Is this set up good for the money?

[acoustic5679]

RAIDMAX SMILODON ATX-612WBP Black SECC STEEL ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 500W Power Supply - Retail
$70

EVGA 512-P2-N635-AR GeForce 7950GT 512MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 KO Video Card - Retail
$215

OCZ ATI CrossFire 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ2A8002GK - Retail
$175

MSI P6N SLI Platinum LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 650i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
$164

Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 Conroe 2.13GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80557E6400 - Retail
$222

All this comes to around $850

I am looking for a med-high end machine that will be easily upgradable(as much as it can be in this fast techy world) Any suggestions on the setup? I really don't think I will utilize the SLI so maybe I should get a board that isn't SLI and go for more features or better performance. I will be primarily gaming, doing media encoding, and dvd burning...

 

[jeff_2087]

The graphics card isn't very good value, you should consider upgrading it to a 8800GTS 320mb. Or, saving money and getting the 7900GS KO instead.

You could also save money on your RAM. If you're not overclocking, you could get DDR2 533. If you are OCing, that's decent RAM, though you could get cheaper and faster stuff by G.Skill. But it's not bad.

You could save money on the CPU by getting an e6300 and overclocking it.

That board is pretty good but if you won't use SLi, you could save money and get the Gigabyte 965P DS3 or S3.

edit: Also you should get a better quality power supply. Ones that come shipped with cases are usually terrible. FSP Group, PC P&C, Corsair, Silverstone, Seasonic, OCZ, Antec make better quality PSUs.

 

[proof]

Only suggestion is spend a few extra bucks for the 8800GTS. You will be glad you did.

 

[fredgiblet]

I second most of jeff's advice, different video card (either better or cheaper), slower RAM I'd suggest 667 since it gives you more overclocking / future proofing ability, and 6300 or even 4300.

 

[acoustic5679]

G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-6400CL5D-2GBNQ - Retail
$139

EVGA 256-P2-N624-AR GeForce 7900GS 256MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 KO Video Card - Retail
$139.00
(do I want to get a DirectX10 card? Or does it really matter right now as far as gaming? Like I said, I am not a hard core gamer.. Just as long as it looks nice and doesn't play choppy... I am not interested in the highest FPS.. But sincethis setup is only $750 I could spend a little more on a better one...

GIGABYTE GA-965P-DS3 LGA 775 Intel P965 Express ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
$120


Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 Conroe 2.13GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80557E6400 - Retail

COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-UW Black Aluminum Bezel, SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
$50


All this comes to $670 and I still need the PSU...

What do you think of this setup and what would be a good PSU to get?

http://secure.newegg.com/NewVersion/Shopping/ShoppingItem.asp?ItemList=N82E16817153023&MainItemList=N82E16817153023

 

[acoustic5679]

But without over clocking wouln't the ddr2800 be faster then the others you specified?



COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-UW Black Aluminum Bezel, SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

$50

EVGA 320-P2-N815-AR GeForce 8800GTS 320MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Video Card - Retail

$300

Thermaltake TR2 W0070RUC ATX 430W Power Supply - Retail

$40

G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-6400CL5D-2GBNQ - Retail
$140

GIGABYTE GA-965P-DS3 LGA 775 Intel P965 Express ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
$119


Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 Conroe 2.13GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80557E6400 - Retail
$222

This all comes to $875 for this setup..

Thanks for all the input.. I am a lot closer to deciding on a setup...

 

[jeff_2087]

If you don't care about playing the newest games on high visual settings, the 7900GS KO is all you need.

As for your RAM, DDR2 800 won't be any faster than DDR2 533 at stock speeds. It's when you're overclocking that you'd want faster RAM. That RAM is already a good price even though it's 800, but you could save a few dollars and get DDR2 533 if you're absolutely sure you wouldn't overclock.

Oh and on the topic of overclocking, if you're not doing it you could also get an even cheaper board like the MSI 965 Neo-F. Solid board. But if you think you might want to overclock, stick with the DDR2 800 and Gigabyte DS3.

 

[acoustic5679]

I will overclock eventually, but its not that important to me. But I think I want to stick with a higher end video card. My monitor (at least most of the time) is my 42" HD monitor. I would love to see FEAR on that screen at 1920x1080 or at least looking good and running smooth. Since it is such a big screen should I get the higher end card?

 

[jeff_2087]

Oh boy yeah for FEAR at 1920x1080 you'd need the GTS for sure.

And I forgot about the power supplies, that Thermaltake would never power a GTS, Likely couldn't handle the GS KO for that matter, actually. Something like this should do the job:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817104954

and is pretty cheap.

 

[skyguy]

Agreed. Acoustic, your specs are getting better, but as still a bit off. Will you be doing any overclocking?

You asked if your list was good for the price. The answer is No. The reason for this is that your intended use for the computer doesn't reflect the choice of components. So, let's get that fixed, shall we?

It sounds like you need to chop the budget a bit, but want good performance so let's do just that:

-Centurion 534 (it's better than the one you show, better venting and rotated hard drive helps with cable management and space requirements)
-C2D 4300 (6400 if you have the budget)
-2 gigs Value DDR2-667 RAM, cheapest stuff you can find
-MSI 965 Neo-F motherboard
-EVGA 8800GTS 320mb
-OCZ GameXstream 600w PSU
-DVD/RW?
-hard drive?

The reason for this list is to get you a good PSU that will handle future upgrades, a CPU that is fast and overclockable, a mobo that is cheap and stable but will overclock some with the 9x multiplier on the 4300 or is just fine if you don't overclock, 2 gigs of cheap RAM that will do just fine, and a graphics card that will kick A$$ for a long time for your needs and won't require an upgrade in the near future.

Total cost? Dunno, I live in Canada, but it'll be close to your budget range. If not, it'll be slightly over. Don't skimp out, spend the extra little bit if you have to in order to get good components.

This is a better match to what you need and offers some flexibility and upgradability.

If you ever want to move up to a quad core CPU, then get the Gigabyte 965P-S2 motherboard instead. A bit more money but ensures better future upgrades. If no quad core, stick with the Neo-F, it's a fine basic board.

Good luck!

[edit: HUH? You're not a hardcore gamer but want a 19xx resolution?!? WOW. Then your budget is waaaaay gone. Get an 8800GTX, a 700w PSU, a better mobo, and add $800 to your budget at least. You can't buy crap components and game at 19xx rez, sorry]

 

[proof]

HAHAHAH! You know what you should want? You should want to play F.E.A.R. at 2048x1536 with all the options turned on and get 500fps.

 

[acoustic5679]

COOLER MASTER Centurion 534
EVGA 320-P2-N811-AR GeForce 8800GTS 320MB
OCZ GameXStream OCZ600GXSSLI ATX12V 600W Power Supply
pqi 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667
GIGABYTE GA-965P-DS3 LGA 775 Intel P965
Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 Conroe 2.13GHz LGA 775

All of it is priced at $900 though newegg

I shouldn't have said 1920x1080 and fear in the same post
I will play games on my 42" display, but I won't run them at 1080p or nothing... Just as long as it looks good on a screen that big and I am not to picky. I was playing FarCry on my P4 2.2 gig, 128mb GeforceTi4200 with 512k ram and it played OK on my big screen. Of course its set to low/med settings... I would just like a cpu that will last me another 4-6 years (I built my last one in the beginning of 2001) with upgrades here and there. I don't expect to be playing newer games that come out in 4 years on this by any means. How is that setup then? I don't need a new dvd burner I will just use the IDE connector for my 320gig storage drive and dvd burner. I will need a system HD, but I am not counting that as my budget. I can get a 120 gig SATA drive for pretty cheap I imagine.

 

[skyguy]

COOLER MASTER Centurion 534
EVGA 320-P2-N811-AR GeForce 8800GTS 320MB
OCZ GameXStream OCZ600GXSSLI ATX12V 600W Power Supply
pqi 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667
GIGABYTE GA-965P-DS3 LGA 775 Intel P965
Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 Conroe 2.13GHz LGA 775

All of it is priced at $900 though newegg

Now THAT list is a great performer for the price Good job!

 

[f1nal_0men]

COOLER MASTER Centurion 534
EVGA 320-P2-N811-AR GeForce 8800GTS 320MB
OCZ GameXStream OCZ600GXSSLI ATX12V 600W Power Supply
pqi 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667
GIGABYTE GA-965P-DS3 LGA 775 Intel P965
Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 Conroe 2.13GHz LGA 775

All of it is priced at $900 though newegg

Now THAT list is a great performer for the price Good job!

Centurion 534
$49.99

OCZ GameXStream 600watt
$119.99 after $10.00 Mail-In Rebate

Gigabyte 965P-S3
$104.99

Intel Core2Duo E4300
$169.00

Kingston 2x1024MB DDR2-667
$136.49

eVGA 8800GTS 320MB
$259.99 after $20.00 Mail-In Rebate

60$ cheaper yet

 

[skyguy]

F1nal, you da man


I thought it would come in at a decent price. I sometimes surprise myself LMAO.

 

[f1nal_0men]

F1nal, you da man


I thought it would come in at a decent price. I sometimes surprise myself LMAO.

Hehe. I know, I surprise myself once in awhile too.

 

[acoustic5679]

Thanks so much for the help everyone. I just realized something. I need firewire also and the only mobos I can find that have that are SLI. Can anyone recommend a mobo that is very comparable to this mobo, but with firewire built in? I would buy a PSI card for it, but I don't want to lose the space.

Is the Intel Core2Duo E4300 much different then the Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 Conroe 2.13GHz LGA 775? I know its cheaper, but would the $40 be worth the difference in performance?

 

[zenmaster]

At stock speeds the E6400 is much better than the E4300.
However, no good enthusiast would not OC a Core2Duo since they OC so easy.

My E4300 ran fine at 3.2Ghz instead of the stock 1.8ghz, but I set it back to 3.0Ghz so my CPU fan would stay silent.

Also consider waiting about 3-4 weeks when Intel will release a whole set of new CPUs which means the current ones drop way down in price.

 

[alcattle]

This board is $60 more but might be what you want. Or else get a 650i MB, SLI but Cheaper than this one.
MSI 975X Platinum V.2 LGA 775 Intel 975X

 

[acoustic5679]

I think I will stick with the Gigabyte 965P-S3. I have a PCI card in my old PC that I could take out and put in this one. It has 3 PCI slots so I think I will be more then fine with only 2 left.

As far as overclocking, I wasn't planning on it and I haven't had much experience with OC. I have read guides, but have never attempted to do so. I will not have any other cooling systems/fans besides what comes with what I have below. I have also read that you can easily OC that E4300 without any additional fans or cooling systems, so I guess I might as well try pushing it to 2.5 ghz at least... Since that processor is easily OCable. Isn't the 6400 the same way? you could OC that one even further then the 4300 right?

Centurion 534
$49.99

OCZ GameXStream 600watt
$119.99 after $10.00 Mail-In Rebate

Gigabyte 965P-S3
$104.99

Intel Core2Duo E4300
$169.00

Kingston 2x1024MB DDR2-667
$136.49

eVGA 8800GTS 320MB
$259.99 after $20.00 Mail-In Rebate

 

[skyguy]

Great setup there, well done.

Just make sure you have 2 120mm case fans, 1 for intake at front, 1 for exhaust at rear. Can't remember if they come with the case or not. If not, pick 1 or 2 up. But I think at least the exhaust fan is included.....?

 

[acoustic5679]

120mm Fans 2x 120mm case fan, one on the side panel (intake); another one on rear (exhaust) (this comes with it)

I find it odd it doesn't have a front fan. I don't even see where you would have a front intake fan from the pictures.

How do I know if the video card will even fit inside this mobo/case?
I have read all the reviews on the card and they say "its the size of a newborn baby so make sure you have room."

 

[skyguy]

I don't know of any ATX case that can't fit up to an 8800GTS. Only the GTX has problems fitting in cases. I've never heard of size issues. This is because it's not possible with an ATX mobo. Here's why:

An 8800GTS doesn't go past the edge of a standard ATX motherboard. I know, I've done many builds with a GTS and it is physically shorter than the width of an ATX mobo. And since an ATX mobo HAS to fit within a standard ATX case, an 8800GTS therefore fits. And since the GTS is the longest card (except the GTX) on the market, it will therefore fit any ATX case. So any card from the 8800GTS on down will fit into that Coolermaster case......7900GTX, 7600GT, X1900XTX, X1650PRO.....you name it. Anything except an 8800GTX.

Hope that helps clear it up for you

 

[acoustic5679]

I understand. Thanks for all the info. I checked up on that case and it does have a slot for an additional 120mm fan. I think I should get one. Do you have a recommendation on what kind to get?

 

[skyguy]

Something quiet, don't break the bank. Scythe S-Flex is good balance between noise and airflow. If you want even quieter, get a Nexus 120mm. If you want adjustable between noise/airflow for hi/med/lo, then Antec Tri-Cool 120mm. Aboslute silence and good airflow, get a Noctua.

If you want sheer performance and airflow and don't care about noise, get a Silverstone FM-121 (120mm), simply awesome airflow, and not tooooo noisy, but depends on your definition of "noisy". You gotta think that 110 cfm won't be quiet though

Absolute silence: Noctua
Quiet: Scythe, Nexus
Speed Adjustable: Antec Tri-Cool
Performance: Silverstone