New Computer Build

Posted by Kevin in Hardware, Insight on Aug 8th, 2008 | no responses |

I’ve decided to put together a new gaming computer to get my self prepared for the upcoming games like Spore and Starcraft 2. I think I’ve assembled the basics of a decent machine under a pretty meager budget; check out the specs below:

Update: pictures of the completed build

I’ve decided to install Windows Vista Business x64 edition for my operating system for a couple of reasons. First, I get the download for free from MSDN so it doesn’t add to the total cost of my new system. Second, it’s time that I finally make the jump to 64bit now that it has matured enough. Also with the 64bit version of Windows I will be able to utilize all 4 GB of my ram.

VisionTek's 4870	Power supply installed
Connecting the cables	all the parts are in!

First Overclock Speed tests

One annoyance on this build is the MSI Dual Core Center utility that acts as a hardware monitor, overclock, fan & voltage controller. The problem is it is buggy and does not work with third party CPU fan coolers. It sounds off this very annoying alarm when your CPU fan drops below a certain RPM level. You have to modify the configuration of the HW.ini file in the Dual Core Center program and turn SOUNDWARNING=1 to SOUNDWARNING=0.