Please tell me how this looks for a new computer...

[guitarzzan]

I think I'm going to take on the horrifically wonderful task of building a new recording computer. I've watched my friend build my current one, but this will be my first time flying solo so be prepared for many questions. Please take a look at my components I've picked out and tell me what your thoughts are. I haven't ordered anything yet so if you have some insight on something better, something the same, but cheaper etc, please fill me in. I don't know a ton about this stuff, so I'm sure I've overlooked something.

Mobo: ASUS P5WDG2 WS Professional

memory: OCZ ATI CrossFire 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)
link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820227169

cpu: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9300 Yorkfield 2.5GHz

hard drives: (3) Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD5000AAKS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136073

DVD/cdr drive: ASUS Black 20X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 20X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 14X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe
link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827135156

power supply: SILVERSTONE OP750 ATX 12V 2.2 & EPS12V 750W Power Supply -
link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817256016

case: XCLIO A380BK Fully Black High Gloss Finish SECC 1.0mm thickness ATX Full Tower Computer Case
link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811103010

I don't have a floppy drive picked out because I'm not sure if I need one. I remember using a floppy on the current computer for loading the boot disk etc, but don't know if that's still necessary.

Should I be getting 1066 memory instead of 800? Is there any difference in stability etc? If I'm not going to overclock the cpu, do I need 1066?

Is there anything I'm forgetting or I should change before I order?

thanks,
Steve

[guitarzzan]

I'm just sitting here watching the tumbleweeds blow past the old saloon.

[Bob Nagy]

I answered most of this in response to your private email, but it appears you didn't get my reply ?

Motherboard : Good but expensive.
CPU : Q6600 is likely a better choice. Q9300 costs 20% more, but increase in speed is likely not 20%... Q6600 is best cost/performance.
Memory : Buy 1066 memory, and run it at 800 or 889.
Drives : Ok
DVD : Don't have experience with this model.
PS : Search for the thread I wrote about power supplies, and read it. Lots of info there.
Case : Cooling is important.
Floppy : Useless...

Good luck, and let us know how it goes.

[guitarzzan]

I have a copy of Windows XP pro that I used on my current audio computer. Do I have to buy a new copy or can I use this one and reauthorize it on my new build? My old computer will be parted and sold probably so I won't be using windows on it. Anyone know the deal on this?

thanks,
Steve

[BIG D]

Hi Guitarzzan,

XP will give you at least 3 installs before you have to call their support. So if you haven't re installed it a few times you should be right to install and it will authorize no problem. Even if it doesn't the software will give you a phone number to call and you can tell them you are building a new machine and answer their questions and you will be ready to go. make sure you have your license number to input when requested.


I've done this twice in the past from Australia, so no problem I believe.

all the best,

BIG D