Building new system help o.O

[Orly]

Hey guys. I'm pretty n00bish at this but will try to explain . I'm wanting to build a new pc but pretty lost atm as to what cpu to choose, amd or intel.

I've been scanning http://www.scan.co.uk/ and thinking of going with the Intel Core 2 Duo E4400. Should I rather go with AMD and if so what is their equivalent of this cpu?

One more question. The system I got in mind is the following, good or not so good? Any advice would be appreciated 8O

512MB XFX 7950GT XXX, PCI-E (x16), Mem 1600MHz, GPU 610MHz
2GB (2x1GB) CorsairTwinX XMS2, DDR2 PC2-6400 (800), 240 Pins
Intel Core 2 Duo E4400, Socket 775, 2.0 GHz, 800MHz FSB, Allendale Core, 2MB
Asus P5N32-E SLI NF680i SLI, S 775, PCI-E (x16), DDR2 533/667/800, SATA II

 

[pchoi04]

Not a bad setup if you're on a super tight budget... pretty similar to what my specs are and you'll spend quite a bit less than what I spent.

If you still have a little room. I might suggest a E6320 because now you get 4M of Cache. Core 2 Duos are great if your planning on overclocking. For a little bit more money you might be able to get your hands on a 8800GTS 320MB. I think there going for about $280 with $20 mail in rebates or something. Also make sure to get a solid PSU. Definitely do not go cheap on your PSU.

 

[Orly]

Thanks for that advice I had seen a few topics on other forums regarding the E6320 which only left me more confused. My budget is a little tight, but I'd rather shell out a few more and make the upgrade really worth it.

As for the 8800GTS 320MB, I've got my eye on 320MB Gigabyte 8800GTS PCI-E(x16) Mem 1600MHz GPU 500MHz. Its cheaper than most of the other manufacturers @ £191.75. This any reflection of poorer quality or should I get it?

 

[dsidious]

That's some very good advice you got there, I totally agree.

The mobo you picked is expensive but great, I want one of those too. It saves the need to buy a sound card and a network card. For you though it doesn't make much sense to pay extra for SLI support. You can get a good Gigabyte mobo for $129.

I don't know about the 8800 GTS but I did lots of research about the GTX and I can tell you prices differ a lot from store to store (the same model is $845 and $965 at two stores in my city) and because some models are overclocked higher than others (BFG has 3 models at the same store in my city and they have prices like $709, $750 for OC, $850 for OC2), some have watercooling (and cost $200 more), some have games bundled, some have better warranties than others, some have TEC coolers (Sparkle Calibre) which make them quieter. You need to do your homework here if you want the absolute best deal. Probably not worth it, I'd just go with the cheapest one if it has a good warranty.

 

[Orly]

Is the 8800 GTS quicker than the 7950GT? Bear in mind I don't have vista or any DirectX applications so is the 8800 really suitable?

As for the mobo, while I've been pricing around I've seen some mobo's are Nforce4 and others are Nforce 650/680. Whats the difference?