I want/need to build a new PC as my current one is not long for this world. As I keep my PC for a good number of years (6 years on my current one) I want something towards the high end. I am going to build it myself but just want some opinions/recommendations.

 

Spec so far -

 

Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450 2.66GHz 12MB-cache (1333FSB)

Western Digital VelociRaptor 150GB 10000RPM SATA-II 16MB Cache

Corsair 4GB DDR2 XMS2 Dominator PC2-8500C5 TwinX (2x2GB)

Asus GeForce GTX 260 896MB GDDR3

Asus DRW-2014L1T 20x DVD±RW SATA Dual Layer Lightscribe ReWriter

Coolermaster RC-1000 Cosmos Case

Corsair TX 650W ATX2.2 SLi Compliant PSU

+ decent sound card

 

I was looking at the Asus P5 motherboards due to them accepting both DDR2 & DDr3 RAM, but after reading some reviews I have been put off. Any recommendations?

 

I will be running XP on it for now until Windows 7 comes out (hate Vista). I understand that the 32bit version of XP cannot address more than 3.2GB of RAM - worth going to 64bit?

 

Thanks in advance.

I just upgraded mine recently,

I bought 4gb ram for XP too, it's worth getting the pairs now. I haven't upgraded to 64bit XP, sounds like potentially more hassle and cost than it's worth, but if you do it let me know how it goes.

 

I have the following:

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 G0 Stepping (2.4GHz 1066MHz) Socket 775 L2 8MB Cache (2x4MB (4MB per core pair)

ASUS P5K-E/WIFI-AP AiLifestyle Series P35 Socket 775 Socket eSATA 8 channel Audio ATX Motherboard

XFX 9600GT 512MB GDDR3 650MHz Dual DVI HDCP HDTV out PCI-E Graphics Card

Corsair 2GB Kit (2x1GB) DDR2 800MHz/PC2-6400 XMS2 Memory Non-ECC Unbuffered CL4(4-4-4-12) E.P.P. Technology Heat Spreader

OCZ Stealth XStream 600W PSU - SLI Ready ATX2.2 12cm LED Fan

 

Not a massive deal of difference, except you've got a whole new level of graphics card! Mind you, mine cost £80 and I have no complaints. This machine is a beast - goes like a dream.

 

I don't know what you've read in reviews to put you off of the P5's I've not had any problems *touch wood*

The problems that I have heard with the P5 is stability. http://www.custompc.co.uk/reviews/125932/asus-p5kc.html and some of our IT boys in work have had problems.

 

I'm not up on motherboards (haven't got a clue really). I think I'll have to read some more reviews.

 

I want to do some 3d work as well so I thought that the newer graphics cards would suit.

One thing I noticed moving from an older rig to a newer one which I have for 1 year now, is that with my vid card and 600W PSU, the amount of heat it outputs is enormous.

Sounds like a nice system. I went for the works in mine.

 

P6T deluxe

12gb DDR3 Ram

Intel core i7 extreme

nvidia GTX 295

1000w Darkpower pro

antec 902 case

1TB Samsung F1 HDD

 

Cost a bomb but definatly worth it!!

Also, did not use the fan that came with the processor, i invested in a HUGE noctua fan that keeps my system running extremely cool.

as a paid up member of the Andymayhem Mac appreciation society, I would suggest scrapping your plans to build a pc and get a lovely shiny new apple mac. :D

I'm surprised no-one has thought about redundancy , ie run raid or at least put 2nd HD in for backups??