Want to build - but what RAM and HDD are compatible?

rookienoob · 10-31-2009, 07:11 AM

Hi

I want to build a computer for simple gaming and Possibly try to unlock a Phenom2 550BE. I live in Scandinavia (northern Europe), so the currency, I'll be using is Kroner (Kr):
$1=5kr
1£=8.5kr
1Euro=7.5kr

I want to build a computer for no more than 3500-4000kr~800$~450£, and I have pretty much everything figured out

...

Case - Antec Three Hundred
PSU - Antec Earthwatts 650w
CPU - P2 550BE (possibly OC or unlock) and in that case...
(Cooler - Hyper N520)
MB - Asus M4A785TD-V EVO http://www.asus.dk/product.aspx?P_ID=fcsXWSxnhzZE9rnR
Graphics - ATI HD4770 (already have this)
(Possibly Windows 7 OEM)

All I need now is Ram, a HDD and a DVD drive (I might be able to use my old one)

Stores:
I would prefer to buy memory in this online store (Which I've had many good experiences with)
www.shg.dk
It's in danish, so here's a link to the RAM Dual-channel DDR3 section:
http://www.shg.dk/produkter/list2.as...d=c13654#13742
I'm especially interested in this set of memory http://www.patriotmemory.com/product...&id=670&type=1 are they compatible with the MB? If not, I would prefer to pay maximum 450Kroner for 2*1GB ir 750 for 2*2gb.

Also I want to know if the MB is compatible with SATA2 (SATA II) Harddrives. This is information, I couldn't find on ASUS' website so please help. :D

Thank you
-Spookynoob

**Tyree** · 10-31-2009, 07:35 AM

Your links to the memory don't work.
The Mobo is compatible with SATA 2 Hdd's.
I would suggest a Seasonic or Corsair 650W power supply.

rookienoob · 10-31-2009, 09:04 AM

Ok,
SHG is my prefered online store:

www.shg.dk
Just click "hardware" and then "ram" to get a list of available DDR3 dual channel modules.

The patriot memory, I'm interested in is this:
PVS32G1600LLK
(apparantly the link doesn't work)
Patriots description is
"Patriot Extreme Performance Viper Series DDR3 2GB (2 x 1GB) PC3-12800 Low Latency DIMM Kit "

And thanks for the HDD info. I know that corsair are top quality PSUs but I'm on a budget and the Corsair 650 is simply too expensive. The Antec earthwatts 650W has good reviews, but if there is any problems, I should be aware of, please tell what, because I just got a special offer on that PSU - 540kr inclusive VAT (which in Denmark is 25%).

I also tried the PSU Calculator Lite, that tells me, I can run a much better setup on 650 - I'm not going to use crossfire, and on the PSU calculator I even set the capacitator aging to 30%, 100%load and 100% CPU usage with a P2-965-3,4GHZ and a HD5870...

So why isn't the antec 650 enough?

**Tyree** · 10-31-2009, 09:33 AM

The power is sufficient on the Antec if it put out it's rated values.
Antec has been changing hardware providers frequently so they can't be a recommended brand.
The PSU is NOT the place to economize.
Patriot RAM is OK but I would suggest Corsair if your budget allows.

Phædrus2401 · 10-31-2009, 10:42 AM

OCZ and G.Skill make good RAM as well and are usually compatible with Asus.

Any SATA hard drive should be compatible. I recommend Western Digital, they're one of the most reliable drive makers around.

Denmark? I've been there, it seemed like a good place to live. I guess you guys get hosed on electronics prices though, right?

rookienoob · 10-31-2009, 01:21 PM

Ok...

So you recommend that use a corsair 650W instead.

Will the Corsair CMPSU-650TXEU be fine?

and please give me advice on which ram, I should go for specifically :)
I really do prefer to buy them here, becaue I know that if it doesn't work, they replace it right away:
www.shg.dk
(enter Hardware - then Ram - then ddr3 - dual channel)...

EDIT: The Crusial Memory configurator says theese are compatible with my motherboard http://www.komplett.dk/k/ki.aspx?sku...ks#ProductTabs are they good?

Phædrus2401 · 10-31-2009, 02:25 PM

The Corsair would be a good choice, and the RAM there is good as well.

**Tyree** · 10-31-2009, 02:27 PM

The Corsiar 650W will be a wise purchase.
Personally, I don't care for Crucial Ballistix due to bad experiences.
I would go with the Corsair RAM.

My preference:
Corsair Twin3X 2x1024MB DDR3
PC10664 DDR1066, CAS 9-9-9-24, TWIN3X2048-1333C9 G
P/N: TWIN3X2048-1333C9 G

Or this:
Corsair Twin3X 2x2048MB DDR3
PC10664 DDR1333, CAS 9-9-9-24
P/N: TW3X4G1333C9A

rookienoob · 10-31-2009, 04:58 PM

Will it mean a great difference in gaming whether I have 2 or 4 GB of ram?

And if I choose to go for 2, does that mean, I have to use another 2*1GB the next time I want to upgrade, or could I use a set of 2*2gb?

I've been told it's best if I make sure to use the same kind of memory all the way through because the performance of all memory is equal to the one module with the lowest performance. is this true?

Phædrus2401 · 10-31-2009, 07:31 PM

Yup, and it's also best to match the brand and model # as well. We actually recommend 2 x 2GB or 2 x 1GB as the optimum configuration. Using three or four sticks of RAM can cause voltage issues, and memory that comes in sticks of 4GB or larger are often slow and are less stable than 1GB or 2GB sticks. So you can use 2x1GB for now, then upgrade to 2x2GB later. You could add another kit of 2GB and make it 4x1GB, but be ready for some BIOS tweaking.

rookienoob · 11-01-2009, 08:22 AM

Bios tweaking???

In my present computer, (OEM system from MEDION), (had 2*512mb) I just inserted another 2*1gb - it runs much faster now...

Why didn't I have to do any Bios tweaking then?
nevermind..

Are said tweaks difficult? I could save money on buying 4*1gb - And would that performance wise mean any difference?
I really AM on a budget. No matter how much money, I have, there is no way I am going to spend as much as I did on that Medion, which I couldn't even upgrade properly... well except for memory and the HD4770. I'm surprised, my PSU hasn't given up yet - running a 130W CPU with a non-reference cooler and a 75W Graphics card, two dvd-drives, a harddrive and 4 pins of old ddr2 ram on a 400W PSU... how is that even possible?

**Tyree** · 11-01-2009, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rookienoob

Bios tweaking???

running a 130W CPU with a non-reference cooler and a 75W Graphics card, two dvd-drives, a harddrive and 4 pins of old ddr2 ram on a 400W PSU... how is that even possible?

Good fortune!

rookienoob · 11-01-2009, 08:47 AM

I guess so. Sometimes you're lucky with an OEM PSU.

May I ask which of theese are the best memory?
http://www.shg.dk/produkter/infobox....8691&lokation=
http://www.shg.dk/produkter/infobox....4631&lokation=

I'm ready to pay an extra 10kroner if the ones with DHX are better :)

**Tyree** · 11-01-2009, 10:39 AM

Corsair RAM is very good. I doubt the DHX are any better.

rookienoob · 11-01-2009, 11:44 AM

Ok - I get that.

By the way, what is your "negative" experience with Crucial memory?

**Tyree** · 11-01-2009, 01:20 PM

Standard Crucial RAM is great stuff and I would trust in any OEM PC but their performance RAM is /was not all that great.

**grimx133** · 11-02-2009, 12:02 AM

I had a couple of Ballistix kits. Had, they are no more, both went south on me. With the second set I didn't even bother testing them, had a few bsod's, ripped'em out and slapped in a reaper kit, no issues since. And this was in two different systems.

rookienoob · 11-06-2009, 02:27 AM

Ok - This is my setup so far:

Antec Three Hundred
Corsair TX650w
ASUS M4A785TD
Radeon HD4770
2* Patriot 1gb Extreme performance 9-9-9-24

AMD Phenom II 550BE + Non-standarrd cooler for unlock and/or slight overclock...
Or AMD Athlon2 x3 or x4 + standard cooler
Or Phenom2 x4 925 + standard cooler

Western Digital 500GB HDD (sata-300) Blue edition

And that's it. Phædrus2401 earlier mentioned that using all 4 ram slots would involve BIOS tweaking - exactly what does this mean? It might be cheaper for me to buy 2*2GB Corsair right away rather than adding another 2*1GB.

Also, If I want to attempt unlocking 1 or 2 cores on the Phenom2, which cooler will be sufficient?
I'm consideringe the following:
OCZ Vendetta2
Scythe Mugen2
Coolermaster Hyper N520
Coolermaster Hyper 212 Plus
Scythe Katana3
Coolermaster z600.

My other components are pretty silent, so what I need is the cheapest cooler that can run an unlocked and maybe slightly overclocked Phenom2 550BE, and at the same time is silent. Any additions to this list are welcome :)

Rookienewb

Phædrus2401 · 11-06-2009, 11:59 AM

I meant that with many motherboards when all four DIMMs are filled the RAM will be unstable unless you manually raise voltage. I think it's an issue with the motherboard not being able to supply the stated voltage to all four DIMMs at once, so you need to overvolt to compensate. I'm not sure, though. It's a tricky thing because if your RAM doesn't have a high voltage toleration (for instance if it's 1.9V RAM rated for up to 2.1V that's good, but most budget RAM is only 1.8V rated to 1.85V) then you can fry it by going too high.

10-31-2009, 07:11 AM	#1 (permalink)
rookienoob Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 49 OS: xp sp2	Want to build - but what RAM and HDD are compatible? Hi I want to build a computer for simple gaming and Possibly try to unlock a Phenom2 550BE. I live in Scandinavia (northern Europe), so the currency, I'll be using is Kroner (Kr): $1=5kr 1£=8.5kr 1Euro=7.5kr I want to build a computer for no more than 3500-4000kr~800$~450£, and I have pretty much everything figured out ... Case - Antec Three Hundred PSU - Antec Earthwatts 650w CPU - P2 550BE (possibly OC or unlock) and in that case... (Cooler - Hyper N520) MB - Asus M4A785TD-V EVO http://www.asus.dk/product.aspx?P_ID=fcsXWSxnhzZE9rnR Graphics - ATI HD4770 (already have this) (Possibly Windows 7 OEM) All I need now is Ram, a HDD and a DVD drive (I might be able to use my old one) Stores: I would prefer to buy memory in this online store (Which I've had many good experiences with) www.shg.dk It's in danish, so here's a link to the RAM Dual-channel DDR3 section: http://www.shg.dk/produkter/list2.as...d=c13654#13742 I'm especially interested in this set of memory http://www.patriotmemory.com/product...&id=670&type=1 are they compatible with the MB? If not, I would prefer to pay maximum 450Kroner for 21GB ir 750 for 22gb. Also I want to know if the MB is compatible with SATA2 (SATA II) Harddrives. This is information, I couldn't find on ASUS' website so please help. :D Thank you -Spookynoob

10-31-2009, 07:35 AM	#2 (permalink)
Tyree Mentor Hardware Team Join Date: May 2009 Location: Illinois Posts: 5,410 OS: XP Pro-7RC-Mandriva My System	Re: Want to build - but what RAM and HDD are compatible? Your links to the memory don't work. The Mobo is compatible with SATA 2 Hdd's. I would suggest a Seasonic or Corsair 650W power supply. __________________ Posting your PC specs will help us to help you quicker and more efficiently.

10-31-2009, 09:04 AM	#3 (permalink)
rookienoob Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 49 OS: xp sp2	Re: Want to build - but what RAM and HDD are compatible? Ok, SHG is my prefered online store: www.shg.dk Just click "hardware" and then "ram" to get a list of available DDR3 dual channel modules. The patriot memory, I'm interested in is this: PVS32G1600LLK (apparantly the link doesn't work) Patriots description is "Patriot Extreme Performance Viper Series DDR3 2GB (2 x 1GB) PC3-12800 Low Latency DIMM Kit " And thanks for the HDD info. I know that corsair are top quality PSUs but I'm on a budget and the Corsair 650 is simply too expensive. The Antec earthwatts 650W has good reviews, but if there is any problems, I should be aware of, please tell what, because I just got a special offer on that PSU - 540kr inclusive VAT (which in Denmark is 25%). I also tried the PSU Calculator Lite, that tells me, I can run a much better setup on 650 - I'm not going to use crossfire, and on the PSU calculator I even set the capacitator aging to 30%, 100%load and 100% CPU usage with a P2-965-3,4GHZ and a HD5870... So why isn't the antec 650 enough? Last edited by rookienoob; 10-31-2009 at 09:10 AM. Reason: spelling correction :)

10-31-2009, 09:33 AM	#4 (permalink)
Tyree Mentor Hardware Team Join Date: May 2009 Location: Illinois Posts: 5,410 OS: XP Pro-7RC-Mandriva My System	Re: Want to build - but what RAM and HDD are compatible? The power is sufficient on the Antec if it put out it's rated values. Antec has been changing hardware providers frequently so they can't be a recommended brand. The PSU is NOT the place to economize. Patriot RAM is OK but I would suggest Corsair if your budget allows. __________________ Posting your PC specs will help us to help you quicker and more efficiently.

10-31-2009, 10:42 AM	#5 (permalink)
Phædrus2401 Hardware Tech Team Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New Orleans Posts: 3,727 OS: Vista Ultimate x64 SP1 + Ubuntu 9.04 My System	Re: Want to build - but what RAM and HDD are compatible? OCZ and G.Skill make good RAM as well and are usually compatible with Asus. Any SATA hard drive should be compatible. I recommend Western Digital, they're one of the most reliable drive makers around. Denmark? I've been there, it seemed like a good place to live. I guess you guys get hosed on electronics prices though, right? __________________ Good PSU brands: Corsair, SeaSonic, CWT, PC Power and Cooling, Thermaltake Toughpower, CoolerMaster Real Power Pro On 80+ Certification - PSU Information and Selection - Power Supply Myths You don't get what you don't pay for. Last edited by Phædrus2401; 10-31-2009 at 10:44 AM.

10-31-2009, 01:21 PM	#6 (permalink)
rookienoob Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 49 OS: xp sp2	Re: Want to build - but what RAM and HDD are compatible? Ok... So you recommend that use a corsair 650W instead. Will the Corsair CMPSU-650TXEU be fine? and please give me advice on which ram, I should go for specifically :) I really do prefer to buy them here, becaue I know that if it doesn't work, they replace it right away: www.shg.dk (enter Hardware - then Ram - then ddr3 - dual channel)... EDIT: The Crusial Memory configurator says theese are compatible with my motherboard http://www.komplett.dk/k/ki.aspx?sku...ks#ProductTabs are they good? Last edited by rookienoob; 10-31-2009 at 01:39 PM. Reason: adding info

10-31-2009, 02:25 PM	#7 (permalink)
Phædrus2401 Hardware Tech Team Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New Orleans Posts: 3,727 OS: Vista Ultimate x64 SP1 + Ubuntu 9.04 My System	Re: Want to build - but what RAM and HDD are compatible? The Corsair would be a good choice, and the RAM there is good as well. __________________ Good PSU brands: Corsair, SeaSonic, CWT, PC Power and Cooling, Thermaltake Toughpower, CoolerMaster Real Power Pro On 80+ Certification - PSU Information and Selection - Power Supply Myths You don't get what you don't pay for.

10-31-2009, 02:27 PM	#8 (permalink)
Tyree Mentor Hardware Team Join Date: May 2009 Location: Illinois Posts: 5,410 OS: XP Pro-7RC-Mandriva My System	Re: Want to build - but what RAM and HDD are compatible? The Corsiar 650W will be a wise purchase. Personally, I don't care for Crucial Ballistix due to bad experiences. I would go with the Corsair RAM. My preference: Corsair Twin3X 2x1024MB DDR3 PC10664 DDR1066, CAS 9-9-9-24, TWIN3X2048-1333C9 G P/N: TWIN3X2048-1333C9 G Or this: Corsair Twin3X 2x2048MB DDR3 PC10664 DDR1333, CAS 9-9-9-24 P/N: TW3X4G1333C9A __________________ Posting your PC specs will help us to help you quicker and more efficiently. Last edited by Tyree; 10-31-2009 at 02:30 PM.

10-31-2009, 04:58 PM	#9 (permalink)
rookienoob Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 49 OS: xp sp2	Re: Want to build - but what RAM and HDD are compatible? Will it mean a great difference in gaming whether I have 2 or 4 GB of ram? And if I choose to go for 2, does that mean, I have to use another 21GB the next time I want to upgrade, or could I use a set of 22gb? I've been told it's best if I make sure to use the same kind of memory all the way through because the performance of all memory is equal to the one module with the lowest performance. is this true?

10-31-2009, 07:31 PM	#10 (permalink)
Phædrus2401 Hardware Tech Team Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New Orleans Posts: 3,727 OS: Vista Ultimate x64 SP1 + Ubuntu 9.04 My System	Re: Want to build - but what RAM and HDD are compatible? Yup, and it's also best to match the brand and model # as well. We actually recommend 2 x 2GB or 2 x 1GB as the optimum configuration. Using three or four sticks of RAM can cause voltage issues, and memory that comes in sticks of 4GB or larger are often slow and are less stable than 1GB or 2GB sticks. So you can use 2x1GB for now, then upgrade to 2x2GB later. You could add another kit of 2GB and make it 4x1GB, but be ready for some BIOS tweaking. __________________ Good PSU brands: Corsair, SeaSonic, CWT, PC Power and Cooling, Thermaltake Toughpower, CoolerMaster Real Power Pro On 80+ Certification - PSU Information and Selection - Power Supply Myths You don't get what you don't pay for.

11-01-2009, 08:22 AM	#11 (permalink)
rookienoob Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 49 OS: xp sp2	Re: Want to build - but what RAM and HDD are compatible? Bios tweaking??? In my present computer, (OEM system from MEDION), (had 2512mb) I just inserted another 21gb - it runs much faster now... Why didn't I have to do any Bios tweaking then? nevermind.. Are said tweaks difficult? I could save money on buying 4*1gb - And would that performance wise mean any difference? I really AM on a budget. No matter how much money, I have, there is no way I am going to spend as much as I did on that Medion, which I couldn't even upgrade properly... well except for memory and the HD4770. I'm surprised, my PSU hasn't given up yet - running a 130W CPU with a non-reference cooler and a 75W Graphics card, two dvd-drives, a harddrive and 4 pins of old ddr2 ram on a 400W PSU... how is that even possible?

11-01-2009, 08:47 AM	#13 (permalink)
rookienoob Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 49 OS: xp sp2	Re: Want to build - but what RAM and HDD are compatible? I guess so. Sometimes you're lucky with an OEM PSU. May I ask which of theese are the best memory? http://www.shg.dk/produkter/infobox....8691&lokation= http://www.shg.dk/produkter/infobox....4631&lokation= I'm ready to pay an extra 10kroner if the ones with DHX are better :)

11-01-2009, 10:39 AM	#14 (permalink)
Tyree Mentor Hardware Team Join Date: May 2009 Location: Illinois Posts: 5,410 OS: XP Pro-7RC-Mandriva My System	Re: Want to build - but what RAM and HDD are compatible? Corsair RAM is very good. I doubt the DHX are any better. __________________ Posting your PC specs will help us to help you quicker and more efficiently.

11-01-2009, 11:44 AM	#15 (permalink)
rookienoob Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 49 OS: xp sp2	Re: Want to build - but what RAM and HDD are compatible? Ok - I get that. By the way, what is your "negative" experience with Crucial memory?

11-01-2009, 01:20 PM	#16 (permalink)
Tyree Mentor Hardware Team Join Date: May 2009 Location: Illinois Posts: 5,410 OS: XP Pro-7RC-Mandriva My System	Re: Want to build - but what RAM and HDD are compatible? Standard Crucial RAM is great stuff and I would trust in any OEM PC but their performance RAM is /was not all that great. __________________ Posting your PC specs will help us to help you quicker and more efficiently.

11-02-2009, 12:02 AM	#17 (permalink)
grimx133 Mentor Hardware Team Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Canada eh Posts: 3,133 OS: xp mce sp2, xp pro sp2, windows 7 beta My System	Re: Want to build - but what RAM and HDD are compatible? I had a couple of Ballistix kits. Had, they are no more, both went south on me. With the second set I didn't even bother testing them, had a few bsod's, ripped'em out and slapped in a reaper kit, no issues since. And this was in two different systems. __________________

11-06-2009, 02:27 AM	#18 (permalink)
rookienoob Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 49 OS: xp sp2	Re: Want to build - but what RAM and HDD are compatible? Ok - This is my setup so far: Antec Three Hundred Corsair TX650w ASUS M4A785TD Radeon HD4770 2* Patriot 1gb Extreme performance 9-9-9-24 AMD Phenom II 550BE + Non-standarrd cooler for unlock and/or slight overclock... Or AMD Athlon2 x3 or x4 + standard cooler Or Phenom2 x4 925 + standard cooler Western Digital 500GB HDD (sata-300) Blue edition And that's it. Phædrus2401 earlier mentioned that using all 4 ram slots would involve BIOS tweaking - exactly what does this mean? It might be cheaper for me to buy 22GB Corsair right away rather than adding another 21GB. Also, If I want to attempt unlocking 1 or 2 cores on the Phenom2, which cooler will be sufficient? I'm consideringe the following: OCZ Vendetta2 Scythe Mugen2 Coolermaster Hyper N520 Coolermaster Hyper 212 Plus Scythe Katana3 Coolermaster z600. My other components are pretty silent, so what I need is the cheapest cooler that can run an unlocked and maybe slightly overclocked Phenom2 550BE, and at the same time is silent. Any additions to this list are welcome :) Rookienewb

11-06-2009, 11:59 AM	#19 (permalink)
Phædrus2401 Hardware Tech Team Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New Orleans Posts: 3,727 OS: Vista Ultimate x64 SP1 + Ubuntu 9.04 My System	Re: Want to build - but what RAM and HDD are compatible? I meant that with many motherboards when all four DIMMs are filled the RAM will be unstable unless you manually raise voltage. I think it's an issue with the motherboard not being able to supply the stated voltage to all four DIMMs at once, so you need to overvolt to compensate. I'm not sure, though. It's a tricky thing because if your RAM doesn't have a high voltage toleration (for instance if it's 1.9V RAM rated for up to 2.1V that's good, but most budget RAM is only 1.8V rated to 1.85V) then you can fry it by going too high. __________________ Good PSU brands: Corsair, SeaSonic, CWT, PC Power and Cooling, Thermaltake Toughpower, CoolerMaster Real Power Pro On 80+ Certification - PSU Information and Selection - Power Supply Myths You don't get what you don't pay for.