Critique my potential new rig...

[lhgpoobaa]

The aim of this upgrade is to max bang per buck, so im reusing old components like the 550W psu, opticals, HDD's etc
All prices are in Australian Dollars.
Just like american ones... but more sucky.

CPU: E6600 - $302
CPU Cooler: TT big Typhoon - $75
Mobo: Gigabyte P35-DS4 (nice passive goodness) - $295
RAM: Corsair TWIN2X2048 (2x1gb) 6400 4-4-4-12 - $239
Graphics: ECS 8800GTS - $379

was originally considering a N650 board with 4 IDE channels, but ditched that by retiring 2 old PATA drives and getting a new SATA one.
Was also considering a 8600 series card, but they kinda suck with AA enabled due to their 128bit memory interface.

This system should overclock nicely.

 

[airoh69]

I am woried about your psu. That 88 needs a lot of power. What brand name is the psu and what are the amps ont 12v rail

 

[true_hw]

The power of your PSU is quite enough. The only thing you should verify is the compatibility of TT Big Typhoon with your motherboard.

 

[Findail]

The aim of this upgrade is to max bang per buck,
<snip>
CPU Cooler: TT big Typhoon - $75

If you're really looking for bang-per-buck, I think the Typhoon has too much buck. Have you looked at the Arctic Freezer 7 ($34.99) or a Zalman cooler in the $40-$60 range (I have the CNPS7700-CU and like it quite fine, thanks)? Even the famed Tuniq Tower comes in at a mere $65, saving you $10.

EDIT: I just realized I forgot the "more sucky" factor of USD vs. Australian dollars. Perhaps the Arctic Freezer would be the only valid route for you.

 

[lhgpoobaa]

Ive had the typhoon before on my 939 mobo and loved it.
just dont have th bits to fit it on the 775 mobo.

PSU wise my 550Watter is rated at:
3v - 20A
5v - 25A
12v(1) - 12A
12v(2) - 12A
12v(3) - 6A

note these are continual amps, not peak

 

[lhgpoobaa]

ahh cool.
Well ill see how the PSU goes.
it will suffice for the start when im just doing stuff and not OC'ing.

 

[andybird123]

your PSU will be fine

:roll: at everyone who always cry PSU

 

[proof]

For $75 you will be able to get the Thermalright Ultra 120 eXtreme or even the IFX-14. The 640MB is worth it in my opinion.

 

[bLAKEpERKINS]

OMG you b4astard you stole my build... looks like i'll have to change mine then

 

[lhgpoobaa]

No point trying to convince me of a new cooler Mr Proof.

I Already have a TT big typhoon that was mounted on my old S2 3800+.
Twas a wonderful cooler, even with the fan running at stuff-all RPM.

Unfortunately at the time i thought i had to get a new one as i lost the necessary backplate to mount it on a socket 775 mobo.

FORTUNATELY, the nice people at TT are shipping me the missing bits so i can use the cooler once again.
Nice Thermaltake, very nice.

Regarding the 8800GTS 640mb, its not an option due to price.

In Australia (Melbourne) here is todays current listing of card prices at the lowest ive been able to find retail.
8800GTS 320mb
ECS - $379
MSI - $412
gigabyte & asus - $422
Leadtek - $425

8800GTS 640mb
Leadtek - $560
Asus - $599

As u can see, from 379 to 560 is a big price jump.

 

[eric54]

Sucks you cant get the 640mb gts, it performs like a champ. But they are about the same at 1280x1024, at higher res the CPU restriction lessens so the 640 begins to take a bigger lead (assuming eye candy is enabled). Check out here to see what difference there is. The 320 might net you the same performance you'd get with a gtx depending on the res you play at.


Kinda funny the cards are made thousands of miles closer to australia yet still cost more there, even with exchange rate. Sucks having a taxing government like Canada's doesnt it

 

[lhgpoobaa]

indeed. and those prices are teh BEST ive found.. others are just scary inflated.

Graphics wise ill probably run most things at 1280x960, somewhat of a sweet spot for my crt montor. Can do that at 100Hz. which would be nice with AA and ansio cranked up high.

 

[lhgpoobaa]

indeed. and those prices are teh BEST ive found.. others are just scary inflated.

Graphics wise ill probably run most things at 1280x960, somewhat of a sweet spot for my crt montor. Can do that at 100Hz. which would be nice with AA and ansio cranked up high.