Yet Another Build Thread

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mick

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Jan 27, 2002
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Hi, I'm looking to upgrade my current computer because I've had it for about 5years+ and it died from overheating (the graphics card fan actually melted off). So I'm looking for some opinions and suggestions for a few build :)

I'm looking upgrade my CPU, Video Card, Motherboard, RAM, Hard Drive and probably PSU (because my current one is only 450W).

I am a gamer but I'm not excepting to play any heavy intensive new games (currently only play Warcraft 3 and world of Warcraft and plans on playing Starcraft 2 when it is released) however i do enjoy using photoshop every once in awhile (i do not use programs like 3dstudiomax or maya).

My i don't have a set budget but i would like this to be a value for money build and spend at max 1500 AUSD (1246.93 USD).

Currently planning:
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E6420 2.13GHz 1066Mhz FSB?
Video Card: Geforce 8600GTS?
RAM: 2x1GB DDR2 800?
Motherboard: ?
Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 7200 SATA or around there
PSU: If i need a new one :)

I'm not sure as to if i should get 677 or 800 on the RAM and stuff like that too. But one thing i don't want is a radeon graphics card because of some bad experiences with it.

Any help/suggestions appreciated. Thanks guys! If i missed anything you'd like to know, please just ask :)
 
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prof_chaos

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-For the memory, go with PC2 6400 (800 mhz) memory.
-For the video card, don't get the 8600 gts, gt or any other future variant. The 8600 isn't even mainstream but more like low end. A 7900GS is much better and cheaper too.
-For the motherboard, a Gigabyte DS3 is a good board and great for overclocking as well.
 
M

mick

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Jan 27, 2002
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Thanks for the reply prof_chaos!

I read about the 7900GS in pcpowerplay and it seemed pretty good on there too.

I forgot to add, chances are i won't be overcloaking so that won't be a big worry :) Also, i run 2 monitors as well, which is also why I'm not sure if i need a better PSU.

I'll look into the DS3.
 
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bigblack

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Let us know also what brand and model your PSU is. If you use it for 5 years maybe it will not serve your new build very well. Also maybe you should think of getting a P35 mobo that supports both DDR2 and DDR3 as well as the newer C2Ds
http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/Products/Motherboard/Products_Overview.aspx?ProductID=2551&ModelName=GA-P35C-DS3R

The E6420 is a good choice, but since July is so close (new Intel price cuts) you should think of buying a E4300 now, sell it in July and get a Quad core for little more than a E6420 costs today. Or maybe you could postpone your build until then, i don't know if you can wait that long.

The 7900GS is cheaper but it certainly belongs to the 8600GT - 8600GTS class performance wise. If you are building for 5 years and you would like to play Starcraft 2, you should definitely buy something better like the 8800GTS, or just buy the cheapest 7600 you can find and upgrade when the price of a 8800GTX (or equivalent) seems right to you.

Of course, everything depends on price and availability in Australia. My advice is based on performance/dollar and future proof since you seem to hold on to your builds for a long time.
 
M

mick

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Thanks for the replies!

I heard about the Intel price cuts, i might just hold onto my old p4 3.0ghz and upgrade once the new prices are in.

BigBlack, I'll look into the P35 too, thanks for the suggestion :)

My current PSU is a 450W Codegen, but it looks like i might need to upgrade it after all.

Zoridon, i think I'll stay right clear of radeons while they arn't a complete monopoly :) Overheating was the worst problem with my old 9800 pro. (wasn't able to run WoW for expended periods of time, 10min+ and i needed to use an external fan pointed right onto it run the computer)

If anyone has any more suggestions, I'd be glad to hear it.

Thanks guys.
 
M

mick

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Jan 27, 2002
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Ok, I've put together (with your suggestions) what i think i will be getting and i was wondering if you guys could just look over it and make sure it all looks ok :) Oh and i might have a few more questions!

Intel C2D E4300 or E4400 if it isn't a lot more expensive. I will be upgrading to a quad core 1066fsb when the price cuts arrive and pass this one onto my bro (which his motherboard can only support up to 800fsb)

GeForce 8800GTS 320mb. But I'm not sure what brand to go yet. Any suggestions would really be appreciated :)

Seagate 500GB 7200RPM SATA HHD.

2x Corsair/Kingston? 1GB DDR2 800FSB PC2 6400 RAM.

Gigabyte Intel GA-P35C-DS3R (as suggested, thanks :) )

550W/600W PSU (I'm still not sure if 550W will be enough. Also wondering if the brand is important enough for me to get a Antec one).

Thanks guys! Hopefully it hasn't gone over or too much over my budget :lol:
 
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bigblack

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Intel C2D E4300 or E4400 if it isn't a lot more expensive. I will be upgrading to a quad core 1066fsb when the price cuts arrive and pass this one onto my bro (which his motherboard can only support up to 800fsb)
Click to expand...
Check out if your brother's mobo supports C2Ds. The price difference should be something around 40 AUSD. If it is more, don't bother, get the E4300 and it will be fine.

GeForce 8800GTS 320mb. But I'm not sure what brand to go yet. Any suggestions would really be appreciated :)
Click to expand...
It seems that all brands use the exact same design, so go for the cheapest you can find. Do not get any overclocked version, you can do it yourself. In the US, EVGA has an upgrade program that permits you to buy a card and return it for an upgrade in 90 days, paying only the price difference between the two. This and a lifetime warranty are the main reasons to get an EVGA. Don't know if the program applies to Australia, but you may want to check it out. Otherwise, get the cheapest brand!

2x Corsair/Kingston? 1GB DDR2 800FSB PC2 6400 RAM.
Click to expand...
If in doubt, check the operating voltage from the specs of each brand. It should be 1.8V stock, no more. Get the one with this voltage, lower price, lower timings (in that order!) If it needs higher voltage it is just factory overclocked memory.


550W/600W PSU (I'm still not sure if 550W will be enough. Also wondering if the brand is important enough for me to get a Antec one).
Click to expand...
550 should be more than enough, but the brand is also important, as is the amperage on the 12V rails. You have to choose from this list which is for Australia
http://forumz.tomshardware.com/hardware/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&p=1493933#1493933
I would suggest this one:
http://www.nintek.com.au/x/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=9030
or his 520W brother, this one
http://www.nintek.com.au/x/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=9031
Both are manufactured by Seasonic and are powerful, efficient, solid units. Frankly, they present a great value for money at this price point and i wouldn't suggest anything else for your budget and needs.

The seagate is ok, but you may want to consider this cheaper, equally good alternative:
http://www.nintek.com.au/x/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=12186
or getting 2X250GB hard discs with the same total capacity and speed but greater flexibility for backup purposes
http://www.nintek.com.au/x/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=12182
With two discs you can also dump the windows swap file on the second disc and have a faster overall system.

Good luck! Post again your final decisions, or any question you have, we are all glad to help you. :D
 
C

chikit

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Hi,

To OP, I'm pretty getting the exact same rig as you apart from hard drives.
I'm going to RAID 0 two WD 74Gb 10k raptors, as I always believed hard drives were the biggest bottleneck in systems today. So i thought i would treat myself, plus i would always get a kick out of the speed everytime windows boots up. didnt go for 150gbs cuz they too expensive, and they arent for storage anyway. I'm in the same boat as you waitin for july 22 tho :roll:
why not try wd 74's in raid? and get a cheap big storage drive.
 
M

mick

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Jan 27, 2002
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Hey guys. I think I've basically decided what i will be getting (all within budget) and i thought I'll just repost it with the prices i have found.

Australian Dollars, all items from 1 shop except the mobo.

Intel Core 2 Duo - $154
Gigabyte S775, GA-P35C-DS3R - $237.16 (Will have to be brought online, postage not included, probably $20)
2x Seagate 250gb 16mb 7200.10 SATA - $166
2x 1gb A-Data 800 RAM - $155
Antec T.P. 3 Trio 550W PSU - $146
CoolerMaster Mystique RC631 - $125

And one thing I'm not sure which brand to get because they only differ by about $10, except the ECA one. (They don't have eVGA or XFX, sadly)

ECS GeForce 8800GTS 320mb - $379
MSI GeForce 8800GTS 320mb - $412
Gigabyte GeForce 8800GTS 320mb - $422
Asus GeForce 8800GTS 320mb - $422
LeadTek GeForce 8800GTS 320mb - $425

Total: 1382.16 AUSD with the $20 postage and ECA graphics card.
= 1,165.00 USD (XE conversion)

Thanks for your help guys, and any more last minute suggestions still welcome :)

EDIT:

Oh, one more thing ;)

Should i get the GA-P35T-DQ6 or a GA-P35-XXX motherboard instead? Not many stores have the P35C for some reason.
 
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