So how did I do? This will be my first build and any constructive feedback of where I can increase performance and cut cost is greatly appreciated.



https://secure.newegg.com/WishList/ [...] ID=8749892

DDR2 1066 ram is only necessary if you're doing a fairly heafty OC. Since I don't see any aftermarket cooler, I'm guessing that DDR2 800 will be more than enough for you. This mushkin 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR2 800 5-4-4-12@1.8V ($69 after MIR) is a favorite recommendation.

Raidmax are aweful PSUs. Unless you want to play russian roulette with your new rig, get a respected manufacturer. Either Antec, Corsair, Enermax, OCZ, PC Power & Cooling, SeaSonic, Silverstone, or Thermaltake. Like this OCZ GameXStream 700W ($80 after MIR), this CORSAIR 750W ($100 after MIR), or either this PC P&C 750W or this PC P&C 750W (both $110 after MIR).

^ agree 100% with wanker79. (friends don't let friends use Raidmax power supplies)
Also a DVD burner ?

I wont need a DvD burner, I have good SATA I bought recently in my current box. When I upgrade i'm holding out for a good deal on a blu-ray when prices drop.

I've had a raidmax PSU before and it always felt like a quality unity sturdy wrapped cables and the reviews I found were all favorable but I'll do a bit more digging.

Thanks guys.

Raidmax uses a few different OEMs and they change model names fairly often so its hard to really judge who is making the PSU you're buying. A few of the OEMs I know about are Andyson, ATNG, Sun Pro and Topower. There could be others of course. If I thought model was made by Topower I'd suggest taking a chance. I suspect that model is made my ATNG.
Usually we like to see at least a few good reviews of a PSU model before making a recommendation and I found none for the RAIDMAX HYBRID 2 RX-630SS 630W. $50 is VERY inexpensive for a 600+ modular PSU.

Compare that to the (just for an example) OCZ GameXStream OCZ700GXSSLI 700W
It's $30 more (after rebate). And it's not modular and it's fan doesnt glow blue. But you know after the experts have examined and tested them it can do what it's designed to do.
(also it does have 1 6pin and 1 8pin PCI-e power connectors even if NewEgg says 2 6pin)

I like the rest of your list - except the part where you have 5 sets of mushkin XP 4GB ASCENT RAM and 5 WD WD6400AAKS HDDs. 1 of each is plenty! I actually like the mushkin 4GB DDR2 800 better for its excellent price/performance ratio with the rest of your build.

Agreed with all the comments.

Get a quality PSU - PC Power and Cooling, Antec, Corsair, OCZ, etc.

The RAM is a good recommendation - check out Crucial, Corsair, OCZ, Mushkin, etc - there are plenty of quality memory companies. Go DDR2 800 and get good timings (4-4-4-12, or something like that).

Another +1 for the WD 640 GB HDD. I have 1 and think I may buy some more (media server soon, I think).

I dropped down to the 800, the timings are 5-4-4-12 which is a little lower than the 1066's 5-5-5-12

Pulled this up on the PSU, ATNG is the OEM and I will assume you have a less than stellar opinion of them

So off in search of a better supply thanks guys.



Raidmax http://www.raidmax.com/

* OEM: Sun Pro
RX380K ~11A
RX420K ~13A
RX-450KW ~14A
* OEM: Topower
RX-470XPW ~15A
RX-520XP ~18A
* OEM: Andyson
RX-450K ~ 26A
* OEM: ATNG
RX-530A ~28A
RX-630A ~30A

which is a little lower better
It's also 1.8v where the 1066 was 2.0v. I wouldnt be suprised at all that if you wanted you could tweak that performance down to CAS4 if you want to do that one day.

+1 for PSU and DDR2 800 RAM. And the WD 640GB AAKS

I can't see the Wish List for some reason (Is it Public?) so Im taking a chance here:

If you ain't running a 4850 or higher you can get a Corsair 550VX for $65 after MIR or a Corsair 450VX for $50 after MIR. Both are good quality PSUs for running any thing below a 8800GTS.

He's got a 4870X2 in his list ATM

Ahh.. that thing's a power hog. You need a 700W PSU for that just to be safe. (Btw is it the dual GPU 4870X2 or 2 CrossFired 4870s? Also what motherboard?) Looks like every one else except me can see the wish list?

I'm on this unit now, much better PSU. After changing ram and upgrading to a 700 watter I'm saving $50 over my initial list.

CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply

My wishlist is a little screwy since I'm updating here and there.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817139006

$90 AND Free Shipping = Nice! And it gets you an excellent review like this: JonnyGuru Corsair 750TX

E8500 and GIGABYTE GA-EP45-DS3R

Value rating of 9 at almost double what I am paying is a good sign. Really thorough test I'm impressed.

Thanks you guys saved me money and improved the build.

What kinda of monitor do you have if it is not a good quality LCD above 24" the HD 4870 X2 is way too much for your rig. Secondly i personaly thing Asus P45 boards are nicer than Gigabytes, ohh and to save money on processor go with E 8400 and a good heatsink and overclock it.