New Build, AM2 System (Help Please)

[berlandson]

I decided its time to build myself a new computer. My current computer manages to do what I ask it to such as run WoW and what not but I want something a little more modern. These are the components I have in mind for my next build and would like a little help/criticism with them. If someone has a better suggestion for a component within a similar price range that would help me a lot. Heres what Ive come up with:

Mobo: MSI K9N SLI Platinum nForce 570
Ram: Kingston KVR800D2N5K2/2G 2GB Kit DDR2-800 PC2-6400
Video: PNY VCG7950GXPB Geforce 7950GT PCI Express 512MB GDDR3
PSU: Thermaltake W0104RU Toughpower 650W Power Supply w/Active PFC
CPU: AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core Processor 5200+ Socket AM2 (89W)
HDD: Western Digital WD2500YS 250GB 3.0 Gb/s 16 MB Cache 7200 RPM SATA

Again any comments or suggestions would really help me as Ive fallen behind on whats what in the PC world. Any help is much appreciated.

 

[dagonoth]

One thing I would consider looking at is going with a Intel's Core 2 Duo. You might be more familiar with AMD but Intel's processors are more powerful in the price range you're looking at. The 5200+ that you quoted is around $290 but the Intel E6400 is around $225 and the E6600 is around $310.
The E6400 is at least as powerful as the chip you are looking at(probably a little more powerful) and the E6600 is much more powerful. If you were looking to spend around $130 on a processor then I would recommend AMD but for your price point the Intel's are great.

 

[berlandson]

Much appreciated, something Ill definitely have to look at tomorrow. Now if I go with the E6600 what board would you recommend with it?

 

[dagonoth]

The motherboard depends on whether you want to overclock or not. If you don't I would just pick a decent priced(not the cheapest) board from a solid manufacturer. If you're going to overclock then a lot of boards from DFI are good for that. Or the following

Gigabyte

ASUS1

ASUS2

Those seem pretty popular for overclockers but you'll pay more for them. If you don't plan on overclocking I would get the Core 2 Duo E6600 and a cheaper motherboard with fewer OC abilities.

 

[berlandson]

Your help is greatly appreciated. Core 2 Duo is sounding very appealing right about now. Thanks again.

 

[berlandson]

So Ive decided I will be going with C2D. Any comments on this setup?

CPU: C2D E6600
Mobo: Gigabyte GA-965P-DQ6
PSU: Thermaltake Toughpower 650W
RAM: 2 GB OCZ PC2-6400 Revision 2
HDD: WD Caviar SE16 250GB, 16 MB Cache
GPU: EVGA GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB

 

[alcattle]

You might want a better than stock HSF. I am guessing you will use XP, best option right now but some people are using the 8800 with Vista.
All your parts fit together well, hopefully the other stuff will fit as well.

 

[fueled_by_ramen]

Your help is greatly appreciated. Core 2 Duo is sounding very appealing right about now. Thanks again.

At the price range you are looking at, Core 2 Duo is the best choice at the moment. Something I quickly found out when I started getting back into the PC hardware world. If you were looking to spend less, AMD is the way to go, but if not, enjoy that Conroe.

 

[berlandson]

Yes for now I will be running Windows XP, I dont have the patience to deal with Vista currently. Ive heard of lots of trouble with driver compatibility, something Id rather avoid. Thanks for the responses.