First Time Build-Please advise

[budscyn]

I am a non-gamer. Primary use for this PC will be household use, internet, copying VCR home movies to DVD with minor editing. I don’t want overkill but also don’t want to be dead in the water in a couple of years unable to upgrade.
I have a Venus (don’t know model) case with EZMedia 400W PS, keyboard, mouse, KDS 19” monitor and 80 GB HD. Plan to continue using Windows XP SP2 but would like ability to transition into Vista at a later date.
Current plans include:
• Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L Mobo
• Intel E6600 2.4 Ghz 1066 Processor
• Radeon HD 3650 512 Video Card
• Crucial Ballistix 2 GB (2X1GB)
• Lite-On 20XDVD+R
• Seagate Baracuda 250 GB 7200 SATA
Limited editing, not sure if 3650 512 is overkill,

Any suggestions on current plans will be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[iMAKEtheDEVIL CRY]

The HD 3650 512 is not overkill perfect for what you want it to.Since you are getting a dual core you might as well have a look at the Intel E8400.It runs cooler,uses less power and is newer.If you are giong to overclock you should hit 4 GHz easily(3 GHz Stock).If you will consider the E8400 first check on Gigabyte's website if your mobo is compatible because you might need a bios update but that would be easily done.

 

[Serj]

If you have a Microcenter in your Area, you can land a Q6600 for $200 which will pwn for encoding, and resist new applications better down the road. I also recc. getting the Gigabyte GA-EP35C-DS3R. It's a little more expensive, but it won't lock you into DDR2 ram for the next 4 years (when DDR3 should be nice and cheap) plus the RAID controllers will let you move to redundant storage and/or faster storage in a few years. just my .02

 

[groo]

you may want more HDD, and 4 gigs.

as you plan to keep it for years, an efficient CPU will pay for itself.

Don't bother being able to upgrade to DDR3, its not worth the cost and limitations. there are no current boons to get it now, and it'll be years before its worth it. by then there will be something better on the horizon, or you'll be ready for another upgrade