Revised build ... need help on some components

[topgun505]

I posted a new build a while back but it got set back due to medical expenses. Now I am looking in to a new build again and have changed the specs and need some advice on some components.

This is meant to be a mid-range machine with good enough base components that it can make use of future technology as it becomes available. The specs currently stand as:

Asus P5KC motherboard (Capable of FSB1333 and DDR3 for future use)
Core 2 Duo E6750
eVGA 8800 GTS 320 MB video
1x WD Raptor 74 GB 10k RPM hard drive (for op sys, will add a drive for programs/storage later)
& assorted components (fans, DVD-burner, mid-range audio card)
Probably will be running Windows Vista Business or Win XP Pro SP2

The questions I have are ...
a) Do you see anything you could nit-pick on regarding those main components above?
b) What would you suggest for memory for this system (mfg & configuration & latency). I plan on having 2 GB to start with.
c) What wattage power supply would be needed to run this rig?
d) Which op sys would be recommended

Keep in mind the following
- I don't plan on spending a huge sum of $ creating this
- I do not plan on OC'ing

 

[emp]

SeaSonic S12 Energy Plus SS-550HT ATX12V / EPS12V 550W Power Supply 100 - 240 V UL, CE, CB, TUV, FCC - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151027

Kingston 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820134488

Use XP if you have it, if you don't then move on to Vista 64-bit.

I wouldn't get a raptor, I just don't see a real need for one, especially on other than a rich kid system/Extreme enthusiast. The difference that you'll see between the raptor and other 7200rpm are a few seconds at most on loading times and such.

Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3320620AS (Perpendicular Recording Technology) 320GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148140

That' s a nice HDD with decent amount of space. (Plus saves you $70)

Other than that, you're good to go.

 

[topgun505]

I was thinking of going with the Raptor because I was considering going with Vista initially and from reports I have heard ... having the speedy HD helped with loading times and helped to offset the somewhat sluggish response of Vista considering how much of a resource hog it is. But maybe will just stick with XP for now. In which case you're right about sticking with the IBM drive.

I do have to question the RAM though. DDR2 800? Considering the CPU and FSB of the mb are all running at 1333 isn't the memory going to become a significant bottleneck in this case?

Good links to the products though and thank you for the advice.

 

[emp]

to run 1:1 with 1333FSB you need at least DDR2 667 (double data rate 667 x 2 = 1333), so It's more than safe to say than you'll be just fine.

 

[topgun505]

Doh. Gotcha. The last time I built a system there was no such thing. heh.

Ok. Here's the final specs then from the looks of it:

Motherboard: Asus P5KC
Video: eVGA nVidia 8800 GTS 320 MB
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 w/stock heat sink/fan
Power: SeaSonic S12 550 Watt
RAM: Kingston DDR2-800 2 GB
HD: Seagate Barracuda 7200 320 GB
Sound: Creative Labs X-fi XtremeGamer
DVD-RW: Lite-On LH-20A1L-05 Dual Layer 20x SATA

All told from looking at pricewatch and other sources it looks like the total system cost would be a hair under $1200

Would this be considered a mid-range system?

 

[emp]

Well that depends, I don't bother considering a system high end or mid range, I just care about how it plays games, and it will play games very well.

I don't understand why you need the sound card, unless you're an audiophile and can actually tell the difference, it's really pointless to buy one.

All and all you need to check your math, this build should cost a bit over $1000, not $1200, $200 is quite a bit if you ask me