A Few Pre-Build Questions

[floridarandy]

Just too delivery of these compnents:

P5K-E/WiFi-AP
Intel Core2 Quad Q6600
Antec 650w Turepower Trio
Crucial 2 x 2GB DDR2-800 CL4 Ballistix (BL2KIT25664AA804.000)
Zalman CNPS9500AT CPU Cooler
WD740ADFD - 74G, 10,000 rpm
WD1500ADFD - 150G, 10,000 rpm
Windows XP Pro SP2

This will be my third build. A few questions:

1. Do these components make sense?
2. Is memory compatiable with board?
3. Any build issues/tips before I start later this week?

Thanks

Randy in Florida

[RickyTick]

Welcome back Randy.

Are you still working on the multiple monitor set-up?

To answer you questions:
1. They make sense. I don't see any compatibility issues.
2. The ram is fine too.
3. Attempt first boot with just 1 stick of ram.

Comments:
I don't remember you as being a gamer, so I assume you're not planning any overclocking. If that's the case, the stock cooler on the Q6600 is more than adequate.

The TruePower Trio power supplies are very good, but they do not use modular cabling. It might get a little messy in there with all those unused cables. Look at the Corsair HX series of power supplies. Just a suggestion.

Is there a particular reason for having 2 Raptor hard drives? One large 7200rpm drive is a lot faster than you might think. In fact, the new Western Digital SE16 Caviar 640gb is very close to the raptors in speed performance, and will hold tons more stuff.

[The Wise Monkey]

I'd recommend having a Raptor for the OS/apps and a larger 7200rpm drive for storage.