System Build

[jm1]

Okay. Please correct me if I am in the incorrect category. I am planning to start building my new computer. However, I am still scared about it...since it is my first build. I was going to get a Mac Mini, and dual boot in Windows 7 and Mac OS X, but it is >$200 for a Mac Mini than the PC that can really handle the 64-bit of Windows 7. I probably wouldn't need the dual boot anyways. And, besides, the PC I'd build would come with a Quad-Core processor, instead of a Dual-Core, like the Mac Mini. Here is my parts list. How is it? Am I missing anything? The case includes all of the necessary case fans. Thanks in advance for your help!

• Gigabyte MA785GM-US2H Motherboard
• AMD Phenom X4 9850 Quad Core Processor
• Corsair XMS2 4GB PC6400 DDR2 800MHz - 2x2048MB
• Cooler Master Centurion 5 - Blue ATX Mid-Tower Case with Front USB, Firewire and Audio Ports
• Cooler Master eXtreme Power Plus 500-Watt Power Supply
• LG GH22NS40 DVD Writer - DVD+R 22x, DVD+RW 8X, DVD-RW 6x, DVD-RAM 12x, SATA (OEM)
• Western Digital WD5001AALS Caviar Black Hard Drive - 500GB, 7200 rpm, 32MB, SATA-3G
• Windows 7 Professional - 64-Bit

 

[merkat106]

Looks good thus far Consider adding more ram so you could get the most out of the phenom & 7.

I'm curious as why you chose a micro-atx board? your case can fit a atx board which would allow for easier expansion in the future (ie graphics card etc)... just a thought.
I almost got this board last year, but the local store was out. stuck with a micro-atx board, & now wish i hadn't.

 

[jm1]

Thanks for your response! Yay! The CPU and Mobo was a combo deal. Thanks for the advice on the board. I see what you're saying. I don't plan to expand it that much in the future. I am not a big gamer, so I assume I'll be okay. I do play Microsoft Flight Simulator occasionally. Will that work okay with the onboard graphics card?

 

[grimreaper]

I do play Microsoft Flight Simulator occasionally. Will that work okay with the onboard graphics card?

The onboard graphics will have a hard time with that game, but overall you will be ok.
Check out the minimum system requirements jm1, and it will give you an idea how the game will run.

 

[jm1]

Okay. I will. Thanks for your help! Wish me luck on this build!

 

[grimreaper]

Okay. I will. Thanks for your help! Wish me luck on this build!

Good luck!! if I'm around I'll try to help you any way I can....ciao

 

[jm1]

I was peeking at the motherboard manual online and it says prior to installing the CPU, apply a thin layer of thermal grease. Is that really necessary?

 

[merkat106]

Yes, grease allows the heatsink and cpu to maake proper contact so that the cpu won't overheat

 

[jm1]

Okay. And, is the 500-Watt PSU necessary for my specs? Can I go with a 460 W, or even lower?

 

[merkat106]

With a quad core cpu, I'd stick with a 500W psu. 460W would be the absolute lowest, but I'd wouldn't risk power issues cropping up, so 500w.

http://www.corsair.com/psufinder/default.aspx Should help you decid the correct wattage you need

 

[jm1]

Thanks! Sadly, the 500-watt went up in price. But, better yet I found a 550-watt that's actually cheaper after the rebates.

 

[merkat106]

Good to hear 550W should give ample power for your setup

 

[jm1]

Great! Even better!

 

[jm1]

As an update, I ordered the parts exactly a week ago. I've received most of the parts, besides the motherboard. It's supposedly Backordered from TigerDirect, and I am getting two different stories - The supervisors say they've ordered 300 from the manufacturer and are likely to receive them early this week and the regular reps say we're unlikely to ever get that product again. We'll see...

 

[jm1]

Yay! The motherboard's coming tomorrow! Wish me luck on the build!

 

[pparks1]

Good luck. To the person who said to go with more than 4GB of RAM to really make Windows 7 64-bit shine, I would disagree. You have not really presented any reason why more than 4GB of RAM would be necessary.

As far as thermal paste goes, if you got a retail CPU, it's likely already got paste on the heatsink.

 

[thefabe]

Good luck Please post back with the results. Especially if you require any more help or suggestions. Fabe

 

[jm1]

How do I know if Thermal Paste has already been applied to the CPU? Thanks for your help!

 

[DocBrown]

How do I know if Thermal Paste has already been applied to the CPU? Thanks for your help!

It usually does not come on the CPU. It is usually on the Fan/Heatsink combo. Usually about a 1.5" x 1.5" silvery square in the center

 

[jm1]

Thanks! I'll keep an eye out for that! I purchased the retail box version, so I am assuming it already has the paste applied.