paamlogs

Hi all
I thought I'd join up and post seeing Im looking to build a computer that I will be overclocking

Heres a list of the parts I was thinking of getting. If you have any suggestions I would love to here them.

I will be using this for gaming obviously but I also do alot of video editing and compositing which I have started to do in HD.

CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450 (Fan: Zalman CNPS9700)
Mobo: eVGA 750i FTW
RAM: G.Skill 4GB DDR2 1000 or 800 - I haven't decided yet
GPU: nVIDIA GTX 280 1GB
PSU: Antec 1000w TruePower
Case: Antec Nine Hundred with extra fan for GPU
OS: Vista Ultimate 64bit
HDD: undecided
Possibly a Blu-Ray drive

I have a couple of questions.
Do the name brands of GPU's make much difference eg XFX and eVGA?
What would be the minimum PSU wattage I should have for this setup?
Would 8GB of ram be utilised in video editing and 3D modelling applications more so than gaming?

Part availability and pricing isn't ideal in NZ but any suggestions would be helpful. This setup is sitting at around $3000 with a monitor as well.

Cheers

SacredChaos

Nice rig. I would recommend a TRUE for the cpu cooler, it is a lot better than the Zalman 9700, especially if you plan on overclocking.

Name brands really don't matter. The main difference is there warranty. Like EVGA and XFX have a lifetime warranty. Some other brands only have a 2-3year warranty. I wouldn't go for the no name brands tho. PALiT is another good brand. I think it would be possible to run it on a 700Watt, but no lower than that. I'm not up on the watts for the newer Nvidia cards. I think 4GB of ram would be fine, but of course I don't video edit. I use Photoshop CS3, with music playing, browsing the internet, and never use all 3Gb of mine.

__________________

Pao

Build looks great, I would say the 1000 ram without a doubt. I would also suggeest getting one of the new GTX260 with increased shader count and OC it. OC'ed they just about match the 280 in anything. Just an option at least and could save some money for other stuff. And I bet you could actually tone your PSU down to around 850W as long as you ensure it has good amps on it's 12v rail ~60ish. A good PC power & cooling or Corsair, something of that quality.

You'd be right with XFX or eVGA, both are respected brands. Look at their step up programs though, I've never had nvidia, but doesnt evga have a great one?

paamlogs

I've done a bit of a revision based on advice and more research. It is as follows:

CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450
CPU Cooler: Thermalright TRUE Black 120 w/ Evercool fan
Mobo: ASUS P5Q Deluxe
RAM: G.Skill 4GB DDR2 1000
GPU: XFX GTX 260 xxx Edition
PSU: Corsair TX 750w
Case: Antec Nine Hundred with extra fan for GPU
OS: Vista Ultimate 64bit
HDD: Seagate BARRACUDA 7200.11 500GB
DISK DRIVE: Pioneer DVR-215BK

I can't wait to get this!

paamlogs

Yay. Its finished! Ill post some pictures soon.
I do have an issue though. On the motherboard bootup screen and in CPU-Z my RAM is getting recognised as PC2-6400 800MHz when it is actually PC2-8500 1066MHz RAM. Anyway of fixing this?

EDIT: Also I updated my bios from here http://www.xtremesystems.org/FORUMS/...d.php?t=200109

The_Leetard179

Nice rig, can I ask you where do you shop from? I live in NZ and its hard to find a good store that has alot of parts

tolak68

I use pricespy to search out the best price, but generally I buy most of my hardware through Playtech.

Matsta

Yay Kiwi's!
Yea the best place to start like tolak68 said is to go to Pricespy. I see your buying through Playtech, who is the NZ distributor for some brands. I would stay away from OCZone and all the other cheap PC stores as their warranties are pretty dodgy.
If your in Auckland, best place to go is iFocus, really satisfied there. Gary will help you out

paamlogs

I ended up getting quite a few parts from OCZone as they were so cheap (the build in my sig). All the parts have manufacturers warranties which is all I was expecting I guess. Or are they not valid unless they go through a NZ distributor?

paamlogs

Finally some images: