Please comment on my c2d system choices

[budric]

Hi,
I'm researching parts for a new computer. This is for games, but I don't have the money to go all out. In 2 years I plan to upgrade the video card to DX10 compatible when they come down in price. So right now I want something well priced that will perform well for that time.

CPU: C2D E6400

MOBO: MSI P965 Platinum link
(Mostly based on TGH motherboard review. Foxconn also seems good)

RAM: 1GB OCZ 667 link

Graphics: BFG 7900 GS link

CASE & PSU: Antec, Antec True power link
(I like big cases because it's easier to work with and holds more hard drives)

Regarding an LCD monitor. Is 8 ms too much? How about 700:1 (too little contrast). I'm really lost here and don't know what's available. Just off the top of my head is this any good? I'm not too crazy about Dell as a whole even though I might get a better deal (their quality control sucks) link

Furthermore I have some questions. If I am not going to overclock is there any point in buying a 667 MHz ram? Or will 533 be good enough? What if I want to overclock slightly, is 667 enough?

I'm fairly open to change any of this for similarly priced better components.
Thanks for your suggestions.

 

[WR2]

CPU: C2D E6400. Good choice.
MOBO: MSI P965 Platinum. Decent choice, but other MBs overclock higher MSI P965 Platinum review
RAM: 1GB OCZ 667. Good choice for moderate OCs.
Graphics: BFG 7900 GS. Decent video card - but might seem underpowered for the 1680x1050 resolution of the monitor you linked. Compare the 7900GS to the X1950Pro - 7900GS vs X1950Pro
CASE & PSU: Antec, Antec True power. Case looks good. PSU - would be nice to have more specific info. Might be underpowered for X1950Pro with 30amps of 12volt power recommended. Also possibly underpowered for future DX10 cards. Dig out more data on the PSU if you can.
LCD monitor Acer AL2216WBD 22" Widescreen 1680 x 1050 -> Excellent choice.
8 ms and 700:1 contrast are excellent values.

DDR2 533 is fine for systems not being overclocked. DDR2 667 is better for light to moderate overclocking. DDR2 800 (or better) is the choice for highest OCs. The price difference between 533 and 667 is usually very small.

 

[AMDThunder]

but I don't have the money to go all out

How much do you have to spend? What price are you at with what you have linked?

 

[Fulmar]

533mhz DDR2 will match your processor's FSB and thus be a good choice since you're not planning on overclocking.

The price difference between 533 and 667mhz is fairly minimal. Overclocking using 667mhz ram will give you a nice performance boost, but if you are dead set on not overclocking stick with 533mhz and save the $10-15 per 2x512mb

 

[budric]

I'm looking to spend under 1000$ for the computer parts without the monitor and then get a monitor for around 350$. Don't need a hard drive.

I like the price of the MSI board compared to asus p5B or gigabyte DS3. However any thoughts on getting a 945 board instead? They are like half the price of the 965 and I don't plan to buy DDR2-800. Will there be any real performance loss?

The card looks better, but it's more expensive, and with the rebate deal it's a lot more expensive than the 7900 GS.