Building a new PC - mobo/cooling questions

PungoloFiero · 07-02-2008, 02:59 PM

Hi all. I am building a new computer through Newegg and I have some questions about the parts I am looking at. First I'll let you know what I'm trying to accomplish with this PC. Basically I want a fairly decent gaming machine that will cost somewhere between $1000 and $1300. I don't want to overclock anything and I would like to be able to run new games like Crysis at fairly steady FPS on 1280x1024 resolution. That being said, here is where I am at:

CPU
RAM
GPU
PSU
HDD
DVD Drive
Case

Obviously I don't have a motherboard listed here. I am not sure what to look for in a good mobo besides the fact that the RAM type matches and the CPU socket is correct. I would like to spend under $200 for the mobo so please give suggestions.

Also, the first computer I built did not use any cooling system besides the stock RAM and CPU heatsinks and two 120mm case fans. Does anyone think that this machine would need any sort of a cooling system? I'm not familiar with these newer components that I am considering and I don't want my system overheating.

Any other comments on what is good/bad about this build are also welcome. I just want to get the best PC for the best price...don't we all! Thanks in advance.

**wrench97** · 07-02-2008, 03:40 PM

For a PSU look at this one http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139006
Motherboard try this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131295
Ram X2 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820148069

jumbo1990ny · 07-02-2008, 09:57 PM

I agree with wrench on the PSU

Motherboard: Try EVGA 750i or 780i
Ram: Leave what you have (corsair is good)

PungoloFiero · 07-03-2008, 10:56 AM

Well I decided to change some things in my PC. Here is where I am at right now:

CPU - Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8400
Mobo - MSI P35 Neo2-FR LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard
RAM - CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X4096-6400C5
GPU - MSI R4850-T2D512 Radeon HD 4850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card
PSU - CORSAIR CMPSU-520HX 520W ATX12V v2.2 and EPS12V 2.91 Power Supply
HDD - Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST3500320AS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s
DVD Drive - LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model iHAS120-04
Case - Sunbeam Transformer IC-TR-BA Black Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case

Extra Goodies:
ARCTIC COOLING ACCELS1 Rev 2 VGA Cooler
ARCTIC COOLING Turbo Module Sleeve Dual VGA Fan
ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler
Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound

I know messing with after-market VGA cooling voids the warranty, but all I keep hearing about it how hot these darn cards run! Also, what do you think of the motherboard I chose? I'm mostly looking at cost right now, and it seems to be pretty equivalent to the ones you both suggested only cheaper.

PungoloFiero · 07-03-2008, 11:23 AM

Actually I just noticed that the ASUS P5Q LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel board you suggested has PCIe x 16 2.0. Maybe it's worth getting that one since the Radeon 4850 GPU can utilize it. Is there any place to double check that the Corsair RAM I picked will be compatible with this mobo?

**wrench97** · 07-03-2008, 12:11 PM

Yes that's why I selected it for the 2.0 spec.
You can go the Corsair web site http://www.corsair.com/configurator/default.aspx
I would up the PSU to at least 650w with the 4850 card (saves problems in the long run)

PungoloFiero · 07-03-2008, 12:59 PM

Thanks for the link...unfortunately I didn't see the P5Q listed so it looks like I'm going to have to find some new RAM.

**kodi** · 07-03-2008, 01:07 PM

I have to agree with wrench97 that power supply will only just run this system you are leaving no margin for wear with age or adding things later. Underpowered systems are disasters waiting to happen.

PungoloFiero · 07-03-2008, 04:49 PM

Yeah I don't want to risk anything. Luckily the 750W supply is cheap right now! Might as well upgrade to that for a few extra dollars. Thanks.

07-02-2008, 02:59 PM	#1 (permalink)
PungoloFiero Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 11 OS: Windows XP sp2	Building a new PC - mobo/cooling questions Hi all. I am building a new computer through Newegg and I have some questions about the parts I am looking at. First I'll let you know what I'm trying to accomplish with this PC. Basically I want a fairly decent gaming machine that will cost somewhere between $1000 and $1300. I don't want to overclock anything and I would like to be able to run new games like Crysis at fairly steady FPS on 1280x1024 resolution. That being said, here is where I am at: CPU RAM GPU PSU HDD DVD Drive Case Obviously I don't have a motherboard listed here. I am not sure what to look for in a good mobo besides the fact that the RAM type matches and the CPU socket is correct. I would like to spend under $200 for the mobo so please give suggestions. Also, the first computer I built did not use any cooling system besides the stock RAM and CPU heatsinks and two 120mm case fans. Does anyone think that this machine would need any sort of a cooling system? I'm not familiar with these newer components that I am considering and I don't want my system overheating. Any other comments on what is good/bad about this build are also welcome. I just want to get the best PC for the best price...don't we all! Thanks in advance.

07-02-2008, 03:40 PM	#2 (permalink)
wrench97 Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania Posts: 18,579 OS: Win7	Re: Building a new PC - mobo/cooling questions For a PSU look at this one http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139006 Motherboard try this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131295 Ram X2 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820148069 __________________ Power Supply and Selection

07-02-2008, 09:57 PM	#3 (permalink)
jumbo1990ny Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 59 OS: Vista	Re: Building a new PC - mobo/cooling questions I agree with wrench on the PSU Motherboard: Try EVGA 750i or 780i Ram: Leave what you have (corsair is good)

07-03-2008, 10:56 AM	#4 (permalink)
PungoloFiero Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 11 OS: Windows XP sp2	Re: Building a new PC - mobo/cooling questions Well I decided to change some things in my PC. Here is where I am at right now: CPU - Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8400 Mobo - MSI P35 Neo2-FR LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard RAM - CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X4096-6400C5 GPU - MSI R4850-T2D512 Radeon HD 4850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card PSU - CORSAIR CMPSU-520HX 520W ATX12V v2.2 and EPS12V 2.91 Power Supply HDD - Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST3500320AS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s DVD Drive - LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model iHAS120-04 Case - Sunbeam Transformer IC-TR-BA Black Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case Extra Goodies: ARCTIC COOLING ACCELS1 Rev 2 VGA Cooler ARCTIC COOLING Turbo Module Sleeve Dual VGA Fan ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound I know messing with after-market VGA cooling voids the warranty, but all I keep hearing about it how hot these darn cards run! Also, what do you think of the motherboard I chose? I'm mostly looking at cost right now, and it seems to be pretty equivalent to the ones you both suggested only cheaper.

07-03-2008, 11:23 AM	#5 (permalink)
PungoloFiero Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 11 OS: Windows XP sp2	Re: Building a new PC - mobo/cooling questions Actually I just noticed that the ASUS P5Q LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel board you suggested has PCIe x 16 2.0. Maybe it's worth getting that one since the Radeon 4850 GPU can utilize it. Is there any place to double check that the Corsair RAM I picked will be compatible with this mobo?

07-03-2008, 12:11 PM	#6 (permalink)
wrench97 Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania Posts: 18,579 OS: Win7	Re: Building a new PC - mobo/cooling questions Yes that's why I selected it for the 2.0 spec. You can go the Corsair web site http://www.corsair.com/configurator/default.aspx I would up the PSU to at least 650w with the 4850 card (saves problems in the long run) __________________ Power Supply and Selection

07-03-2008, 12:59 PM	#7 (permalink)
PungoloFiero Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 11 OS: Windows XP sp2	Re: Building a new PC - mobo/cooling questions Thanks for the link...unfortunately I didn't see the P5Q listed so it looks like I'm going to have to find some new RAM.

07-03-2008, 01:07 PM	#8 (permalink)
kodi Moderator Hardware Team Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Sydney Australia Posts: 7,397 OS: Windows 7-Ultimate 64 Bit My System	Re: Building a new PC - mobo/cooling questions I have to agree with wrench97 that power supply will only just run this system you are leaving no margin for wear with age or adding things later. Underpowered systems are disasters waiting to happen. __________________ Brian

07-03-2008, 04:49 PM	#9 (permalink)
PungoloFiero Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 11 OS: Windows XP sp2	Re: Building a new PC - mobo/cooling questions Yeah I don't want to risk anything. Luckily the 750W supply is cheap right now! Might as well upgrade to that for a few extra dollars. Thanks.