Another Request For Help On A C2D Build

Came into some money over christmas. I'm looking to build so I can loose the "hand me down" 533 Mhz computer.

This will be a budget "bang for buck" build for the most part as I work more then I play on the computer. When I do "play" I photoshop, burn cds, use cakewalk and other audio editing programs. I have kids at work that are pushing me to join the "w.o.w. craze". This is a build I will keep for 2 to 4 years. Oh and future OC'ing is an option.


Now what I believe I can re-use is the monitor, key-b and mouse, 30G HD w/OS and cd/dvd. What I have in dollars is $650. I could scrape up another $200 if need be but would like to use what I have on hand.

Now, What I would like...

b]Processor[/b]
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819115004
$224.00

Mobo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813128012
$134.99

Memory
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820145098
$207.99

Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814150182
$146.99 ($20.00 - Rebate) $126.99

Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811147052
$24.99

PSU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817194009
$79.99

Hard Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822144415
$52.99

Ok, let talk about this. I'm way over budget ($200.00) right now but I trust this site and the suggestions given on it.

The processor is a must as I hear/read that if I so choose to overclock it in the future this is a good choice. Bang for buck?

The Mobo is a stable as well as a good overclocker with the latest bios.

Memory is a good type and a suggested brand (via giga's site). 2 Gigs is todays standard and the speed is ideal for OC'ing.

Video card has good spects for $$$ (IMO).

Case is something I would like to have. Just becouse... Reviews are not to harsh.

PSU, Ok... Now this is something I thought I had figured out at one time. Now I've Bounced around to a few sites looking for insight in PSU's and came across a few.

http://psu.thetruck.net/
http://www.extreme.outervision.com/PSUEngine

Now I messed around with the caculator and got a few different #'s as I may have added a few things (extras) incorrectly. Psu's I selected were listed as a good brands/good caps. I think I my have to go up in watts if I overclock.

Hard drive is an extra I'm sure I will buy with parts ordered or later (best buy, fry, c-city).

Now this is something I think will fit the current budget.

Same Processor.

Same Case or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811129155
(tho this was what I had in mind at first). PSU review turned me off.

Mobo http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16813128018
(onboard graphics)

Memory
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820211064

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820220070
(likely this one)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820220094

Same Hard Drive

PSU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817104954

If I were to get a Video card for this board.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814130052

$593.95
add $70 if eVGA added

Might be better to get a new OS for this build. XP Home Edition most likely.

Well Hey! Thanks for looking and/or helping me with suggestions.

Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 Conroe 1.86GHz 2M shared L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor - Retail

So I'll Keep this as reviews are saying it too OC's ok. but the 6400 has a better multiplier? ( so I read.)

GIGABYTE GA-965P-S3 Socket T (LGA 775) Intel P965 Express ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

The thought of running raid was a future "what if" but I think i could do without as this is will not be a server. I thought running usb 2.0 on the D3 was nice touch too but the wifes Ipod still works on my current computer just fine.

G.SKILL 1GB (2 x 512MB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800

I like this choice. But If I save some $$$ on the video card, could I turn that cash around for more memory?

FSP Group (Fortron Source) AX450-PN, 12cm FAN, version 2.0, 2 SATA, PCI Express, 450W Power Supply - Retail

I thought I need more "juice" for extra pci cards and usb and fans? Could this do it?

eVGA 256-P2-N615-TX GeForce 7600GT 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail

Swap for this to save $$$? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814130052
Still a good card, right? If no... why?

Western Digital Caviar SE WD1600JS 160GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
Shoud not change. If so, only for a bigger one.

COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-UW Black Aluminum Bezel, SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

Ya know, when i was first looking around, this keep coming up. I would like something with a plain front. I hate those doors that cover the drives, but don't get me wrong, I'll take something that is worth the money and if it comes with a psu thats as good as the one i picked.

So, if anything changes it will be the case and more memory. Maybe a bigger HD and If I could work the 6400 back in I might?

I will keep fishing! Thanks for reading and any feedback given.

Any ideas to drop the price and keep some preformance? If not, this might be it?

Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811147052
$24.99

Hard Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822144415
$52.99

Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814130062
$129.99

PSU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814130062
$79.99

Memory
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820231102
$109.99

Mobo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813128017
$118.99

Processor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819115005
$184.00

$700.94
$29.06
=
$730.00

P.S. I really would like to bump up the processor to E6400
but it comes back to the all mighty $.

Thanks for all the help.

the E6300 is very powerful for the money I am running at 2.8 with no volt changes to the cpu or ram. Which is plenty fast I can run any game I can think of with this speed matched with a good video card. So I would get the e6300 and get a good video card. I know you said you didnt play games much but at least you would have the power there if you needed it in your gpu. Just a comment