Building my new machine.

[dakotapearl]

Hey All

 

I've had a good look around the forums, especially this thread and really like the advice people get here. It seems really thorough and honest. So I thought I'd ask a few questions and see what people has to offer. I'm putting together a new PC for myself, about 6 or 7 years after my last one so I'm really not up to speed with the hardware scene anymore and am getting a bit lost. After talking to a few friends and deciding that i'm thoroughly biased toward AMD and nVidia (:P), this is what I came up with:

 

GPU: nVidia GeForce GTX 280

CPU: AMD AM2+ Phenom 9950

RAM: DDR2 4GB Kit 1100MHz

MB: AM2 Gigabyte GA-M750SLI-DS4

Case: Thermaltake V9 VJ40001W2Z Black

PSU: Seasonic 700W M12

 

I already have HDDs, a DVDD, soundcard etc. I basically just need to work out the main parts of the system. And it's probably worth mentioning that I'm not looking to get another graphics card, one is good enough for me. :)

 

So here are my main questions:

 

1. Will it work? i.e is everything compatible and is the PSU sufficient for the system plus with a little room for expansion (extra HDDs down the track)?

 

2. I'm also looking at OCing (only a little though, I here the 9950 will do 3GHz) so would you recommend a better cooling system than what comes with the cpu (if any comes with it all)? Would more than one case fan be a good idea as well?

 

3. This one may be a little silly, but does anyone know if the graphics card fits in the case?

 

I really appreciate any help/comments anyone has. Thank you all in advance!!

[BeeCeeBee]

Hello dakota and welcome!

 

We have some really good people here who know their way around all of the hardware issues associated with a new build.

 

We try our best to reply to members needs as quickly as possible and yours are no exception.

 

I would suggest that you simply keep checking back with us. I can assure you that within a reasonable period you will get all the suggestions and advice you will need.

 

Again Welcome to Extreme Tech Support - Free PC Help!!:)

Edited January 8, 2009 by BeeCeeBee

[dakotapearl]

Thank you very much! I'm more than happy to wait.

 

And you have an awesome profile picture BTW :D

[Dalo Harkin]

Hey All

 

I've had a good look around the forums, especially this thread and really like the advice people get here. It seems really thorough and honest. So I thought I'd ask a few questions and see what people has to offer. I'm putting together a new PC for myself, about 6 or 7 years after my last one so I'm really not up to speed with the hardware scene anymore and am getting a bit lost. After talking to a few friends and deciding that i'm thoroughly biased toward AMD and nVidia (:P), this is what I came up with:

 

GPU: nVidia GeForce GTX 280

CPU: AMD AM2+ Phenom 9950

RAM: DDR2 4GB Kit 1100MHz

MB: AM2 Gigabyte GA-M750SLI-DS4

Case: Thermaltake V9 VJ40001W2Z Black

PSU: Seasonic 700W M12

 

I already have HDDs, a DVDD, soundcard etc. I basically just need to work out the main parts of the system. And it's probably worth mentioning that I'm not looking to get another graphics card, one is good enough for me. :)

 

So here are my main questions:

 

1. Will it work? i.e is everything compatible and is the PSU sufficient for the system plus with a little room for expansion (extra HDDs down the track)?

 

2. I'm also looking at OCing (only a little though, I here the 9950 will do 3GHz) so would you recommend a better cooling system than what comes with the cpu (if any comes with it all)? Would more than one case fan be a good idea as well?

 

3. This one may be a little silly, but does anyone know if the graphics card fits in the case?

 

I really appreciate any help/comments anyone has. Thank you all in advance!!

 

Right there are a few issues to address first -

I used to love AMD but Intel really is the better chip at the moment in both price and performance - a 280 GTX is a waste of money - I know you arent going to like this :D the ATI 4870 is a far better option.

And that MOBO is not an enthusiast board - Gigabyte are more of a middle-low range MOBO manufacturer - have a look at ASUS for enthusiast.

 

My personal preference and advice for you would be a Q6600, ASUS P5K, and a 4870 :)

It can be very easily overclocked to 3.3Ghz - with the above MOBO and some decent RAM -

The Seasonic PSU was good around 2 years ago - have one myself :)

I would look at the corsair range of PSU's now

Save your cash on the RAM and opt for 2GB - not many games or apps use more and you would have 512mb on the GPU anyway

 

I dont mean to seem to tear peoples threads apart, I merely try and offer the best performance based on what is available in the market :)

 

Any questions - if I dont get back to you I am sure Dirtypolo will as he has a pretty identicle system based on what I have recommended above :)