Another n00b's First Build: Any Suggestions?

I've been in the market for a new computer for, well, years now and I'm finally ready to empty my thin college wallet and get one! I haven't overclocked before, but why not start now? After reading Tom's $500 pc article, I decided to base my build off that and change up a bit. I don't game, because the integrated graphics and Celeron 340 on this machine are piss-poor; but I'd like to get back into the gaming scene a bit. Anyway, here's what I chose:


Intel Core 2 Duo E7200 - $135
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819115052

Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L - $107
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813128059

OCZ Gold (2 x 1GB) DDR2 800 - $52 (-$20MIR)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820227124

Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250310AS 250GB OEM - $60
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822148261

OKGEAR 24" SATA II Cable Model GC24AKM12 - $9
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6812123171

XFX PVT88SFDF4 8800GS 384MB - $130 (-$30MIR)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814150275

Antec NSK4480B ATX Tower + Ea-380 Higheff PSU - $79
http://www.provantage.com/antec-nsk4480b~7ANT9004.htm


All total (prices include shipping): $572
Newegg taxes to TN addresses so the total would come to $608

I have 32-bit XP, mouse, keyboard, speakers, DVD-rom, and monitor already -- is there anything I'm missing? Since the Barracuda is OEM it doesn't come with cables, do I only need the one (or do I also need some sort of power cable as well)?

Thank you for your time.

No need to buy a SATA cable, that motherboard comes with one. Does that power supply have SATA power connectors? If not, then you'll need a molex/sata adapter

I'd replace the motherboard with this, supposedly the replacement to the board you listed (but without solid capacitors):

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813128337

And then use the extra money to upgrade your graphics card. You want to switch to an 8800GT if you can afford it, like this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814121224

or the XFX for a few dollars more. This would turn your PC into a beast.

If not, then this 9600GT is only a little more than the card you listed after rebate and should be marginally better:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814500038

If you are looking to OC then I would suggest an aftermarket cpu cooler. Will set you back about $30-$50.

I like the price of that 9600GT, as it's only a little more than the one I was looking at, but the charts don't seem to have it listed yet . Also, I want to be sure that the PSU could handle it.

The GA-EP35-DS3L you suggest looks great, and it comes with a SATA cable as well. Do you know if it has similar overclocking abilities to the solid capacitor model?

Thanks for your input, guys!

Check out Tom's "The Best Graphics Cards for the Money (May 08)" edition to see where the 9600GT falls in comparison to the 8800GS. http://www.tomshardware.com/review [...] ,1923.html

The 9600GT requires 26A on the 12V circuit. The EarthWatts 380 Provides a combines 27A on its 2 12V lines. I guess the answer is, yes it probably can power the 9600GT but you're cutting it very very close. I wouldn't be comfortable doing it.

I'm not sure on the overclocking capabilities of the new EP35 model. I'd imagine it would work fine for a mild overclock.

The Gigabyte boards are poplular for offering a lot of bang for the buck. I can't speak to the bios of the board in question, tried to find you a review, but no luck, the board's pretty new.

Separate note. I have a habit, perhaps its bad, of buying at least slightly more than I think I need. In your case that might be X38. Not pushing you in that direction, but a motherboard might not be a bad item to get a little more than you think you need.