Computer Build: I need help

Originally posted by impyshaz - (Case) I have absolutely no idea. I want a cool one... but beyond that I don't care as long as it is 'efficient' as far as heat control goes. I don't mind adding extra fans or whatever it takes.. but I don't want it to be too cramped either.

The Ultra is the best case for air cooling, followed closely by the Extreme. If you're in a particularly dusty environment, the Ultra's open air design may be a turn-off. To save a little $$$, it is possible to make the Pro case a decent air cooling platform. Having gone through the process of improving the case myself, you'd be looking at about $70 - $100 to complete the improvements. This is still cheaper than the top end cases, but with the additional expense, it brings it closer in price. Recommended Pro case mods: high speed 120mm exhaust fan, additional 120mm intake, optional: 120mm fan on side panel. 

Originally posted by impyshaz - (Power Supply) I am sort of a cheap-skate... but I don't want to be screwed later. What is the lowest PS I could use in my computer? I want about one step up from that (but I'm willing to hear compelling arguments for or against)

The PSU rather depends on what you'll be running for components. The 620HX is generally regarded as an excellent power supply, and capable of running SLI for most setups up to an 8800GTS (G92). If you intend on running more power hungry GPU's you may want to move to a 750-800W PSU, and for tri-SLI, more in the kilowatt range, for which I recommend the Thermaltake 1200w toughpower.

Originally posted by impyshaz - (Processors) I am torn between the Dual, and Quad cores. I know that the Quad-cores play quite nice with say, a 64-bit Vista package... but for my gaming needs is that something I want to get, or should I get it for 'future-proofing'? I am also interested in overclocking this, be it Quad or Dual core.

I'm going to say it almost doesn't matter when looking between any of the quads and an E6850. The dual cores will run cooler allowing for faster clock speeds overall. I don't think you can beat the bang for the buck on a Q6600 though. I don't remember ever before seeing a processor that overclocks like that and offers so much performance for so little $$$. The core duo will offer a very slight advantage over the quad for gaming at this point, but it's ~5% difference.

Originally posted by impyshaz - (Motherboard) I don't 'think' I want to use SLi... but who knows. In 2-3 years maybe another 8800GTX 768 won't be nearly as expensive and it'll be something I pick up to extend the life of my computer. Is it wise to get it 'just in case'?

IMO the SLI capability is less important than the overclocking support and stability of the motherboard. I didn't choose a 680i board for SLI when putting together my build, it was selected for the additional BIOS options. If I had to pick a motherboard now, it would be the ASUS Maximus Formula.

Originally posted by impyshaz - (Memory) Having only 256Mb of Ram on my old computer all I can ever think is "God, I wish I had more RAM" (price some RDRam, it's rediculous). I am leaning very close to 4Gb, but I would like to overclock it so.. perhaps 2Gb would be enough (it's always possible to add more later right?... but would I have to overclock the new Ram as well?) What speed should I get?

I am still inclined to say that 2GB is enough, but having read multiple forum posts around the 'net on the subject, I am no longer so sure, at least for Vista use. With how cheaply you can pick up 2x2GB kits now (under $200 for PC2 8000), it's almost a crime not to install 4GB and go Vista 64. Whichever way you go, overclocking is going to be easier with only two of your RAM slots populated. I would say PC2 6400 or better for overclocking a quad, and PC2 8500 or better for overclocking a core duo.

Originally posted by impyshaz - (Optical Drive) Just a basic DVD/CD Burner is fine with me. My current computer can't even PLAY Dvd's >.>

sounds good

Originally posted by impyshaz - (Graphics Card) It's so hard to throw down money on ONE piece of machinery that costs more than your PS3, or 360 (and in some cases more than both). I know I want AT LEAST the 8800GTX 768, but I'm willing to hear reasons to go higher or lower.

I can't think of a good reason to go with the GTX over an 8800GTS 512MB card. The benchmarks, both synthetic and in game are so close I just find it impossible to justify the additional expense of the older card. I would definitely go dual slot cooling solution over something that dumps heat back into your case, which is why I would say GTS over the less expensive GT.

Originally posted by impyshaz - (Misc. PCI) I'll pass on a Physics Card. I'm not sure about a nicer Sound card. I've never had one before, I'm not sure what I'm missing... but I did just buy a pair of Audio Technica A900's (headphones). Will I be missing out if I don't at least get a decent one?

You'll be missing out on some additional FPS if you don't include an X-Fi for starters. The onboard processor will free up CPU cycles. Secondly, there are sound settings that will open up when you have an X-Fi installed that those using on board sound never even see. You'll get vastly improved sound texture, and additional content unavailable to those using motherboard based sound. It's easier to deny what your ears hear than it is to ignore what your eyes see, but sound quality can absolutely improve or detract from game immersion. IMO, the Fata!ty's X-RAM feature is not worth the expense over a normal X-Fi.

I would agree the phys-x card is a waste is a slot.

Originally posted by impyshaz - (Cooling) What happened to "Stage 3" Air cooling. I remember seeing it a while back. Anyway, I think it is most economical to go with Stage 2, and possibly some extra fans. Let me know your opinions on this one. I do fear any possible overheating (as I am interested in overclocking the RAM/Processor).

Stage 3 cooling hasn't gone anywhere, they simply separated the option for an aftermarket heat sink/fan from the selection to overclock. Stage 3 cooling was simply stage 2 cooling + "yes please, overclock my CPU".

Originally posted by impyshaz - (Operating System/Hard-Drives) I would like to dual boot XP and Vista. There are some older games I'd really like to try for myself and I hear some don't play nice with Vista (I've been out of any 'real' PC gaming for a good 4 years). There are also a few things I just feel more comfortable doing in XP (for now). I would like to have Vista however so I am able to take advantage of whatever new games use DirectX 10... and simply to learn it for future use. I'm thinking two 160Gb HD's.

I went with a dual boot, with both OS on an 80GB and a second 160GB HDD. 2* 160GB would work just as well, and might give you a little more space if you wanted to install certain programs to the specific OS partition. The next question is 64bit versus 32bit Vista. I think if you have XP, there is no reason not to do the 64-bit, which would go back to your CPU and RAM selections. With a 64bit operating system, you will notice performance increases with the extra RAM and a quad to a much larger extent than on a 32bit OS.

Originally posted by impyshaz - (Monitor/Keyboard/Mouse) I think these are things I'll purchase on my own, but I'm willing to hear any suggestions from DSO, or another site. Thank you profusely for being patient enough to read through my petty demands. I'll be checking back periodically throughout the day, so don't be afraid to request feedback.

Good luck on the build. Having come for a system almost identical to the one you're upgrading from, I can tell you, if you haven't had access to someone else' rig you have *no* idea how different gaming is on something current. The first time I loaded up some of the titles I had been playing on my P4, my jaw dropped. I wasn't even playing for a while, just staring. Believe me, it's worth every penny you've saved.

The first run through the actual Build set-up using what knowledge I've gleaned from the help I've received and extra 'internet-reading'.

Copy of Specifications:
Case: Digital Storm Twister EXTREME (Black Anodized Aluminum Finish)
Power Supply: 750W SilverStone Olympia (Dual SLI Compatible) (Model: OP750) (Silent)
Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.4GHz (1066MHz FSB) (8MB Cache)
Motherboard: nVidia 680i Core 2 Quad (By: eVGA) (nForce 680i SLI) (A1 Revision)
Memory: 4GB DDR2 Corsair at 800MHz Dominator (Dual Channel) (High-Performance)
Floppy / Card: - No Thanks
Hard Drive 1: 160GB Western Digital (16MB Cache) (7200 RPM) (SATA)
Hard Drive 2: 80GB Western Digital (8MB Cache) (7200 RPM) (SATA)
Raid Option: - No Thanks
Hard Drive 3: - No Thanks
Optical Drive 1: DVD±R/RW/CD-R/RW (DVD Writer 20x / CD-Writer 48x)
Optical Drive 2: - No Thanks
Network Card: High Speed Network Port (Supports High-Speed Cable / DSL / Network Connections)
Video Card: nVidia GeForce 8800GTS 512MB (By: eVGA) (PCI-Express)
TV Tuner: - No Thanks
Sound Card: Creative Labs Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer (Up to 7.1 Channel) (Recommended)
Physics Card: - No Thanks
Cooling: Air Cooled Stage 2 (Silent Artic Cooling Heat-sink (Copper Heatpipes)
Case Lighting: Blizzard Internal Lighting (Blue Edition) (Cold Cathode Tubes)
Round Cables: - No Thanks
User Manual: Personalized Platinum Digital Storm Binder (Includes Paperwork/Benchmarks/CDs/Manuals)
Overclock Processor: Yes, Overclock the processor as much as possible with complete stability
Overclock Video Card: Yes, Overclock the video card(s) as much as possible with complete stability
Overclock Memory: Yes, Overclock the memory timings (Includes Corsair Dominator Airflow Fan)
Tweak Windows: - No Thanks, Please do not tweak the services on the operating system
Windows OS: Dual Boot (Windows XP Home & Windows Vista Home Premium (64-Bit Edition)
Restore Kit: Digital Storm Specialized Recovery System (DVD Image Based)
Protection: - No Thanks
Office: - No Thanks
Benchmarking: - No Thanks
Pre-Install Game: - No Thanks
LCD Display: - No Thanks
Surge Shield: - No Thanks
Speakers: - No Thanks
Keyboard: - No Thanks
Mouse: - No Thanks my keyboard comes with a mouse
Warranty: 3 Year Platinum Care Extended Parts & Labor Warranty
Support: Lifetime Toll-Free Platinum Care Technical Support

Is there like a... media page, or somewhere I can see more detailed pictures of each of the cases?

What are the differences between the Ultra and the Extreme? I read the page, but I am asking for a more... definitive difference. (Is it more substantial than air coming in from the sides, or the front?)

People's personal pictures have been of some use, but I'd appreciate being pointed in the right direction if I'm missing something somewhere. The singular angled shots of each case when you click on their pictures don't offer up much in the way of a finished product image in your head.

I am glad to hear that you DSO can add more fans... I'm sure I might need them.

I'll heed your advice on not OC'ing the Videocard, and probably also stick to the 4x1Gb. What speed should I get, based on the mobo (A1 Revised), and my intent to Overclock?

Is the processor I chose a good decision? I am very vapid when it comes to these new Quad processors. I looked at the performance comparison chart... and for the price it seemed like the best (without going up an extra grand for negligible increases).

Correct my understanding on any point, or enlighten me... I am here to absorb your computer knowledge like a sponge... a knowledge sponge.

Originally posted by impyshaz Is there like a... media page, or somewhere I can see more detailed pictures of each of the cases? What are the differences between the Ultra and the Extreme? I read the page, but I am asking for a more... definitive difference. (Is it more substantial than air coming in from the sides, or the front?)

There are tons of pictures on the net if you want to have a more detailed look between the cases. The Ultra has a front door cover and the Extreme does not. There are other differences in the case design regarding airflow.

Originally posted by impyshaz I'll heed your advice on not OC'ing the Videocard, and probably also stick to the 4x1Gb. What speed should I get, based on the mobo (A1 Revised), and my intent to Overclock? Is the processor I chose a good decision? I am very vapid when it comes to these new Quad processors. I looked at the performance comparison chart... and for the price it seemed like the best (without going up an extra grand for negligible increases).

No PC will overclock the same but with your config DS can probably OC to around 3.00 - 3.15 GHZ and running stable.

The Quad Core is a good cpu to have. There are plenty of apps that can use the extra cores. It blowed me away the first time i use DvdShrink on my quadcore machine. What use to take hours to do now it's only a matter of minutes !!!!!


Edited by commast - 31 Jan 2008 at 5:42pm

Well, thank you all for your input. I learned more yesterday from direct interaction with the site than I have learned in the 2-3 recent weeks of passive research on my own.

As soon as the good ole IRS sends me my tricky dick dollars to put me over the top with my 'recent additions and modifications' I too will be on my way to owning one of the fabled Digital Storm computers. ;)

I feel confident now that the choices I've made regarding all aspects of the computer are justified.

Thank you again,
-Lucas

*Edit*
-What is the difference (real-world usefulness) between the Ultimate and Home versions of the 64-bit Vista.

-Is it honestly even worth it to keep XP if I'm going for 4Gb Memory and Vista 64 and Quad-cores? Are there games that simply will not work with Vista, or is it more that they would work less 'efficiently' with Vista (would my system be able to make up the difference and loss in efficiency to still run these hypothetical games alright?)


Edited by impyshaz - 01 Feb 2008 at 9:06am