Please critique my first PC build!

[glbtrekker]

I'm getting ready to start my first PC build. The system will be used primarily to edit/batch process raw camera files in Canon Digital Photo Professional, Photoshop CS4 and/or Lightroom. It will also be used to edit HD video in AVCHD format maybe using Sony Vegas software. I will also use the system to create huge PowerPoint presentations containing hundreds of photos and/or video clips. It is not uncommon for me to edit photos, listen to music, surf the web, answer e-mail, etc. all at the same time.

I am not a gamer, although I do play America's Army on occasion and would like to play more games in the future (don't know what yet), maybe Flight Simulator, etc.

I'm not sold on all the parts, so I am looking for good suggestions to further tweak the system. I fully admit to being a total newb at all of this, therefore I need all the help I can get. Here's what I have configured thus far...

Case Antec 1200
CPU i7 920
Motherboard Gigabyte GA EX58 UD4P
Memory G.Skill ddr3 1600 6GB (3x2gb)
GPU Sapphire Radeon HD 4870
Hard Drives 2x Western Digital Black 1TB in RAID 1
Power Supply Corsair 650TX
Fan/Heatsink Xigmatek Dark Knight
DVD/CD Drives 2x Sony Optiarc Black
Operating System Vista 64 Bit Premium

Total cost at Newegg is $1465.87 (before rebates, tax, shipping)

I do have a couple of other questions...

1. Is the motherboard appropriate for what I am wanting to do? Would the UD3R serve me equally well?

2. G.Skill and OCZ Gold are about the same price...is one about as good as the other?

3. I know nothing about GPU's, I have narrowed my choices to the card listed or a GTX 260 or maybe even 2 HD 4770 in crossfire (would this make any difference for me?)

4. Is my power supply big enough?

5. What OP system do I need to order? Can I get the OEM (cheaper)? The websites state it is for system builders.

I know that I'm asking for a lot of information, but I really do appreciate everyone's expertise. Thanks!

[bzollinger]

See comments below. Without looking and comparing all your parts with others on the market right now. I'll throw out some suggestions, my two cents..

I'm getting ready to start my first PC build. The system will be used primarily to edit/batch process raw camera files in Canon Digital Photo Professional, Photoshop CS4 and/or Lightroom. It will also be used to edit HD video in AVCHD format maybe using Sony Vegas software. I will also use the system to create huge PowerPoint presentations containing hundreds of photos and/or video clips. It is not uncommon for me to edit photos, listen to music, surf the web, answer e-mail, etc. all at the same time.

I am not a gamer, although I do play America's Army on occasion and would like to play more games in the future (don't know what yet), maybe Flight Simulator, etc.

I'm not sold on all the parts, so I am looking for good suggestions to further tweak the system. I fully admit to being a total newb at all of this, therefore I need all the help I can get. Here's what I have configured thus far...

Case Antec 1200
CPU i7 920
Motherboard Gigabyte GA EX58 UD4P
Memory G.Skill ddr3 1600 6GB (3x2gb)
GPU Sapphire Radeon HD 4870
Hard Drives 2x Western Digital Black 1TB in RAID 1
Power Supply Corsair 650TX
Fan/Heatsink Xigmatek Dark Knight
DVD/CD Drives 2x Sony Optiarc Black
Operating System Vista 64 Bit Premium

Total cost at Newegg is $1365.88 (before rebates, tax, shipping)

I do have a couple of other questions...

1. Is the motherboard appropriate for what I am wanting to do? Would the UD3R serve me equally well?

2. G.Skill and OCZ Gold are about the same price...is one about as good as the other?

3. I know nothing about GPU's, I have narrowed my choices to the card listed or a GTX 260 or maybe even 2 HD 4770 in crossfire (would this make any difference for me?)

4. Is my power supply big enough?

5. What OP system do I need to order? Can I get the OEM (cheaper)? The websites state it is for system builders.

Not sure what you
I know that I'm asking for a lot of information, but I really do appreciate everyone's expertise. Thanks!

1. Sorry can't say.

2.I'd say if you're not going to overclock the RAM get the cheaper/more reliable brand.

3. This is probably only going to make a difference if you get more into gaming. I'm not a gamer, but over the years I've updated video cards half a dozen times and never really noticed a difference even with a 23" widescreen running a 720p projector concurrently.

4. I'm guessing that it's 650 watts? I also can't comment on the power consumption of the newer CPUs/GPUs, but for what you've got I'd say it's enough. But if/when you want to add more of anything (fans, more powerful CPU, video card, hard drives, and RAM) you might want more. One thing is for sure that it's hard to over do power. I do know that a lack of power can cause some serious problems. Recently I added an IDE controller card and 4 additional HDDs (already had 3) for a total of 7 and my old trusty Antec 420 true power couldn't handle it with my p4 2.8Ghz. Take it for what it's worth.

5. I think you mean OS (operating system), you can't or shouldn't really mess around with OEM. They are tied to the system that they're sold with. It might not work, be a pain, or be hard to update. Just buy the system that you're comfortable with, that has the features that you need. Also I recently read something about microsoft giving people an incentive to order windows 7. I think there's something in there about buying Vista, but having upgrade rights to windows 7 (if you want). There are date restrictions, but you should look into it.

I hope my suggestions help and good luck on building your new system, it's always fun!

[MaxxuM]

The Antec 1200 is a pretty big case (I have the 900) and I don't see from your build anything that warrants it like 10+ hard drives, twin radiators for an all system water cooling kit or three video cards. The 902 is probably more than you need too, but it isn't so much of a monster :)

1. No clue - haven't shopped around in a while. But at a glace I would say that it will offer more options than you'll likely ever need. Do a Google search on it to see what other people are saying "Gigabyte GA EX58 UD4P Review".
2. I like OCZ vs G. Skill (Had some bad luck with them)
3. Personally, I would get the ATI 4870 - very good all around performer. If I was going for games I would go with the 4850x2 good bang for the buck. Example HERE (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102809&Tpk=HD%204850X2).
4. Quality of power is just as important as quantity. At a glance I would say this power supply is OK, but I wouldn't put more than four hard drives in that system (in RAID) and CrossFire under 700w. But that's just me. ;)
5. Windows Vista Ultimate 64-Bit with a certificate for a free upgrade to Windows 7 Ultimate. Have no clue if that have this, but it sounds fare!

[basroil]

See comments below. Without looking and comparing all your parts with others on the market right now. I'll throw out some suggestions, my two cents..



1. Sorry can't say.

2.I'd say if you're not going to overclock the RAM get the cheaper/more reliable brand.

3. This is probably only going to make a difference if you get more into gaming. I'm not a gamer, but over the years I've updated video cards half a dozen times and never really noticed a difference even with a 23" widescreen running a 720p projector concurrently.

4. I'm guessing that it's 650 watts? I also can't comment on the power consumption of the newer CPUs/GPUs, but for what you've got I'd say it's enough. But if/when you want to add more of anything (fans, more powerful CPU, video card, hard drives, and RAM) you might want more. One thing is for sure that it's hard to over do power. I do know that a lack of power can cause some serious problems. Recently I added an IDE controller card and 4 additional HDDs (already had 3) for a total of 7 and my old trusty Antec 420 true power couldn't handle it with my p4 2.8Ghz. Take it for what it's worth.

5. I think you mean OS (operating system), you can't or shouldn't really mess around with OEM. They are tied to the system that they're sold with. It might not work, be a pain, or be hard to update. Just buy the system that you're comfortable with, that has the features that you need. Also I recently read something about microsoft giving people an incentive to order windows 7. I think there's something in there about buying Vista, but having upgrade rights to windows 7 (if you want). There are date restrictions, but you should look into it.

I hope my suggestions help and good luck on building your new system, it's always fun!

For 4, sorry, but HDDs don't suck up much at all, maybe 20W each if you get really crappy ones, usually 10W or less. Graphics cards can go between 1W (ion style) or 250W+ ( nvidia 2x 275 sli), and i7 is rated for up to 130W. An extra hdd or two isn't going to kick your system out of wack unless you are running a specialty system that will be at a certain load always (power supplies are more efficient at a certain wattage, so you want to match the load to that number), but in OP's case anything should do fine. If you go SLI, probably better to get 700W+ just in case though.

OEM disks work fine on any install, I've installed xp pro countless times (legally) on machines using the same old OEM disk (easier to carry one disk than a million).

gskill and ocz are both gaming style (originally at least) memory companies and are both highly regarded. Can't go wrong with either.

For what you want though, get a geforce 260 or a radeon 4850/4870. Both will work with the stuff you want, and it's easy enough to replace it in a year or two when a good game comes out. By that time, a cheap one card solution will be cheaper and faster than any current SLI or crossfire. Happened to me when I had my old P4, got a ti 4200 and upgraded to the low end 9600 for a decent improvement for under a hundred bucks... of course, the fan on that card blew out twice already and I just swaped it back for the fanless ti.

EDIT: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/geforce-gtx-radeon,2326.html good read if you are interested, they test out every single card setup from ati 3850 to nvidia 295

[glbtrekker]

See comments below. Without looking and comparing all your parts with others on the market right now. I'll throw out some suggestions, my two cents..



1. Sorry can't say.

2.I'd say if you're not going to overclock the RAM get the cheaper/more reliable brand.

3. This is probably only going to make a difference if you get more into gaming. I'm not a gamer, but over the years I've updated video cards half a dozen times and never really noticed a difference even with a 23" widescreen running a 720p projector concurrently.

4. I'm guessing that it's 650 watts? I also can't comment on the power consumption of the newer CPUs/GPUs, but for what you've got I'd say it's enough. But if/when you want to add more of anything (fans, more powerful CPU, video card, hard drives, and RAM) you might want more. One thing is for sure that it's hard to over do power. I do know that a lack of power can cause some serious problems. Recently I added an IDE controller card and 4 additional HDDs (already had 3) for a total of 7 and my old trusty Antec 420 true power couldn't handle it with my p4 2.8Ghz. Take it for what it's worth.

5. I think you mean OS (operating system), you can't or shouldn't really mess around with OEM. They are tied to the system that they're sold with. It might not work, be a pain, or be hard to update. Just buy the system that you're comfortable with, that has the features that you need. Also I recently read something about microsoft giving people an incentive to order windows 7. I think there's something in there about buying Vista, but having upgrade rights to windows 7 (if you want). There are date restrictions, but you should look into it.

I hope my suggestions help and good luck on building your new system, it's always fun!

Thanks!

The Antec 1200 is a pretty big case (I have the 900) and I don't see from your build anything that warrants it like 10+ hard drives, twin radiators for an all system water cooling kit or three video cards. The 902 is probably more than you need too, but it isn't so much of a monster :)

1. No clue - haven't shopped around in a while. But at a glace I would say that it will offer more options than you'll likely ever need. Do a Google search on it to see what other people are saying "Gigabyte GA EX58 UD4P Review".
2. I like OCZ vs G. Skill (Had some bad luck with them)
3. Personally, I would get the ATI 4870 - very good all around performer. If I was going for games I would go with the 4850x2 good bang for the buck. Example HERE (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102809&Tpk=HD%204850X2).
4. Quality of power is just as important as quantity. At a glance I would say this power supply is OK, but I wouldn't put more than four hard drives in that system (in RAID) and CrossFire under 700w. But that's just me. ;)
5. Windows Vista Ultimate 64-Bit with a certificate for a free upgrade to Windows 7 Ultimate. Have no clue if that have this, but it sounds fare!

I chose the 1200 for maximum expandability. I know that I'll be adding additional HDD's in the near future. The size doesn't bother me at all. With that said, should I jump up to a 750-850W power supply?

For 4, sorry, but HDDs don't suck up much at all, maybe 20W each if you get really crappy ones, usually 10W or less. Graphics cards can go between 1W (ion style) or 250W+ ( nvidia 2x 275 sli), and i7 is rated for up to 130W. An extra hdd or two isn't going to kick your system out of wack unless you are running a specialty system that will be at a certain load always (power supplies are more efficient at a certain wattage, so you want to match the load to that number), but in OP's case anything should do fine. If you go SLI, probably better to get 700W+ just in case though.

OEM disks work fine on any install, I've installed xp pro countless times (legally) on machines using the same old OEM disk (easier to carry one disk than a million).

gskill and ocz are both gaming style (originally at least) memory companies and are both highly regarded. Can't go wrong with either.

For what you want though, get a geforce 260 or a radeon 4850/4870. Both will work with the stuff you want, and it's easy enough to replace it in a year or two when a good game comes out. By that time, a cheap one card solution will be cheaper and faster than any current SLI or crossfire. Happened to me when I had my old P4, got a ti 4200 and upgraded to the low end 9600 for a decent improvement for under a hundred bucks... of course, the fan on that card blew out twice already and I just swaped it back for the fanless ti.

EDIT: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/geforce-gtx-radeon,2326.html good read if you are interested, they test out every single card setup from ati 3850 to nvidia 295

Thanks for the advice...I've been reading a lot on Tom's website recently. He was the one who suggested 2 4770 GPU's versus 1 4870 for a little more money...I was just wondering if I would see any real world difference.

[lifethroughalens]

Thanks!



I chose the 1200 for maximum expandability. I know that I'll be adding additional HDD's in the near future. The size doesn't bother me at all. With that said, should I jump up to a 750-850W power supply?



Thanks for the advice...I've been reading a lot on Tom's website recently. He was the one who suggested 2 4770 GPU's versus 1 4870 for a little more money...I was just wondering if I would see any real world difference.


I would definitely go for a stronger PSU - perhaps a Corsair 750W HX - that will give you a bit of headroom for future expansion too.

One thing to consider with Crossfire set-up is the noise & heat. 2 GPU's will pull more power so the PSU fan will increase along with 2 GPU fans. This might not bother you but i've decided to go for a single GTX275 GPU for this reason.

I've read a lot of great reviews for the Asus P6T Deluxe V2 mother board - it's also really simple to overclock your i7 CPU.

Good luck with your build! :)

[In2Photos]

The Gigabyte UD4 or Asus P6T Deluxe would be my choice on the mobo.

I ran the G Skill 6GB kit and it has been fine (although I had 1066, not 1600).

The Corsair 650TX is a GREAT PSU. It is made by Seasonic and is one of the best rated for the money. Based on your current config it should be more than enough. If you go Crossfire/SLI you might want more.

I too think the case is overkill, but if that is what you like than by all means go for it. The Lian Li cases are really striking. I wish I would have looked at them more when building, although I am perfectly happy with my CoolerMaster RC590.

[glbtrekker]

How does x58 3x sli compare to the UD4P?

I like the reputation of the company, but am not sure if I would be able to connect front panel firewire port to the board.

[glbtrekker]

I need a good fast CF card reader as well...any suggestions?

Also, which monitor should I get? I've read on here that a lot of people really like the Dell 2209wa. Is that about the best monitor for the price? I'm really not a Dell fan, it would be great to have other options.

[In2Photos]

How does x58 3x sli compare to the UD4P?

I like the reputation of the company, but am not sure if I would be able to connect front panel firewire port to the board.
The UD4 has two on board 1394 headers. Also, are you refering to the x58 Extreme board by Gigabyte? If so I don't think you need the 3x SLI unless you get HEAVY into gaming.
I need a good fast CF card reader as well...any suggestions?

Also, which monitor should I get? I've read on here that a lot of people really like the Dell 2209wa. Is that about the best monitor for the price? I'm really not a Dell fan, it would be great to have other options.
Internal or External card reader? External go with a firewire Sandisk. Internal, I like the AFT pro 35u.

The Dell is a nice monitor for the money. Can't beat it.

[MaxxuM]

I chose the 1200 for maximum expandability. I know that I'll be adding additional HDD's in the near future. The size doesn't bother me at all. With that said, should I jump up to a 750-850W power supply?


I would go for the CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W at Newegg. Have you seen the case yet? Not saying it isn't great - it is! Just that most people don't realize how big it really is. I have six hard drives, two video cards, a eSATA card, sound card, large heat sink/fan, card reader, blu-ray... Well, it all fit in the 900 - a bit cramped due to long video cards - but it fit :)

902 or 1200 I'm sure you'll be happy. They are very nice cases and actually pretty quiet considering they have so many fans.

[glbtrekker]

The UD4 has two on board 1394 headers. Also, are you refering to the x58 Extreme board by Gigabyte? If so I don't think you need the 3x SLI unless you get HEAVY into gaming.

Internal or External card reader? External go with a firewire Sandisk. Internal, I like the AFT pro 35u.

The Dell is a nice monitor for the money. Can't beat it.

This is the Gigabyte board (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128374) that I am referring to, I was trying to compare it to this one (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813188046) from EVGA. Sorry for the confusion...sometimes I get ahead of myself :D.

[glbtrekker]

I would go for the CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W at Newegg. Have you seen the case yet? Not saying it isn't great - it is! Just that most people don't realize how big it really is. I have six hard drives, two video cards, a eSATA card, sound card, large heat sink/fan, card reader, blu-ray... Well, it all fit in the 900 - a bit cramped due to long video cards - but it fit :)

902 or 1200 I'm sure you'll be happy. They are very nice cases and actually pretty quiet considering they have so many fans.

Thanks for the advice and I agree for $10 more the 750w supply makes a lot more sense. Yes, I've seen the case and I know it's big, but personally I like the size. Thanks for the concern though and I will look a little closer at the 900 series.

[FZ1]

If you don't own the Vista OS already, why not use Windows 7 RC until Oct when the full version is released? I think they are still selling Win 7 at a preorder discount price.

[glbtrekker]

If you don't own the Vista OS already, why not use Windows 7 RC until Oct when the full version is released? I think they are still selling Win 7 at a preorder discount price.

I can get Vista with a free Windows 7 coupon for about $100 right now. I believe Windows 7 is supposed to sell for about $200 when it is released. So the main reason to go with Vista is to get a "discounted" copy of Windows 7.

[FZ1]

You missed out on the pre-orders it looks like...they were selling for $40-50 for home premium.

[In2Photos]

This is the Gigabyte board (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128374) that I am referring to, I was trying to compare it to this one (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813188046) from EVGA. Sorry for the confusion...sometimes I get ahead of myself :D.
Ah OK. Yeah I don't see any FW headers on that EVGA board so if that is important go with the Gigabyte board.
If you don't own the Vista OS already, why not use Windows 7 RC until Oct when the full version is released? I think they are still selling Win 7 at a preorder discount price.
Only problem with this is that you will have to do a complete reinstall when you get the actual Win 7 version. If you go Vista now and the free upgrade to Win 7 you can do a normal upgrade.

[FZ1]

Ah OK. Yeah I don't see any FW headers on that EVGA board so if that is important go with the Gigabyte board.

Only problem with this is that you will have to do a complete reinstall when you get the actual Win 7 version. If you go Vista now and the free upgrade to Win 7 you can do a normal upgrade.
Actually I read recently that M$ may allow "upgrading" from the release candidate (RC).

[binlerne]

Actually I read recently that M$ may allow "upgrading" from the release candidate (RC).

http://windows7news.com/2009/07/11/windows-7-rc-to-windows-7-final-upgrade/

You have to do a clean install, but who doesn't do that anyway?