Need help finalizing build.

papermoon

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Apr 13, 2008
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Never OC'ed before but willing to try a moderate OC (most likely sticking with stock voltage or only bumping it up slightly)



CPU: Q6600 or E8400 or E4500 or E2160 (can't decide)... I've never overclocked before and I don't know much about it so that might make a difference

RAM: 2GB Corsair DDR2 800 RAM... I'm using XP so 2GB is enough right?

Video Card: Not sure if to get a 8800GT or 9600 GT EVGA, 8800GT is 200, 9600gt is 150 (before rebate). I will be gaming @ 1440 x 900. How much longer would an 8800gt last compared to a 9600GT?

MOBO: DS3L

HDD: I think I can reuse my IDE 160GB in the DS3L

Case: I'm reusing my case, I have a Socket A mobo though, would the DS3L fit in my old case?

PSU: Corsair 450W is what I can get here(dont live in the states).... is that enough for all this?!

THanks for all your replies

I also would like this PC to last for at least 3 years (is that even possible?!)
 

mihirkula

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Nov 27, 2007
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The E2160 overclocks really well...so if you're going to overclock get this ... also know that you'd need an aftermarket cooler..(i suggest XIGMATEK HDT-S1283) ....

Otherwise stick with the E8400...especially since you mentioned your comp will be used for gaming. For the same reason , get the 8800GT. It better than the 9600GT for higher resolutions.

Corsair 450VX is an excellent PSU and its more than enough for the build.

As for your query regarding which GPU will "last"... any GPU seems obsolete when the next gen card comes out (not counting the misbegotten 9X series)... though the 8800GT is s solid investment and you'd be very happy with it.
 

rich218

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Mar 26, 2008
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agree with above, e8400 is a great processor for gaming and 8800gt is defo the best choice given you can pay up :).

2 gb will be fine yup, can always upgrade later when games become a bit more intense.

What is your old case? it's difficult to know whether the mobo will fit without knowing dimensions etc...

450w should be fine but if you want to upgrade later to quad core, improved graphics card etc etc you may need a more powerful one. It's up to you whether you upgrade two components later or invest in a more powerful PSU now...

Rich
 

dagger

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Mar 23, 2008
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The very worst? You toast the cpu/motherboard/everything else, of course. :na:
But most likely it'll just crush and restart, with bios settings reset back to default, if you messed it up too badly.

And that psu should handle Q6600 even with oc, unless you go sli/crossfire with heavy graphics cards and put on a few extra harddrives.