Please Check my first PC build before I buy

[jjl0402]

Hello all. This is my first build and I am trying to put together a system ~1000$. I already have most of the peripherals for the computer and I just need the rig itself. I do some light gaming (RTS type games, HL2, Spore?) and I am an engineering student and I run a lot of engineering programs MathCad, Matlab, C, Fortran etc. I also I tend to multitask alot. Finally I was hoping to dabble in overclocking and I was hoping this set up would give me the chance. Thanks for your time.

XCLIO A380BK Fully Black High Gloss Finish SECC 1.0mm thickness ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811103010

ABIT IP35 Pro LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813127030

EVGA 512-P3-N801-AR GeForce 8800 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130318

CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply 100 - 240 V UL, CE, CB, TUV, FCC, CCC - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz 2 x 4MB L2 Cache LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115017

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1000 (PC2 8000) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231145

Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136218

SAMSUNG Black 20X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 20X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 20X DVD±R DVD Burner - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151153

ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186134

 

[scuzy23]

Looks good, but you should get 2 hard drives and use raid 0. Your computer will be a lot more snappy.

 

[rockyjohn]

The P45 mobos are just now being released and although I have not seen reviews or prices on them yet, I think you should wait a few days for more info on them. The P45 will give you PCIe 2.0 which will match your video card and may provide more functionality if you want to upgrade to a faster card later.

 

[Cpt Deadboots]

You have an excellent general build. However...

I think you can get better than the XClio for that price. Try for a Cooler Master RC-690, and buy extra fans with the money you save. The XClio looks pretty, but I honestly think you will be happier with a Cooler Master in the long run.

I would personally get a Gigabyte EP35-DS3L and save a few more bucks. It is one of the best boards on the market right now, and priced at less than $100. You could grab an 8800 GTS 512mb with the money you save.

You will not need a 750w PSU for that setup. A Corsair 650 TX should do you just fine.

As far as overclocking, I would get a Xigmatek HDT-S1283 instead of the ACF7 CPU cooler. Make sure to get a tube of Arctic Cooling MX-2 thermal compound along with it.

The build looks great otherwise! Good luck.

 

[jjl0402]

Hi all,
Thanks for all your Input, I revised up some of my specs and put in a new mobo that I hope may give me some upgradability.
Any further comments?

Qty. Image Product Description Unit Price Savings Total Price

Update

ECS N8800GTS-512MX GeForce 8800GTS (G92) 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card

ECS N8800GTS-512MX GeForce 8800GTS (G92) 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
Model #:N8800GTS-512MX
Item #:N82E16814134037
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
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$209.99 $209.99


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CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply

CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply - Retail
Model #:CMPSU-750TX
Item #:N82E16817139006
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
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$179.99 -$50.00 Instant $129.99


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Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor Model BX80562Q6600

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor Model BX80562Q6600 - Retail
Model #:BX80562Q6600
Item #:N82E16819115017
Return Policyrocessors (CPUs) Return Policy
In Stock

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$209.99 $209.99


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CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X4096-6400C5

CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X4096-6400C5 - Retail
Model #:TWIN2X4096-6400C5
Item #:N82E16820145184
Return Policy:Memory (Modules, USB) Return Policy
In Stock

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$119.00 -$33.00 Instant $86.00


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Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD5000AAKS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive

Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD5000AAKS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
Model #:WD5000AAKS
Item #:N82E16822136073
Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy
In Stock

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$89.99 $179.98


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ASUS 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model DRW-2014L1T

ASUS 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model DRW-2014L1T - Retail
Model #RW-2014L1T
Item #:N82E16827135156
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock

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$39.99 -$4.00 Instant $35.99


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Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound

Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - OEM
Model #:ARCTIC SILVER 5
Item #:N82E16835100007
Return Policy:Consumable Items Return Policy
In Stock

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$5.99 $5.99


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XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler

XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler - Retail
Model #:HDT-S1283
Item #:N82E16835233003
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock

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$36.99 $36.99


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GIGABYTE GA-X48-DS4 LGA 775 Intel X48 ATX Intel Motherboard

GIGABYTE GA-X48-DS4 LGA 775 Intel X48 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Model #:GA-X48-DS4
Item #:N82E16813128336
Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy
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$234.99 $234.99


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COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
Model #:RC-690-KKN1-GP
Item #:N82E16811119137
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock

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$84.99 $84.99
Subtotal: $1,214.90

 

[jjl0402]

That looks like a mess, sorry. Try this. I kept the bigger PS, because last computer I had the PS was too small once I added 4 HDs and I don't want any headaches. Also I went with a more $$ mobo in hopes that I may be able to upgrade a little in the future.

COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKA1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case Real Power Pro 550W Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119142

ECS N8800GTS-512MX GeForce 8800GTS (G92) 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814134037

CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply 100 - 240 V UL, CE, CB, TUV, FCC, CCC - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz 2 x 4MB L2 Cache LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115017

CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145184

2- Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD5000AAKS 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136073

ASUS Black 20X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 20X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 14X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135156

GIGABYTE GA-X48-DS4 LGA 775 Intel X48 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128336

XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233003

Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - OEM

 

[WR2]

CM-690 case (without PSU) $85 (you listed the case with 550W PSU)
Get the XIGMATEK Retention Bracket $7 to go with the HDT S1283 cooler for an easier, tighter install. Arctic Cooling MX-2 thermal compound easier to apply, non-conductive, no curing time and just as good in cooling performance as AS5.

The X48-DS4 looks to be a great motherboard. But don't choose it based on a future upgrade option. The next CPUs to be released will use a different socket. I actually think the ABIT IP35 Pro or EP35-DS3L are a better choice unless you're thinking of a dual GPU Crossfire setup.
The Corsair 650TX will save you $30 and still give you a lot of upgrading & overclocking power. I would have recommended the 550VX but the 650TX is only $10 more.

With the money you've saved so far I'm suggesting you spend $55 more on the video card and get the Evga 8800GTS (G92) just on the chance you might want to use the Evga StepUp program and grab one of the GT260's sometime in the next 90 days (after you order).

 

[mihirkula]

Seagate 500GB 7200.11 is faster than the WD500AAKS ...and is cheaper by $5 too.

you get the Corsair 750TX for $99 at buy.com