Need some opinions before purchasing

[Nuke_Dukem]

Hi everyone,

After 3 years I am finally on my way to obtaining my Degree in computer systems (6 month internship left to do), and I've decided to take the plunge and build my own computer using my newfound knowledge lol. Below are my choices in components. Unfortunately I only keep an eye on CPU and GFX reviews so some of you may find my case, psu, ram and mobo choices a bit weird, so if anyone can help me by providing alternatives or help with these parts that would be great. The computer would be used for gaming and general stuff i.e. web browsing, watching movies etc (if you read my current computer specs you will notice that this is way overdue)

Note: the prices are in New Zealand dollars, i will have the total cost up in different currency's at the bottom for anyone that is interested lol. Thanks everyone

CPU: E6750
PRICE: $312
LINK: http://www.pp.co.nz/products.php?pp_id=CP00070

MOBO: Asustek P5KC
PRICE: $236
LINK: http://www.pp.co.nz/products.php?pp_id=MB00071

GFX: XFX 8800GT
PRICE: $477
LINK: http://www.pp.co.nz/products.php?pp_id=VC00162

RAM: Corsair XMS2 2x1GB sticks DDR2 800Mhz
PRICE: $132
LINK: http://www.pp.co.nz/products.php?pp_id=AGW01018

HDD: Seagate 500GB SATA
PRICE: $213
LINK: http://www.pp.co.nz/products.php?pp_id=HD00106

PSU: Silverstone Zeuz 560W
PRICE: $152
LINK: http://www.pp.co.nz/products.php?pp_id=JW00171

CASE: Raidmax Ninja 918
PRICE: $188
LINK: http://www.pp.co.nz/products.php?pp_id=CS00397

DVD: Asus DVD-RW 20x SATA
PRICE: $65
LINK: http://www.pp.co.nz/products.php?pp_id=DW00019

Total cost: $1775 NZD
$1359.90 USD
$1555.95 AUD

 

[batuchka]

Suggested CPU:E8400
http://www.pp.co.nz/products.php?pp_id=CP00064
Suggested RAM : Crucial Ballistix
http://www.pp.co.nz/products.php?pp_id=JW00282
Rest looks good to me ^^ Maybe more experienced gurus could nitpick better hehe

 

[akhilles]

^^^ Def. pick up a Wolfdale.

Good build overall. Are you going to overclock it?

 

[Nuke_Dukem]

Thanks for the input so far. e8400 sounds like a better choice considering its only $30 more than the e6750, however i am confused about the motherboard supporting 45nm processors, in terms of:

* Can i place the e8400 into the board, then update the BIOS to support it, or
* Do i have to place a supported processor into the board, update the BIOS, then put in the e8400?

sorry if this sounds noobish, I'm just confused about the 45nm support for these boards

 

[beurling]

It'll boot up fine, it just might not run as it should until the BIOS is updated. Though most boards lately come ready. Can anyone else confirm this?

 

[Nuke_Dukem]

bump

 

[akhilles]

Nobody can answer that with 100% certainty. We don't make the board or bios. You have to ask the store which will probably say yes yes yes "it does amd and intel w/o plugging it in. yes ys yes.." ... What I'd do is look up the board's latest bios that supports 45nm & guesstimate how long a board could sit on the shelf.

 

[Nuke_Dukem]

I've decided to make some changes to my build:

MOBO: Gigabyte P35C DS3R
PRICE: $238
http://www.pp.co.nz/products.php?pp_id=MB00039

CPU: Intel E8400
PRICE: $349
http://www.pp.co.nz/products.php?pp_id=CP00064

RAM: Crucial Ballistix 2gb PC6400
PRICE: $154
http://www.pp.co.nz/products.php?pp_id=JW00282

Ive also emailed the company i am considering purchasing the components from asking what the revision number is for the motherboard. From researching forums and the Gigabyte website it appears that revision number 2.1 (latest revision) of the motherboard supports 45nm processors straight away... fingers crossed they know the revision number and it is 2.1

 

[akhilles]

Best choices.

You can ask around to borrow a c2d to flash the board if worst comes to worst. Or you can bring the board & bios on disk to a computer store and have them flash it for you for a small fee.

 

[Nuke_Dukem]

BIG BONUS!

Got an email back from the computer parts supplier and they have confirmed that the Gigabyte P35C DS3R they supply is revision 2.1, so my E8400 should work straight away.

I have also changed the case

CASE: Lian-Li PC-007-W65B (Black) Mid-Tower Case
PRICE: $212
http://www.pp.co.nz/products.php?pp_id=CS00033

 

[amd_fanboi]

somehow i get the feeling that for that budget you could get an 8800GTS... nto too sure, though...

 

[Nuke_Dukem]

somehow i get the feeling that for that budget you could get an 8800GTS... nto too sure, though...

You are right there Amd. I've looked at www.pricespy.co.nz and the 8800GT 512 ranges from $366 NZD (no brand/OEM?) to $599 EVGA NZD.

The 8800GTS (g92) ranges from $479 NZD (again no brand/OEM?) to $675 NZD Leadtek.

I paid approx $477NZD / $370 USD for my xfx 8800GT

So yea, it wasn't cheap in terms of what price range the 8800GT was supposed to be in lol