Another Request For Help On A C2D Build

[skeptic]

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/Product.asp?item=N82E16819115004
$224.00

Mobo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16813128012
$134.99

Memory
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16820145098
$207.99

Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16814150182
$146.99 ($20.00 - Rebate) $126.99

Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16811147052
$24.99

PSU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16817194009
$79.99

Hard Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16822144415
$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/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129155
(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/Product.asp?item=N82E16820211064

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16820220070
(likely this one)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16820220094

Same Hard Drive

PSU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16817104954

If I were to get a Video card for this board.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16814130052

$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.

 

[AMDThunder]

I may still be a hair over your budget, but I think it's close. Tell me what you think about this setup.

Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 Conroe 1.86GHz 2M shared L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor - Retail
GIGABYTE GA-965P-S3 Socket T (LGA 775) Intel P965 Express ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
G.SKILL 1GB (2 x 512MB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800
FSP Group (Fortron Source) AX450-PN, 12cm FAN, version 2.0, 2 SATA, PCI Express, 450W Power Supply - Retail
eVGA 256-P2-N615-TX GeForce 7600GT 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail
Western Digital Caviar SE WD1600JS 160GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-UW Black Aluminum Bezel, SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

I chose the 6300 over the 6400 for your budget. You shouldn't notice a difference, and it OCs like mad if you decide to do so. Easily past 6400 speeds.

Went cheaper on the case to fit your budget, but it's still a good one. Like the FSP PSU. Should be fine even if you OC.

Went with the S3 version of the mobo to save some cash. Just as good as the DS3, only it has different capacitors. Unless you plan to use this PC for 10 years, dont' sweat it.

The eVGA vid card is quality hard ware, and cheaper than the XFX. Only $110 after rebate.

The G. Skill ram is only a few dollars more than the cheap stuff you selected. It's good ram and will allow to OC in the future.

All this for $725.77 shipped before a $20 rebate.

 

[skeptic]

I may still be a hair over your budget, but I think it's close. Tell me what you think about this setup.

Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 Conroe 1.86GHz 2M shared L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor - Retail
GIGABYTE GA-965P-S3 Socket T (LGA 775) Intel P965 Express ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
G.SKILL 1GB (2 x 512MB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800
FSP Group (Fortron Source) AX450-PN, 12cm FAN, version 2.0, 2 SATA, PCI Express, 450W Power Supply - Retail
eVGA 256-P2-N615-TX GeForce 7600GT 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail
Western Digital Caviar SE WD1600JS 160GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-UW Black Aluminum Bezel, SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

I chose the 6300 over the 6400 for your budget. You shouldn't notice a difference, and it OCs like mad if you decide to do so. Easily past 6400 speeds.

Went cheaper on the case to fit your budget, but it's still a good one. Like the FSP PSU. Should be fine even if you OC.

Went with the S3 version of the mobo to save some cash. Just as good as the DS3, only it has different capacitors. Unless you plan to use this PC for 10 years, dont' sweat it.

The eVGA vid card is quality hard ware, and cheaper than the XFX. Only $110 after rebate.

The G. Skill ram is only a few dollars more than the cheap stuff you selected. It's good ram and will allow to OC in the future.

All this for $725.77 shipped before a $20 rebate.

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/Product.asp?item=N82E16814130052
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.

 

[customcomputer1]

the centurion 5 doesn't have a door... just 5 5.25" bays and a 3.5" bay on the front along with 2USB's and a power button. I highly suggest upping to the E6400 and if you spend $50 more you can get 2 gigs of 667 ram from patriot, OCZ, or muskin.

 

[skeptic]

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

Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16811147052
$24.99

Hard Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16822144415
$52.99

Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16814130062
$129.99

PSU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16814130062
$79.99

Memory
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16820231102
$109.99

Mobo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16813128017
$118.99

Processor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16819115005
$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.

 

[skeptic]

Would this card do the trick?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16814130025
$89.99

$40 saved over
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16814130062

Money to up the processor?

Will that card do?

Thanks.

 

[snake_pliskin]

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