Starting from Scratch...[Best Bang for Buck]

[catchphrase]

Hey everyone. I've been reading the forums for a few months and I'd like to thank everyone for the constructive criticism and innovative ideas.

I'm building a new system to replace my current AGP platform. (yes, anything is an upgrade to me)

Motherboard:
Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L

Processor:
Intel E8400
+ ZEROtherm BTF90

RAM:
2 x G.Skill 2x2GB DDR2 800

HDD:
Western Digital 250 GB 16MB

Media:
Samsung SH-S203B

GPU:
EVGA 8800GT AKIMBO

Case:
Cooler Master RC-690-KKN1-GP
+ 2x Scythe S-Flex 120mm

PSU:
Thermaltake 650W

OS:
Windows Home Premium 64bit (Already own)

Monitor:
Samsun 215TW @ 1680x1050 (Already own)


Of course, I'd love some feedback. I am trying to stay below about $1200.

I choose the P35 board since I probably won't upgrade for a while and if I do, I realize I'd need to get a new mobo, ram (faster), and another gpu (SLI).

I was originally thinking of building a SLI box with 2x 8800GT's but all the negative reviews of the 760i and 780i boards have kinda scared me off.

The Akimbo is a bit of a splurge, but I'd like to have the dual slot cooling. I don't think I'll order anything until the ATI 4850's are released.

How overkill is 8GB of RAM? Would the money be better spent on 4GB of DDR1066?

I'm somewhat nub to timings, would the 1333 cpu, 800 ram, and 1066 mobo all be efficient together?

Computer is used for some work, but mostly play: WoW, CS:S, COD, CnC... (all genres)

Thanks in advance!

 

[catchphrase]

just read the new review on the front page... cpu and gpu interaction and how upgrades to each benefit the other.

now...

CPU:
Intel Q6600

GPU:
EVGA 8800GTS 512MB

RAM:
2x2GB G.Skill DDR2 1066MHz

note: if able, can someone explain how the timings will be affected when i OC the cpu to about 3.2 GHz? The mobo supports 1066MHz, the ram is 1066Mhz and the cpu is 1066 Mhz @ 2.4 GHz.

 

[Maroc]

CPU: Change it back to the Q6600 if you want your build to last.
+ Xigmatek HDT-S1283

RAM: 4GB of 800MHz (2x2gb)

HDD: 500GB Seagate 7200.11, fastest 500GB HDD.

 

[spuddyt]

ultimate value is to be found in the e2160, but it will start to choke before too much longer.... (however, when i does, q6600's will be pretty cheap....)

 

[evongugg]

DDR2-1066 doesn't work well with the GA-P35-DS3L, I hear. Better to stick with DDR2-800, which still gives overclocking room.
8 GB of Ram is for 64-bit operating systems only.
If you are a gamer the e8400 is better.

 

[jitpublisher]

For gaming stay with your e8400 and change to an 8800GTS 512 (g92)

 

[catchphrase]

Thanks everyone!

Sounds like the E8400 is preferred for gaming. I can't forsee too many times that I would be running enough apps concurrently to really want a Q6600 anyways.

Yes, the 8800 GTS 512MB (G92) with dual slot cooling will be picked.

I'm kinda surprised to hear that the DDR2-800 is so heavily favored. I think I'll go with 2x2GB, even though I will install 64bit Vista Premium. Save the other 2x2GB for an easy upgrade ($50).

No one has commented on the 650W psu. So, I'll stick with it.

 

[50bmg]

E7200 - $139 @ newegg. I just put one in a a GA-EX38-DS4. It is awesome and is $60 cheaper than the e8400. Obviously the e8400 is a better cpu, but for the price, i like the e7200 over the e2xxx or e4xxx even the e8xxx. I have read the e7200 air OCing over 3.5G. If your not rendering, stick with dual core 45nm.

Does the p35 have 2 true pcie x16. The x38s do. more $ tho. If you want true crossfire, you may want to go with a board that has true 2 x 16x pcie slots. IF you going with 8800gt or gts you wont need crossfire. lol. IF you want to cross intel chipsets with nvidia gpu, than go with the GTS or better.

 

[evongugg]

No one has commented on the 650W psu. So, I'll stick with it.

Tier 2 power supply. Great choice!

Top Tier PSU:
http://www.tomswiki.com/page/Tiered+PSU+Listings?t=anon

 

[catchphrase]

>evongugg

I hadn't ever seen that list! I just know that Thermaltake is very reputable and I figured 650W should do it, even if I went to a new mobo with SLI and multiple HDD's.