Shmanky's System (P182/GA-P35C-DS3R/E6850/NinjaB/HD501LJ)

[Shmanky]

The last time I built a machine was in the year 2000. So I guess it lasted me 7 years. But, I've replaced everything except the mainboard and CPU. With that in mind, I want to build a machine that will last 3-5 years assuming that the mainboard and CPU will be permanent choices.

I do programming (Java/Eclipse), watch video (YouTube, DVD, AVI/MPG/WMV). No gaming. No overclocking. Already purchased Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit boxed retail.



Case: Antec P182
PSU: Corsair 520W (CMPSU-520HX)
Heatsink: Scythe Ninja Plus Rev. B (SCNJ-1100P)
- I'm afraid of the mounting but it seems to be the favoured choice

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo 3GHz (E6850)
- I understand the dual core runs cooler than the quad core
- it may not be the best performance/cost, but it's likely to be a permanent choice so I should go with the fastest from the start

Memory: 2GB Crucial Ballistix PC2-5300 667MHz (BL2KIT12864AL663)
- this is the exact memory that the Crucial memory advisor recommended for this mainboard
- they have blinky lights on them!

Mainboard: Gigabyte (GA-P35C-DS3R)
- the idea of DDR2 and DDR3 memory support appeals to me because I'm more likely to upgrade the ram than the mainboard
- and because it's said that the Asus P5K Deluxe runs hotter

Graphics: Sapphire 2400XT 256MB PCIe
- it's got to be a fanless video card

Hard disk: 2 x Samsung 500GB (HD501LJ)
- seems to get more recommendations over Western Digital

Optical: Asus 18X DVD-RW (DRW-1814BLT)

This is my math for matching the mainboard, CPU, and memory:
mainboard 1333MHz / 4 = 333MHz
CPU 1333MHz / 4 = 333MHz
Memory 667MHz / 2 = 333MHz

CPU & Memory 333MHz = 333MHz (1:1)
- I don't pretend to understand all this, but it took me weeks to figure out how to match these and I think I've got it right assuming no overclocking


My concerns:
- is there any reason, aside from cost, to prefer the GA-P35-DS3R (DDR2 only) over the GA-P35C-DS3R (DDR2 & DDR3)?
- will the Scythe Ninja Rev. B fit on the GA-P35C-DS3R? My concern is with the extra memory slots (6 in total)

Cost: CDN $1,345.00 from www.infonec.com in Toronto Canada.

[nick705]

This is my math for matching the mainboard, CPU, and memory:
mainboard 1333MHz / 4 = 333MHz
CPU 1333MHz / 4 = 333MHz
Memory 667MHz / 2 = 333MHz

CPU & Memory 333MHz = 333MHz (1:1)
- I don't pretend to understand all this, but it took me weeks to figure out how to match these and I think I've got it right assuming no overclocking

Correct.

- is there any reason, aside from cost, to prefer the GA-P35-DS3R (DDR2 only) over the GA-P35C-DS3R (DDR2 & DDR3)?

I've heard it suggested here and there that the hybrid DDR2/DDR3 boards don't overclock quite as well, but if that doesn't feature in your plans I guess it doesn't matter. Other than that, I'm not aware of any disadvantages.

- will the Scythe Ninja Rev. B fit on the GA-P35C-DS3R? My concern is with the extra memory slots (6 in total)

It'll fit on a GA-P35-DS4 with no problems (not dial-up friendly), and the nearest memory bank actually looks closer to the CPU socket than on the P35C-DS3R (on the P35C the socket is shifted towards the I/O ports). The P35C also doesn't have the DS4's extravagant heatsinks, so I guess you'll be OK.

GA-P35-DS4

GA-P35C-DS3R

[ntavlas]

I think it is a sound choice of components, however a thermalright ultra 120/90 might be a better match for your processor. It`s true that you`ll need a fan to take advantage of their abilities, but it`s very unlikely that it will be the main noise source. About the power supply, I think a model with a lower rating would work closer to it`s max efficiency range, but the detachable cables of the corsair is a big plus.

[ACook]

Memory: 2GB Crucial Ballistix PC2-5300 667MHz (BL2KIT12864AL663)
- this is the exact memory that the Crucial memory advisor recommended for this mainboard
- they have blinky lights on them!

Mainboard: Gigabyte (GA-P35C-DS3R)
- the idea of DDR2 and DDR3 memory support appeals to me because I'm more likely to upgrade the ram than the mainboard
- and because it's said that the Asus P5K Deluxe runs hotter

My concerns:
- is there any reason, aside from cost, to prefer the GA-P35-DS3R (DDR2 only) over the GA-P35C-DS3R (DDR2 & DDR3)?
- will the Scythe Ninja Rev. B fit on the GA-P35C-DS3R? My concern is with the extra memory slots (6 in total)

think again on your reasoning you'll upgrade the ram.
at most you'll put more ram in, in which case it'll be ddr2. don't see 4GB ddr3 will be more costeffective over 2GB ddr2 for a long while, by which time there'll be better stuff around anyway.

[Plissken]

Ditto on the PSU comment, save $26 and get the 450W Corsair. It's plenty big for your needs.

[Shmanky]

Thank you everyone for your comments. I'll try to be sensible and get a smaller wattage PSU.