What do you think of this build?

[sld72382]

Long time reader of Tom's but first time poster.

After keeping the same PC and upgrading it like crazy the last 6 years, I think it's time to get a new unit.

So, I compiled these components for a system build. I am going to keep the cost down as I am not a heavy gamer and some components will be carryover (2 HD's, 2 DVD drives, etc...) but want good quality stuff. I figured a cost of less than $1,400 at newegg. Finally, this will have to come after my tax refund.

Here is the list:

Silverstone TJ-06.
Asus P5N-E SLI
Core 2 Duo E6600
Zalman 9700
eVGA 7600GT
Seagate 320GB HD
Thermaltake 700w PSU.
2 GB Corsair XMS2 DDR2-800.
2 Roswill SATA-to-IDE so I can use my 2 current HDs.

 

[jaguarskx]

The Thermaltake 700w PSU is overkill for your system. The most important rail in a PSU is the 12v rail. The following is an estimate of the power draw on the 12v rail under max load:

E6600 OC'ed @ 3.0GHz.............................................68w CPU Power Consumption
7600GTX.................................................................36w GPU Power Consumption
320GB HDD.............................................................16w
DVD Drive...............................................................16w
2 120mm Fans.........................................................12w

Total Estimated Power Consumption on 12v rail........148w
Total Estimate Amp Consumption on 12v rail...........12.33a

Add 16w for every additional hard drive/DVD drive. I estimate a 500GB HD will use about 20w on the 12v rail.

All other components draws power from the 3.3v or 5v rails.

A good 300w PSU can easily power such a system. Other than an overkill PSU everything else seems good.

 

[sld72382]

Well I want at least a 500w unit. Want a little headroom.

 

[qwazzy]

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Well I want at least a 500w unit. Want a little headroom.

I agree 700w is way too much, but I think 450-500w is good. IF that eVGA 7600GT is the same as mine, DON'T GET IT! The heatsink/fan is sooo loud. I replaced it with a Zalman VF 700 and it's really silent now. If you would like to get that GPU, change the heatsink because it's going to be loud.

 

[yas]

I think you should get a 7900GS instead of the 7600GT unless you dont play games. THE 7900GS is a mid-range card at the moment and atleast you can play games at comfortable resolutions and settings