New Build Questions

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jhammerrx7
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New Build Questions

Post by jhammerrx7 »

Hey Guys,

New to the site.
Lots of great info.

I am looking at upgrading my desktop and have some compatibility questions.

I am looking at using my existing tower, power supply, hard drive, video card, etc.
I already have a BFG Nvidia GeForce 8800 GT OC 512MB PCIe 2.0 card, which I want to still use.
I also have an Antec 430W power supply, but I don't know if this will be undersized.

I'm looking at upgrading my mobo, cpu, cpu fan, and some DDR3 (4GB).

Looking at the Gigabyte GA-MA785GMT-UD2H and AMD Phenom II X2 550 Black Series combo.
Newegg $181.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDeal ... mbo.254089

Looking at the Evercool HPFA-10025 CPU fan.
Newegg $15.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... hpfa-10025

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ
Newegg $85.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6820231193

Anybody see any problems or any other suggestions?
Any compatibility issues?

I will be installing a fresh Windows 7 as soon as I can get my hands on it.

Any help or direction is greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Josh
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gsimpson63
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Re: New Build Questions

Post by gsimpson63 »

I'm using a "Antec True Power Trio TP3-430 430W ATX12V" with ATI HD3850 X6800 no problems with the power.
The Board and Mem look good, I like the mem 1.5v -1.8v not like mine 2.1v.

GL on the build.
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ckthecerealkiller
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Re: New Build Questions

Post by ckthecerealkiller »

Well if you are looking for just a upgrade and boot option (which is the impression I am getting) you will need to go with a different mobo if you are looking at moving to DDR3. That mobo only supports DDR2.

Best mobo at that price point would be http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6813131398

Also, most apps don't need the bandwidth that DDR3 offers right now. All stock setups I have run point to memory timing being the biggest factor in benchmarks. So I would go with http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6820146871 (or even better but a couple bucks more) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6820146777

That is a good processor but if I went DDR3 I would go up a level and go with a 710 or a 720 triple core which is another $15 but If you have a good case with plenty of airflow a stock AMD cooler will treat you well.

That PSU will be fine though. 430W is plenty.

Keep in mind this would be my recommendation if you go DDR3. Which it doesn't hurt to future proof things a little bit. All in all everything above will be another $50ish (after losing the combo, which isn't anything special) but defiantly a worthy expense.

-Cheers
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Re: New Build Questions

Post by Skippman »

I love G.SKILL RAM. For the money there's nothing better. The only reason I'm running Fatal1ty edition memory was a wicked sale on matched memory about 8 months ago. My last rig ran G.SKILL and it was a performance beast.

I agree with the statement about DDR3. I'd spend the extra money and go DDR3 if it's at all within your budget.
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Re: New Build Questions

Post by Darkstar »

+1 on the GSkill Ram

:drinkers:
Phenom II 1075T,Phenom II 1090T,Intel i7 870
Gigabyte 890XA-UD3
Evga GTX460
8 GB Corsair
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jhammerrx7
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Re: New Build Questions

Post by jhammerrx7 »

Thanks for the catch on the DDR2 guys.

Here is my new shopping list.
I think I am going to stick with the DDR2 at this time.
I have to remember that I am going to have another $120 in Windows 7.

Looking at the Gigabyte GA-MA785GMT-UD2H and AMD Phenom II X2 550 Black Series combo.
Newegg $181.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDeal ... mbo.254089

Evercool HPFA-10025 CPU fan.
Newegg $15.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... hpfa-10025


And how about this memory?

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1000 (PC2 8000) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-8000CL5D-4GBPQ - Retail
Newegg = $ 74.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6820231145

What to you guys think about this package?

Thanks for all the replies and help.
Josh
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Re: New Build Questions

Post by jhammerrx7 »

One more quick question.

Would I need to upgrade the CPU fan?
Or would the stock CPU fan with the 550 work ok?

I don't know much, or really plan on OC'ing.
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Re: New Build Questions

Post by gibbersome »

jhammerrx7 wrote:One more quick question.

Would I need to upgrade the CPU fan?
Or would the stock CPU fan with the 550 work ok?

I don't know much, or really plan on OC'ing.
If you're not planning to overclock, the stock will be more than adequate.

Is there any reason you want to stick with the 550? I would really suggest the triple core for a few dollars more.

If you want to stick with the dual core, don't forget Newegg's combo discount:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDeal ... mbo.254101
jhammerrx7
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Re: New Build Questions

Post by jhammerrx7 »

gibbersome wrote:
jhammerrx7 wrote:One more quick question.

Would I need to upgrade the CPU fan?
Or would the stock CPU fan with the 550 work ok?

I don't know much, or really plan on OC'ing.
If you're not planning to overclock, the stock will be more than adequate.

Is there any reason you want to stick with the 550? I would really suggest the triple core for a few dollars more.


No reason for the 550.
What would you chose between the 710 and 720?

I was looking at the 550 because of the higher GHz, but to tell you the truth I don't know much about processors.
Maybe the 720 would be a better choice.
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ckthecerealkiller
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Re: New Build Questions

Post by ckthecerealkiller »

Performance wise there isn't much difference (maybe a 5%) but the 720 is a black edition, which is more designed for overclockers as the multiplier is unlocked. But it's got a 200 mhz higher clock. But I'd still say it's worth it. Should only be a 10-15 dollar difference.
jhammerrx7
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Re: New Build Questions

Post by jhammerrx7 »

Would this be a better route to go?

AMD 720 & Gigabyte combo
Newegg = $ 178.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDeal ... mbo.259850

G.Skill DDR3 4GB
Newegg = $ 85.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6820231193

I might stick with the Evercool since its only $16

Evercool HPFA-10025 CPU fan.
Newegg $15.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... hpfa-10025

Does this look like a better setup?

Thanks again for all the help guys.
I really appreciate the input.
I just get kind of lost when it comes to the specs and compatibility.
Last edited by jhammerrx7 on Wed Sep 30, 2009 12:32 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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ckthecerealkiller
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Re: New Build Questions

Post by ckthecerealkiller »

Oh and that memory is glorious. Installed in on a friends machine last month. Runs like a freakin champ. AMD stock coolers are pretty good, Intels are crappy however.
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ckthecerealkiller
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Re: New Build Questions

Post by ckthecerealkiller »

jhammerrx7 wrote:Would this be a better route to go?

AMD 720 & Gigabyte combo
Newegg = $ 178.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDeal ... mbo.259850
DDR3 mobo :)

I liked the first mobo you had, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6813128395
Good value. I looked through the combo's for you (seemed like you were set on getting one.)

My Vote:
AMD 720 CPU (with stock cooler)
and
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDeal ... mbo.250740
jhammerrx7
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Re: New Build Questions

Post by jhammerrx7 »

ckthecerealkiller wrote:
DDR3 mobo :)

I liked the first mobo you had, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6813128395
Good value. I looked through the combo's for you (seemed like you were set on getting one.)

My Vote:
AMD 720 CPU (with stock cooler)
and
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDeal ... mbo.250740

Thanks Killer.
That looks like the ticket.

I just pretty much needed someone to tell me what to do, as embarrasing as it sounds. :?

Now, where can I find Windows 7.
Pre-order from Amazon?
I read online that it will be released on Oct 22nd.
Is that correct?
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ckthecerealkiller
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Re: New Build Questions

Post by ckthecerealkiller »

Sure is, oct 22. Go with an OEM.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductLi ... indows%207

Don't worry we were all clueless at one point ;)
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Re: New Build Questions

Post by Major_A »

If you are in college or know someone who is then have them pick you up a copy of Windows 7 Ultimate x86 for $30.
Example: This shows Vista but I read that MS will charge $30 for Win 7.
My cousin picked me up the TAMU Vista disc for me and it is not the upgrade disc it is the full install version and it is the x86 Ultimate edition.
jhammerrx7
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Re: New Build Questions

Post by jhammerrx7 »

Major_A wrote:If you are in college or know someone who is then have them pick you up a copy of Windows 7 Ultimate x86 for $30.
Example: This shows Vista but I read that MS will charge $30 for Win 7.
My cousin picked me up the TAMU Vista disc for me and it is not the upgrade disc it is the full install version and it is the x86 Ultimate edition.

Nice, thanks for the heads up.
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gsimpson63
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Re: New Build Questions

Post by gsimpson63 »

ckthecerealkiller wrote:Oh and that memory is glorious. Installed in on a friends machine last month. Runs like a freakin champ. AMD stock coolers are pretty good, Intels are crappy however.
I have to agree, I have the X6800, before that I had Stock Intel Cooling on Pent D805 Kept the room toasty. Replaced it with this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... -_-Product is was on sale for 29.99.
A

MD's redesigned stock heat sink is a significant improvement over previous efforts. The heat pipes helped keep the Phenom II 955 processor below 60 degrees Celsius, even with all four cores under full load for extended periods. Even more impressive in our book: It's easy to install.
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Re: New Build Questions

Post by jedihobbit »

Another for the 720BE and have enjoyed g. skill over the years....only recently went with Corsair Dominator for the fan cooler! :roll:
DreamCatcher v4.0 DOA >> SG01 Evo, TA790GXE, PII X4 945 (AQ H2O Cooled), BFG GTX280 H2OC, Seagate 7200.10 ST380815AS 80GB, 2 x WD5000KSs, TWIN2X4096-8500C5DF, MODU82+ EMD525AWT, XP Home SP2
Kermit v4.0 VIRUSed >> Ultra MX6, 785GM-E65, PII X4 955 @ 3.70GHZ(air), XFX GTX285, Raptor X, F3-12800CL7D-2GBPI, OCZ700MXSP ModXStream Pro, XP Home SP2
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Re: New Build Questions

Post by jhammerrx7 »

I ended up purchasing the following

GIGABYTE GA-MA785G-UD3H

AMD Phenom II X3 720 2.8GHz

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-8500CL5D-4GBPK


I got everything put together last night and got it fired up.
To start with, the motherboard wouldn't recognize my 8800 GT video card.
After taking the card out and replacing it again it finally recognized it.
I loaded a fresh copy of Windows 7 Ultimate 64-Bit and was up and running.

The one problem that I am running into is with my Soundblaster Live 24-Bit Audio Card.
I went into Bios and disabled the onboard audio, but the mobo will not recognize the audio card.
I have a desktop set of Boston digital speakers and subwoofer, so I need a digital output.
The Soundblaster has worked for me on my previous builds just fine, but no matter what I try it won't recognize it. :-k
I tried taking the card out and reinstalling it without any change.
I also tried both PCI slots and it still won't recognize it.
I also inserted the Soundblaster driver disc, but it won't compete the installation because the Soundblaster program also won't recognize that I have the card installed.

Any ideas?
Is there some reason why the card wouldn't be compatible?
I don't see any new drivers needed for the mobo that would deal with an audio card.
When I inserted the Gigabyte driver disk the only items brought up were a couple of free software that Gigabyte has on their driver card. So I believe I am up to date on drivers.

Any thoughts on why it won't recognize the card? ](*,)
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