New PC Build - Thoughts?

[quick2822]

First off, I want to say thanks to everyone here. I've been browsing these forums for a few days as I learn and piece together my potential machine.

I'm looking to build a gaming machine, maybe something that I can overclock (somewhat). It's been several years since I've upgraded my PC, and I thought it is time. Any suggestions/comments would be great. Well, here is what I have so far.

Case: Rosewill R804BK Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16811147024

Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16813128059

Power Supply: Antec NeoPower 550 ATX12V 550W
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16817103941

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E6750
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16819115029

Memory: CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500)
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16820145033

Heatsink: ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16835186134

As for the CPU, I read that everyone here recommends the E8400 but I'm finding out (as you all have) that it is pretty hard to find anyone who has that in stock. The Q6600 or the E6750 are what I read as good alternatives. I've picked the E6750 because of the price, but if you guys recommend something different let me know.

The general consensus is that the GA-P35-DS3L is a good motherboard.

As for memory, I'm not exactly sure. I've read on the forums here that the 1066 is a waste and I should go for the 800 instead?

And finally, a video card. I haven't been following the video card market for years so I'm a little out of sync. Any recommendations? People are saying wait for the 9 series of Nvidia, but people seem to be getting the 8800 series. I'd love to hear what you guys recommend.

Thank you for your time,
Mark

 

[hawkspur]

Just wait a week or so until the E8400 is in stock somewhere, if you keep having problems finding one just go for the Q6600.

Memory wise, DDR2-800 will suite you fine and will probably overclock to 1066 anyways if it's of good quality.

Card wise, the 9x00 series so far hasn't been showing that it's worth waiting for to upgrade. They aren't horribly ahead of the 8x00s. A GT, GTS, or GTX would suite you fine depending on your price bracket. If you do choose a GTX though, you'll probably need a PSU with a single 12v rail with high amperage.

I personally hate Rosewill and would recommend a different case, but you can't really mess a case up too much.

 

[chrisfromalbany]

Well if you are planning any OC.. I get a better case.. can't cheap out there..

Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/product/prod [...] 6811129021
$99.99

 

[chuckm]

I'm probably one of the few who have actually used Rosewill cases, but I go for the ones with 2-120mm fans, basically the 56XX series, They are pretty good cases. This is $20 more, but with 2 fans it's worth it;
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?item=N82E16811147083
I agree that you should wait for the E8400, if you have a Microcenter near by, and if they have them in the store they've been selling them for $199. Heard good things about this cooler;
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233003

 

[akhilles]

Stop looking for e8400 online cuz there is only so much stock. You're not the only buyer. Look for it in your local computer stores. That's where I found mine.

The reason 1066mhz ram is a waste is that:

1066/2=533

It's not easy to overclock to 533mhz FSB. I'm at 450mhz FSB. My ram will max out at around 1000mhz. I'd need better chipset cooling (which I already have) to push the FSB to 500mhz. However, 1066 ram has headroom for overclocking. You wouldn't be bottlenecked by the ram.

The list is fine.