Budget Gaming Build - just about ready to purchase

[Brien]

Well, I've been browsing these forums for a few weeks and think I'm finally ready to make my purchase. I've done some part replacement/upgrades, but have never built a system from scratch, so I would appreciate any suggestions on the parts that I'm using. I've also never overclocked, but would like the option to do so (nothing extreme and probably nothing right away, but the option). I feel pretty good about most of the parts, except for the RAM. I'd like your opinions about everything, but in particular, I just don't know if that RAM is a good option.

I'll be using the computer mostly for gaming. I'm on a budget (would like to keep it around 1k) and will probably get a new video card in the future.

Thanks so much for your help:


Update Antec Performance One P180 Silver cold rolled steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
Model #: P180
Item #: N82E16811129154

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

In Stock
Mail-in Rebate
$129.99 $129.99

Update GIGABYTE GA-965P-DS3 LGA 775 Intel P965 Express ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Model #: GA-965P-DS3
Item #: N82E16813128012

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

In Stock
$126.99 $126.99

Update EVGA 256-P2-N615-TX GeForce 7600GT 256MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail
Model #: 256-P2-N615-TX
Item #: N82E16814130062

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

In Stock
Mail-in Rebate
$109.99 $109.99

Update OCZ GameXStream OCZ700GXSSLI ATX12V 700W Power Supply - Retail
Model #: OCZ700GXSSLI
Item #: N82E16817341002

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

In Stock
Mail-in Rebate
$154.99 $154.99

Update Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 Conroe 2.13GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80557E6400 - Retail
Model #: BX80557E6400
Item #: N82E16819115004

Return Policy: Processors (CPUs) Return Policy

In Stock
$222.00 $222.00

Update G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-6400CL4D-2GBPK - Retail
Model #: F2-6400CL4D-2GBPK
Item #: N82E16820231087

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

In Stock
$229.99 -$30.00 Instant $199.99

Update Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3320620AS (Perpendicular Recording Technology) 320GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
Model #: ST3320620AS
Item #: N82E16822148140

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

In Stock
$94.99 $94.99

 

[skyguy]

Very good selections there, you've done some great research!

A couple of comments:

-OCZ 700w is a good PSU, but overkill for what you'll likely need. 600w should do just fine for you unless you plan on going SLI with 8800GTX's at some point. So you can save some money there.
-That RAM is fine. People around here have reported decent overclocks. With a 6400 and the 8x multiplier, it'll help your RAM situation by making it easier to OC, so that's good too. You won't get crazy high clock speeds, but you should do fine. Just bump up the volts a little when the time comes and it should get you to 3.0 ghz.
-That vid card should hold you over for awhile until you decide to move to DX10, so good call there.

Everything else looks great. Well done.

 

[rockyjohn]

Looks like a very good system to me.
I planning a new build soon with components almost exactly the same.
I am going with the 7900GS which cost a little more so I assume that is a budget issue for you.
I am planning 667 Mhz memory which is more than satisfactory for a reasonable OC at a little cost saving, although your 800 Mhz provides more overhead for OC.
Also I am planning only a 600w PSU which should be more than ample for the system and future needs.

 

[Brien]

Thank you for the comments. When I started trying to put the system together, I was definitally neglecting the PSU. It seems like that is a common mistake for first timers. Now it looks like I've gone overboard I guess i was figuring, that when I overclock and upgrade to DX10 in the future, I may need the extra power. Downgrading to the 600w would save me $20 dollars though. Something that I'm definitally considering since I'm on budget.

 

[chyort]

you might want to go with the E4300, Higher multiplier than the 6400, and a bit cheaper(In other words, better for OCing )

 

[skyguy]

Definitely. If you're looking to save money:

-600w PSU
-6300 or 4300 CPU....they're both still FAST and can overclock HUGE
-go with the S3 mobo version, not the DS3.


Those 3 things there will save you some GOOD cash, and won't make a huge difference in overall performance.

 

[Brien]

I just discovered these forums (from a friend's recommendation) about a month ago. You guys are unbelievably helpful... thank you.

I think I'm going to go with the 600 watt... to save a little bit of money. I strongly considered the S3 also (when the DS3 was out of stock). From what I understand, the DS3 is a little more durable because of better capacitors. I'm not going to try to pretend that I understand the intricities of capacitors, but more durable sounds good to me.. and I'm willing to spend an extra few bucks for that.

Going with the 600 puts me almost exactly at my 1k mark, which is great. I just saw that the case I wanted now has a rebate... so I think that was a sign to go ahead and place my order (i missed the the last rebate). haha. I'm the type that likes to sit around and mull over purchase decisions, usually so long that something new comes out or a deal ends. I figured, I run it all past you guys to put my indecisiveness to rest.

Thanks again...

 

[skyguy]

Rebates always come and go, just a question of when

Glad you stopped by here, glad you could get some help! We all start somewhere, so pass the word along....

Your system looks very good for your budget, you should be proud of what you got. Stop by when you're done and post some pics!

 

[cattbert]

Nice list. If you are not ordering right away I would keep a look out for a deal on the Antec P180. It has been on sale quite frequently lately. Fry's had it for $80 (after $40 rebate) last week and CompUSA for $90 (after $50 rebate) the week before. I would periodically check both of these sites:

http://slickdeals.net

and

http://www.techbargains.com