1st Time Building Computer

Hi All,

I'm new to building my own computer so please give me any suggestions that you may have.

I am trying to build a decent desktop mainly for running 3D CAD software and also intensive MATLAB algorithms. I'm trying to keep the price point right around $1000 - $1300. Please let me know what you think.

2 Main questions:
1) Am I missing anything that I am going to need
2) Any recommendations?

I know that a Quadro Card would give me better performance for the CAD software, but the Price is just too high for those cards. I'm open to any suggestions that would allow for better performance though. ( I was initially going to softmod the GPU but I understand that NVIDIA has patched that process )

This is my current NewEgg Cart:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2375037/Newegg_Cart.pdf


Thank you in advance for your help

 

Hi

First off, I would NEVER buy a Rosewill power supply. A good quality power supply is the best investment you can make. Most here, including myself, recommend either Antec or Corsair for a power supply. Something like this would be great.

Also, for your system drive, I'd recommend Western Digital's Caviar Black series. They have a strong reliability factor, and are simply well built. They are slightly more expensive than most other common hard drives, but are worth the price.

You might also look into getting a better case, such as an Antec 900 (I have an Antec 1200 and love it, but that's a full tower case... not something you would need :-D ). With the system you're looking to run, you'll definitely need better cooling than a case with a single fan!

Also, 4GB of RAM is pretty thin for a new system, IMO. I'd shoot for 8GB DDR3 for the system you're building.

Don't forget also that you need to factor in the cost of a new OS. Windows 7 Home Premium is I think close to $200 for a retail copy. An OEM (not transferable to another computer) license is around $100.

GFX card looks good, and nice choice of processor. I haven't looked at your MB yet, but being Gigabyte, it can't be too shabby.

 

Thanks for the reply. I'm gonna look into your recommendations. I already added another 4GB of RAM.

Have I forgotten any components? Do I need Thermal Paste to install the CPU?

 

It looks like your tower components are complete.

The CPU should come with thermal paste. I personally use (after market) Arctic Silver 5 thermal paste, but the OEM stuff should be adequate. The AC5 runs maybe $10/tube, so not that expensive... just a matter of choice.

I assume you already have a keyboard and mouse you'd like to use, since they aren't included in your cart. If not, I've actually found that this wired Logitech Classic 200 (originally bought as an extra keyboard for troubleshooting laptops, etc.) is a decent, cheap KB. Mouse-wise, I prefer a Microsoft Wireless Mobile Mouse 4000. Mice, of course, come down to the individual's hand and button configuration preferences. I'm just throwing my two cents in, just in case you ARE considering new ones.

The only other thing I'd offer at this point is to consider getting an antistatic wrist band for working with the components. Several people swear they've never broken anything without one, but I prefer to err on the safe side when my money's on the line. I own two of these, they're cheap and do the job.

 

Except for me on the PSU, I'd recommend anything from seasonic gold series:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007657%2050001697%20600037998&IsNodeId=1&name=80%20PLUS%20GOLD%20Certified

But, you tend to spend a bit more.

I currently own this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151087

But, on my new build I'm still working on will be this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151102