First Build- C2D

[sasquatch12]

Hi im semi new to computers and this will be my first build. currently i am running a Dell dimension 2400 and i am stuck in what many call "dell hell". Im looking to build a gaming computer for under $800. I do not plan to SLI or Crossfire, but possibly OC in the future. Here are the parts that i came up with, please suggest any changes.

Windows XP SP2 with free upgrade to Vista: ($90)

Case: ($70 minus $20 Mail in Rebate)
www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811208020

Power Supply ($41.50)
www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817104953

CPU ($181)
www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819115005

Motherboard ($129.99)
www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813128012

Hard drive ($64.99)
www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822136062

Video Card ($146.99 minus $20 mail in rebate)
www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814150182

CD/DVD Drive ($23.99)
www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827106992

1gb of RAM ($100)
Any suggestions on RAM? The motherboard i selected defualts 1.8v and there isnt much of a selection of that on newegg.

Sound Card [Optional] ($27.99)
www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829102003


Total w/o Soundcard: $796.48

 

[WR2]

It's a good looking list.
XFX 7900GS 256MB $180 minus $40 rebate Thats only a $13 difference over the 7600GT you picked.
Patriot 1GB (2 x 512MB) DDR2 533 (PC2 4200) $106

 

[rwpritchett]

It looks to me that you've done your homework. Everything you've listed is good quality, compatible, and will meet your goal.

For RAM, I would suggest these:

CORSAIR XMS2 1GB (2 x 512MB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 675 (PC2 5400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X1024-5400C4 - Retail $109

I've read that you need to manually set the timings to 4-4-4-12 and 1.9V because it automatically goes to 5-5-5-12 upon initial setup, the loose auto timings should boot up fine at stock 1.8V. It should give you enough overhead to do some overclocking as well.

The only other comment I have is to spend the exta $6 to get a DVD writable drive instead of a combo drive. How about this:

LITE-ON 18X DVD±R Burner Black IDE Model LH-18A1P-185 - OEM $30

Again, it shows that you've done your homework. Nice setup for $800.

 

[GherkinPekul]

It looks pretty good for your budget. It will be a big improvement over what you have now. The power supply is going to be an issue. Never skimp on the psu. For overclocking, and presumably upgrading the video card in the nearish future, you will want a reliable psu with more power- 450-500 watts.
Also, if you are going to Vista, I would suggest 2 GB of ram. Additionally, if you are going to Vista as soon as it's out, you might want to go cheaper on the video card now so you can upgrade to a DX10 card when there are some more affordable options. I'm kinda screwed in that regard. I spent so much on mine not that long ago, so I have to live with it.
Good luck

 

[WR2]

I think the PSU you picked is a good choice. It actually meets the requirements for a eVGA 8800GTS.
Also it looks like the rebates have ended on the DS3 motherboard. Since you posted its gone back up to $145. You should take a hard look at the Biostar TForce965PT $105 and GIGABYTE GA-965P-S3 $125

 

[sasquatch12]

I found a 500 watt psu that has good reviews and only a few $ extra: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817159040

Also i decided to change to the GeForce 7900GS because of what WR2 said. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814150208

Im also considering changing to this mobo:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16813138037

Thanks for the feedback, keep it coming!

 

[skyguy]

Dunno about the Coolmax PSU, it gives me shivers thinking about those.

The 7900GS is a great choice there for the money.

The Gigabyte mobo is alot better than the Biostar. Depends if you plan on overclocking or not. If you do, go with the Gigabyte, but then also get some 667 RAM, I'd recommend the G.Skill.......the ones with the RED heat spreaders.

If you're never gonna overclock, then go with the cheaper mobo and some cheap value RAM.......although the Corsair and Patriot stuff suggested above is a good choice.

 

[WR2]

The BIOSTAR TForce965PT is actually a very good overclocking motherboard. In this review over at AnandTech website they compare the BIOSTAR TForce965PT and Gigabyte GA-965P-S3 motherboards. In that review the Biostar OC'd higher than the GA-965P-S3 with a stable 500+ FSB E6300 @ 3.5Ghz. Most users don't use overclocks that extreme but with the E6400 a FSB OC of 400 would have that E6400 running at 3.2Ghz. You can be sure that your CPU will not be limiting you in gaming.

As for RAM, any of the 667 RAM with 4-4-4-12 CL timings will do fine. They should have no problems OC'ing to 800+ Mhz with a minor voltage increase and some relaxed CL5 timings. The Corsair, G-Skill and Patriot memory mentioned above all meet that criteria and you can choose between them based on best price. If you want the option to OC beyond the 400FSB you should be looking at DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) RAM.

 

[enforcerfx]

Chuck the 7900GS for this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814102022

 

[sasquatch12]

Ive found an even better psu for the same price as the one i mentioned above thats tier 3 on then Tiered PSU list.

Sunbeam Nuuo 450 Watt
www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817709002

 

[WR2]

Don't forget that your first choice FSP Group AX400 was also 3rd Tier. Despite the higher 450W rating they both supply the same 12v amperage which is usually the critical factor in video card upgrades. Either one is a good choice.

 

[sasquatch12]

I think ill get the Sunbeam because its a higher voltage and not much of a price differential.

Ive also found some RAM that i think will work let me know what you think.
www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820231102

As for the mobo im just looking for it to be reliable and get the job done. Any suggestions?

 

[WR2]

The memory is CL5 and not usually considered OC'ing memory. But it will get the job done without problems.
Motherboard recommendations same as above: Biostar TForce965PT or Gigabyte GA-965P-S3.

 

[skyguy]

Interesting WR2...I'll have to read into the Biostar more. How does the price stack up against the Giga? Am having a hard time locating the Bio board here in Canuckland, perhaps that's why.....

I'm not terribly impressed with the board's layout, but it's definitely an alternative to look into.

Thx for the info.

 

[WR2]

Biostar TForce965PT is fairly new on the market. It's actually the same board as Biostar TForce 965 Deluxe except it has the ICH8 Southbridge and the 965 Deluxe has the ICH8R SB. Biostar was having problems getting the ICH8R from Intel. Also a BIOS update fixed a OC wall at about 370FSB.

The major layout issue you mentioned won't be an issue except for those people that frequently take the MB out of the case and have a large aftermarket HSF. With the stock HSF or one of the smaller aftermarket HSF even that won't be an issue.

Price wise it's about $20 less than the DS3 and so slots kinda nicely in between the MSI P965 Neo-F (max 333FSB OC) at $93, The Biostar at $105 and the S3 @ $125.

 

[Guest]

Thats probaly the best 7600GT card available, its 1600mhz ram.