1st Build Need Help...

[skndvr]

First i had this in teh WC section and i found this forum. So i thought it was more fitting, here to get advice on the components now.

Ok...So....I am new to this whole WC and custombuilt PC thing. Long story short this will be my first WC adn first custom built pc. Reasearching for the past..well a long long time, i found you guys know your stuff and i thought i run it by you guys before i decided on all the componts and bought them.
Ok so this setup will be for gaming, photo edits, and major multi-tasking.
Ok so after some budget cuts to the computer I have decided on:

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600
EVGA nForce 680i SLI NVIDIA A1 version
Nvidia Foxconn 8800GTX OC at 630
2gb OCZ SLI
Ultra X3 1000w PSU
2x LG Black 18X DVD+R
3x or 2x (not sure)SAMSUNG SpinPoint T Series HD501LJ 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA, Hard Drive
Sceptre X9WG-NagaV Black 19” Sms DVI Widescreen HD Ready LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 700:1 Built in Speakers
Liquid Cooling System:
Either the DDC-2 w. petra top aka. DDCT-01 or the D-5 aka MCP655
D-tek Fusion or Apogee GTX, Being new i will not attempt the bow on the GTX so please keep that in mind.
Swiftech Stealth GPU Block for 8800
Thermochill 120.3 Radiator
I was going to get an Ageia PhysX and a sound card, but... I hear both are no really worth it. Bc they arnt really games for the Ageia PhysX and the 680i has a built in HD sound system. Yes? No?
Comes to about $2,689 with a $220 Case and no shipping costs added yet.
The first case i was looking at was the Mozart tx but that thing is massive. Then I like the Aurora 570, Lian li A10, Lian li v2000,v2100, pc 201. I am very open to the case if you can suggest a case that will fit the 8800GTX and one with good air flow adn space for WC.
I was also thinking about building or buying an external box for the radiator and pump. Mainly the pump b.c I want to lower the risk of a leak. But again I am very open to suggestions.

Ok well I know that was kind of long but if you can help then please do, thank you.
Again I am very open to differant parts. As i do not want to waste money on parts that about anything please do tell. Also I am very concerned about heat b.c my house gets very hot and my current computer is hot at hell.
thats why im gettting a wc setup and plus a lil OC.
Again Thanks!

[skndvr]

I was told that a 1000w PSU is not needed since I will not be goin SLI just yet. The reason I chose the Ultra X3 is becasue it is a modular PSU and well to be honest I dont really know how much power I will need and figure more is better then not enough. Plus i read some great reviews on it and it is only about $250. Can anyone recomend somthing else? where to get it? thanks

[phelan1777]

I would suggest the D-tek if you are not going to bow.

As for PSU, I would check out Johnnyguru's PSU reviews if you have not already, I would be inclined to think you would not need something more then a 650-750W PSU.

If you take a look @ my sig, I have all that, except for a pump running on a SST-75ZF, I have heard many good things, for the Corsair 650 (I think it is), but don't quote me on that, if you are nto sure, keep doing your home work.

[skndvr]

monitor switch to Acer AL2051W

[C'DaleRider]

I'll play devil's advocate here and present the opposing viewpoint on psu selection.... ;)

This subject has been discussed quite frequently on JG's forum and the argument for a "larger than necessary" psu goes something like this:


A large power supply, 1kw or better, is typically built with better componentry than a smaller unit....has to be to be able to crank out that amount of power stably and without overheating.

Most of those larger units are typically either server units or based on server power supplies, so they were derived from units that are designed to work non-stop and withstand hot environments for extended periods of time without sweating.

And while it's true that typical users, even power users, don't need a 1kw power supply to adequately power their systems, as most tend to fall in the 400-600 watt power consumption range, it's been shown that the sweet spot for almost all power supplies' output is at 50-65% of rated output. By sweet spot, I mean the point at which a power supply is running at its most efficient output and lowest ripple creation.

Then there is the question of long-term durability of a power supply and its running at 80% of rated output vs. 50% or so of output. As we all know, power supplies are not 100% efficient in their running, so they create heat as a byproduct of the work they do. Heat is the bane of anything electronic....long enough exposure to enough heat will kill any electronic component.

And while it's true that any decently manufactured power supply should run at rated output without issue....running a power supply at like 80% of its rated output will produce a lot more excess heat and therefore expose the internal components of the ps to more heat....heat that'll potentially shorten the life of the ps's capacitors or resistors or some other internal component.

No matter the power supply maker or output, running one closer to rated capacity will produce more heat and of higher temperatures, so a larger unit will run cooler, quieter (the fan doesn't have to work as hard to dissipate the excess heat it produces because it's producing less), and potentially have a longer service life....not to mention you probably won't have to repurchase another power supply in a year or two as your needs grow....and I don't know about you, but I hate spending my money twice when I could have bought something the first time that would have negated the second purchase.

Now, I did have a Corsair HX620 in my computer.....Rig #1 in my sig. And in all honesty, it was all I needed and probably would need for the near future. It ran flawlessly and I loved it. But, I had the opportunity to purchase the Ultra X3 for what was essentially wholesale.....so after selling the HX620, and after its rebate arrived, I was only out $25 when I bought the X3.

And I am very satisfied with the X3. Runs cool.....quiet.....completely modular and a LOT of modular cables and options. I wasn't the biggest FlexForce cable proponent before, but they sure have made wiring the computer a pleasure now. Very easy to work with and a lot easier hiding the excess run of cable in nooks and crannies or under the mb or behind the mb tray......a lot easier than round cables.

Just some thoughts being thrown out there.......


:)

[Cyco]

The Ultra X3 is a great power supply and can be had for a great price if you look around, it will go great with your spec and gets my vote. also look into the p35 chipset boards if your not going sli, but if you are going sli your spec looks good. as for the case i would go for SilverStone TJ07 or the Lian li v2000

[L'enFer]

why not P35 motherboard (i should write it to my sig... too many posts with the same suggestion)?

[skndvr]

Well I guess the Ultra X3 will stay on the list then. since it is such a great price at $250ish...
Leaning to the lian li v2000.
any recommendations for liquid cooling, coolant. Ratios or combos? Since i hear the "non-conductive" stuff you buy is not good.
memory/ram or is what i got good enough?
and is it better to get 3 x 500 gb. or 6 250gb HD's?
thanks guys.