build with 8800GTX for around 1300?

[driftingbunnies]

i'll probably be trying to build a new computer after the holiday season is over so probably in january and i was wondering if i could possibly build a C2D with the 8800GTX for around 1300. would it be better to go for a 8800GTS instead or stick with a 8800GTX and go for less ram or something like that. what mobo would u recommend for OCing. i've seen a lot of recs for gigabyte but it looks like the 680i is a big OCer. the features makes it really good too. so i was wondering what were your opinions, GTX or GTS plus a lil better components. its' really hard to find a fairly decent cheap case for the GTX too bcuz it's such a monster. thnx for the input

 

[jamesgoddard]

Antec Titan 550 case http://www.provantage.com/antec-titan-550~7ANTG03E.htm will be easy large enough for a 8800GTX, and the supplied PSU is strong enough for a single 8800GTX also, for $135 for both it's a good deal!!!

 

[skyguy]

Go with the GTS unless you've got a 24" - 30" monitor. The GTS will do fine and let you hit your budget. It's also a smaller card and no special case required, which will then also save you more money

 

[driftingbunnies]

so how does this look?

cpu:e6300 $181
mobo: evga 680i $249.99
ram: 2GB g.skill ddr2 800 $209.99
vid:evga 8800 GTS $439.99 with 20 mir
ps: silverstone 600W $119.99
dvd: lite-on dvd burner $29.99
case: lian-li A05b $89.99

total: 1348.90 with shipping

i can pair it up with my x-fi and 22" monitor

 

[skyguy]

Looks great. You could get away with a cheaper mobo that will still let you overclock like crazy. A Gigabyte 965P-DS3 would be a great performer at considerably less money. It probably would fit better with your other specs.....it'll definitely get you under you budget by quite a bit too

Other than that, you might wanna spend $30-$45 on a CPU cooler. It's not necessary, but it will definitely help with the overclocking. With the money you save from downgrading your mobo, you could easily get a cooler and still be under $1,300

 

[tool_462]

Personally I would switch out the mobo for the DS3 mentioned above, and upgrade to the E6400. It has an 8x multi as apposed to the 7x of the E6300, so the same bus speeds will result in a higher clock speed without having to push the memory or NB voltages harder.

If you can afford it, keep the 680i and go for the E6400 too, that would be optimal but I am always thinking budget here

Also, just reminding you to get some hard drive space

 

[driftingbunnies]

i'm gonna steal some hds that i'm using right now bcuz i'm gonna give what i have right now to my dad but i'm gonna take my storage which would be like 800GBs so i'm fine with hd space. i'm thinking the 680i is a lot better than the gigabyte because of the plethora of features such as dual gigabit and stuff but i'm kinda afraid of the bugs that people are having. do you think i could get more out of the 965/e6400 combo or the 680i/e6300 combo?

 

[BuddyGoodness]

If you care to take advantage of mail in rebates you can get this really nice, highly rated 700W PSU at tiger direct. http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2235424&Sku=O261-2005

 

[skyguy]

Good PSU, especially if you can get it at a cheaper cost than the regular price.