New Budget/Gaming Build, would like advice, opinions!

[tim0]

Hello all,

I've recently constructed myself a new build on paper, and would like some opinions, and questions answered.

Case: Centurion 5, CAC-T05 Looks nice, good cooling, recommendation of others.

PSU: Real Power 550 Watt, RS-550-ACLY
Is it enough? Is it a good brand? I've heard terrifying stories of PSU's dieing and damaging the whole system, and would like to avoid that .

Motherboard: Gigabyte, GA-965P-DS3
Not sure, but I want one of Gigabyte, that's for sure. It's just that the names are so confusing, how should I know what the difference is between the GA-965P-DS3 or the GA-965G-DS3?

CPU: Core 2 Duo, E6400

RAM: Kingston ValueRAM, 667 Mhz, PC2-5300, 1GB, Kit Of 2

DVD Rewriter: Samsung, SH-S183A Not sure, don't know much about DVD-RW Drives, but I don't have high needs from one either.

HD: WD Caviar, SE16, 250GB Again, not sure: but I want a reliable, fast one with 250 GB, so I figured this one is my best bet for a budget system, correct?

GPU: Club 3D, 7600GT, 256MB

I'm planning to upgrade later on to 2GB RAM and a DX10 GPU, and I might be wanting to OC later on. :roll:

Now, for some general questions ( :tongue: ) :
1. What do you think of it?
2. How long would it last with another 1GB RAM and a DX10 GPU Upgrade?
3. How would the performance be with recent and upcoming games?
Help much appreciated!

Regards,
Tim

 

[chiefgabbai]

HD: WD Caviar, SE16, 250GB Again, not sure: but I want a reliable, fast one with 250 GB, so I figured this one is my best bet for a budget system, correct?

This one is highly rated: Seagate 7200.10 250GB 16MB cache
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822148144

DVD Rewriter: Samsung, SH-S183A Not sure, don't know much about DVD-RW Drives, but I don't have high needs from one either.

This is a SATA drive. The IDE versions seem more reliable at this time. I would get this one: Samsung, SH-S182M
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827151136

If you are planning on expanding to 2GB, getting 2x512 limits your expandibility. You may want to get a 1GB stick now and get another one later.

As far as PSU, see http://forumz.tomshardware.com/hardware/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&p=1491365#1491365

Good luck!

 

[tim0]

This one is highly rated: Seagate 7200.10 250GB 16MB cache
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822148144

Alright, I'll go with this one, then.

This is a SATA drive. The IDE versions seem more reliable at this time. I would get this one: Samsung, SH-S182M
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827151136

It is? Ok I'll take that one too.

If you are planning on expanding to 2GB, getting 2x512 limits your expandibility. You may want to get a 1GB stick now and get another one later.

Yeah, I was worrying a little about that too, but my Mobo supports up to 8GB and would 2*1GB be much faster than 4*512MB? Because if I take 1*1GB I will be stuck with it for a while and I thought 2*512 was so much more faster.

As far as PSU, see http://forumz.tomshardware.com/hardware/modules.php?name=Forums&fi...viewtop

Alright, I will look into it, thanks!

 

[LabaR]

2x512 is not "so much more faster" than 1x1G. What the poster above was saying is that if you ever planed on going above 2Gigs of ram, it would be impossible to do so as you would eventually be stuck with 4x512, where as in the future you could possibly have 4x1G. If you dont think you'll ever go beyond 2 gigs with that type ram then by all means go with your plan of the 512s

 

[tim0]

Right, I see, thanks for clearing that up. I'll have to reconsider because isn't it very likely that in some while 3GB is needed when right now 2GB is already recommended?

As for the PSU, I think I will go with the iGreen Power 500 Watt.
And does anyone think I should include another fan?
But what about the rest of the system, is it alright?

Of course any further input is much appreciated!

Regards,
Tim

 

[tim0]

I'm gonna bump this, as the forum is very fast .