A new build

[palladium]

I'm planning to build a new computer for my bro's 21st birthday. He's a moderate gamer, but does quite a bit of video editing. He also likes watching movies on his PC.

Here are the *planned*specs. I'm residing in NZ, so no Newegg. Budget not to exceed NZD2,300( US 1,750) excluding monitor ( he has a 24" Dell monitor).

Oh, my bro doesn't know much about hardware, so no OC. And this is my first time building a PC.

Proc: Intel Q6600 2.4GHz
Mobo: Gigabyte GA-P35-DS4
RAM: Corsair PC2-6400 DDR2-800 4GB C5 TWIN2X Technology DHX
GPU: 8800GT 512MB
HDD: Western Digital 500GB 7200rpm SATA
Optical drive: Asustek DRW-1814BL 18x DVD Writer
Case: *I'm not sure here - is this case ok?* ThermalTake ARMOR JUNIOR Silver Case

PSU: Corsair HX520W PSU
Keyboard, mouse,speaker, OS - re-using.

Comments/criticism appreciated.

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: palladium
He's a moderate gamer, but does quite a bit of video editing. He also likes watching movies on his PC.

Oh, my bro doesn't know much about hardware, so no OC. And this is my first time building a PC.

Keyboard, mouse, speaker, OS - re-using.

* What video editing software does he use?
* Do you have someone (that has successfully built before), where you live that can help you through the assembly and setup process?
* Will the PC be used as a HTPC with the user sitting several feet away from the monitor or TV?
* What speakers are you re-using, (considering he'll be watching movies with his PC)?
* What OS are you re-using, (considering you're planning on 4GB of DDR2)?
* Are you planning on a dedicated sound card or using the onboard audio?

 

[DSF]

I would encourage anyone who's interested to get into building computers. It's a fun hobby. However, this is your first build, and there is the possibility that there will be some bugs to work out. Let's say he has a few small technical issues down the road...is that something you're confident you can take care of for him?

 

[LightningRider]

I agree you should make sure you use a 64bit OS if you plan on buying 4GB of RAM. I think with heavy video editing, that 4GB of RAM will definitely be useful.

Just make sure the application that he uses to edit his videos works on the OS you choose. I would also choose Vista 64 since XP 64 support is pretty bad.

 

[TemjinGold]

I'd say the build looks pretty solid.

 

[scottrick49]

Yeah I'd say it looks good. As already mentioned, I would stay away from XP 64 bit. I've heard good things about the Centurion case.

 

[heyheybooboo]

Not sure a 'moderate' gamer would qualify for a 8800gt. An 8600gt or hd2600xt would provide vc1/h264 acceleration and dx10. A few hd2600xt's are now around $90 in the States with rebate.

Take the money you've saved and invest it in your hard disk system. If your bro is into video editing - not knowing the software he is using - extra hard drives are always needed for storage, scratch disks, virtual memory, etc ...

Any money saved could also go into software. As an example, Premiere with Mainconcept will easily cost half of what you plan to spend on hardware.

 

[LightningRider]

I think if you can get an 8800GT for around 200$ (which you can if you look) then it is definitely worth it even for a moderate gamer. 8600GT is barely enough for even a moderate gamer. Also I believe that the 8800GT has the video decoder built in also (not 100% sure though).

 

[MegaVovaN]

Originally posted by: heyheybooboo
Not sure a 'moderate' gamer would qualify for a 8800gt. An 8600gt or hd2600xt would provide vc1/h264 acceleration and dx10. A few hd2600xt's are now around $90 in the States with rebate.

Take the money you've saved and invest it in your hard disk system. If your bro is into video editing - not knowing the software he is using - extra hard drives are always needed for storage, scratch disks, virtual memory, etc ...

Any money saved could also go into software. As an example, Premiere with Mainconcept will easily cost half of what you plan to spend on hardware.

Agreed.
CPU/RAM/motherboard is fine.

Originally posted by: LightningRider
I think if you can get an 8800GT for around 200$ (which you can if you look) then it is definitely worth it even for a moderate gamer. 8600GT is barely enough for even a moderate gamer. Also I believe that the 8800GT has the video decoder built in also (not 100% sure though).

Yes it does have decoder built in.

Remember OP is in NZ, I highly doubt 8800GT will be $200 like in US...talk more like $315.

 

[palladium]

Thanks all for your input.

Not sure if 8600GT is enough to play Company of Heroes at 1920*1200.

I was thinking of going XP 32 bit, but thinking again prob makes more sense if I go 64bit Vista. Don't know what software he'll be using, he has OEM Premiere elements, I think he'll be using that along with Virtual Dub and some other shareware...

The thing is alot of my friends don't even know what dual core processor is, so when it comes to PC building, I'm all alone. The guide in this forum is good but uses out dated hardware, do you guys think it'll be adequate?

 

[Playmaker]

That's virtually identical to the new build I'm planning on for this month (unless I decide to wait for Penryn). After reading through numerous threads, all those components seem to be at the right spot of the "value curve" right now.

As far as OS with 4GB, I plan on running XP 32-bit, but only because I already have a copy. If there's still a benefit over 2GB, and with RAM being so cheap, why not? I plan on adding another 4GB and purchasing Vista 64-bit down the road (post-SP1). However, if you are buying a new OS license for this build, you might as well go with Vista 64-bit.

 

[palladium]

I'm running my existing XP 32bit. I don't think the OS not being able to address 800MB of the RAM is going to make a big deal.

Hmm I just gave the build a thought, would it be better if I go for the HX620W PSU? I'm kinda afraid 520W is not enough given my parts are all high end-ish.

 

[Blain]

Just stick with 2GB of DDR2 for your 32bit XP and spend the extra on something that will actually benefit the build.

The Corsair CMPSU-750TX is only $50 bucks more than the 520HX.
I'd be really tempted to go with the 750W version, IF you're locked in to a Corsair model.
Sure your rig won't come close to maxing out the 750W. But it offers you tons of cushion for deterioration with age and power line voltage abuse (spikes & sags).
IF you're not locked in to Corsair, there are plenty of other options.

 

[DSF]

Originally posted by: palladium
I'm running my existing XP 32bit. I don't think the OS not being able to address 800MB of the RAM is going to make a big deal.

Hmm I just gave the build a thought, would it be better if I go for the HX620W PSU? I'm kinda afraid 520W is not enough given my parts are all high end-ish.

520W is more than plenty. You'll probably be running at 50% of that PSU's capacity or less.

As far as the guide goes, it should be adequate. There are plenty of other guides out there on the net if you do a little bit of googling. You should be able to get the thing together without too much problem. My post earlier was asking if you're willing to troubleshoot any problems he encounters down the road, whether they're driver-related, hardware-related, etc. Of course the AT community is willing to help, it's a question of whether you want to be the go-to techie. If not, where does he go for help?

 

[palladium]

Originally posted by: DSF

Originally posted by: palladium
I'm running my existing XP 32bit. I don't think the OS not being able to address 800MB of the RAM is going to make a big deal.

Hmm I just gave the build a thought, would it be better if I go for the HX620W PSU? I'm kinda afraid 520W is not enough given my parts are all high end-ish.

520W is more than plenty. You'll probably be running at 50% of that PSU's capacity or less.

As far as the guide goes, it should be adequate. There are plenty of other guides out there on the net if you do a little bit of googling. You should be able to get the thing together without too much problem. My post earlier was asking if you're willing to troubleshoot any problems he encounters down the road, whether they're driver-related, hardware-related, etc. Of course the AT community is willing to help, it's a question of whether you want to be the go-to techie. If not, where does he go for help?

Well I know a lil about hardware, so I can troubleshoot minor problems ( always do that for friends). If it's a major problem, prob have to rely on you guys .