Some suggestions for my new computer

IceRevenant · August 18th, 2009, 02:18 AM

I'm going to build my upcoming computer so I need some suggestions from you experts here on this board!

My budget is around $1000 Canadian Dollars and I won't need the following since I got them from my current computer: Keyboard, Mouse, LCD Monitor, ANY Software, Speakers, Modem, and WebCam.

2 things to consider: My current LG DVD burner (GSA-4163B) says it can burn dual layer but in fact it doesn't! It can only READ DLs. Liar!!!
My current P4 3.2GHz 540 heats up sooo much when it is summer and I play intensive games; I am using its stock fan. So temperature is a big consideration for me. I basically have to open the side of the case and keep a big fan blowing into it all the time.

Basically I'll be buying 8 things. Feel free to make some suggestions in each of the following sentences in my initial requirements.
1) I am aiming for either the Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450 or Q9550 (since the price is around the same). Is the stock CPU fan cool enough for gaming with my specs below?
2) My GPU will be the GX 275 (since GTX 285 is very expensive compared to 275 I like these since these two have the new 55nm core). Does this card run cool?
3) I want 4gb of RAM; some suggestions as to which type of DDR and speed I should get?
4) I will be using the Seagate Barr 7200.12 500gb HD.
5) What mobo should I get? I am probaly looking for ASUS type.
6) What kind of case should I get to make it cool?
7) What kind of DVD drive I get? I want to make sure it is dual layer burnable!
8) How high a PSW should I get with the specs above?

Thanks in advance!

IModAmd · August 18th, 2009, 03:22 AM

My best advice before building your computer would be to wait for the HD5xxx series... If the reviews are good about it you can be sure to save alot if you go on nVidia side...

For the PSU i would recommand in the 600-700W range... Just in case you would build a CFX or SLI config....

For the case it's up to you... If the case is ugly but cools well you wont be happy (Because of the ugly fact...)

Actually for the memory the best Price/Performance is DDR2 - 800 .

You can get cheap sticks kits 4gb for 50$ !

For the HDD I would recommand you WD Caviar Black... Actually there lots of specials on NCIX for thoses kind of HDD's and they are Pretty decent in RAID configs...

In the last hand you could build a AMD system based on AM3 . You would save alot for others components in comparison of a Intel system

IceRevenant · August 19th, 2009, 01:03 AM

Since you mentioned it, do the Phenom II series CPUs run hotter or cooler than the Core 2 Quads? I remember back in 2005-06, AMD's Athon 64 were superior to the Pentium 4 because it doesn't heat up as much as Intel's.

IModAmd · August 19th, 2009, 03:22 AM

They deal about the same heat considerating the 45 mn fact...iMC is a plus for the AMD side...

IceRevenant · August 19th, 2009, 03:53 AM

Thanks!

I won't be SLIing and doing overclocking or any of that. Is 600W the minimal range for my specified system or can I go lower given my statement above?

Anyone know if the stock fan for the Core 2 Quad Q9450-9550 or those Phenom II equivalent are enough for playing games or do I need a buy a separate CPU fan?

IModIntel · August 19th, 2009, 05:03 AM

As far as stock coolers, the AMDs are MUCH better, especially the mounting mechanism. Intel's stock plastic push-pin design SUCKS.

If you are not going for a Core i7, then I would suggest an AMD platform all the way.

IceRevenant · August 19th, 2009, 01:11 PM

Hmm, I'll consider the AMD one.
BTW, you didn't explain what advantage that AMD system you listed over what I originally posted?
Also, I read the HD48xx run hotter than the GTX200 series, is that true? That's why I had considered the GTX275 instead of the 48xx series.

IModIntel · August 19th, 2009, 04:39 PM

Well they are about the same, honestly.

It's not worth putting any extra cooling on your video card or CPU. If you ventilate your case properly then components will stay cool. For example, I have a Silverstone fan on the side of my case, capable of pushing 110CFM of air and it's right where my video card is. My Diamond HD4850 has the stock cooler, and it doesn't go any higher than 55C in full load in gaming.

Just make sure that you're case is cooled properly. An AMD system will bring you better value if you choose the right components. And don't overclock. It's worth it to spend a little extra money for higher end components than to do overclocking.

IModAmd · August 19th, 2009, 04:49 PM

It's sure if you have 4 HD4xxx staked in CFX that it will be really hot

IceRevenant · August 20th, 2009, 12:37 AM

Thanks for the advices guys. I'll do some more research on price and availability in my region (Toronto) and will come back if I have more questions.