Please critique my first build

[petachok]

Hey guys, I'm planning to build my first rig. So far this is what I have:

Intel CORE 2 DUO E6600 DC 2.4GHz 4MB - $439 CAD
BFG Tech GeForce™ 7900 GT OC™ - GeForce™ 7900 GPU w/256Mb GDDR3 & PCI Express x16 Retail Box - 335 CAD
ASUS P5W-DH Deluxe - $279 CAD
OCZ 2G (2 x 1G) PC2-6400 Platinum Dual Channel (4-5-4-15) - $279 CAD
Seagate 320GB 7200RPM 16MB Cache (ST3320620A) - $115 CAD

Now I have a few questions. First about the video card. Is buying the overclocked version of 7900 GT a good idea? I've seen several articles saying that this factory overclock gives a significant boost in performance, and the price difference between the two isn't huge, thus I chose the OC version. Now looking over some sites I found Sapphire Radeon X1900XT 512M DDR3 PCIe 2xDVI VIVO (LF) for $379. Would that be a better alternative seeing the price difference between the two is only around $40.

Here in Canada it's hard to find Corsair RAM, which is why I chose OCZ. But what worries me is that I've read a lot of comments that OCZ ram is not very compatible with ASUS mobos. Is that true? Also what is the difference between the gold and platinum versions of OCZ. Would OCZ 2GB (2 x 1GB) PC2-6400 Dual Channel Gold XTC (CL 5-5-5-12) be a better choice? And is PC-6400 the way to go with my setup, or are there better alternatives?

I'm planning to stay within $2000 CAD for my rig. Also I am planning to overclock in the future. Any advise on this configuration and suggestions on the remaining components will be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[petachok]

Just to clarify, it would be nice if you guys can recommend a case, fan, and other components needed to build a PC.

 

[shadowduck]

Hey guys, I'm planning to build my first rig. So far this is what I have:

Intel CORE 2 DUO E6600 DC 2.4GHz 4MB - $439 CAD
BFG Tech GeForce™ 7900 GT OC™ - GeForce™ 7900 GPU w/256Mb GDDR3 & PCI Express x16 Retail Box - 335 CAD
ASUS P5W-DH Deluxe - $279 CAD
OCZ 2G (2 x 1G) PC2-6400 Platinum Dual Channel (4-5-4-15) - $279 CAD
Seagate 320GB 7200RPM 16MB Cache (ST3320620A) - $115 CAD

Now I have a few questions. First about the video card. Is buying the overclocked version of 7900 GT a good idea? I've seen several articles saying that this factory overclock gives a significant boost in performance, and the price difference between the two isn't huge, thus I chose the OC version. Now looking over some sites I found Sapphire Radeon X1900XT 512M DDR3 PCIe 2xDVI VIVO (LF) for $379. Would that be a better alternative seeing the price difference between the two is only around $40.

Here in Canada it's hard to find Corsair RAM, which is why I chose OCZ. But what worries me is that I've read a lot of comments that OCZ ram is not very compatible with ASUS mobos. Is that true? Also what is the difference between the gold and platinum versions of OCZ. Would OCZ 2GB (2 x 1GB) PC2-6400 Dual Channel Gold XTC (CL 5-5-5-12) be a better choice? And is PC-6400 the way to go with my setup, or are there better alternatives?

I'm planning to stay within $2000 CAD for my rig. Also I am planning to overclock in the future. Any advise on this configuration and suggestions on the remaining components will be appreciated. Thanks!

OCZ seems to only have major problems with Asus + AM2 and seens fine on Intel chipsets. Unless you intend to overclock soon, you will be fine with DDR2-667. Here is 2GB Corsair memory:
http://www.memoryexpress.com/index....dProductDetail.php&DisplayProductID=8743&SID=
Not a bad price at $229 eso for CAS 4, and they will ship anywhere in Canada. CL 5 memory is fine for INtel, its AMD systems that require tight timings to work at their best.

If you want to overclock sooner than later, same memory as above but in DDR2-800:
http://www.memoryexpress.com/index....dProductDetail.php&DisplayProductID=8744&SID=



Fan: Stock Intel fan will work just fine.

Case: Antec P180B (Black- silver is also available for the same price)
http://www.memoryexpress.com/index....dProductDetail.php&DisplayProductID=8137&SID=

NCIX.com has the E6600 $20 cheaper:
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=19144&vpn=BX80557E6600&manufacture=Intel

As for the video card, I would consider dropping down to the 7600GT and picking up a DX10 card when they are available to gain full Vista support.

PSU: Antec Truepower II 550W
http://www.memoryexpress.com/index....dProductDetail.php&DisplayProductID=5821&SID=

DVD- NEC 16x DVD burner
http://www.memoryexpress.com/index....dProductDetail.php&DisplayProductID=7183&SID=

Windows:
http://www.memoryexpress.com/index....dProductDetail.php&DisplayProductID=8751&SID=

 

[petachok]

Thanks a lot shadowduck. As for the e6600 being cheaper, I kind of want to order from local computer stores as opposed to ordering by mail, thus buying from BC isn't an option. :|

Also I found this corsair RAM at my local computer store. Why is it so much cheaper than the one you posted, is it because of the timing? Would it be a good option to get?

 

[shadowduck]

Thanks a lot shadowduck. As for the e6600 being cheaper, I kind of want to order from local computer stores as opposed to ordering by mail, thus buying from BC isn't an option. :|

Also I found this corsair RAM at my local computer store. Why is it so much cheaper than the one you posted, is it because of the timing? Would it be a good option to get?

Probably because its CAS5 instead of 4. That does not matter much for Intel systems.

 

[turkishdrummer]

looks good.