Question

New computer - did I pick everything out correctly?

Asked by: mvidas

Hello,

As I've had my current computer for about 6 years now, I think it is probably about time to make myself a new one. I haven't really done much with PC hardware since then, so I'd appreciate it if someone here could double check what I've picked out and to answer a question for me.  I'll put the stuff I'm looking at in the code snippet box (fixed width font, grouped together).  I know I could build a system for a lot cheaper, but I'd like something that will perform well for a while and won't be too obsolete too soon.  Of course if I've chosen something stupidly, don't hesitate to point it out.

I have a 500gb PATA HD for my current system (bought about 6 mos ago) which I plan on using, but since the mobo was intending to use SATA I'd throw a decent one in my wish list.  Same goes with the monitor; I have a perfectly fine CRT but an LCD would be nice and I like what I've read about the model I listed.  I plan on using my current dvd burner and peripherals, so I don't have those listed.


Anyways.. on to my question.  Will the i/o back panel from the mobo fit into the i/o panel in the case?  I'm sure it will, but I just have a nagging doubt that its too big or something.  They're probably just a standard size.

I think I picked out everything I will need and am 95% sure what I picked out will work together, but a quick double check would be very much appreciated as well.  For the sake of points here I'll say both parts of this (mobo/case, double check it all) are worth 250 each.

Thanks!
Matt

Type         Description             Specs                              Model#        
Video Card   EVGA GeForce 8800GT     PCIx 2.0x16, 512mb, 256bit, GDDR3  512-P3-N802-AR
RAM          OCZ Platinum 4gb        240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM 800 PC2 6400    OCZ2P8004GQ    
Motherboard  EVGA nForce 650i Ultra                                     122-CK-NF66-T1 
CPU          Intel E4500             Core 2 Duo 2.2Ghz LGA775 65W       BX80557E4500  
Case/PSU     CoolerMaster CM690      Includes RealPower Pro 550W PSU    RC-690-KKA1-GP
 
Optional/future:
Hard Drive   WD Caviar SE16          640GB SATA 3.0Gb/S 16MB            WD6400AAKS    
Monitor      Acer 22" LCD            1680x1050 5ms 700:1 300cd/m2       AL2216Wbd

                                  
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Asked On
2008-04-24 at 12:47:13ID23351658
Topics

General Computer Systems

,

Hardware Components

,

Computer Motherboards

Participating Experts
1
Points
500
Comments
6

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Answers

 

by: garycasePosted on 2008-04-24 at 15:48:39ID: 21435853

A few comments ...

=>  Excellent video card

=>  I would NOT buy the RAM kit you've listed.   With motherboards that use unbuffered RAM, it's always best to only populate two of the slots -- the bus loading with all 4 slots filled is very high; resulting in a badly deformed signalling that notably reduces the reliability of the memory subsystem.   If you want 4GB, buy 2 x 2GB modules [These work very well and are very inexpensive:  http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211282

=>  Motherboard's fine, although I tend to prefer Intel chipsets (and, for that matter, Intel boards).   You might want to look at a couple of P35 based boards, which aren't much more expensive than what you've selected.

=>  The E4500 is a very nice CPU, but for a system you'd like to keep for a few years, you may want to spring  for a bit more horsepower.   The E8400 is a superb CPU and is an amazing price/performance value:  http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037  (I just rebuilt my wife's PC with an E8400 and it easily outperforms my very similar E6850).

=>  Case is fine; and yes, your motherboard's I/O panel will fit ... as you noted, they are VERY standard (you just pop out the "generic" one from the case and pop the correct one in.

=>  The hard drive and monitor are both fine.   In fact, the 640GB WD drive you selected is exactly what I just used for my wife's new system :-)     I bought the HP W2207 monitor for that system ... this is a superb monitor at an amazing price [http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3720449&CatId=2775 ].



 

by: garycasePosted on 2008-04-24 at 15:55:18ID: 21435882

... by the way, your 500GB PATA drive will work fine.   The only issue is you'll have to share the IDE channel with your DVD burner, as the motherboard only has a single IDE channel.   This may cause some minor throughput issues; and may require some restriction of the max DVD burning speeds you use [Assuming you have a "burn proof" drive, the burns will still complete at higher speeds; but burns are more reliable if burn proof is never invoked].

Presuming you do want to use that drive in the system, you might want to pick up an inexpensive SATA DVD burner so the IDE channel can be dedicated to the 500GB drive.   http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106072

 

by: mvidasPosted on 2008-04-24 at 16:00:11ID: 21435902

Thanks, Gary, just what I was looking for :) Did you go to Seattle last week?
Matt

 

by: mvidasPosted on 2008-04-24 at 16:01:30ID: 31452161

Perfect! Thanks again

 

by: garycasePosted on 2008-04-24 at 16:03:43ID: 21435918

Unfortunately no.   I had planned to; but was asked to teach an 8-week course in mid-March, and I agreed to do that, so I wasn't able to go.   If I'm fortunate enough to be renewed as an MVP I will definitely go next year !! :-)    I've exchanged several notes with folks who went, and it definitely sounds like it was worth attending.   Did you go ??

 

by: mvidasPosted on 2008-04-24 at 16:08:24ID: 21435942

I did, it was a great time. I had such a good experience there, I also hope to be there next year (3/1 - 3/4) :) If you can go I highly recommend it!

20120131-EE-VQP-002

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