New PC Build

[calhoun]

The following parts are what I have decided to buy to build my first ever PC:

Case: http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16811105114

PSU: http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16817153023

MOBO: http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16813123236

CPU: http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16819103539

HD: http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16822144015

RAM: http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16820145440

Optical: http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16827152060

GPU: http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16814150118

Speakers: http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16836121118

Mouse: http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16826104178

Keyboard: http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16823144006

Monitor: http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16824179015

Budget is 1200 US dollars. Could be a little over (which it is), but no more than 1300 dollars with shipping. This will be my first ever build. I have 2 questions:

1) should i go with only one stick of RAM (1 GB) so that in like 6 months i can add another stick of 1 GB, or should i stick with 2 512 sticks?

2) If i decide to overclock my video card, will it be safe to do so?

PC will be used for mid range gaming (hopefully quake 4, play starcraft, half-life 1 and 2, warcraft 3), programming, web site work in dreamweaver, fireworks, flash, dvd burning, editing, watching, as well as music and internet and chat.

[dsio]

I would get a single 1GB stick now, and do without dual channel for a little while until you can get another one.

CPU, PSU, Case, Mobo, Mouse, GPU, KB, HD, Optical, are all brilliant choices.

Two problems. The monitor is Hyundai. Hyundai have made inferior monitors, components, and cards for many, many years. The thing is junk, and I would head for something far better. CTX Viewsonic Sony Samsung Mitsubishi Hitachi Benq and my new favourite, AOC.

Though Logitech make quality speakers, that particular set is trash.

[Exile69]

What is it about them that makes them trash?

[calhoun]

yea i dont think i agree with them being trash. i mean they are like extremely popular around here, and a good system for only about 60 bucks isnt bad i dont think

[Exile69]

I never said they weren't trash. Personally, I really don't know. I was looking for an in depth opinion from dsio, who seems to know what's what as far as audio systems are concerned. I have a set here that I'm about to start using in a week with a new sound card, so I was just curious as to what makes them trash.

[dsio]

I bought them as a stopgap for a set of Z680s back when i cooked the amp on my last set of 680s, and going from the 680s to the x530s was horrific. The sound from the satelites completely lacked range and sounded tinny, while the subwoofer, despite reproducing some bass tones well, was unresponsive and very muddy when quick rapid fire bass tones were needed.

Gaming was terrible as a result, particularly BF2. Also I found star wars games gave the most irritating tinny noise when a blaster was fired (which happens every 2 seconds).

My current 680s are second hand fleabay specials and cost less than the X530s.

[skool h8r]

Get some Logitech R20's. They've got 2 speakers and a subwoofer with them. I've got these myself and i have to say they provide some of the best bass you could get. The sound is incredibly clear as well, especially in games like Call of Duty, the bullet sounds are realistic and the background noises are as well. And guess how much the cost? £20 GBP which is about $40US. They are great speakers and get really loud if you want them to. And if you have a wooden computer desk like me (which is also located near a corner of the room) the bass is really noticeable, it 'echoes' around both the room that the computer is in and the one next to it. My parents don't approve of course but i do. They're a brilliant set of speakers.

[aghastpumpkin]

My Creative P180s are a fantastic 5.1 system and cost just £38, around $60.

[skool h8r]

ah, 5.1, the R20's are 2.1 but they're still good.

[tiamat63]

To be something of the devils advocate here DSIO, I have a set of X-530's, granted, the center channel died on me rather soon. The bass delievery, treble and distortion to sound was pretty good IMHO.

I'm not saying their the best, but for under $60, I'm quite happy.

[sasrob]

if you are going for the 9npa ultra go for the new 9npa3 mob as the 9npa ultra the ide1 gets in the way with the 7800gt cards the 6800ultras are ok i am now useing the ide2 slot. If you do get 9npa ultra just go sata on the hd then you can still have 2 cd drives useing the ide2 ports but i would just go for the 9npa3 mob the ide slots have been moved out of the way.

as for sound i am useing the new blaster X-Fi with the creative SBS560 5.1 very cool sound in games