Hello,
This is my first post here, and my sixth build.

From the component list below, does anyone have any tips for a smooth build/set-up? Any known issues I should be aware of?

The components are already ordered (just waiting on the big brown truck) so 'it is what it is'.

Case:
Rosewill R5601-BK SECC Screw-less Dual 120mm Fans ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

Power Supply:
OCZ GameXStream OCZ700GXSSLI ATX12V 700W Power Supply

Motherboard:
ABIT IX38 Quad GT LGA 775 Intel X38 ATX Intel Motherboard

Processor:
Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 Conroe 2.66GHz 4M shared L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor

CPU Cooling:
Thermaltake Big Typhoon CL-P0114 120mm CPU Cooler

Memory:
OCZ Reaper HPC Edition 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)

Graphics:
MSI NX8800GT 512M OC GeForce 8800GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card

HDTV/Digital Tuner:
VisionTek TV Wonder 650 Combo PCIe HDTV Tuner PVR w/Remote 900192 PCI-Express x1 Interface

Operating System:
Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 w/SP2B

Storage Media:
Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST3500320AS 500GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/S Hard Drive

Optical Drive:
ASUS 2MB Cache SATA 20X DVD±R DVD 48X CD-R Burner with LightScribe

Removable Media:
SIIG JU-91RW12-S4 9-in-1 USB 2.0 Card Reader/Write + Floppy

HID / Input Devices:
Logitech 967557-0403 Silver/Black 104 + 14 Key Keyboard USB + PS/2 RF Wireless Slim Cordless Desktop S 510 Mouse Included


Thanks for reading,
Dom

Is it a gaming HTPC? What software do you run? Are you overclocking?

The X38 is 2nd to none. I just helped a friend overclock his Q6600 on X38 to 3ghz. It worked on the 1st try. And the new features like FSB1600 (CPU) & DDR2 1200 & true X16 PCI-E 2.0 Crossfire are a bonus.

Nice list, good luck with the build.

It's going to be a "does alot" machine. We have a nice Mini DV camcorder (and g'kids) and I would like to get into A/V editing and make some semi-pro like DVD's for the family, we've got alot of DV tapes already.

I'm also in a band and would like to do some serious audio mixing and editing, running Cakewalk or Pro Tools would be awesome. We've got a 16 track digital workstation/recorder so I do not have to worry about audio capture, just multiple Wav playback/editing.

Also, I would like to have this machine in the home theater system as well. I've got an older 53" HD-Ready TV and I'm going to see how she looks at 720p & 1080i.

Games? I'm hoping to retire a tired old PS - LOL.

I'm going to give XP MCE a try. I've been running XP Pro for years now and I'm not ready for the jump to Vista yet, I want to give MS and software developers more time to "sync-up".

I wanted to stay within a certian budget so I tried to buy with "technology lifespan" in mind. If I can get these tasks accomplished with good results I will upgrade down the road. I figure the IX38 Chipset should carry me through quite a few years, and the 8800GT OC looked like my best option in a single card on a budget.

Next upgrade would likely be a pair of Seagate 250GB in a RAID 0 to hold all the A/V info and a try at some OC'ing. After that either a Quad Extreme and/or Crossfire setup (lets give PCIEX 2.0 some time to grow) with another 4MB of OCZ DDR2. I guess that's when I will have to step up to a 'real' 64-bit OS.

For now it should be fun though, and I'm hoping a smooth build as well.

Dom

Have you seen this case? It doesn't show up at newegg unless you use the link thru the Rosewill site. I like it a lot better than the 5601 andit's $4 cheaper.
http://www.newegg.com/product/prod [...] 6811147083

Not that I hate Vista, but I found this article ironic, considering the complaints coming from those who work... I'll save you the secret.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/09/ [...] ref=slogin

The major difference between X38 & soon-to-be-out X48 is that the 1st does the affordable DDR2 while the latter does the expensive DDR3. I'd choose X38 over X48 for this reason alone.

Since you mentioned the use of this pc, I strongly suggest you pick up a Q9450 or Q9330 coming out this week. If you wait, chances are they'll be sold out in a short time & the prices will be much higher. Look at E8400's price. Otherwise, you can pick up a Q6600. A quad will benefit you in A/V editing.

If you're new to overclocking, I suggest you look at Gigabyte's offerings cause Abit is not for beginners. The GB BIOS is about the same across the board. There are lots of users who can help you if you need it. i.e. GA-X38-DQ6 is a very stable & solid board. ASUS has just a tiny bit more BIOS options than GB. ASUS can save 2 BIOS profiles. Maybe 1 o/c for summer & another for winter. Clearing cmos won't lose the profiles.

Everything is cool but Vista

Thanks for the advice, but everything is paid for already. I'm really going to have to make do with what I have for now. CPU upgrade is on the list.

For overclocking, I've played around a bit, and have a basic grip of it. Once I have the system up I'm sure you guys will know when I give it a go .

Thanks again,
Dom