Req help / suggestions with GA-P55M-UD2 system build...

[minarets]

I'm planning to build a new system based on a Gigabyte GA-P55M-UD2 board with a 2.66GHz proc. This will be my first new system build in 6 years (I'm still using an old AOpen AX4SPE MAX 865PE mainboard with a 2.4GHz proc) I know, it's old, but I don't play computer games and it's served me just fine until now. I'm beginning to expand my graphic design skills into 3d design and need a new machine capable of running apps like DAZ3d, Blender, and 3DS-Max, alongside Photoshop and Illustrator, etc. My girlfriend plays Second Life, which will be the extent of game playing on this new system...

I've been out of the hardware game for a while, so I'm hoping for some insight and guidance from the more current/cutting-edge folks around here.

Here is the hardware I've spec'd out so far, within the loose budget I've set for myself:

Gigabyte GA-P55M-UD2
2.66HGz i5 Processor
These two parts currently available as a combo from newegg: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.246589

GSkill Trident 2 x 2GB 240-pin DDR3 2000
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231282

HIS H467QS1GH Radeon HD4670 1GB 128-bit DDR3 PCI-e 2.0 x16 Crossfire Capable
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814161287

Western Digital Caviar Blue 160GB Sata3 (system drive)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136075

Western Digital Caviar Black 640GB Sata3 (primary storage and project drive)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136319

The system as configured is priced at $600 USD.

I'll be using my existing Yeong-Yang Cube case which has plenty of cooling options, as well as my existing DVD burner and Hauppague tv tuner card. The system will run Windows XP Pro SP3. I *may* play around with some light overclocking in the longrun, but it's not a priority for me. Stability is my top concern.

Here are my questions:
Does this look like a decent setup for the price-point. I don't have a huge budget for this machine, so I'm trying to get the most bang for the buck.

What would be a solid PSU for this system? I don't think my current Thermaltake Purepower 420W will quite handle this setup but, please, if I'm wrong about that let me know. I do not plan to use Crossfire any time in the near future.

Has anyone heard of the Gigabyte GA-P55M-UD2 having issues with only reading half of the available memory? It's mentioned in one of the reviews on that Newegg page and I'm wondering if this is a widespread issue.

Is there a better motherboard option in that price bracket that the P55M-UD2? One thing that concerns me is that it looks like I'll lose one of the PCI slots due to the cooling on the video card...

(Sorry for the looooong post. I wanted to include all the relevant info)

[Lsdmeasap]

Do you have to, or want, a Micro board? Just checking

Price looks good to me, but if you do not have to have a micro board I DO Suggest not getting one

I think an Ultra X3 500-750 would work great, but that's just me. I am sure you will get other suggestions for power supplies, and that is not my strong department.

Just be sure the one you choose has enough wattage for your system, and a strong enough 12V rail for your GFX Choice

Half the memory being picked up was likely either user error, or faulty ram. I wouldn't think to much at all about that.

If your case can handle a large board than Micro let us know and we can suggest a few others possibly. What would be your spending limit for the board and CPU, because if you did not get that combo the CPU price would be a little more as well

[funkswing]

I have this board, but I have ram (Newegg.com - Crucial 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model CT2KIT25664BA1339 - Desktop Memory) that is either incompatible or DOA. Plus, a lot of other ppl with this mobo/ram combo have the same problem.

It has some good reviews and is one of the better boards for its price point, ~$110.

You will lose a PCI slot if you install a modern graphics card (as they take up two slots). This must be considered. Plus, if you are going to use the other PCI slot, it will be pretty close to the vid card, maybe causing some heat issues. BUT there is a 4x pci-e slot remaining (which can take any size pci-e card).

I have heard rumors of G. Skill ram not working well with Gigabyte boards....but LSDmeasap will probably shine some light of that statement.....

I'll let you know when I get some compatible ram how the board works out!

[Lsdmeasap]

Are you using the latest BIOS, if not please update to it for better memory compatibility >>
http://forums.tweaktown.com/f69/giga...st-bios-28441/

G.Skills work just fine in Gigabyte boards