Finally Did It!

I purchased everything I need except (1) Monitor, (2) cd/dvd-r/w/blu-ray drive, (3) harddrive, (4) Keyboard/Mouse

Things being shipped to my address shortly:

Lian Li PC-V1100 Plus II (already arrived)
ASUS Rampage Formula
Q9450
ASUS 4870
8gb Corsair 4-4-4-12
Corsair 650TX (already arrived)
Vista 64-bit Home Premium

Now would be a bad time to tell me how terrible my choices are! =)

But if anyone has any recommendations for the above 4 yet-to-be-purchased items, I am all ears. (1) I am willing to splurge on a QUALITY monitor, but I don't want to go above 24" since I have a 42" LCD in the same room. I hear the Samsung 245BW is pretty good. (2) Does anyone know if I will be able to run blu-ray movies on my tv and use my tv's sound system (I don't want to listen to my blu-rays using the inevitably mediocre computer speakers I will buy). If not, I think I may as well just hold out a few months for a sub-$200 standalone blu-ray player. (3) As for harddrives, I was thinking going with the velociraptor, but ya'll seem to be so down on it. Do I need a scratch drive or should I just go with two WD 640s in Raid 0? (4) Finally, I have a stoopid Noob question: can I install Windows using a wireless keyboard/mouse or will I have to buy a cheap wired one at first (or do wireless keyboard come with a wire, just in case?). Also, does anyone have any great suggestions? I am thinking the Logitech DiNovo.

Thanks!

Thanks all.

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Damn, I was hoping this was posted by mfxxxx...

Not sure I would have gone with 8GBs. But you got Corsair and good timings, so its not a biggie. (and you correctly got 64bit windows, so you can even use it all.)

2) You'll be able to use your TV sound system, but you'll have to get the cables needed to plug your computer into your TV/receiver. I use an Svideo cable to get my computer into my TV, and some RCA patch cables for the audio. Works just fine. (SD set for me, no HDTV.)

3) I'd just get one 640GB drive. (or a 500GB drive if the 640 is to much.) Cheap, fast, large amount of storage, what more could you want?

4) You should be fine. Wireless keyboards use a USB connection. As long as your motherboard supports booting with USB keyboards (standard since 2000? 2001?) you should be fine. Its been a long time since I've seen a motherboard that has issues with USB keyboards.

------------------------------ The voice of REASON
Do NOT feed the TROLLS!
Always a DEMON!
Reply to 4745454b

personally i like the dell ultrasharps for monitors

hard drive a western digital 500 or 640gb are the drives to get right now

if you have the bucks to spend you can't do much better than a G15 keyboard with a G5 mouse

as for everything else look nice and have fun building

Message quoted 1 times

Reply to rammar16

Thanks for the reply. Who is mfxxxx and why were you hoping this was his build? Just curious.

Also, I don't own an av/receiver -- I was hoping I could figure out how to use the computer as a blu-ray player, while using my tv's sound playing ability. I am highly reluctant to spend money on a quality sound system because (a) I'm not really into sound, (b) I can't afford so many major purchases, and (c) because I really don't want wires running around my already tight living quarters. I have a little digital audio plug doo-hickey on my tv -- looks like a very small usb, or something. Can I connect my computer using that? Anyone have any experience with this?

Thanks again for the input!

Message quoted 1 times

Reply to existny

existny wrote :

can I install Windows using a wireless keyboard/mouse or will I have to buy a cheap wired one at first

(4)Wireless keyboards are not a problem. Computer BIOS just sees them as another basic USB keyboard.
After two systems with wireless keyboards and mice I've gone back to wired devices just to stop the endless succession of battery replacements.
The 33' range of a Bluetooth keyboard might make sense for your system and usage patterns - but take a hard look at your usage patterns - a wired setup might not be so bad after you're looked at everything.

(3) Velociraptor is an excellent hard drive. But with larger and less expensive HDDs out there that are just a tiny bit slower its hard to get past the price/performance ratio. Same for RAID array's. The HDD just needs to be fast enough to keep the system RAM topped off through out 98% of the system up time. The few times a 10K or RAID really makes a difference are like at bootup, or loading a new game level, etc. And even then we're talking a second or two difference.

(2) Your ASUS 4870 has a DVI to HDMI Adapter in the accessory pack for Blu-ray audio/video output on your home theater screen (check to make sure your 42" screen has HDMI port also. There is something to be said for not having to turn your PC on just watch a movie.

(1) To splurge on the monitor (as well as keyboard/mouse IMO) is an excellent idea. DELL ULTRASHARP 2408WFP

Message edited by WR2 on 07-29-2008 at 07:17:54 AM

Reply to WR2

existny wrote :

I have a little digital audio plug doo-hickey on my tv -- looks like a very small usb, or something. Can I connect my computer using that?

Sounds exactly like a HDMI port.

The video card end with the DVI-HDMI adapter:

Message edited by WR2 on 07-29-2008 at 07:20:45 AM

Reply to WR2

rammar16 wrote :

personally i like the dell ultrasharps for monitors

hard drive a western digital 500 or 640gb are the drives to get right now

if you have the bucks to spend you can't do much better than a G15 keyboard with a G5 mouse

as for everything else look nice and have fun building

What he said.

Reply to Proximon

good for you

Reply to th_username

I never used a wireless keyboard but on the mouse side of things I have nothing but good to say about Microsofts wireless mice, honestly I think the batteries last like 3-4 months in the thing and thats with my constant use lol

Reply to JonathanDeane

Wait, wait, wait. I definitely plan to use a DVI to HDMI adapter, and I know for sure that (a) my video card can output 1080p, and (b) my tv can display 1080p. I use an HDMI hookup right now, and I'm just a bit tired of having better quality video from my cable box than from my DVDs -- hence the blu-ray drive. Sorry to make it sound like I didn't know what plugs were behind my tv, but I was referring to the digital audio plug (which I have now learned is called a SPDIF, and not a "doo-hickey" ). My cable box can output audio to my tv straight through the HDMI cable. Can my video card do the same? WR2, your response sounds like the answer to my question is yes.

If so, can anyone recommend a good internal blu ray player? I think I am willing to spend up to $180 on an internal player because, any more than that, and it's hard to justify not buying a stand-alone unit.

Reply to existny

When using HDMI you're getting video and audio - so yes - your video card can do the same. HDMI = DVI + SPDIF
Video cards without HDMI output would need a 2nd cable for SPDIF data output to the TV.

You can get a separate Blu-Ray ROM drive and a separate DVD burner or one of the combo drives.
I don't know enough about them to make any recommendations at the moment.
Be sure to check if you have enough SATA cables if you order an OEM drive.

Reply to WR2

mfxxxx is an Nvidia fanboy who's world has been destroyed with the introduction of the 4850/4870. Poor thing doesn't know what to do now, and posts multiple threads asking for the same thing. He keeps threating to build, but I don't think he has.

If you have the 4870, you should have the DVI to HDMI adapter. Get your video card hooked up to your soundcard (or onboard sound.) and you should be good to go. I'm not sure of the exact procedure, should be easy to figure out.

No clue about the blu-ray player. Never looked into one.

------------------------------ The voice of REASON
Do NOT feed the TROLLS!
Always a DEMON!
Reply to 4745454b

If you want wireless mouse, i'm a big fan of the G7. rechargeable li-ion batteries and an extra battery so one is charging while the other in use so never run out of juice (boost mode charges in 2 hours). only downside is 6 buttons (for me fine but for others they like 7+)

Message edited by bdollar on 07-29-2008 at 08:46:56 PM

Reply to bdollar

Lite-on has a blu ray drive for $125 see below

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6827106227

That being said i have heard great things about LGs Blu-ray and it is probably more than you want to spend but for $260 you can get one that burns blu-ray. Not sure what their price on just a reader is?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6827136137

ok found their blu-ray player for $155. And like i said i know a few people using LG that really like them:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6827136133

Reply to bdollar

I am overwhelmed by the responses. Thanks very much. I plan to go to a brick and mortar store and play around with the mice/keyboards. Ditto with the monitor. Those are the only two parts of the computer I actually have to touch and look at, so I want to make sure I know what I'm getting. As for the other two components -- Harddrive and optical drives (blu-ray) -- I am really torn, and I may need to order by tonight to receive everything in time for my sat. Morning build.

I'm thinking the wd 640 in RAID 0. How much stability do I sacrifice?

As for blue ray, I'm thinking the pioneer blu-ray/dvd writer model. Any good reasons to go with two separate optical drives ratlher than a combo?

Thanks again for all your input!

Reply to existny

There is a reason RAID's nickname is "Risky Array of Independent Disks"
Or that "RAID 0 should really be called "AID", since it involves no redundancy"
RAID won't make your most often used programs & applications or most games run much faster, but you should notice your system booting more quickly and your software & game levels loading faster. The biggest payoff is with HDD storage-intensive applications such as audio-video editing.
The major drawback of RAID 0 is a higher risk of data loss. RAID 0 makes no allowances for data redundancy, so if one drive fails, you lose the data on both. When using two drives, you effectively double your risk of drive failure.
With a RAID setup I'd also suggest getting an uninterruptible power supply (UPS / battery backup).

Dual optical drives allow you to copy/duplicate your CD/DVDs easily.
The DVD burner mode of the BR combo drive usually has lower performance than a standalone DVD burner.
Side by side list of BR combo & DVD burner

Reply to WR2

With AID0, not only do you have to worry about data loss due to drive failure, but corrupted RAID drivers. This is where most people get there issues from. I would not install my windows build on an AID0 drive. I hate to reload windows. The 640GB drive is a fine fast drive in its own right, I'm sure it would be fast enough.

------------------------------ The voice of REASON
Do NOT feed the TROLLS!
Always a DEMON!
Reply to 4745454b

Hmm, ok, ixnay the RAID0 idea. You're all pretty much confirming what I've read elsewhere: overall cons of RAID0 generally outweigh pros, especially if it's the main drive. I am considering going with the WD1001FALS, which is the "Black Caviar" brand WD drive, with 32mb cache! Seems to have better reviews than the 7200.11, and it would satisfy all of my storage needs.

Also, what's the deal with OEM hard drives and optical drives? Will I have to buy any parts separately or does my Rampage Formula come with the necessary SATA Cables, etc.?

Thanks again, all of you!

Reply to existny

The Rampage Formula comes with a nice accessory pack including SATA cables. If you're thinking about adding multiple hard drives and optical drives you just need to make sure you have enough cables in the accessory pack.

Reply to WR2

And even if I run out of a SATA cable (1-2 optical drives + 1-2 HDs), I can always buy a spare at any computer store, right?

Out of curiousity, how many come with the Rampage? Also, are there any other parts that are not included with OEM Harddrives and optical drives? Thanks!

Reply to existny

Looks like six SATA data cables to me. The power supply has the power cables.

Besides the actual HDD the Retail box will have a owners manual and a CD with drivers and some software.
I cant recall if they even come with data cables.
OEM bare drive vs Retail box It's not easy to find a retail box anymore.

The WD1001FALS you're looking at is OEM

Reply to WR2

Thanks again everyone. I went with the Samsung 245BW (the thing is a beast), and the WD Caviar Black 1TB.

I pressed the trigger on the pioneer Blu-ray, but backed down at the last second and canceled. Now, of course, I am torn. I haven't found any input on the blu-ray drive -- no one seems to have a good comparison out there. It's not crucial -- I can just get a budget dvd player for now -- but I would like to have this capability in the future.

As for the keyboard/mouse, I'll just swing by best buy sat. morning and pick out something that looks/feels good (thinking the aforementioned logitech dinovo, we shall see).

Message quoted 1 times

Reply to existny

existny wrote :

As for the keyboard/mouse, I'll just swing by best buy sat. morning and pick out something that looks/feels good (thinking the aforementioned logitech dinovo, we shall see).

While you're there look over the retail boxed hard drives and let us know what is in the box besides the drive.

Reply to WR2

WR2, I already purchased the Western Digital "Black Caviar" 1TB retail box (for pretty much the same price NewEgg offered the OEM, but at a local retailer).

Inside is (1) a very solid-feeling, heavy drive, (2) a blue SATA Cable, (3) 4 screws, (4) a manual (and I'm guessing some software).

So, anyone have any on input on

Sony BDU-X10S v. LG GGC H20L v. Pioneer BDC 202K v. Lite-On DH401S

2 of those are dvd burners (the LG and the Pioneer) and the other 2 just players. They range in price from about 130 to 160, with the Lite-on on the low end, and the Sony on the high end (given it isn't also a DVD writer). Sony seems to have the best reviews, but I've read recommendations for the LG, Lite-on, and Pioneer. Anyone?

Reply to existny

First, I have zero experience using BR drives. I tend to avoid Sony at all costs. (cough *rootkit* cough) While many people like them, I don't like lite-on drives that much. I've only bought one, but it died on my just after the one year warranty. (should have sent it back, burned nearly nothing but coasters the whole time.)

I don't even know if they make them, but I love HP burners. I still have the first burner I ever bought in use, an HP DVD530i. For me at least, they've been rock solid. Again, I've never used any BR drives, so I have no idea which is best. I'd probably go for the LG or the Pioneer, in that order.

------------------------------ The voice of REASON
Do NOT feed the TROLLS!
Always a DEMON!
Reply to 4745454b

I've conducted some price/quality research and I think (I think!) the Sony BDUX10S is the way to go. It retails for $149 at Staples, which has a 12% coupon on all items this week (with some exceptions, such as big ticket items). Amazon and Newegg users both gave the BDUX10S pretty good reviews (Amazon reviewers are infatuated with it), and I figure it's Sony's standard, so they should know how to make a drive that plays their own damn media. I already have version 8 of the PowerDVD (Ultra) software and it looks like AnyDVD is a pretty good, inexpensive program, just in case, so I won't bother installing whatever crapware comes with the Sony.

I will buy a solid, DVD writer for $30 bucks -- no biggie.

As for the keyboard, I've decided to go with the Logitech Dinovo Edge for $99 at J&R, a local electronics megastore.

http://www.jr.com/logitech/pe/LGI_ [...] TabRebates

So in conclusion:

Lian Li PC-V1100 Plus II (paid about $150!)
Corsair 650TX (90 after rebate)
ASUS Rampage Formula (300)
Q9450 (329)
ASUS 4870 (255)
8gb Corsair 4-4-4-12 (180)
WD Black Caviar 1TB (214)
Samsung 245BW 24" LCD (415)
Sony BDUX10S (130)
Vista 64-bit Home Premium (110)
Logitech Dinovo Edge Wireless Keyboard (100)

= $2273, give or take 40-45 bucks (note, all prices above are rough estimates, which include tax, shipping, and yet-to-be completed rebates).

Wish me luck and I hope I don't have to return to this board with "technical" questions!

Thanks again everyone for the advice, input, and knowledge. Much appreciated.

Reply to existny

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