Finishing off my first built computer, need help please.

iddqd · January 8th, 2009, 03:07 PM

Hello again. I posted a thread a while back asking for tips on a 1300 build, but decided to go with a duo core set up. What I purchased to start out are a few things - Core 2 duo E8400, Corsair 750W PSU, G.Skill 4GB DDR2 800 RAM, and a HDD.

I was wondering if I can get help on my motherboard and video card choice. Is it better to get a mobo with SLI/Crossfire capability, or can I get this one here Newegg.com - GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3R LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Intel Motherboards and a decent video card to last me a while?

For the video card, I'm leaning towards a Radeon 4850, or XFX/EVGA 9800GT. My budget for the combo is 500 max, but that's including my case which will either be an Antec 900 or Cooler Master HAF 932.

A newbie question, but under a motherboard's specification where it says the "memory standard" is 1066 or so, and I have a DDR2 800, will it be compatible?

Thanks in advance!.. again!

Big_Daddy · January 8th, 2009, 10:14 PM

DDR2 memory is DDR2 memory. You should be fine.

I only build AMD stuff so I am no good with Intel

johnross2007 · January 9th, 2009, 02:40 AM

The only incompatibilty really is if you have a mobo that supports DDR2-800 but your RAM is DDR2-1066. That RAM will still work but might get underclocked to 800.

In the future I would suggest never buying some parts before others unless you are getting some deal on those parts. Builds often change in the last few days when you find deals that weren't there before.

I don't think Crossfire and SLI is worth it. The only good reason I could see for getting a mobo capable of it is in case you want to buy he exact same GPU a year or two down the line when its cheaper. But getting a new card to replace the old is still usually more cost effective.

For graphics I would go with the 9800GT but I am an unabashed Nvidia fanboy so take that with a grain of salt

.

For a case get whatever you like the best. From what I hear the Antec 900 lacks filters on the front fans, but those are easily bought and installed and will help keep dust out of your computer. I wouldn't let that affect your decision, just something you might want to do should you pick the antec 900.

edit: Do you plan on overclocking?

pullmyfoot · January 9th, 2009, 02:51 AM

The 4850 is gonna be faster than the 9800GTX and destroy the 9800GT. Its about on par with the 9800GTX+ (notice the +

)

Dax_Brandy · January 9th, 2009, 02:55 AM

between the 4850 and 9800GT, my vote goes to ATI 4850. or if you can add a little more, get the 4870.

iddqd · January 9th, 2009, 01:34 PM

Thanks for the replies everyone. I've decided to go with Newegg.com - GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Intel Motherboards for my motherboard, a 4850 or 4870 will be decided later today :P, and for the case I'm leaning to getting the CM HAF 932 mainly because it looks like it can last me for quite a while. Even though an Antec 300 is only 47.99 USD atm on newegg.

Actually, since I'm relatively new to building computers (first one here) I don't plan on overclocking as of yet. Perhaps after I'm a little more knowledgeable/experienced with computers in general I will. :-)

Edit: Will all of my pieces listed in this thread fit alright into an Antec 300? Having a fancy case isn't really necessary for my first system. Plus this way I can get my OS with the package. Hmmm.

johnross2007 · January 9th, 2009, 02:49 PM

I overclocked the first time I built. I did it lightly, getting a 2.13 Ghz C2D up to around 2.8 Ghz. Didn't raise the voltage at all. Its safe to do if you do a little research first. Basically overclocking helps with bang-for-buck.

Dax_Brandy · January 9th, 2009, 10:30 PM

With that specification, why do you want to overclock? With my current setup, i can play Crysis at HIGH settings without lags. It depends though on your reasons why you want to overclock.
Intel's e7300 easily overclocks up to 50% core clock. just for you info.

pullmyfoot · January 10th, 2009, 07:25 AM

You might as well get more performance. Youl be surprised how much a CPU overclock improves framerates.

John, I thought you are using an E8400? Why is it only running at 3.13Ghz? That thing runs 3Ghz stock. Unless youre running another CPU. In that case, why? I thought you bought the mobo for your E8400

Bump up the voltage a notch and increase your fsb again. Its generally safe if you keep your increase in voltage less than 10-15% of the stock.

johnross2007 · January 10th, 2009, 10:52 AM

hehe actually I am running an E6420 which is stock 2.13GHZ. I built about 2.5 years ago and haven't really upgraded yet. I will be soon though, replacing my 8800GTS 320MB with probably a 9800GT.