife, guess I should post pictures once I am done with the project. I have already installed a new power supply in the case, I used a dynex 400 watt power supply. For the price it is an excellent choice.

[MikeyBK]

Well I got this baby cranked up to nearly 3.0 GHz and still cruizin' with the stock cooling..:thumbs_up

I have had to make adjustments to some voltages including the VCore up to 1.4v, cranked up the memory voltage to 2.0v, and adjusted the FSB to Memory speed from 1:1.50 to 1:1.20...
Screenshot below...:toast:

[Chewy]

wonder if those temps will hold below 40 when you keep it maxed for a longer time, that case is probably helping a lot

looks like you did your homework!

[MikeyBK]

wonder if those temps will hold below 40 when you keep it maxed for a longer time, that case is probably helping a lot

looks like you did your homework!

It does go over 40C intermitently, but in general almost stays below throughout.

And yes, I did alot of homework and studied extremely hard...BTW, I'm still learning :p:thumbs_up

[Chewy]

do you have an everest OC you could post

I am just now figuring out the fsb on those C2Duo's
266 quad pumped which makes 1066

E6600 running 9x266 2.4Ghz?

I wondered how in the heck they were getting fsb up to 330 and beyond but that's only a 25% overclock from 266

for some reason memory limits the OC?

[jm1647]

Well I got this baby cranked up to nearly 3.0 GHz and still cruizin' with the stock cooling..:thumbs_up

I have had to make adjustments to some voltages including the VCore up to 1.4v, cranked up the memory voltage to 2.0v, and adjusted the FSB to Memory speed from 1:1.50 to 1:1.20...
Screenshot below...:toast:

Nice going Mikey, looks like ya got it humming!!!! :thumbs_up :toast::beer:

[MikeyBK]

do you have an everest OC you could post

I am just now figuring out the fsb on those C2Duo's
266 quad pumped which makes 1066

E6600 running 9x266 2.4Ghz?

I wondered how in the heck they were getting fsb up to 330 and beyond but that's only a 25% overclock from 266

for some reason memory limits the OC?

For some reason Everest Overclock reports the multiplier at 11.5 or 7.0 (while speedstepping) which is inaccurate. CPUz reports it at 9.0 and 6.0, which is what BIOS states. Everest does reprt the correct overall speed, but it seems to make up it's own multiplier & Bus speed??? Don't know why.

Nice going Mikey, looks like ya got it humming!!!! :thumbs_up :toast::beer:

Thanks John...It's my Baby!!...lol. I worked hard on getting this right and I'm surprised at myself that I actually was able to get this done...:p

[Chewy]

what does it report for memory values in overclock?

[MikeyBK]

what does it report for memory values in overclock?

Everest can't read the Patriot RAMs, but here's CPUz....
http://img480.imageshack.us/my.php?image=memoryyd9.png

[Chewy]

Timing 4-4-4-12

does spd report the stock timing

[MikeyBK]

Timing 4-4-4-12

does spd report the stock timing

Are you suggesting to change the timing to 4-4-4-12??

Spd under Eversest can't read any info off the Patriot RAMs ...:(

[Chewy]

I feel a cough coming on

[MikeyBK]

I feel a cough coming on

Sure at first glance...*cough* *cough*...lol...seems extremely fast timings,

However....(first taking into consideration that I'm still trying to learn about all this stuff and I may be misunderstanding)....If we were to take into consideration the clock speeds of the respective CPUs, then 2 cycles @ 133 or so clock speed compared to 4 or 5 cycles @ 334 clock, then it doesn't really compare at all, right??

My RAM cannot even be set to less than 4 cas latency, and less than 3 on the other two...and my limited understanding is that, if the RAM isn't fast enough itself, then trying to do the job in only 2 cycles when the CPU clock is soo fast, may cause errors because the the RAM just can't keep up.. Or am I misunderstanding everything...lol...I may very well be..:p

Anyways, I have taken your advice and have set the timing to 4-4-4-12 while I overclock from 2.7GHz to 2.9GHz @ 2.0v, and as well as at 3.0GHz and higher, but just increasing the RAM voltage to 2.2v....

This is sooo complex!!!:mad2:....BUT, I'm havin' a BLAST!!!!:p:thumbs_up

[Chewy]

now we are getting some where, I wasn't sure if you bought the ram you said you were going to(cas4/ddr2800)

it's meant to run at cas 4 not cas 5(performance hit)
looks like it's still slightly underclocked(-10%) tho, that's the problem with memory dividers

last steps are benching the cpu/ram combinations and finding the fastest safe settings balancing performance, stability and heat issues


spd should verify that you have 4-4-4-12 ram

breaking the 45-50ns mark with mem latency in everest bench is a good sign that your memory system is screaming

[MikeyBK]

spd should verify that you have 4-4-4-12 ram



Everest SPD still cannot see the Patriot RAMs, probably because Everest hasn't been updated for awhile. Anyways as you can see, CPUz does show it @ 4-4-4-12. I'll see what differences there are when running at 3.0 GHz with those timings..:toast:

[jm1647]

Good eye on the RAM timings Chewy :toast: :beer: