Advice for first CP Build

[ExNavy11]

I am looking to build my first computer and would appreciate anyone looking over what ive got so far and at least telling me everything should work well together. I am stuck on a case. Not sure what case to get. If anyone can help me pick out a suitable one, id appreciate it.


What I plan to get:

Intel Core i7 920 Nehalem 2.66GHz 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor 289.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115202

EVGA 132-BL-E758-A1 LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard
299.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813188039
CORSAIR DOMINATOR 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory
199.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145224
EVGA 896-P3-1255-AR GeForce GTX 260 Core 216 896MB 448-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card – 219.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130434

Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
129.99

IM trying to keep the price for everything at no more than $1500. So far its 1140 so Im doing good. I already have a coupld DVD/CD drives that I plan to use so I wont be upgrading those just yet.

 

[limneos]

Hello BucSox

Seems like a great PC to build.
All the above will work together, although I doubt there's someone who has actually tested the exact configuration.However, their specs match and yes you can build a system with the above specs.

My only tip would be to beware of the Jmicron SATA Controller on your Intel mobo, avoid using it and use the Intel onboard SATA controller instead. If you use it, check BIOS and use AHCI in RAID settings or Vista and probably W7 won't work.

As for the case, any ATX case is suitable for the above..It's only a matter of taste. I'm not much of a modding type, so I don't know any great looking gamer cases to suggest, but make sure it's easy to mount/unmount things on it, not very fragile and with a solid build.

Last, about a PSU which u haven't mentioned, any PSU over 400~420W should be able to handle your system but I'd go for one above 550-600W.

 

[ExNavy11]

Yeah, I forgot to put the P/S down.
Antec NeoPower 650 Blue 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready Modular Active PFC Power Supply
Newegg.com - Antec NeoPower 650 Blue 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready Modular Active PFC Power Supply - Power Supplies
Am I going to need a CPU Fan/Heatsink for my cpu?

 

[limneos]

Yes, but when you buy an Intel processor, it comes with the fan/heatsink as well. There are several third party cooling systems on the market, but I would stick to Intel's one, they work just fine....

 

[smarteyeball]

Stock heatsink = fine for no overclocking.

After market heatsink = A must if you plan to overclock. Those 920's overclock pretty good

 

[Airbot]

You gunna get the combo of that Bucsox, save you a few dollars..

Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, Digital Cameras and more!

 

[ExNavy11]

Yep got the combo. Done and ordered. Now since ive never put a computer together from scratch, chances are, I may have some questions.
I should receive it in a couple days. Ill post back here, any questions I may have.

Thanks guys

 

[Airbot]

Yep, we'll be here..

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Hello BucSox79.


I just put my first system together and it's not as complicated as I first thought; here's a link that helped me get started, the net is full of them. The folks here at these forums are very helpful also.

Welcome to Corsair :: System Build Logs













Later :shock: Ted

 

[smarteyeball]

So you got that 8GB going Ted?

 

[limneos]

Hello BucSox79.

I just put my first system together [...]

Later :shock: Ted

Hello BFK. Just curious...

I've seen you guys say you're putting your first systems together...
Is this literal? Are they your actually first systems? On what have you been working on all these years? ???

 

[smarteyeball]

Is this literal? Are they your actually first systems? On what have you been working on all these years? ???

pre-built machines Those of us who have seen the light have inspired others to follow suit And also create monsters, lol :devil:


I'm proud to say (and a little embarrassed ) that the machine in my specs is my first ever 'built from scratch' machine. I will never, ever, purchase a pre-built machine again

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

So you got that 8GB going Ted?

Hello SE.

No, the 4GB that I had to RMA back to Corsair is scheduled to be delivered on 26 Feb. and I'm ready for it considering it came DOA to start with, I do have 4GB running though.

Hello BFK. Just curious...

I've seen you guys say you're putting your first systems together...
Is this literal? Are they your actually first systems? On what have you been working on all these years? ???

Hello limneos.

This (in my specs at the bottom) is the first machine that I've built all by my little self, though I've had A LOT of help from a lot of people here at the forums, without which I'd still be clueless.

My first was the HP machine that I just retired (giving it to my brother) though it still runs real good with the Athlon64 6000+, 8GB G.Skill PI Black @4-4-4-12, the two 500GB WD Caviar Black HDDs and Vista 64-bit Ultimate.

pre-built machines Those of us who have seen the light have inspired others to follow suit And also create monsters, lol :devil:


I'm proud to say (and a little embarrassed ) that the machine in my specs is my first ever 'built from scratch' machine. I will never, ever, purchase a pre-built machine again

Yes, Smash has been a bad influence on me.....:huh:

I'll never purchase another pre-built machine; I'm already planning to build a second machine from the parts I'll have from the upgrades that I've started to this one.


Later Ted

 

[ExNavy11]

Well I received and assembled the computer. Im starting to think I should have gotten a bigger case. Not that I have this case loaded with stuff but it seems very tight. The large video card doesnt help but im sure that's normal nowadays. I only have one hard drive installed presently but wil be putting in more. So far, ,with the few things ive put in the case, its hard to access anything it seems.
Love the case, except it just seems too tight and things look messy. Maybe im just not doing a few things right.
Another thing, the video card has two power connectors. Each with two cables that branch off to two 3-pin connectors. Right now, ive only got one connector each connected to the power supply. Am I suppose to have all four connected? That would then take up 4 connectors from the p/s!

 

[Mark]

Well I received and assembled the computer. Im starting to think I should have gotten a bigger case. Not that I have this case loaded with stuff but it seems very tight. The large video card doesnt help but im sure that's normal nowadays. I only have one hard drive installed presently but wil be putting in more. So far, ,with the few things ive put in the case, its hard to access anything it seems.
Love the case, except it just seems too tight and things look messy. Maybe im just not doing a few things right.
Another thing, the video card has two power connectors. Each with two cables that branch off to two 3-pin connectors. Right now, ive only got one connector each connected to the power supply. Am I suppose to have all four connected? That would then take up 4 connectors from the p/s!

Yes you need to connect all 4 to the PSU unless your PSU has PCIE power connectors and if you can try using Zip Ties to tidy up all your wires in to bunches, this will help with air flow and it also looks allot better.

 

[ExNavy11]

Oh. Hope i didnt hurt anything. Ive already powered it up with only one from each connected. Didnt notice any problems, ill have to see how many spare connectors i have left from the p/s. Hopefully there are enough

 

[skunksmash]

nice rig BucSox...... ...enjoy your build

its a great experience... & nothing can compare to the 260's sheer class when you unpack it...

great setup.





SK

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Hello BucSox.


I'm pleased to see you're getting it sorted, please be sure to keep us informed!

















Later Ted

 

[angryman]

I would check into a HD that uses less platters.

The WD 640gb's use 2 platters, as opposed to other same size HD's that use 3 or more. Less power, cooler and a bit faster. Not mind blowing but a good tweak.

 

[Sparatan117]

Hey BucBox, welcome to the Core i7 family haha
I did the same thing you did only I got the ASUS P6T and went ATI instead of Nvidia.
The heatsink is STRONGLY recommend is the Thermaltake V1AX its the best cooler I've had for it not to mention it has an adjustable fan speed.
I OC'd my processer to 180 (3.8GHz) before it became unstable but from what i hear you can push it to 1.9 (4.0GHz) on only an air cooling.

I would strongly suggest NOT OC'ing your processer until you have an aftermarket Heatsink. but yeah with that heatsink my core has never gotten above 40 degrees C
Just thought I'd throw that out there