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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
You are about to answer a thread that has been inactive for more than 6 months. If you still wish to proceed, please ensure that your posting is original and does not duplicate or overlap any prior responses to this thread.