Best bang for the buck? Need some input please.

[stealthredneck]

Hello!

I haven't built a computer in sometime nor have I been keeping tabs on the latest and greatest. I've been doing my homework for a few nights and I've come up with this build. I just want to know if it's the best bang for that buck. If you have any comments let me know...it's much appreciated!

Thanks

Case:
Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

HardDrive:
2x 500gb Western Digital Caviar SE16 SATA3G in RAID 0
(Thanks p0isonapple)

PSU:
ABS Tagan BZ Series 700W Modular

RAM:
G.SKILL 2x2gb DDR2 800 Dual-Channel

Motherboard:
Abit IP35 Pro (LGA 775)

CPU:
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz

CPU Cooler:
Xigmatek HDT-S1283
(Thanks deathsycthehe11, Zenthar, and p0isonapple)

GPU:
MSI 8800GTS (G92) 512MB

P.S. There's also a 24inch WS 2ms monitor...so I suppose the graphics card will have to be strong in high resolutions

Thanks again!

 

[p0isonapple]

That is a really kick arse setup and you will definantly be happy with it, the only thing I would change is get 2x WD 5000AAKS
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136073&Tpk=5000AAKS

They are only 85 each before shipping on newegg as the link above, and a really great drive for the price

 

[iluvgillgill]

get a asus board instead.you will overclock better.and i would get the 9800GTX over the 8800GTS.there are many conspiracy around them but the 9800GTX is the better version of the GPU you can look at it that way.

 

[stealthredneck]

(p0isonapple)
Thanks, I hope so too! I did indeed check out that harddrive. More reviews, better rating, and a friend of mine agreed with you so I have offcially swapped out the Seagates for the WDS. Thanks for the advice

(iluvgillgill)
I like this ASUS board http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131219 It doesn't have the P35 chipset...But I don't know how big of a deal that is. As for the 9800GTx.. I will purchase one if it's worth the extra 100 dollars...When briefly comparing I didn't think the difference was major...I couldn't tell what was the big deal between 8800's and 9800's (ignoring the 9800x2s) I appreciate the input...a little more info if you got it though!

 

[Zenthar]

get a asus board instead.you will overclock better.and i would get the 9800GTX over the 8800GTS.there are many conspiracy around them but the 9800GTX is the better version of the GPU you can look at it that way.

Mmmm, I think it's the SAME GPU, with better RAM. It's a 10% increase in performance (at best, but probably closer to 5%), for 50% more money. I think it's the first time on this forum I see someone suggest the 9800GTX over the 8800GTS, most of the time I see the other way around.

 

[deathsycthehe11]

Case: Your case is fine but if you want to go lower you can always get a $50 Centurion 5 or 534. Try to get it from your local computer hardware shop since shipping for cases cost around $16.

HardDrive: I don't think you really need raid, might save some money. Also get Seagate 500GB 7200.11, its better.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148288

PSU: Get Corsair VX 550W.
http://www.buy.com/prod/corsair-vx-550w-atx-power-supply/q/loc/101/205852646.html

Ram: Most brand name rams are good. Most people choose Crucial nowadays because they HAD better chips but I heard they use the crappy chips now but doesn't matter much if you don't overclock. They are always on sale anyway.
http://shop2.frys.com/product/5375608
Heres one for $20 after rebate. They have them for $20 on newegg also. Your choice.

Motherboard: Your board is great, but I'm not sure what's happening to the Gigabyte one since is being replace with energy efficient one.
Heres the link to it anyway.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128059&ATT=13-128-059&CMP=OTC-Froogle&nm_mc=AFC-SlickDeals&cm_mmc=AFC-SlickDeals-_-NA-_-NA-_-NA

CPU: I recommended this a couple of times, but noone ever seem to listen to me... BUT here it goes. E7200.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?nm_mc=AFC-SlickDeals&cm_mmc=AFC-SlickDeals-_-NA-_-NA-_-NA&Item=N82E16819115052&Tpk=e7200
Read review here.
http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/cpu/display/core2duo-e7200.html

CPU Cooler: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233003
best bang for your buck.
read review here
http://www.frostytech.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=2233

GPU: Your graphics card is very good, but if you want something cheaper get the 8800GT. Its always on sale somewhere for $150 after rebate and the XFX comes with free Company of Heros which is one of the best RTS game.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?nm_mc=AFC-SlickDeals&cm_mmc=AFC-SlickDeals-_-NA-_-NA-_-NA&Item=N82E16814150252&Tpk=PVT88PYDF4
check this link cause sometimes it will have rebates to cut it down to $150.

Hope you took my advice, not much people seem to like my advice or took it ><.

 

[Zenthar]

For "best bang for the buck" I would rather go the Corsair 620HX for PSU (enough even for SLI and also 50$ less, but less "flashy"). I would also go for some other cooler than Zalman CNPS9700, it's good, but not that good for the price; if it can fit in your case, the Xigmatek HDT-S1283 is the way to go.

 

[p0isonapple]

Glad I could help mate, i would stick with the 8800GTS, the hell with the 9800GTX, and I agree with Zenthar on getting the Xigmatek HDT-S1283 if it will fit, absolutely terrific cooler, cheap, but HUGE!

 

[stealthredneck]

I swapped out the cooler with the Xigmatek. I looked at a couple cooler benchmarks and this one was one of the best! go figure! Thanks Death, Zenth, and poison! **i hope if fits in the antec though

instead of buying a more expensive card i'd rather go all out and get a 22" or 24" widescreen

death I will look over your suggestions and read reviews! But it's a lot your changing so don't expect anything sudden...i really do appreciate the info though! Just as a sidenote..the quadcore is a treat for me. I feel like overdoing it there since it has come down so much in price.

 

[p0isonapple]

You've got a very solid bang for buck system lined up right now mate, your gonna be very happy with it.

 

[sciggy]

I would recommend the new Western Digital 640gb harddrives. They are faster than the 500gb line. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136218

They were just on sale for $89 i believe so just watch for the sales and pick those up. Much faster than the others out there. Almost perform as good as the old western digital raptor drives.

 

[p0isonapple]

He's using 2x 5000AAKS sciggy.

 

[chuckm]

Stick with the abit board, Asus is no longer worth the trouble. Very good choices, good luck with your build.