May I get a second opinion before I start ordering?

[markiemark]

Hi everyone,

Well, I put together some parts for my new gaming rig and some feedback would be much appreciated (parts compatibility, suggested changes, etc). I will be running Windows XP Pro (32-bit I think) and the max resolution I play on is 1024x. I haven't really tried anything higher than that. Also, I plan on overclocking the CPU just enough to be stable with stock voltage. I saw some site get it to ~3.1GHz without changing upping the voltage so hopefully I can do it to. Here are the parts:

- APEVIA X-QPACK2 MicroATX Desktop Computer Case 500W Power Supply $98.99
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811144141)

- GIGABYTE GA-MA69GM-S2H AM2 AMD 690G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard $79.99
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128056)

- AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ Brisbane 2.6GHz Socket AM2 65W Dual-Core Black Edition Processor Model $87.99
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103194)

- G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory $44.99
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231098)

- XFX GeForce 8800 GS 384MB 192-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI $119.99
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150294)

- Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM $59.99
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148262)

- SAMSUNG 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA - OEM $28.99
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151154)

Total: $520.93
Tax: $37.77
S&H: $27.17

Grand Total: $585.87

I will be using the power supply that comes with the case. Also, I was going to get 4GB of Ram but I think it'll be a waste if I'm not going to use Vista. And I changed my video card from an 8800GT to an 8800GS because I thought the price difference was a little too steep for the way I game. Hmm what else. Oh yeah! COD4 comes with the 8800GS. Woot!

Thanks for reading. Hopefully everything looks ok so I can start ordering.

 

[leo2kp]

I would be a little weary of using the included PSU. If it's a low-quality brand, you could be throwing your money away. It would be better to buy a case that does not include a PSU and buy an inexpensive-yet-reliable PSU.

 

[molotla]

your gona need a heat sink
XIGMATEK is veary good http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233003 36.99 whith free shiping

 

[Zorg]

I agree with leo2kp, I would also be wary of that PSU. I suspect it is junk.

 

[markiemark]

I would be a little weary of using the included PSU. If it's a low-quality brand, you could be throwing your money away. It would be better to buy a case that does not include a PSU and buy an inexpensive-yet-reliable PSU.

The PSU got mixed reviews. Some said it was good enough to handle an 8800GT. Others say it crapped out on them after a few weeks. Also, there really wasn't any other MicroATX cases that caught my eye. I'll keep an eye out for a PSU though.

your gona need a heat sink
XIGMATEK is veary good http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233003 36.99 whith free shiping

Ahh ok, I was wondering if the stock HSF could handle the low OC. Guess it can't. I'll probably wait on OCing untill I get enough money to buy a better HSF. Also, do you think that will fit into a MicroATX case?

 

[SuicideSilence]

Must you buy a mATX case that has one of those handles that makes it "portable". If not for about the same amount of money you can get something of much better quality.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129031
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129038

Both of these selections cost about the same amount of money but are of better quality, and in my opinion, look nicer too.

 

[Zorg]

Agreed, then you wouldn't need a Micro ATX mobo either.

Antec Sonata III 500 Black 0.8mm cold rolled steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 500W Power Supply
$8.00 cheaper after rebate.

It has a Seasonic made Earthwatts EA-500. It's a quality PSU. Here is a review.
JonnyGURU.com- Antec EarthWatts EA-500 500W

 

[zloginet]

The BE dosen't come with a stock cooler...

Thats $90 plus a $50 for better cooler. Total $140 without shipping.

Check this out. By a 6400+ for $150 and use the stock cooler that is comes with and up it another 100-200mhz and bam you won't have another amd processor capable for that price.

 

[rockyjohn]

I agree with Zorg - the Antec Sonata III is a great case and that is a great price. The PSU is much better, the case is quiet, and it is one of the few that have an eSATA conncector on the front.

 

[markiemark]

Must you buy a mATX case that has one of those handles that makes it "portable". If not for about the same amount of money you can get something of much better quality.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129031
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129038

Both of these selections cost about the same amount of money but are of better quality, and in my opinion, look nicer too.

Nah, really wasn't looking for handles. I really just wanted a small case with windows. It was between this one or the lanbox. But since the Apevia PSU sounds like it'll be a problem, I'll just stick with the lanbox and get a quality PSU.

Agreed, then you wouldn't need a Micro ATX mobo either.

Antec Sonata III 500 Black 0.8mm cold rolled steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 500W Power Supply
$8.00 cheaper after rebate.

It has a Seasonic made Earthwatts EA-500. It's a quality PSU. Here is a review.
JonnyGURU.com- Antec EarthWatts EA-500 500W

I chose an mATX mobo because I don't think I need so many PCI slots. This has a little more than everything I need. I like that. Thanks for finding that tower though, doesn't look too bad.

The BE dosen't come with a stock cooler...

Thats $90 plus a $50 for better cooler. Total $140 without shipping.

Check this out. By a 6400+ for $150 and use the stock cooler that is comes with and up it another 100-200mhz and bam you won't have another amd processor capable for that price.

Ack, didn't notice it had no cooler. Can't I buy it a ~$20 cooler? Also, I think $150 is a little out of budget.

Honestly, I have up to $800 to spend on it, but I wanted to stay under $600.

 

[markiemark]

Hi again,

So I changed my case and am now getting a Micro Fly SX6 for $59.99. Here is the link:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2448886&CatId=3428

It comes with an Ultra XVS 600W PSU with 35A on +12V. Info taken from a review here:

http://www.modders-inc.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story&reid=124

Do you think this PSU will do?