First custom build - Opinions?

[xsymphony]

Since this is my first build I wanted some opinions from you chaps.
The build will consist of:

CHASSIS - Antec 900
MEMORY - 4GB (2x2GB) Corsair TwinX XMS2
MOBO - Asus Striker Extreme V2 NF680i SLI
CPU - Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600
GPU - 512MB XFX 9800 GTX+ XT
PSU - 650W TX Corsair
HDD - 500 GB Seagate ST3500320AS Barracuda
DISC DRIVE - Samsung SH-S223Q/RSMN
MONITOR - 22" Neovo H-W22 Widescreen LCD, Thin, 1680x1050, DVI, 2000:1, 300 cd/m2, 3 ms, Speakers, DVI Cable

Specifically I had concerns about the Motherboard. I have heard that the 680i is pretty good, but am wondering if it is too much for my usage? Typically I would use the system with Image editing, Video encoding, Sound recording, and 3D Modelling software. I am not much of a gamer, though I would like to play the odd game every now and then, COD4 etc. In which case, I don't think I will be opting for SLI. Is there a cheaper board that will make good use of my other components?

I also have little idea about the PSU. Do I need as much as 650W, or should I opt for something smaller and cheaper?

[matty-hodgson]

all that seems fairly good, but i'd change the motherboard.
the nVidia chipset boards are pretty crappy tbh
what about a P45 or something like that?

i had a 680i motherboard about a year ago and it wouldn't even let my RAM run at it's correct timings, which wasn't too fun
then i upgraded to a P35 board and all was well

[MSIC]

I'd also recommend getting a P45-based motherboard. The intel chipsets just work, and are reliable and quick.
As for the graphics card, that thing although gets good frame rates absolutely gobbles power / wattage, and would be silly to have for the 99% of the time you are not gaming.
I'd advocate something like a Radeon 4670 (buy at Ebuyer or Scan, review at TR, Guru3d and Hexus).
It's a good card for your resolution.

With that, i'd also advocate reducing the PSU to a 520W Corsair unless you intend on doing crazy things in the future.
I have a Q6600 CPU overclocked to 3.2Ghz and a Radeon 3870 running perfectly fine on a 430W Tagan PSU.
It's not the absolute wattage that matters, as much as the quality of the supplier. You could but a 700W PSU for £20 but at some point your whole setup will die! A quality PSU is worth it's weight in gold. Obviously the Corsair 650W is a good one, but overkill i suspect.

[xsymphony]

I've been told to ignore the P45 and just go for a P35. No idea why though.

I'll most definitely downgrade the PSU now that you mention it. Will a 520W be OK for the 9800GTX+ (If I decide to go with it)? I don't know if that's even an issue.

[matty-hodgson]

when talking about PSU.. you've got to remember that brand is a lot more important than wattage.

[MSIC]

I've been told to ignore the P45 and just go for a P35. No idea why though.

It's true that there's not alot of difference (the PCI-E slot is version 2.0, and the chipset itself is manufactured on a 65nm process rather than 90nm, so in theory saves some power).
I actually got a P35 board, but only because it was cheaper.
Either of them are absolutely fine, get whichever is the best value with the features you need.
Need help choosing one?

[xsymphony]

Yeah, what would you recommend for a P35?

What brand is good for PSU, besides Corsair?

On another note, I was looking around for other cases. The Lian Li V350B looks nice, but I'm not sure if it'll fit my components?
I guess since i'm not a heavy gamer, the Antec 900 might be overkill.
Opinions on cases would be helpful too.

[NeedMoarFarms]

Yeah, what would you recommend for a P35?

What brand is good for PSU, besides Corsair?

On another note, I was looking around for other cases. The Lian Li V350B looks nice, but I'm not sure if it'll fit my components?
I guess since i'm not a heavy gamer, the Antec 900 might be overkill.
Opinions on cases would be helpful too.

Imo, corsair is the best you will get.

I have an antec 900, and it's an excellent case. It's not overkill at all, I'd go for it .

[matty-hodgson]

Antec 300?

[moogle]

What brand is good for PSU, besides Corsair?

Enermax, but if you're getting Corsair get it from Scan as they'll RMA it for you for it's full 5 year warranty which is nice.

[MSIC]

The Antec 900 is a big case though.
An Antec Solo is smaller, plus comes with a reasonable PSU.
Read this thread about choosing a case.

As for a motherboard, for £60 this MSI P43-based board is good value.

[xsymphony]

I've exchanged the Antec 900 for the 300. Saves me a good deal of money.

I downgraded to a 550w Corsair VX Series PSU which is £60. Is there anything cheaper, but still good quality?

Any other thoughts on the motherboard? That MSI looks decent, and £60 is a great price. But I can afford to go a little higher if it's worth it?

[0iD]

Asus P5K or Abit IP-35 are both decent overclocking boards.
Good choice of PSU, but Tagan & Enermax make decent offerings too.

[xsymphony]

I am liking the look of the Asus P5KC. However, It's not PCIe 2.0.

Would it not be better to have PCIe 2.0 for the GPU? In which case, how about the Asus P5Q which is P45?

[MSIC]

2.0 does nothing in all honesty, it's neither to be avoided nor wanted.
Spend a little time reading through some of these for ideas.

[xsymphony]

Then I will stick with the Asus P5KC. Thanks.