Please review this new build - first draft

[mormonsniper]

Hi everyone,
Well, I am getting together a pile of stuff to put together. I haven't built a system since the old 486 days. This is a moderate system, performance wise. I don't play games so it is simply a practice session and an upgrade. I do contribute to rosetta via BOINC software so at least it will be put to some good use. Please check my list and see if I have forgotten anything. My first 64bit system as you can tell. I bought an Antec P182 case. With rebate, it was/will be $45.00. I would appreciate any advice. I know the video card is not high speed for sure. I just want to be able to see a decent screen (old age).

Thanks and blessings to all,
ms




GIGABYTE GA-X38-DS4 LGA 775 Intel X38 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Model #: GA-X38-DS4
$199.99

GIGABYTE GV-NX86S256H GeForce 8600GTS 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
Model #: GV-NX86S256H
$142.99

PC Power & Cooling Silencer 610 EPS12V EPS12V 610W Continuous @ 40°C Power Supply - Retail
Model #: Silencer 610 EPS12V
$119.99

Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8400 - Retail
Model #: BX80570E8400
$224.99

CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X2048-6400C4 - Retail
Model #: TWIN2X2048-6400C4
$148.00

SAMSUNG Spinpoint F1 HD753LJ 750GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
Model #: HD753LJ
$169.99

SAMSUNG 226BW Black 22" 2 ms (GTG) DVI Widescreen LCD Monitor - Retail
Model #: 226BW
$319.99

SAMSUNG 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model SH-S203N - OEM
Model #: SH-S203N
$31.99

Microsoft Windows Vista 64-Bit Ultimate for System Builders Single Pack DVD - OEM
Model #: 66R-00838
$189.99

ZALMAN CNPS9700 LED 110mm 2 Ball CPU Cooler - Retail
Model #: CNPS9700 LED
$59.99

ARCTIC COOLING MX-2 Thermal Compound - Retail
Model #: MX-2R
$6.99

$1,614.90

 

[mormonsniper]

Sorry, all pricing is from Newegg.

 

[PsychoFanatic]

That memory is real expensive no need to pay $150 for 2gbs of ram when you can get 4gb's for $100 or less some times, take a look at these:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146699
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227267
so you can fully utilize 64 bit, Either one is under the $148

Also Grab the x1950pro or HD2900pro from ATI the 8600GTS is really bad for the price the x1950 pro is less and the HD2900PRO is $154($149 After Rebate)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814241038
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102717

 

[akhilles]

^^ What he said. Go with at least HD3850 if you game. GTS512/HD3870 would be best for that monitor.

Print this out. You're gonna need it:

http://www.corsair.com/systembuild/report.aspx?report_id=12472

 

[jedi940]

For no gaming, the x38 mobo is overkill. also, the 8600gt would be find for your needs. If you have no brand preference, check out the 2600. Both are around the same price. this 8600 Gt is less than $100

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130085

Also, if you change the vid card, and drop the x38 motherboard and go with a p35 or something, the money you save will allow you to upgrade the processor from the dual core to the q6600. Plus if you are worried about speed, with the zalman, you can easily hit 3.0GHZ without increasing the core voltage.

GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128059
only 89.99 with free shiping and winner of the customer choice award!

If you are not gaming, a 2ms monitor is not necessary. 4-5ms would be find and you can find those for around $200. If you have the $300 to spend, try this one

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824116096

It has a higher contrast ratio which will give you blacker blacks.

Also, a agree with the memory suggestions listed above.

 

[neisonator]

if you wont be gaming then a basic p35 board would be enough it has decent overclocking.

 

[aevm]

Agreed. GA-P35-DS3L + Q6600 costs less than GA-X38-DS4 + E8400, is more future-proof, and you don't have to worry about downloading the latest BIOS and flashing.

8600GT is a good choice if you don't game. HD 3850, however, is not much more money and it will make the system much better for gaming. I know you don't game, but it will help resell the system later, or it will make some kid much happier when he gets this system for his birthday

There are cheaper and quieter coolers than the Zalman 9700. If you aren't going for a very high overclock you can save $40 by getting an Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro instead ($28 at newegg). It's also very easy to install.

Where did you get that P182 so cheap??? I'm sure lots of people here would like a URL for it

 

[qwertycopter]

I bought an Antec P182 case. With rebate, it was/will be $45.00.

That's like $100 off. Do tell, where did you buy it from?

 

[chuckm]

ATI/AMD are about to release three new, low cost video cards, might wait to see what they are like. Here's one of the many links;
http://enthusiast.hardocp.com/article.html?art=MTQ1MSwxLCxoZW50aHVzaWFzdA==