Decided to build my own

[Hawkeye87]

Like the title says ive decided to take the plunge and build my own computer. The biggest problem im having is deciding on the right components for me. I cant seem to decide on a motherboard or a cpu hsf.

This is how the system looks so far:
Intel E6600
Corsai HX520 PSU
BFG 8800 GTS 320 OC (im only using a 19 inch monitor and dont think id have enough room on my desk to go much bigger even if i wanted, haha)
2Gb Geil Ultra 6400
Samsung 320Gb
Samsung SH-S183 SATA DVD-RW (dont know if you can suggest any others)
Creative X-Fi XtremeMusic (as i do a little music production but have never found the need to buy a top of the range sound card)
Windows XP

I'll probably buy a Themaltake Soprano case for now until I can afford something better.

Im not thinking about doing any overclocking and so would like a motherboard that would run reasonably quick out of the box.
My budget is around £100 (preferably lower) but i might be able to go 10 or 20 higher for the right board. For the HSF im open to suggestions and would spend upto £20 (maybe a little more depending on the mobo cost).
I know this has been an essay to read but I know im in capable hands with you guys steering me so i appreciate any help.

[staffsMike]

I just built one with this motherboard

http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Produ...oductID=518608

with this cooler

http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Produ...oductID=296802

the cooler is a bit overkill if not overclocking but it will run next to silent which i why im suggesting it.

The basic asus p5k would be a good board and will over room to upgrades later.

http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Produ...oductID=590765


the arctic freezer 7 pro is a good cheap cooler but its not that quiet

[Hawkeye87]

Thanks. The basic asus p5k is one that i have had my eye on, especially considering that i wouldnt use the wifi if i went for a more expensive version. Is there much performance difference between the basic p5k and the p5b-e plus?
The only other boards i was thinking of was the range of Gigabytes p35 boards, maybe something like the Gigabyte GA P35C-DS3R. How would that compare to the asus boards?

[NightshadowUK]

Motherboards don't tend to make a difference to performance if you're not overclocking, it all depends on what you've got slotted into them i.e. RAM, CPU etc.

So long as it's stable and has the features / connections you require, any board will do.

[staffsMike]

You shouldnt notice a difference between the two boards unless overclocking and even then they would give similar results.

The one thing id suggest with any of the boards..gigabite included is just look at the layouts.. where hard drives will plug in..how many slots it has and where they are as it may be useful to you later on..other than that they are much the same. Gigabite have a slightly bad reputation for being unreliable but this as far as i know was a long time ago and they have since become quite good. Although i'd go with asus for peace of mind if it were me.

[Pob255]

I'd diffenately agree with Mike here, esp if you are only useing a midi-tower case
I'd watch out for positions of power scokets, also ide/sata sockets and if there is anything important behind the pci-e slots, as large graphics cards can block stuff off.

[Hawkeye87]

Hey, thanks for the help guys. I've decided to go for the p5k board as it seemed like the best option for me. I've also decided to go for the Arctic Freezer 7 Pro because it seems a steal for how much it costs. The only problem im having know though is that I cant decide whether to still buy the Thermaltake Soprano case, or whether to pay extra and go for a better quality case. Does anyone have any recommendations for a case around £70-£80 or less

[staffsMike]

For £80 it has to be the antec p182.. best case i've ever had. Super quiet, fantastic cable management and cooling and great build quality...however.. the artic freezer's fan noise will stick out like a sore thumb if you are going for ultra quiet/silence.

[gha128]

Another vote for the P182 - fantastic case - though the little plastic clips on the bottom of the side panel that covers the cables are very delicate - so watch out if you are covering up a lot of cables!

[Hawkeye87]

Ive decided to go for the P182. I didnt mind going for the louder fan as the money i saved helped me to get this case (oh the struggles of student life, lol). Ive read through so may articles and forum treads about this case and no one has a bad word to say about it.