JohnnyChance

I posted a thread here about a month ago or so about an AMD build, and was convinced to build an Intel machine instead. Since I've waited, my budget is a little more forgiving. I have never done any overclocking, and i don't really plan on it. If I do, then it won't be very extensive. The only real question mark I have I guess is the mobo. There seem to be quite a few highly rated ones, so I guess there are just lots of options. Also, I will be building this is in a few stages, to ease my wallet. I bought a case already, next will be cpu, mb, ram, psu. I will be using my current disc drives, graphics card, monitor in the new machine for the time being. After that, new optical and hard disc drives, and OS. Lasty, a new monitor and 8800GT 512mb (these seem to be mostly out of stock, so the waiting doesnt really hurt me here). Ok, here we go.


Intel Quad-Core Q6600
OSZ 2x2gb DDR2 800
EVGA 122-CK-NF67-T1
Corsair 650TX

With a combination of instant, mail-in, and combo savings on newegg, I am just under $700. Like I said above, after that I will get a couple DVD drives, a pair of HD's, and x64 Vista. Ok, that's pretty much it. How did I do this time?

CDsDontBurn

while the MoBo is a good choice, that particular 680i motherboard is lacking in two key troubleshooting things, the system speaker and the diagnostic lights. these two can be found on the NF63/NF68. however, that motherboard seems to be out of stock nearly everywhere but newegg.

if you're looking to save some money, i would suggest you look into the NF66. it does at least have a system speaker for troubleshooting purposes, and if you're not going to be running, or don't plan on running, an SLI configuration, then this motherboard would be a better choice.

The only thing about this board, is the RAID controller. from what i've heard, it's not the best, and the RAID controller on the NF67, NF63/NF68 board is more reliable than it.

other than that, the NF66, IMO would be the better buy. especially if you're trying to save money.

__________________

kris23

your setup is mostly good, the CPU is good, the PSU is pretty nice, the memory probably could be replaced by 4x1GB sticks but its still good.

the motherboard really depends on what you want to do, if you REALLY want more than one GPU and actually want to buy one within the next 1 or 2 months then a 680i or 780i board with dual slots is a very good choice.

but if you plan on buying one of the brand new GPUs from nvidia like the 9 series or some new ATi card later, then i recommend the P35 or X38 boards.

they handle better and have better futureproofing.

__________________

JohnnyChance

i dont really plan on going SLI, after I get the 8800 GT, ill prob be set with a graphics card for a year at least. if i did upgrade, i would prob be a new 9 series single slot card. im never bleeding edge enough to need 2 cards. i still run hl2 at 1280x1024 or less.

does 4x1gb have an advantage over 2x2gb?

if the 680i is mostly beneficicial in SLI setups, then im not set on it. someone else recommended the evga 680i board to me. i was hesitant at first, i had an evga gpu before, and it wasnt that stable, and didnt last very long.

all of the x38 boards i looked at were a bit more than i wanted to spend.

here are some P35 boards I was looking at (if this link works):

Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, Digital Cameras and more!

if that doesnt work then the boards are gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L and GA-P35-DS3R and ASUS model #'s P5K, P5KE, and P5K-E/WIFI-AP.

the second gigabyte board doesnt say if its vista certified. should i avoid it? any other things i should look at to narrow down this list some? or other boards i should include in the running? thanks.

CDsDontBurn

4GB + RAM is only utilized if you have an 64bit OS. if you will be running winXP 32bit or vista 32bit, then you're wasting your money on 4GB of RAM.

the 680i board is overall a good board. if you look at the custmer reviews, it has 4/5 stars for 500+ revies (the NF68-A1 version). but seriously, i would recommend an intel based chipset motherboard over an NVIDIA based chipset motherboard if you're looking for stability.

for the one gigabyte board you are looking into that doesn't say it's vista certified, it should still work. it's still based off the same p35 chipset. i'm sure that one board has more features over the other is all.

__________________

kris23

my recommendation is the GA-P35C-DS3R

Newegg.com - GIGABYTE GA-P35C-DS3R LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

this is good and has nice features.

__________________

JohnnyChance

i dont have vista yet, but i will have it for this build (64bit).

i checked on the gigabyte website, and it is vista certified, newegg just didnt list it as so.

what is the difference between the gigabyte GA-P35C-DS3R and the GA-P35-DS3R, other than a different audio chipset?

Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, Digital Cameras and more!

also, does anyone know where the "Memory Support List" that is referred to everywhere on newegg and gigabyte's site actually is?

kris23

the P35C will support DDR2 and DDR3

the memory support lists.... are really nothing to worry about mostly. sure there are certain stick incompatibilities but..........

you shouldnt constrain yourself to the usually crappy and/or expensive memory on that list.

just buy Crucial DDR2 800Mhz or Crucial 1066Mhz, theyre pretty good and cheap. OCZ's 1066mhz sticks are good too and i know these are compatible with your board.

__________________