Help with my build please

I am looking at building a new desktop and would like some help to make sure everything is compatible and also would like some suggestions. I like to game but i am not a heavy gamer and just play basics. My goal is to get a fast quality desktop that will last and handle multitasking with youtube, gaming, Bluray watching/burning, downloading, and video editing. I plan on getting sony vegas and editing a lot of HD videos. If you can tell me if all of the following are compatible or you have a suggestion on changing something to fit me better that would be great. Thanks!

CPU(suggestions?)
CPU 1 *OR* CPU 2

MOBO

HDD

Memory

Fan/Heatsink(if the CPU doesn't have one?)

Power Supply(higher/lower wattage or is this good?)

Tower(top one worth the extra $?)
Tower 1 *OR* Tower 2

Bluray drive(apples to apples which is better?)
Pioneer *OR* Sony

Graphics card(do i even need one?)

Thanks again!

 

What's your total budget?

If you can afford to go Intel-based with an i7, that will be much better for you, as editing HD video takes a lot of CPU power.

 

http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/2459/43554171.png

That setup will be MUCH faster, and yet costs less.

I missed out the CD drive which is out of view at the top but the total is $1,100.

Rosewill psu's are shockingly made and will cause problems in the future, that AMD cpu will be crushed by the i7 doing the tasks you mentioned too.

 

a few things. mscms, I would like to keep it under $2,000 but am flexible. The one i had put together would cost me between $1,017 and $1,447 depending on the options i go with.

And Burrell Why is the i7 better? doesn't it have a lower GHz and both the intel and AMD are quad cores. I just preferred AMD because they are cheaper initially and if I need to replace it.

Also 6GB RAM compared to 16GB? why would you recomend this? is 16GB a waste and 6GB will be more then enough? and why only 3 sticks? isn't there 4 slots?

Lastly, do I need a video card? Do they make a big difference?

Thanks a ton Burrell and thanks for looking mcsmc hope you guys can get back to me.

 

Hi

Intel CPUs, especially the i7s, will SMOKE the AMD CPUs any day. Yes, the frequency it operates at is lower than its AMD counterpart, but the design makes it faster. Intel's definitely got the edge with processors. If you go with an i7 though, you'll obviously want to go Intel/Nvidia all the way around (Nvidia plays better than ATI with Windows, as well).

Especially since you can spend up to $2000, definitely go with an i7, you won't be disappointed.

As to RAM, you definitely don't need 16GB, maybe get 2 4GB sticks for 8GB, that would be my recommendation... that way you can always add 8GB more in the future.

For gaming, and if you plan on watching HD (Blu-Ray and the likes) on two screens (i.e. have a TV hooked up), you'll want a graphics card. Personally, I have an Nvidia GTX 470 that I can play World of Warcraft on ultra, and watch 1080p video on both my 24" LCD monitor and my 47" LCD HDTV with no issues... they also have the new 500 series cards, you might want to look at those as well. The 480 isn't worth the money right now.

If you're choosing between spending money on more RAM, or a good video card, definitely spend it on the video card.

 

I edited your reply to makes things easier.

Oh and please please please don't get the Rosewill power supply, get the one i chose or any other of the Corsair range, the higher the wattage (within reason other you get into effeciency issues) the quieter it will be.

 

Hi Burrell,

I haven't gotten my i7 yet and didn't know about the triple channel memory, thanks for that info!

huntingdog,

Corsair are very good power supplies, Rosewill are not. Another good power supply brand is Antec. I personally have a Corsair.

 

Seasonic are don's of power supply manufacturing, they make power supplies for Corsair, XFX and of course them selves.

Antecs power supplies are good but make sure you stick to the "True Power" range.

 

Hey Burrell Thanks for the site where you can compare proccessors. It helps a lot. I compared 2 similar priced processors
here Those processors are the 2 that i would choose depending which brand i went with and they seem to have there pros and cons both. The intel is about $50 more too =/. I have adjusted my build a bit and so far have the following. any opinions?

Couple of questions. Can someone explain the RAM a little better? there is 800/1066/1333/1600/1800/2000/2133. What is the difference? also in the details on the motherboard, If it says (OC) next to the RAM number does that mean I have to overclock it in order to use the RAM on that motherboard? Lastly, Do you need to use all slots or can you just use one slot of memory and leave the others empty?

I will probably use the AMD Phenom II X6 1090T Black Edition Thuban 3.2GHz
Makes Sense.

The MOBO I am still confused on. I will probably not be using crossfire because I am not too much of a gamer but I would like to have a decent MOBO. I am thinking about going with MSI 870A-G54 AM3 AMD 870 but wondering if it is decent and good with my use of HD and stuff. Also the Newer modle didn't seem bad or even A Gigabyte brand. I just don't know which to go with? what would you use?

Also confused on the RAM because the question I asked at the top. debating between 2-4 sticks of CORSAIR XMS 4GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333, my original G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 16GB (4 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600, and was also told CORSAIR DOMINATOR 12GB (3 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 was not a bad choice.
I would say I am more than a standard home user but not REALLY into video editing, YET. If that helps. Planned on using Vegas and trying a few other programs.

As far as the PSU, Thanks Burrell and mc I will dump Rosewill and go with CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W. I like the egg rating and 2,000+ reviews over the higher quality 5 egg but only 3 reviews. Sound good? ha

When it comes to the case I should probably go with a full tower right? I like the Twelve Hundred(especially the amount of 5 egg reviews), but also like the COOLER MASTER HAF X RC. Any reasoning for which is better?

Graphics card I am blind because I never really looked into these so I don't know which one is better for video editing and light gaming but i will probably go with one you guys recommend. which is best for that? and if i only need a lower end one but the performance to cost ratio of a higher end one like $20 more for a higher end one i would choose the higher end one.

Thanks everyone!, Narrowing it down.

P.S. why is the newegg windows 7 so cheap? just cuz?(don't question a good deal?) haha
Also sorry it's taking a while but if i'm spending this much i want to get something i like haha

 

Hi

As to RAM, you CAN only use one stick, but with AMD it's best to use multiples of two, as it's dual channel, and as Burrell mentioned, best to use multiples of three, as it's triple channel. If you DON'T use two sticks of RAM for AMD processors, or 3 sticks for Intel i7, your RAM will perform at half (or third) speed it could be performing at. It's much better to get multiple sticks. I know how RAM works but am finding it hard to describe at the moment.

I believe the best motherboard brands are EVGA and Asus. I would NOT recommend MSI or Gigabyte (I've had issues with Gigabyte motherboards and other MSI products, and have heard the same from others). Look for a motherboard that has USB 3.0 and SATA 6gb/s, and while you may not want to use SLI at the moment, it's always good to have the capacity in case you change your mind later (if you're going with Nvidia video card, don't bother with Crossfire, definitely get a SLI-ready motherboard)

Now, as to RAM speeds, I believe (and could be wrong) that DDR3 1600 is the fastest RAM, anything higher (1800, etc.) is simply overclocking 1600 RAM. Also, you don't overclock TO use RAM, you can overclock RAM much like you can overclock processors. However, it's a very risky venture if you don't know what you're doing, be sure to ask for tons of help if you want to try overclocking your machine... especially with RAM, it's more finicky.

You don't need a full tower case (though I have one and love it), a mid tower case would suit you fine. If you decide to go with a full tower case, I've heard great things about the HAF X. Cooler Master is a good case brand, Antec makes good cases as well.

I think a GTX 460 would be plenty video card for you, that's what I would get in your case. I would NOT get an MSI card though, as they have been having some issues. Better to get an EVGA or a Gigabyte brand video card. And yes, I know I knocked Gigabyte motherboards, but their graphics cards are good.

Windows 7 is cheap because I'm assuming you're looking at the system builder license, which only allows Windows 7 to be installed on one computer (cannot transfer it to another computer, and can't be installed if you change out your motherboard for a different model). Windows 7 RETAIL license enables you to have Windows 7 installed on any single computer at a time (so if you sell your computer and get a new one, you can take it off the old computer and put it on the new one). The system builder license doesn't allow this.

 

ok thanks. So i think I will go with everything on my previous post with a few alterations. same processor, PSU, this HDD(need HD vid room), the Antec full tower(nice to have the room and it seems like noone has a say on the towers as they are both good and it's just what i like better), and a GTX 460 GPU(thanks mcsmc).

That leaves the RAM, MOBO, heat sink/fan(any recommendations?), and no one really answered me about the 2 bluray burners. Sony or Pioneer?

Just seen that the pioneer is out of stock. maybe for a reason? I can wait if that's the one I should get.

Thanks again mcsmc!
Can't wait to hear Burrell's opinion :-D haha

 

RAM will depend on the motherboard you choose, but best would be DDR31600 probably 8GB (2 4GB sticks). Just use the stock heatsink/fan that the CPU comes with, though I'd recommend ordering some Arctic Silver to use as thermal paste.

I'd go with Sony for a burner, but that's personal preference.


I'll look at mobos and get back to you later.

 

Ok thanks mcsmc! So does the processor that i picked out use dual channel then? so like you said get 8gb in 2 sticks(4x2gb)?

Also if the timing is lower does the memory go faster? and is it worth the price difference? like a 8gb(2x4gb) 9-9-9-24 for $110 vs. a 8gb(2x4gb) 7-8-7-24 for $200 is it worth the $90 difference?

And does the Cas latency make a big difference? 7 vs. 9 and is it worth the price difference? the 9-9-9-24 had a cas latency of 9 and the 7-8-7-24 had a cas latency of 7.

Lastly does brand matter? g skill and corsair are the 2 that i seem to be coming up with as possibilities.

 

Yes, the processor you picked out uses dual channel. You'll want to optimize the processor's RAM usage by going with DDR3-1333 RAM, like this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231311

Cas latency isn't worth the price difference, in my opinion. Yes, it would be faster, but I'm pretty sure the above RAM will have your eyes popping as it is. As to brands, I've always used Crucial. I've also heard good things about G.Skill, Corsair, and Patriot. Whatever RAM you get, just make sure it has a lifetime warranty. And never get "value" RAM.

I know I at first mentioned getting DDR3-1600 RAM, but the processor you picked out specifically works best with DDR3-1333 RAM. Not sure if it would hamper the CPU-RAM flow to use higher speed RAM... I wouldn't think so, but I don't know. Anyway, 1333 would be plenty fast.

A motherboard you might want to consider (has SATA 6gbs and USB 3.0):

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131631

 

motherboard looks good! and i was wondering if maybe i should get one of the following packs of RAM
Corsair
G skill

They are 1600 but this way if i change processors for whatever reason down the road i would have the 1600. or do you think i should still go with your recommended pack?

 

That's a choice only you can make, not much more money to go with the 1600, and I really doubt it would run SLOWER than 1333. However, I doubt that 1600 would work with the motherboard I linked to, and motherboards can be VERY picky with RAM. Only supported RAM listed is:

DDR3 2000(O.C.)/1333/1066

If you'd like to go with 1600 RAM, then I would recommend this motherboard instead:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131655

As to the two RAM packages you linked to, either sounds like a good buy, G.Skill is like $5 less.

EDIT: Yeah actually if I were you I'd go with the 1600 and the above motherboard, looks like a better motherboard as well.

 

Only thing is, going with an AMD processor you won't be able to SLI two Nvidia video cards, but that shouldn't be an issue for you, as you'll likely not need dual graphics card power.

 

k one thing i noticed is this mobo doesn't have an hdmi though?

 

Well, you're getting a graphics card right? Going with the Nvidia GTX 460?

The graphics card will have HDMI (or mini HDMI) and DVI connectors.


When you have a graphics card installed you won't be using any of the onboard motherboard video connectors.

EDIT: As to the video card, this one looks good (and has a lifetime warranty):

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814500169

 

Well Thanks everyone especially Burrell and mcsmc. We have came a long way haha and this is my list. what do you think?

AMD 1090T
Asus MOBO
WD 1.5 TB HDD
Windows 7
Sparkle PSU
Sony Bluray disk drive
GTX 460 GPU
G skill RAM
It is late and I am tired so if I am forgetting anything let me know haha. Also there are a lot of arctic silver adhesives. which one will i want? and Burrelll what is your take on the graphics card? Lastly good night! I think haha

Oh yeah...please...PLEASE double and maybe even triple check that everything is compatible ha. I would myself but need extra assurance and I don't know everything about computers which is why I am on here haha. Thanks again!

 

Everything looks good except a few things:

I don't like the looks of the power supply... has 4 rails!? You don't want lots of rails. Besides, I have no idea if Sparkle is any good. Antec and Corsair are well known GOOD PSU brands. This Corsair PSU would be MUCH better (and it's cheaper than the one you picked out). It uses a single rail.

The other thing is, don't forget to buy a case! I think you were going to go with the Antec 1200?

As to arctic silver, first of all it's not an adhesive, it's a thermal paste (transfers the heat from the CPU to the heatsink). In order to apply it, follow these steps:

1. Ensure the CPU and heatsink surfaces are clean. Clean them both with rubbing alcohol and paper towels and let them thoroughly dry well before putting them in your system.

2. Install the CPU into the motherboard socket and make sure you don't bend any pins, and that it's clamped in using the lever.

3. Then, put an uncooked rice grain amount on the center of the CPU.

4. Finally, you'll stick the heatsink on and clamp it in. Arctic Silver I've used is Arctic Silver 5:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...&cm_re=arctic_silver_5-_-35-100-007-_-Product

Just remember to be extremely careful NOT to put too much on, and not to get any of it elsewhere in the computer, as it can short out the circuits and thus fry components. It also doesn't taste good.

 

Ok ha that is the PSU I originally had bookmarked but someone said the sparkle is better quality on another forum. I said i like the 5 egg rating with 2000+ reviews but he said not to go off of that and that in comparison it was better but he also mentioned the one you posted if i wanted something a little cheaper. But I'll go with the corsair then? and thanks for the thermal paste link. So everything is compatible? good to buy? :confused I don't know how to check if everything is 100% compatible I just know the basics of compatibility ha so i'm only 90% sure it is all compatible. Can you give me 100% check? ha Thanks!

 

Yep everything should be compatible, only possible issue could be the RAM with the motherboard but that's hit and miss, there's rare cases when certain brands of RAM won't work with a particular model motherboard... unless you want to spend awhile Googling (I sure don't), I say just order it and if you have issues, RMA the RAM and get different RAM. Again, this is HIGHLY unlikely, I've just heard of it happening.

Yeah, definitely go with the Corsair... good established reputation, I have good personal experience (I run a Corsair 1000W and love it), and the single rail design of that unit is far superior to multi-rail designs of others.

So other than a very unlikely situation between the RAM and motherboard, you're definitely good to go!

 

Sweet Thanks!! I will be checking back on this post and seeing what other people think until i buy all the stuff but that should be soon. Thanks mcsmc!


Also might be posting again if i need help with the actual building of it ha.:-D

 

oh yeah to finish things up... does anyone recomend any extended warranties on anything? or kinda of a "nice to have if you got the $ but otherwise it's fine without" kind of thing?

oh yeah and i decided to go with the COOLER MASTER HAF 932. I like the on/off feature for the LED's(assuming it's for the LED's and not the fans) But I I don't likie the fan sizes and amounts compared to the Antec. The sizes seem more rare and harder to find replacements? what do you think?

 

RAM and the video card have lifetime warranties, no need to upgrade those!

Personally, I think buying extended warranties on anything is a waste of money, but that's just me. More of a personal decision, I think.

Pretty sure the switches are for the fans... the case I have has on/off fan switches as well as speed control knobs, if I turn a fan off it turns off the fan LED as well (but there's a few other LEDs on the case, too). My case is a much cheaper case, though. In fact, I may end up getting a better case.

One case I think is sweet that you might want to consider is this one:

http://www.thermaltakeusa.com/Product.aspx?C=1303&ID=1807

I think it might be a bit pricey, but man that is ONE SWEET CASE.

EDIT: Not as expensive as I thought, here's a silver version on Newegg:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133053&Tpk=xaser vi

 

Alright. Thanks! Between the antec and cooler master I think i'll go with cooler master. Looks cooler and free shipping. And yes that other case is pretty sweet but it is expensive everywhere except newegg and newegg doesn't have a black one. Haha not to be picky but like all my electronics are a black gloss from my flat screen to my ps3 to my monitor to my wii and even my tv stand so it wouldn't match haha :-D

 

Still wouldn't mind opinions until i make the purchase haha. something to talk about until then anyway!

 

I agree, black looks best! Unfortunate that Newegg only has the silver model.

The Cooler Master case will be great, anyway. Have you already picked out a screen and mouse/keyboard (or have them already)?

 

I have a mouse and keyboard and an old monitor. I will be getting a new one but I was going to hold off untill i get a little more $. I was going to just use my current old monitor and/or my lcd tv for now.

Also another person on another forum said
"you should not get an Nvidia GPU for that AMD motherboard as it does not support SLI, which is Nvidia's answer to Crossfire. Also, the GTX 460 is outcperformed by both Radeon 6800 models, you should get either the HIS H687F1G2M Radeon HD 6870 1GB or the less expensive, but still more powerful than the GTX 460 yet costs a little less, HIS H685F1GD Radeon HD 6850 1GB. You may also want to consider splitting your storage into two drives, one for the operating system and applications, and one for data. This way, if one fails, you still at least have something left. Getting a Western Digital Caviar Black WD5002AALX 500GB for your OS/Applications drive and the other hard drive, or just a standard 1TB drive, for data storage would be best. You also need playback software for Blu-Ray movies since it doesn't come with Windows."
What do you think?
would you agree on performance and swapping the cards?
what about the HDDs?
Lastly The software? what do i need for that?

 

When you do get the money, my personal experience with the LG Flatron W2453V has been very good. It's a 24" LCD widescreen 1080p monitor. I'd recommend it to anyone (I bought it off of Newegg).

I stick by my Nvidia graphics card recommendation. ATI has always had driver issues, and while they do have better cards for the money, if they don't work right (due to the driver issues), doesn't do much good. Not only that, but as I already mentioned, you won't need two graphics cards, so the SLI/Crossfire issue isn't a concern for you. The GTX 460 will be plenty of graphics power for you, and you won't have to worry about any driver issues. Nvidia outperforms ATI with their top cards, but of course Nvidia's top cards cost... a lot.

Two hard drives would be optimal, BUT personally I'd stick to one internal drive, and use an external drive to keep personal files on. It's much easier to disconnect the external drive if you need to reinstall Windows, than remember what drive has your personal data inside the computer. Also, if you want to get an external drive, it's best to get a WD Black Caviar internal drive and get an external enclosure for it (there's another thread in this Hardware forum talking about that you could read).

I don't have a Blu-Ray drive yet, not sure what software you would need for that, but it is correct that Windows doesn't come with anything you can use to play Blu-Ray with. I would guess there is open source software available to play Blu-Ray, but it's possible there isn't. It would be best to start a thread in the Software forum asking about options for that.

 

Thanks for the tip but i can't find that monitor. do you have a link?

I'll go with the GTX then.

I have an external WD HDD already so i could use that.

I would think a software CD would come with the drive but I will look into that. Maybe call Newegg or start a new post. Thanks again!

Oh, and will i be needing any extra cords or anything that i have to buy to actually buil the desktop or does all the cords come with the products? like the PSU. It has a power cord right? haha I don't know if I mentioned but this is my first build. I have torn apart PC's and rebuilt them though ha.

 

Hey huntingdog,

Yes, PSUs come with a power cord (from the PSU to the wall plug) and the Corsair you're getting come with all connectors necessary. I don't foresee you needing to buy any cords or anything separate from the actual components to build your machine.

Maybe Newegg doesn't sell my particular monitor anymore... whenever you get the money, just start up a new thread in Hardware (I'll be on the lookout).

At the moment, I'm drunk off my *** from a New Year's party (this post has taken a BUNCH more backspacing due to random key presses LOL).

I think that Blu-Ray drives SHOULD come with software to play Blu-Ray disks, but can't say that just because it makes sense that's how it is. I think it would still be in your best interest to start a thread in the Software forum to figure out your best options.

 

ok haha thanks and have fun! safely lol

 

hi there!

Sorry i haven't been on, had a busy past few days.

I just read the whole thread again so will comment on what has been said, i think i'll edit quotes again as that was nice and easy

 

And my comments on Burrell's post:

Right, well I've had driver issues with Gigabyte motherboards, and many on this forum swear by Asus. I mention EVGA because they're preferred by certain circles. Statistics don't equate to personal experience.

Yeah... IF he hadn't selected the motherboard that supports DDR3-1600 without overclocking. I could throw a ton of technical talk in, too, but he'll be fine with what he selected.

Do you have one? Because I've heard it's a pain to remove the dust filters to clean them. Any case (especially full tower) is relatively easy to open the side, and use some canned air and a vacuum cleaner to get any dust that matters out.

Wrong. How can you go on a rant about the best motherboards, and then say any brand video card is the same? Give me a break... at least be consistent.

Thanks for bringing that up, I'd actually forgotten how the Nvidia GTX 400 series compares to ATI.

This is something I would wait for, as A)most SSDs are having issues with reliability, B)they will get much cheaper over the next year or two, and C) if the OP is saving money for a monitor, I'm pretty sure he'd rather get the monitor before the SSD.

 

lol, lets not turn this into a handbag throwing conteset!

 

Hi Burrell,

I was having issues with a Gigabyte motherboard (hence why I don't like them) and have Googled and found I'm not alone, and neither is that particular motherboard. Maybe they've changed in recent years (the motherboard I have issues with is my current mobo, which is old... a GA-K8N-SLI, but I've also read people have issues with newer Gigabyte motherboards as well). Also, again I mentioned EVGA because there are some people that like them. Just because you don't doesn't mean they are crappy boards.

The motherboard he selected supports DDR3-1600 out of the box, without no overclocking required.

Well, if the dust filters are easy to remove on that case, then it sounds like a good case to me. However, they may have changed the case design from the one you have... reviews on Newegg mention the dust filters being a pain to remove, maybe you can read them and comment?

If you're saying that every GTX 460 uses the same quality manufacturer components, I couldn't disagree with you more. Also, maybe it doesn't matter so much on a 460, but the MSI 465 I'd gotten had a bad design and failed after a month (for me, and others). I currently have a GTX 470 (Gigabyte, factory OC) which I'm very happy with. Gigabyte's GTX cards use better quality components... read the descriptions on Newegg. They also have gotten better reviews.

I still think that SSDs have reliability issues and will get cheaper and more reliable in the future. I also don't agree that a 60GB is large enough for a computer that is built to last 5 years, I think 128GB would be a good size to go with, and those are much more expensive.

 

Can we stop now?

I never said EVGA make bad boards... They are just not for the OP, no one could justify the extra cost for one over a Gigabyt/msi board.

You have to understand that that MB would not support 1600Mhz with all cpu's, only those with a 200Mhz FSB stock. That motherboard has 3 multipliers, 5.33, 6.665 and 8. so 200Mhz x by 8 being 1600. So before he chose his cpu i couldn't say whether it would work or not. So yes, the ram he selected with the MB will work, but i would chose this MB instead. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128416

no, they haven't changed the design at all, they are really simple to remove.

All that "higher quality components" is a load of rubbish, they only use that as a sales gimmick, i've never had a card fail because the components weren't of high enough quality. We're talking the difference between it operating for 8 Years at %100 load vs. working for 10 years at %100 load, in the real world that is never going to happen so therfor making the extra cost worthless. The only real difference as said before is the cooler and sometimes the PCB colour.

I'm sorry but anyone who bought a GTX 465 needs a talking to, they were a complete failure.

A 60GB SSD is plenty, the very point of an SSD is for a better computing experience, ie not having to wait for the system to load and have apps load and work faster. 60GB - 18GB = 42GB, which means that he has 42GB left just for his apps and games. Normal files are to be stored on the bigger standard HDD platter. http://blog.corsair.com/?p=3402 a 128GB SSD unless you have a rediculous amount of games is a waste of space and money.

For the OP

Go with what you have chosen, change the PSU to a corsair TX750, change the MB to a this one and maybe tell us what you are thinking case wise and we can help you make the best decision there.

 

A few things that were brought up. I will go with the corsair.

I think I will go with the antec. it is eay to find replacement fans and I'm not too worried bought the filters being difficult. if it takes a little more time I can deal with that.

The HDD I will considder a SSD for the main things but HD videos take a lot of space so maybe get a HDD and a SSD the HDD for storage and the SSD for apps and OS?

am i forgetting anything else mentioned? I had to make a really fast reply. Thanks

and i think we are in agrement with the GPU? a gtx 460?

 

Stop? I wasn't meaning to come across as offensive at all, just inputting my experience and learning from yours.

I agree that they are overpriced for sure, and are more eye candy than anything else.

Okay... but you didn't answer my question regarding Gigabyte motherboard issues. I'm curious to know if that's not a problem you've experienced, or if Gigabyte has changed in that respect (last I checked was about a year ago)?

Well, that's great to know. I'm kind of upset with myself as the case I recently bought is having fan issues... plus it is a pain to have to clean it out all the time. I might end up getting one of those cases, just wish APO shipping wasn't insane for full towers.

Okay, so the issue was that it was a GTX 465 then. If 460s don't have heat issues, then you're likely correct in that the manufacturer doesn't matter. I just know I read a lot of reviews on 470s and many of the 470s had heat issues.

That's true now, but what about the next version of Windows, or the one after that? They seem to triple in size requirements each version. That's the reason why I think a 60GB isn't the best choice for a SSD. Could I be wrong? Sure. I'm also not thrilled with their reliability right now... honestly I want to get a SSD myself, but am not sure it would last. What are your thoughts on reliability of SSDs?

 

That Antec case definitely sounds like the best choice.

Yeah, you'll want a HDD for storage in addition to an SSD if you're going to get an SSD.

And yes everyone agrees that the GTX 460 is the graphics card you should get.

 

My message was too small without this.

 

Well, good to know concerning Gigabyte motherboards... I might end up getting a Gigabyte instead of an Asus in that case.

Actually, with all of the service packs, and updates, fully installed, XP is more than 2GB. That's an interesting thought that OS's will shrink with new technology, since they've only gotten larger so far... that would definitely be nice to see.

Out of curiosity, how long have you had the SSD?

 

That's what i mean, you said that OS's had triple in size, making Vista 6GB and XP 2GB, which we all know isnt anywhere near the correct figures!

4 months.

 

Well, I don't count Vista, as it was the biggest OS fail yet, and was basically a VERY premature and ill thought out 7. I'm talking about installed size... My Windows folder (7 64bit) is almost 17GB, XP wasn't anywhere near that, more like 5-6GB? Windows 98 was much smaller, etc.

Also, the install disk sizes have gone up quite a bit... XP was on a CD, Windows 7 is over 2GB (needs a DVD).

I didn't mean necessarily 3x, but they go over double the previous version's size... who knows, Windows 8 might end up coming on a DVD9 or a BD.

Even without games, apps can definitely take up room as well. My apps currently take a little over 51GB (that includes WoW and SC2, which ARE huge at just over 30GB), and one Windows account AppData folder takes up almost 1GB. So, a 60GB SSD wouldn't even be sufficient for me with current install (and I don't have too many apps installed, really, I don't think).

If I didn't have the games installed, that SSD would barely work (including swap file, hibernation file, etc.).

 

ok so Burrell, think i should go with the GTX 460 or? and what brand?

Also do you guys have any recommendations for MB? seems like your leaning towards Gigabyte? and the processor I chose was AMD Phenom II X6 1090T Burrell. I know you were saying something about it depends on the CPU I choose? So what motherboard would both of you recommend of the current ASUS M4A89TD? would it be the earlier mentioned Gigabyte MB?

 

I still think the ASUS motherboard would be good. If you get the Gigabyte motherboard, you will need to get DDR3-1333 RAM instead of DDR3-1600 RAM.

 

Can't edit my previous post so i cut and pasted to a new one....

Oh and this is the current Zotac GPU. is there one just as good cheaper or do you recomend a more expensive one or is this good?

 

I recommended that one because it has a lifetime warranty, hard to beat that. For the 1GB memory 460s, the price isn't the cheapest but it's not more expensive by much ($10 or so). The ones listed for $160 price range are the SE versions, which are basically crippled 460s. I think it's the best deal currently, between the lifetime warranty and price not being very high.