I need a little advice on my first computer build. I am in grate need of an upgrade and decided that it was about time I went ahead and built my next computer myself instead of ordering a prebuilt. I will be mainly using this for gaming (FPS and RTS mostly). I plan on running XP pro and I believe I can run it in 64 bit. After much research and digging around I have come up with what I believe to be my complete shopping list (minus a few cables)
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 - 3.0 GHz 199.99
Heat Sink: Thermalright Ultra-120 Extreme+120mm Fan 59.99+19.99
Motherboard: ASUS P5K-E 149.99
Video Card: EVGA GeForce 8800 GTS 244.99
Memory: Patriot Dual Channel Viper PC8500 DDR2 1066MHz (2 x 2048MB) 131.99
Sound Card: (Built into motherboard) 0
HD: Western Digital Caviar SE16 400GB Hard Drive - 7200, 16MB, SATA-300, OEM x2 (Raid-0)
89.99 x 2
DVD/CD Drive: Lite-On LH-20A1L-06 SATA DVD/CD Combo Drive - 20x DVD Write x 2 29.99 x 2
Case: Apevia X-TSJGT-RD X-Telstar Jr. G-Type ATX Mid-Tower Case + Extra 120mm Fan
79.99+19.99
Power Supply: OCZ GameXStream 850-Watt ATX SATA / SLI / Active PFC 199.99
Total Cost: 1346.87
The total cost is a little out of the range I wanted it at but is defiantly acceptable for what I believe I am getting. Besides, anything will blow this old P4 out of the water. I would like any comments on alternate hardware/skimming a few bucks off the price or missing items that anyone may notice. I had a few particular items that I am worried about.
First, I am unsure if I should stick with the E8400 or go ahead and get the Q6700 quad core. All the information that I have read seems to point out the higher dual core outperforming the lower quad core. Any input ion this is appreciated. Also as a side note, I would like to overclock either processor. However, I run my computer 24/7 (but not on a heavy load) and was worried that overclocking while running the computer so often may cause problems. The temperature sensor issues also had me a little worried about the E8400.
Second, I was fairly sure on the motherboard until I read about the recent lawsuit ASUS is filing with gigabyte. It seems gigabyte accused ASUS of falsely representing their products, specifically the motherboard I am looking to purchase ASUS, while refuting the claim, has yet to put forth any evidence to the contrary. Are there any other motherboards anyone would suggest with this setup? I am trying to stay under the 250 mark with a motherboard.
Third, I cannot find any recent information on power supplies. Every article I read is either dated two years ago or not dated at all. I mainly chose the power supply on price and the fact I have seen OCZ’s name on a lot of the topics of discussion. I am not sure if they produce a quality product or even if 800 watts is sufficient power.
Forth, I have decided to try a Raid 0 configuration. Will that actually have any true benefits or should I go with a single drive. I already have a TB of storage between this computer and an external drive. I could get by with a single 400 GB drive but was hoping raid would offer some performance boost as well.
Lastly, I am not sure about the memory. Once again, there are a million types and brands making me unsure if I am selecting a good quality or not.
Sorry if some of these questions are a little dumb but this is my first build and I do not want to end up with 1400 bucks of scrap. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 - 3.0 GHz 199.99
Heat Sink: Thermalright Ultra-120 Extreme+120mm Fan 59.99+19.99
Motherboard: ASUS P5K-E 149.99
Video Card: EVGA GeForce 8800 GTS 244.99
Memory: Patriot Dual Channel Viper PC8500 DDR2 1066MHz (2 x 2048MB) 131.99
Sound Card: (Built into motherboard) 0
HD: Western Digital Caviar SE16 400GB Hard Drive - 7200, 16MB, SATA-300, OEM x2 (Raid-0)
89.99 x 2
DVD/CD Drive: Lite-On LH-20A1L-06 SATA DVD/CD Combo Drive - 20x DVD Write x 2 29.99 x 2
Case: Apevia X-TSJGT-RD X-Telstar Jr. G-Type ATX Mid-Tower Case + Extra 120mm Fan
79.99+19.99
Power Supply: OCZ GameXStream 850-Watt ATX SATA / SLI / Active PFC 199.99
Total Cost: 1346.87
The total cost is a little out of the range I wanted it at but is defiantly acceptable for what I believe I am getting. Besides, anything will blow this old P4 out of the water. I would like any comments on alternate hardware/skimming a few bucks off the price or missing items that anyone may notice. I had a few particular items that I am worried about.
First, I am unsure if I should stick with the E8400 or go ahead and get the Q6700 quad core. All the information that I have read seems to point out the higher dual core outperforming the lower quad core. Any input ion this is appreciated. Also as a side note, I would like to overclock either processor. However, I run my computer 24/7 (but not on a heavy load) and was worried that overclocking while running the computer so often may cause problems. The temperature sensor issues also had me a little worried about the E8400.
Second, I was fairly sure on the motherboard until I read about the recent lawsuit ASUS is filing with gigabyte. It seems gigabyte accused ASUS of falsely representing their products, specifically the motherboard I am looking to purchase ASUS, while refuting the claim, has yet to put forth any evidence to the contrary. Are there any other motherboards anyone would suggest with this setup? I am trying to stay under the 250 mark with a motherboard.
Third, I cannot find any recent information on power supplies. Every article I read is either dated two years ago or not dated at all. I mainly chose the power supply on price and the fact I have seen OCZ’s name on a lot of the topics of discussion. I am not sure if they produce a quality product or even if 800 watts is sufficient power.
Forth, I have decided to try a Raid 0 configuration. Will that actually have any true benefits or should I go with a single drive. I already have a TB of storage between this computer and an external drive. I could get by with a single 400 GB drive but was hoping raid would offer some performance boost as well.
Lastly, I am not sure about the memory. Once again, there are a million types and brands making me unsure if I am selecting a good quality or not.
Sorry if some of these questions are a little dumb but this is my first build and I do not want to end up with 1400 bucks of scrap. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.