I am planning a Gaming Pc build- Need Advice from More Exp Modders :D

[tabbyoo88]

This is the Mother board I am planning to use for My Base Build on my PC

MSI P35 PLATINUM Core 2 Quad Intel P35 1333MHz FSB Dual Channel DDR2 1066 LGA775 Socket 775/T ATX Motherboard w/ Crossfire 2x PCI-Express X16, Audio, GBLAN, SATA 3G/II, RAID, USB 2.0, Firewire 1394a "Board will Cost Approx 149.99+S&h from the Lowest price Seller I could find"

CPU Supports Socket 775 for Intel Core2 Extreme, Core2 Duo, Pentium 4 (Prescott, P4EE), Pentium D, Pentium XE/Celeron D processors in LGA 775 package
• Supports FSB 800/1066/1333 MHz
• Supoprts Intel 05B/05A and 04B/04A processors
• Supoprts EIST techonology
• Supports Intel Hyper-Threading (HT) Technology
• Supports Intel Quad Core Technology to 1333MHz and up
Chipset Intel® P35 Chipset
• Supports FSB 800MHz, 1066MHz & 1333MHz
• Support Dual channel DDR2 667/800/1066 memory interface up to 8GB (P35 chipset supports up to DDR2-800 officially. For DDR2 800+, manually BIOS adjustment is needed)
• Support Dual PCI Express 16X interface with either 1x16 or 1x4 operation.

Intel® ICH9R Chipset
• Integrated Hi-Speed USB 2.0 controller, 480Mb/sec, 12ports
• 6 Serial ATAII ports (2 eSATA + 4 SATAII) w/ transfer rate up to 3Gb/s and support RAID 0, 1, 5 and 10
• PCI Master v 2.3, I/O ACPI 2.0 Compliant
• Integrated AHCI controller
FSB Support FSB 800MHz, 1066MHz & 1333MHz
Memory • Supports 4 unbuffered DIMM of 1.8 Volt DDR2 SDRAM
• Supports up to 8GB memory size
• Support Dual Channel DDR2 667/800/1066MHz and up (Intel P35 chipset supports up to DDR2-800 officially. For DDR2 800+, manually BIOS adjustment is needed)

Due to the High Performance Memory design, motherboards or system configurations may or may not operate smoothly at the JEDEC (Joint Electron Device Engineering Council) standard settings (BIOS Default on the motherboard) such as DDR2 voltage, memory speeds and memory timing. Please confirm and adjust your memory setting in the BIOS accordingly for better system stability.
Example: Kingston HyperX DDR2-800 PC6400 operates at 2.0V, 4-4-4-12.
For more information about specification of high performance memory modules, please check with your Memory Manufactures for more details.
Expansion Slots Two PCI Express 16X slots with 1x16 and 1x4 operations (PCI Express Bus SPEC V1.0a compliant; supports CrossFire Technology)
• Two PCI Express 1X slot
• Two PCI 2.3 32-bit Master PCI Bus slots. (support 3.3v/5v PCI bus interface)
On-Board Peripherals 1 floppy port supports 1 FDD with 360K, 720K, 1.2M, 1.44M and 2.88Mbytes
• 1 Serial port (COM A, Pin-Out)
• 12 USB 2.0 ports (Rear x 6/** Front x 6)(** Front USB ports are supported by pin-out)
• 1 6-in-1 audio jack (S/SPDIF out)
• 2 PS/2 connectors
• 2 IEEE 1394 (Rear x 1/ **Front x 1) (** Front 1394 port supported by pin-out)
• 1 LAN RJ45 connector
Audio • Audio codec Realtek 888T
• Compliance with Azalia 1.0 spec
• Flexible 8 Ch. audio with jack sensing
• Supports VoIP Card (Optional)
LAN Realtek RTL8111B PCI-Express Gb LAN Controller
IEEE 1394 VIA 6308P chipset
• Supports up to two 1394 ports (Rear panel x1, front x1)
• Transfer rate is up to 400Mbps
BIOS The mainboard provides a Desktop Management Interface(DMI) function which records your mainboard specifications.
Warranty 3 Year Manufacture

What I need advice on.
I am a Artist-use alot of Tablet & Storeage Space but Also I am a Gamer as well I need a Mid Price Comp about $1,200-$1,500 max for the system I can get some of the drives free from a friend so I won't need them.

My biggest Question is What hard Drive would be the best for my needs. I do some Mutimedia, have a large Itunes libary and store alot of art for Reference for my Drawings.. But I also Play World of Warcraft so I wanted one that was fast too. Do you Think the Seagate Barracuda would be okay to use for my needs? I need speed+ Adquate storage. they come in 250g, 500g, and 760g.
And is it better to Have 2 250's vs a 500? or Do I need 2? and If I do What Size should I get? I am trying to build my Pc on somewhat of a budget but don't mind preformace parts If I can find them for a good price. The Seagate Barracuda has had good reviews. And another question it should be compatable with my motherboard. I think I am correct on that but want to be sure Since this is the First Comp I am going to Completely build

Also I am Using the XG-Dragon Case with the 500Watt Power supply it is Sata & PCI compatable so it should be okay with the motherboard I want right? I pretty much think it is but I am asking from more exp builders because I want piece of mind~"A Little Unsure of Myself XD"

 

[tabbyoo88]

I have already Purchased My computer Case and Have it on hand

FORM FACTOR Micro-ATX & ATX
POWER SUPPLY 500W, Active PFC, Dual Fan & Smart Fan Control
Drive Bay5.25" 4
Drive Bay 3.5" 2
Drive Bay INTERNAL 3.5" 4
USB 2 (2.0)
FIRE WIRE Yes
FAN INCLUDED 1x80mm front & 1x80mm rear blue LED fan
FAN SLOTS 1x80mm side fan, 1x80mm front fan, 1x80mm rear fan
AUDIO/MIC Yes
LCD Yes
PCI SLOTS 7 (Tool Less)
MATERIAL 1.2MM Aluminum alloy
BOX DIMENSIONS (DXWXH) 610x375x575mm
CASE DIMENSIONS (DXWXH) 540x240x515mm
CUFT 3.89
GW 6.7kg
NW 5.3kg
SATA Yes
20pin + 4 pin Yes
PCI EXPRESS Yes
ADDITIONAL FEATURES Removable MB tray, Tool less drive bay, tool less PCI expansion slot, EMI 1.2 mm Aluminum chassis, carry handle, 500W APFC power supply W/ SATA, PCI Express, Smart fan control, Ultra Silent
COLOR OPTIONS Black, Blue, Red, Silver

I have worked with this case a bit and it seems like its going to be an easy one for a beginner to work with, I love that everything is tooless so Minimal effort is required. both Panels come off completely the Slots in the back have a Snap secure lock in mecianism so don't have to be mounted with screws

The best part is the motherboard can be mounted on a removeable Tray that slides back into the case and secures easily with a few simple and well made thumbscrews

As I pick the parts out to build my Pc I will post them here if you see a compatability issue with them Please let me know. Only the case has been Purchased and its not counted in my budget as I already bought it a few months back. And I will not need to purchase a power supply as it came with a really nice one. The XG-Dragon I have Is a Limited Edition Midnight Blue Color only produced for a short run in that paint color

 

[tabbyoo88]

Seagate 500GB Barracuda 7200.11 Serial ATA II 7200RPM 32MB Buffer SATA Hard Drive: ST3500320AS (OEM, Factory Sealed)

HDSTSG3500320ASpad$152.99pad

This is the Hard Drive I am leaning towards getting but I don't know if its better to have one 500GB or 2 250GB's? I could go either way. And do you need 2 Hard drives or is it something that is good to have but not nessicary at first like if needed upgrade to a 2nd of the same kind. And is having two of the same brand but different size storage capiticy going to have compatability issues? Like if I bought the 500g to start out with and eventually got an additional one would it be safe for the 2nd to be smaller? or Does it matter? I know with video cards its good to have the same brand same type but I don't know if the same thing holds true for Hard drives if you have 2 Also I may need advice on how to partition them later.. As I haven't done it before.

 

[OnDborder]

Welcome to the Forum! http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=491697
Seagates are good harddrives. That would be my pick if I didn't have my Raptors..
Personally, I like to have a hdd for the operating system and app's, and another one, sometimes 2, for storage(music, pix, downloads)..
Maybe a couple of these http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148151. They have the Perpendicular recording technology..

 

[tabbyoo88]

And to Vista? or Not to Vista? I know if I get vista some of the Perpeturals I like or want such as a Tablet for Drawing and my older edition of the Saitek Elipse keyboard may not work properly with my pc so I may have a more difficult time finding a tablet that is compatable. But it does make finding files such as pictures, mpg, and various easier.

So would Vista be more or less worth it for an Artist/Gamer? or Should I get Win-Xp Pro?
I am going to go with OEM editions as they have a much better price on the OS.

Vista does at times seem annoying that everytime you download anything you have to allow it. Which would make updating warcraft every patch more of a pain but it makes searching for files such as Pictures, Music,ect.. easlier a Feature I really like. I am just worried That I won't be able to find a quaility Drawing Tablet that is compatable with vista as I haven't Seen any yet that say they are?

Do you know of any? Because its the only thing that is making me a bit afraid to get a vista OS. I like the new look of it, the customizeability, and the Easier Searching, But without a compatable & Affordable Tablet Its not going to be good for my Graphic Design.

 

[tabbyoo88]

And for Video Cards there are so many out there I don't know what to go with. I want something that would Run Warcraft well I want to Run 2 Video Cards matching size and such. But don't want to spend a fortune. What would you suggest I should go with?

 

[someone1029]

Well for starters you can't run 2 Nvidia graphics cards on that board [so if you want to run 2 you would have to go with ATI] and even so there is really no point. i would go with a 8600 for your use, depending on what programs you use that is. if your graphics programs require a top end card i would buy an 8800 GTS.

For your processor i would get a Q6600 [with GO stepping if possible].

For your hard drive question, 2 hard drives increases performance, as 1 file is written across 2 [or more] drives, eg. if you saved a 12mb photo 6mb is written to one drive and the other 6mb is written to the other. 2 hard drives isn't necesary, but nice to have.

For RAM go with anything DDR2-667/800

Good Luck!

 

[tabbyoo88]

And if anyone know's of Articles on how to build one's first Gaming pc let me know I have found a few but they gave me a good idea of what I needed to do but they were a bit outdated. I just don't want to make any stupid Noob mistakes. And I will be purchaseing a grounding wrist strap to prevent static discharge. My biggest worry is damageing the cpu by accident as I have never mounted one before. Also is there any Special

I also Have a Lighting/Safety question

xPCgear's Liquid Lightning Plasma Cold Cathode Lights are the most unique CCFLs you'll find! With the Touch of your Hand, streams of electrically charges particles dance harmlessly about "Is it Really Harmless?" "Can the Electricity Discharge from this divice to Sensitive hardware componets? or is it Safe?"-I am a bit Skeptical But if it is safe it looks pretty awesome espically to show at a Convention I attend annually" , creating myriad patterns of light and energy! Looks awesome but would it Discharge Static? It looks as if it could so I wanted some advice before I purchase something like that? As I don't want to comprimise my hardware

 

[tabbyoo88]

And if anyone know's of Articles on how to build one's first Gaming pc let me know I have found a few but they gave me a good idea of what I needed to do but they were a bit outdated. I just don't want to make any stupid Noob mistakes. And I will be purchaseing a grounding wrist strap to prevent static discharge. My biggest worry is damageing the cpu by accident as I have never mounted one before. Also is there any Special

I also Have a Lighting/Safety question

xPCgear's Liquid Lightning Plasma Cold Cathode Lights are the most unique CCFLs you'll find! With the Touch of your Hand, streams of electrically charges particles dance harmlessly about "Is it Really Harmless?" "Can the Electricity Discharge from this divice to Sensitive hardware componets? or is it Safe?"-I am a bit Skeptical But if it is safe it looks pretty awesome espically to show at a Convention I attend annually" , creating myriad patterns of light and energy! Looks awesome but would it Discharge Static? It looks as if it could so I wanted some advice before I purchase something like that? As I don't want to comprimise my hardware

Sorry part of that is confusing I copied and pasted the Discription of the Product there

My Question is Is that Safe to use? Or could it be harmful? I know it looks nice but if it could possibly damage my comp I don't want to use it? It looks like it works alot like the plazma lava type lamps.. which seem to cause static?.. So would this light produce unwanted static discharge?

 

[tabbyoo88]

And something I almost forgot.. I prob need a heatsink for my Processor.. If so could you recommend a easy to install, not overly bulky, one that would provide adequate cooling?

 

[tabbyoo88]

I absolutely love the XG-Dragon Computer case when I bought mine when it first released.. It is going to be an awesome case for Attending Anime & Comic con's as the Handle makes it very easy to transport and I love the add on it comes with to direct the wires coming out of the back and keep them organized. Plus the Case has very good lighting you don't have to mod it much to have a very attractive gaming case as all 3 led fans come pre installed the front panel has a very nice lighted display and I think the power supply is lighted too but I am unsure if it is 100% or not But all around I would highly recomend this computer case to anyone wanting a easy, portable PC case that looks awesome! And when I bought it -The way the company packages it was better than any I had seen.

But beware there is a bootleg one by eagletech-its built close but still isn't quite as good as the XG-Dragon Case as the Power Supply used in it isn't as high quality is what i hear. I think XG actually has a lawsuit aginst them as they coppied all 5 of their main comp case designs. Has anyone else heard about that?

 

[someone1029]

When installing a CPU just remember to not touch the top and bottom, only the sides. this is because the acids from your fingers can damage the die/pins. all you need to do is line up the notches on the cpu with the notches in the mobo and gently lower it in.

 

[JamesXP]

LOL!


Sorry but just because the Powersupply is pretty and 'limited edition' doesn't mean it is the best powersupply to walk this planet, it's your choice if you want to run the chance of bricking your 1500$+ Rig.

 

[JustChill]

ya....get a diff. PSU, if you need recommendations just ask (pm or in thread)
I would go with:
proc: Q6600 G0 if you can ( Product code- will end in SLACR rather than SLU9M)
Ram:2 x 1GB Crucial ballistix pc26400 (800mhz) CL4
GPU: 8800GTS 320mb (MSI has the best price right now I believe)
HDD: 2 x 250GB Barracuda (perpendicular recording) for raid 0 or 1 x 500GB barracuda Perp recording for no raid.
CPU Cooler: thurmalright Ultra 120 extreme
make sure you get a sata interface DVD drive/recorder
get a fan controller if you want a quite computer (throttle down the fans when it is idle)
scythe S-Flex 120mm (sff21f) are some of the best fans out there and they are near silent

 

[tabbyoo88]

Does anyone know of any Graphics Tablets that are Vista compatable?

I may have to go with XP-Pro For the OS Unless someone knows where I can get a Vista Compatable Graphics Tablet.

Also you guys mentioned a problem with my powersupply is it too small, out dated, or incompatable?

I just want a better understanding of what's wrong with it. So if I find a new one I don't end up with the same prob... Or is it just a possibility that it may not be powerful enough? It looks well made, and XG Generally makes good parts so is it that its too small or is it a compatability issue? That makes using it a bad choice?

 

[tabbyoo88]

When Installing the Cpu-I know you said to just touch the sides. But to be a bit safer should I wear Vinyl Gloves so I don't get any oil off my hands on it at all? or could gloves result in extra static build up and if it did would wearing a wrist Ground Strap that clips on the case discarge it? I guess I am just a bit nervous about installing it.

Also another question What is Thermal Grease made to be used on? I know its to help cool parts of a pc but I don't know what its safe to be applied to? I know that's a noobish question ~But I don't want to make any dumb mistakes.

And if anyone hears when the Next Blizzcon is going to be I am going to Finally be able to attend it *Crosses Fingers that nothing goes wrong to keep me from going to the next one I so wanted the Warcraft In game items XD Murky was cute! The murloc suit was so ulgy it was funny it looked crazy in game. I am a Warcraft Player on Ravencrest Server. If any of you have alts there look me up my name is Rabidimp

 

[someone1029]

Vinyl Gloves aren't necessary, but if you want that extra peace of mind for your first build they can't hurt.

Thermal grease is applied before attaching heatsinks. this is so that heat transfer between the part and the heatsink is better, resulting in better cooling. There generally isn't too much difference performance wise between different types.