Help suggestions on First build.

wraith83 · Apr 13, 2008, 09:09 AM

This is gonna be my first build which I plan on building in about a month or so. It's mostly going to be a mainstream PC, but Occasionally used for gaming.I'll do some overclocking, but nothing too major. The budget for everything else is around $900.
Heres What I plan on getting and I'd appreciate your thoughts,Thanks!

Case: Apevia X-Jupiter Jr. Type G * Already purchased
Power Supply: OCZ GameXStream 600w* Already purchased
Operating System: Windows Vista 64 bit Home Premium OEM
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-EP35-DS3R
RAM: 2x2GB G. Skill DDR2 1066 RAM
Video Card:XFX GeForce 9600GT 512MB
Optical Drive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106072
Hard Drive: 320 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200 RPM 32MB cache SATA 3.0 Gb/s

PangingJr · Apr 13, 2008, 09:22 AM

if you can spend a bit more, you might try having GA-EP35-DS3R,
and buy some more hard drives, for using as a backup drive.
or for using (Intel) RAID in future.

wraith83 · Apr 13, 2008, 09:42 AM

I don't think I need RAID, what are some benefits of the GA-EP35-DS3R?

PangingJr · Apr 13, 2008, 10:21 AM

Check these out...

GA-P35-DS3L Intel P35 + ICH9 Chipset
GIGABYTE - Product - Motherboard - Overview - GA-P35-DS3L (rev. 2.0)

---------------------------------------------

GA-EP35-DS3L (GIGABYTE Dynamic Energy Saver technology.) Intel P35 + ICH9 Chipset
GIGABYTE - Product - Motherboard - Overview - GA-EP35-DS3L

GA-EP35-DS3R (GIGABYTE Dynamic Energy Saver technology and Intel ICH9 RAID.) Intel P35 + ICH9R Chipset
GIGABYTE - Product - Motherboard - Overview - GA-EP35-DS3R (rev. 2.1)

if you don't want to use RAID, then at least buy the newer model of the GA-P35-DS3L baord, which is the "GA-EP35-DS3L"
both P35-DS3L and EP35-DS3L should be around same price.

-------------------------------

the most benefit from EP35-DS3R.

Intel ICH9 RAID
GIGABYTE DES technology
Supports DDR2 1200(OC)
Audio controller from ALC 889A codec.
More Serial ATA ports

Kazeko · Apr 13, 2008, 10:45 AM

My only suggestion I could offer....

A good case goes a long way, and is typically worth the cash. - That was the biggest mistake I made with my first build. They're typically more spacious, sturdier, easier to work on, and promote better airflow.

I'd highly suggest an Antec or Coolermaster Case. Also hear that Lian-li is nice as well, though I don't have any direct experience.

Edit: Just saw you already purchased the Apevia case. :X

wraith83 · Apr 13, 2008, 10:46 AM

Thanks, I couldn't find the EP35-DS3L at newegg,zipzoomfly, or clubit.
I'll get the EP35-DS3R though.

**kris23** · Apr 13, 2008, 10:46 AM

he already bought it so theres not much we could do...

wraith83 · Apr 13, 2008, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kazeko

My only suggestion I could offer....

A good case goes a long way, and is typically worth the cash. - That was the biggest mistake I made with my first build. They're typically more spacious, sturdier, easier to work on, and promote better airflow.

I'd highly suggest an Antec or Coolermaster Case. Also hear that Lian-li is nice as well, though I don't have any direct experience.

Edit: Just saw you already purchased the Apevia case. :X

Yeah I'll probably upgrade the case in a year or two, The one I chose isn't the best but it got pretty decent reviews.

**kris23** · Apr 13, 2008, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wraith83

Thanks, I couldn't find the EP35-DS3L at newegg,zipzoomfly, or clubit.
I'll get the EP35-DS3R though.

try the EP35C-DS3R, its more expandable and has no stability problems like other DDR2/DDR3 boards, its only a couple bucks more.
Newegg.com - GIGABYTE GA-EP35C-DS3R LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Dynamic Energy Saver Ultra Durable II Intel Motherboard - Intel Motherboards

cozumel · Apr 13, 2008, 11:02 AM

I might have read somewhere back in January that the Gigabyte energy saving boards may have stability problems on some overclocks due to voltage issues and that sometimes the energy options need to be disabled in BIOS. Anyone know the score with this? Was this true and if so have BIOS revisions corrected any issues?

Edit: Wraith-Dude, Welcome to DriverHeaven!!