Building a Trading Computer - 1st Build

[sunshine8613]

I have certaining enjoyed this site! I appreciate the exceptional information here on how to build a computer. I have never built one before and thought it is about time I took the leap.

I will be using this for trading and will not be playing any games on this computer. I have 4 monitors and am looking to build a solid performing PC for between $1500 - $1800.

This is a common question: which motherboard? Do I need a P35 or should I build this around an X38. I have narrowed my selection down to 3:
Abit IP35 Pro
Asus PK5 Deluxe
Asus P5E

Newegg currently has the following pricing:
Abit IP35 Pro: $180 + $109 for Dominator DDR2 800 Ram (with rebate) = $288

Asus PK5 Deluxe: $150 (rebate) + $64 for Dominator ddr2 1066 (rebate) = $214

Asus P5E X38: $225 + memory. I couldn't figure out which Corsair memory would go with that.

The rest of the components -
Cool Master Cosmos 1000 Case
Intel E8400
Antec Tru Power Trio 550W PSU
Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 250GB 7200 SATA 3.0GB
Samsung 20X DVD with Lightscribe
PNY NVS440 256MB PCI-E Video Card (support 4 monitors)
Samsung 1.44 3.5" floppy drive
Rosewill RCR-102 Card Reader
XP Pro 64-bit

There are so many motherboard options, this can be very confusing. That's why I'm turning to you guys for your thoughts. I think I have seen better overall reviews with the Abit card. With the deals going on at Newegg, does the Abit deliver higher value to justify the $74 price premium?

Please look over the memory and make sure I'm getting the right one.
Also, since I am not gaming, I didn't think I needed a CPU cooler. If you think I need one, I'll get for for sure.

Wise Monkey - thanks for the recommendations your make on system components. It was very helpful. I'm checking again here to see if I need to consider anything different since this will be used for trading.

I'm very excited about building this. I have learned alot just by reading the posts on this site. Thanks for your feedback.

[RickyTick]

An awesome pc within your price range is very realistic. The Top-Notch build is a great choice.

I would recommend a couple of changes for you.
The TruePower series PSU's are very good, but a modular psu like the Corsair HX series is even better at a similar price.
Also consider a Western Digital Caviar SE16 series hard drive. The Seagate is reportedly louder and not quite as fast.
I have the Abit IP35 Pro and like it very much, but I'm a gamer and overclocker. You might consider the IP35 E. Furthermore, the P45 motherboards are due out very soon. If you're not in a rush, you might want to wait.

I can't say I would recommend XP 64 bit. If you want 64 bit, then go with Vista Home Premium 64bit with Service Pack 1.

[sunshine8613]

RickyTick -

I've update my configuration and now have the Corsair 520HX PSU and the Western Digital Caviar 500GB SATA drive. Two nice adjustments.

On newegg.com, I could not find the Abit IP35E board listed.

Regarding the memory for the Abit IP35 Pro , is there much difference between Corsair XMS2 and Dominator?

The is the right XMS2 memory: 2GB 240 Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC@ 6400)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145177
Price: $54 after rebate

Corsair Dominator memory: 2GB 200 Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 (PC6400)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145165
Price: $109 after rebate

These rebates expire 5/31/08. I would need to get my act together is I'm going to order everything on Saturday.

Would you have any thoughts on whether I would need to get a CPU cooler? Even though I don't play games, I leave my computer on all the time.

I'll do some searching on the P45. Not sure I would want a brand new card. The P45 coming out may make the P35 cards cheaper.

Thanks again.

[sunshine8613]

The Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L is priced at $110 at newegg.com Is the Abit IP35 Pro board considered a higher end board and worth the $70 premium?

[sunshine8613]

Some of the newegg rebates expire tomorrow and I'll need to order some of my components. Is anyone familiar with newegg rebates and when the June ones may come out? Do you think there may be any new rebates available as of June 1st?

[RickyTick]

They usually run the same rebates month after month. The XMS ram has had that same rebate for the past 6 months or more.

I'd say get the Gigabyte board. Its an outstanding motherboard, and you don't need the extra bells and whistles of the IP35 Pro anyway.

The XMS ram is an excellent choice for either of the motherboards you're considering. You can't go wrong with it. The Dominator is kinda like high performance parts. Its really nice, but you probably won't need it, nor notice a difference at all between them.