[Nicky D]

I finally built my new computer last weekend. Overall everything went well. It took me quite a few hours, probably a few hours longer than it should have. This was my first PC build, not my last!. The biggest problem I has was a checksum error that I kept getting. I spent a few hours trying to figure out the problem and then after reading online some possibilities, I realized that it was one of my memory modules that was bad.

Overall I love this thing, it is lightening quick compared to my old PC. I fly through processing pictures with PSCS3, it unbelievable how fast it processes things.

Here is what I put in her:
Antec 900 case
Intel Q6600
Gigabyte EX38-DQ6 MB
Gigabyte Radeon HD 3870 video card
Antec 650 Power supply
2 Seagate 400Gb HD
SATA DVD Burner Zalmann 9700 CPU Cooler
Fax Modem
Geil Evo One 4gb(2x2gb) Memory modules, I will have a total of 8gbs. My one module is bad so I need to send the set back. I bought another set so that my PC would not be down.
Vista Ultimate

Now I just need to figure out about a new monitor. I have a 17" one now. I am leaning towards a 24" due to the better resolution, I just need to narrow it down. Plus, I can't wait to have dual monitors!

I think that pretty much covers everything. Here is a link with pictures:
http://www.pbase.com/nickyd/my_new_computer_march_2008

[Wulfenite]

Every time I think about building I cost it out and wonder at how dell can build stuff so cheaply.

[Nicky D]

Originally Posted by Wulfenite

Every time I think about building I cost it out and wonder at how dell can build stuff so cheaply.

That's an easy question to answer. They get bulk discount and use cheaper parts. Overall my system was not that expensive to build. I think I spent about $1700 max, give or take since I already had some things in the house. In the past when I did a build through Gateway a system that was similar would run around $3000 and come with plenty of bloatware that I did not need or want. Depending on what you are looking for in a machine depends on what you'll save. Sometimes there is no real $ savings, just better parts installed.

[RaiderRodney]

Originally Posted by Wulfenite

Every time I think about building I cost it out and wonder at how dell can build stuff so cheaply.

You buy **** and you have ****. You build something nice and you have something nice I beg people all the time not to waste their hard earned money on cheap-arse OEM crap...

That's a great looking system Nicky with nice choices on the parts...I have that case myself

[thonl]

If it isnt the 64 bit version of Vista, the 8gb of ram is wasting 5gb. A 32bit OS can only address 3gb of memory, so even though your system will report that there is 8gb installed, it isnt using it all

[Nicky D]

Originally Posted by thonl

If it isnt the 64 bit version of Vista, the 8gb of ram is wasting 5gb. A 32bit OS can only address 3gb of memory, so even though your system will report that there is 8gb installed, it isnt using it all

It is the 64bit version.