First time builder; a few hardware questions
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CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8400
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX All Solid Capacitor Intel Motherboard
RAM: G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-8500CL5D-2GBPK
Video Card: EVGA 512-P3-N801-AR GeForce 8800GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card
Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250410AS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
DVD: ASUS 20X DVD±R DVD Burner w/LightScribe IDE Model DRW-2014L1
CPU Cooler: ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler
Case: RAIDMAX SYMPHONY ATX-308 White SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
OS: Microsoft Windows Vista 32-Bit Home Premium for System Builders Single Pack DVD - OEM
Power Supply: Antec Neo HE 550w (already own)
Hello,
I'm looking to build a computer for around $800-$900, maybe slightly more if I'd gain a lot. Everything I've listed totals $837 (with the exception of the PSU, which I already own) with shipping included, so it's right around what I'm looking to spend.
The system will mostly be used for gaming, but will also be used for word processing, internet, music, and watching video.
One question I have is about the RAM. Since I am probably going to go with the 32 bit Vista, because 64 bit just seems like too much of a hassle now, should I be going with 2 GB? Would it be better to go with 4 GB even though some of it wouldn't be used? The price difference isn't that high, so I'd be inclined to go with whichever would be better.
The second question I have is how much impact do sound cards have in video game performance (FPS, etc.), if any? I've always just used the onboard sound.
Any advice would be great. Thanks.
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX All Solid Capacitor Intel Motherboard
RAM: G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-8500CL5D-2GBPK
Video Card: EVGA 512-P3-N801-AR GeForce 8800GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card
Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250410AS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
DVD: ASUS 20X DVD±R DVD Burner w/LightScribe IDE Model DRW-2014L1
CPU Cooler: ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler
Case: RAIDMAX SYMPHONY ATX-308 White SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
OS: Microsoft Windows Vista 32-Bit Home Premium for System Builders Single Pack DVD - OEM
Power Supply: Antec Neo HE 550w (already own)
Hello,
I'm looking to build a computer for around $800-$900, maybe slightly more if I'd gain a lot. Everything I've listed totals $837 (with the exception of the PSU, which I already own) with shipping included, so it's right around what I'm looking to spend.
The system will mostly be used for gaming, but will also be used for word processing, internet, music, and watching video.
One question I have is about the RAM. Since I am probably going to go with the 32 bit Vista, because 64 bit just seems like too much of a hassle now, should I be going with 2 GB? Would it be better to go with 4 GB even though some of it wouldn't be used? The price difference isn't that high, so I'd be inclined to go with whichever would be better.
The second question I have is how much impact do sound cards have in video game performance (FPS, etc.), if any? I've always just used the onboard sound.
Any advice would be great. Thanks.
More about : time builder hardware questions
Looks good to me. If you want to spend a little more to get better performance, think about upgrading to an 8800GTS and a 7200.11 HDD. A 320GB version just came out recently which should work well for you: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Even though all of the 4GB won't be used, considering how cheap you can get DDR2 ram nowadays it doesn't hurt to stock up. It all depends if you're willing to spend the extra money or not.
Onboard sound will be fine. An extra sound card would give a negligible increase in performance and would be a waste of money if you're not getting a higher end one.
Even though all of the 4GB won't be used, considering how cheap you can get DDR2 ram nowadays it doesn't hurt to stock up. It all depends if you're willing to spend the extra money or not.
Onboard sound will be fine. An extra sound card would give a negligible increase in performance and would be a waste of money if you're not getting a higher end one.
Thanks for the tip on that new HD, I didn't notice it.
I was looking at this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... for a 8800GTS, but wasn't sure if my PSU could handle it. In the spec section it recommends a +12v @26 amps. My PSU has 3x +12v @18 amps each. I'm not clear on how that works.
I was looking at this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... for a 8800GTS, but wasn't sure if my PSU could handle it. In the spec section it recommends a +12v @26 amps. My PSU has 3x +12v @18 amps each. I'm not clear on how that works.
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Looking at http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... for RAM. They aren't 1066, but they're one of the better reviewed pairs for the money.
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