Computer Build Help

[JayP]

Okay, here's my build right now:

CPU: Intel Q600 ($219.99 at Tiger Direct)
Video Card: eVGA 8800 GT ($159.99 at Tiger Direct)
Motherboard: ASUS PK5-E ($149.99 at NCIX)
RAM: Patriot Extreme Performance 2GB 2X1GB PC2-6400 DDR2-800 CL4-4-4-12 Dual Channel Memory Kit ($39.99 [from 89.99] at NCIX)
Power Supply: PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750 Quad 750W ATX V2.2 EPS12V 24PIN SLI Active PFC Power Supply Black ($134.99 at NCIX)
TOTAL: $704.95

I haven't decided on a case yet.

The cooler photon recommended is only $30 at Memory Express so I think I'll probably pick that up to quiet it down a bit.

[CubicleGeek]

If you're thinking about Vista64, I would recommend 4GB of RAM. Otherwise everything else looks good.

Let me know how you find the PCP&C PSU.

[Vulcan]

The P5K-E sounds like a great MB. I have a P5K-C and it's been very good [until I got hit by lightening and blew out my network connection] and was easy to overclock for this neophyte.

[JayP]

Does anyone have any recommendations for speakers?

I bought the Logitech Z-5500s around Christmas with the intention of using them on my computer, but since I got a PS3 I've put them out in the living room for use with movies and some console gaming. Everything I've read about the Z-5500s says they're the best bang for your buck and my experience with them has been nothing, but positive.

Tiger Direct has the Z-5500s on for $200 right now so I'm tempted to just buy another set and put them with my new computer.

I've read some people online saying you're better off putting money in a high-end 2.1 system - does anyone think that's true?

Also, is it even worth it to upgrade the sound card? From what I gather, the speakers make a much larger impact on sound quality than the sound card and that to see a noticeable difference in quality with a sound card you have to spend $150+. My motherboard's on board sound card supports ADI® AD1988B 8-channel High Definition Audio CODEC.

[SebC]

Originally Posted by JayP

Okay, here's my build right now:

CPU: Intel Q600 ($219.99 at Tiger Direct)
Video Card: eVGA 8800 GT ($159.99 at Tiger Direct)
Motherboard: ASUS PK5-E ($149.99 at NCIX)
RAM: Patriot Extreme Performance 2GB 2X1GB PC2-6400 DDR2-800 CL4-4-4-12 Dual Channel Memory Kit ($39.99 [from 89.99] at NCIX)
Power Supply: PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750 Quad 750W ATX V2.2 EPS12V 24PIN SLI Active PFC Power Supply Black ($134.99 at NCIX)
TOTAL: $704.95

I haven't decided on a case yet.

The cooler photon recommended is only $30 at Memory Express so I think I'll probably pick that up to quiet it down a bit.

You'll definitely want a hard drive, and probably an optical drive as well.

[JayP]

Originally Posted by SebC

You'll definitely want a hard drive, and probably an optical drive as well.

Uh..I have them ordered, but I didn't think anyone really cared hard drive I picked out.

I went with the Seagate 500GB Barracuda hard drive and Samsung SH-S203B Drive.

[Bobblehead]

Originally Posted by JayP

Does anyone have any recommendations for speakers?

I bought the Logitech Z-5500s around Christmas with the intention of using them on my computer, but since I got a PS3 I've put them out in the living room for use with movies and some console gaming. Everything I've read about the Z-5500s says they're the best bang for your buck and my experience with them has been nothing, but positive.

Tiger Direct has the Z-5500s on for $200 right now so I'm tempted to just buy another set and put them with my new computer.

I've read some people online saying you're better off putting money in a high-end 2.1 system - does anyone think that's true?

Also, is it even worth it to upgrade the sound card? From what I gather, the speakers make a much larger impact on sound quality than the sound card and that to see a noticeable difference in quality with a sound card you have to spend $150+. My motherboard's on board sound card supports ADI® AD1988B 8-channel High Definition Audio CODEC.

Creative SB are the only ones who support EAX. If that matters to you then you will need a card, otherwise the on board is probably good enough unless you are picky and can tell the difference.

And I also have z5500s and am really happy with them. Once again, do you have good enough ears to tell the difference between the z5500s (which are already good speakers) and something else high end?

Myself, I would get what I know I am already happy with, unless there is a compelling reason otherwise.