Help with new build

[lonewuhf]

Hey to everyone here! Here's the situation, I want to build a new computer pretty much from the ground up. The only problem is, I havent been keeping up with information about the newest parts recently. I have read a bit in the last week, but still havent decided on what I want in it. I've been thinking about either a Q6600 or E8400 processor. If I went with the Q6600, i'd use the GIGABYTE GA-p35-D53L mobo. That's pretty much as far as I've gotten. Basically what I want is a decent build (700-800 dollar budget atm) but a computer that I can put a bunch of money in in the next 2-3 years. I don't have too much experience with OCing, but I would like to start doing it more. Any suggestions would Help!!

 

[oushi]

You can make a fairly decent build with 700-800 bucks. One of the more popular builds around here for moderate gaming is the following:

Case: Depends on your taste... Antec 900 ($80 AR at newegg) is one of the more popular gamer cases
CPU: Q6600/E8400 ($200-250 depending where you buy)
Mobo: Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L ($90)
GPU: 9600GT(~$170), 8800GT(~$200), 8800GTS (~$250)
PSU: Corsair 550VX ($65 AR at buy.com)
Memory: Any decent 2GB DDR2 ($40)
HD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.10/7200.11 (Varies with GB)
Optical drive: A decent DVD±RW ($30)
Aftermarket heatsink: Optional, depends how much you want to OC ($25+)

What are the primary uses of this system? If you can give us more information, we'll be able to narrow it down a bit.

 

[lonewuhf]

Thanks for your quick reply! The main use would be gaming. I dont do any video or anything. I do plan to put more money into it in the next 6 months. Another question I have is, are the raptor drives worth the extra money for the speed? I've been thinking about a 72gig raptor for games, and another 7200 for OS all other apps and other crap. Dunno if its worth the extra money though. I would also like to upgrade to 64bit vista, but I dont really know which is the best version.

 

[lonewuhf]

Does anyone else have any suggestions? I'd like to be sure of the parts before I order them, Thanks in advance!

 

[oushi]

Most people here say that the Raptors aren't worth the extra money. The 7200.11's are supposed to be only slightly slower but at a much better price. May I ask what parts you have decided to get?

 

[lonewuhf]

I think ill go with something along these lines...

Case: Antec 900
CPU: Q6600
Mobo: Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L
GPU: 8800GT
PSU: Still unsure, dont know how much power I need when keeping in mind future upgrades.
Memory: Patriot Viper 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)
HD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST3500320AS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s
Optical drive: Pioneer Black 20X DVD+R
Aftermarket heatsink: Still unsure

 

[oushi]

I honestly think the Corsair 550VX is plenty for almost any single-GPU system. Main reason you might want more power is if you're planning to SLI in the future, in which case you would need to pick out a new mobo and bump up your budget another $150+ to compensate.

If you're looking for a HSF, I would recommend either the Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro or Xigmatek HDT-S1283. The Freezer works well and is cheaply priced, while the Xigmatek costs a little more but has the performance of coolers that cost twice its price. Depends on how much you can afford.

 

[chuckm]

As far as the CPU, the E8400 is pretty much out of stock until the end of April, may as well get the Quad.

 

[iluvgillgill]

start with 2GB memory first especially you are new to overclocking.4gb ram will make it more difficult for you.as you said you wanna invest more in it in the coming future.so the other 2Gb you can put in later.as i would say a 750i mobo,q6600,2gb ram,8800gts 512mb,samsung hd501j 500GB,decent case and Artic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro to start with.i would recommend get a sli certified PSU for future proof.

as in the future you can add another 2gb ram,8800gts,500gb HDD(raid 0 for terabyte).another HDD for system maybe?and of course upgrade the heatsink for something better for higher overclock once you got the hang of it.

hows that sound to you?