New build, buying in 2 days...some questions

[matdall]

Hello guys and thanks in advance for the help. Fisrt, I'll post my question and then the build that I'm ordering soon :

1. I want to overclock, do I have the good mobo for it?
2. I need suggestion for CPU cooling (air)
3. In general, does this build makes the cut for a great gaming system? I'm not really interested about spending much more then I'm already doing

Here is the build :

Mobo : MSI P35 Platinum LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130097)

CPU :Intel Core 2 Duo E6550 Conroe 2.33GHz 4M shared L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115030)

RAM : Patriot Extreme Performance 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220144)

PSU : COOLER MASTER eXtreme Power RP-650-PCAR ATX from factor 12V V2.01 650W (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171014&Tpk=Coolmaster%2bExtreme%2bPower%2b650W)

Case : COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119137&Tpk=coolmaster%2bCM%2b690)

HDD : HITACHI Deskstar T7K500 HDT725050VLA360 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822145137&Tpk=T7K500)

Video Card : XFX PVT80GGHF4 GeForce 8800GTS 320MB 320-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150171)

OS : Windows Vista Home premium.

I already have the rest : DVD burner, LDC keyboard, etc. Thanks a bunch all!

 

[aadamszc]

1. Yeah, the P35 is a good OCer. You may want to try a DS3L. The E6750 is a better OCing CPU.

2. Ermmmm...lots of fans?

3. I'm not going to say great, but it will get a lot of things done. If you are looking to play crysis on very high at 19x12, it won't happen.

*Do Not Purchase the 8800GTS 320MB*
Seriously, by the cheaper, but better preforming 8800GT, I'd probably even take an ATI/AMD 3870 over the 8800GTS 320MB.

I can't really say I like that PSU. Check out the tiered PSU listing for better options. Tier 3 or better. I can't post the link right now.

-Adam

 

[matdall]

I'm in Canada and I don't seem to be able to find any 8800GT. I've looked on canadadirect, tigerdirect, ncix...

Thanks a lot for the advice, I'll really consider the E6750 and look for the DS3L. As for the PSU, I'm sure, I'll find the link!

Edit : this link : http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=108088

 

[matdall]

If I'm able to get more money on this rig, should I get a 8800GTS 512Mb or still go have a look and try to find a 8800GT 256mb?!

 

[akhilles]

This is a better quality psu than your selection:

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=19832&vpn=CMPSU-520HX&manufacture=CORSAIR&promoid=1008

It sucks that 8800gt is sold out as soon as it's in stock. The HD 3870 is about $240 & a bit weaker than 8800GT. It's not a bad card at all. It has a 2-slot cooling (quiet) vs 8800gt's 1-slot cooling (loud).

 

[aadamszc]

Yep, what ^ said.

If you need to build in the two days(1 day now), you can get the new 3870. Sure it's performance is not really as good as the 8800GT right now, but that may change. It has some advantages. Also, last time I checked -- NCIX had it in stock.

 

[WR2]

Also, last time I checked -- NCIX had it in stock.

I'm not sure NCIX has them on hand. In face I cant find any place that has 3870s in stock.

 

[akhilles]

Missed your cpu hsf question. Any of the top air coolers is good for this build. Like TR U120E, Typhoon, Geminii, Infinity & Ninja.