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First Build - Need Opinions and Recommendations

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I am going to build my first PC and want to get some opinions on what I have planned. I currently have a:
Dell XPS 400
3.0 Pentium D
2GB Memory
160 GB HD for OS
500 GB Media Drive (Share for network)
Nvidia 6800 (256 MB)
XP Professional
Office 2003

This computer is used primarily for schoolwork, mp3s, and internet surfing. I play the occasional Command and Conquer 3 and Company of Heroes but am not a hardcore gamer. I would like to keep it below $1200 but also want to build a decent system that will last for a few years with only minor upgrades if needed. Is the CPU and motherboard overkill for what I do? I appreciate any advice or recommendations. Thanks in advance.

I was looking at the following to build a new one.

Coolermaster 830 case - have it

Ultra X3 600 Watt Power Supply (129.99 tigerdirect.com)

Intel DX38BT Motherboard CPU Bundle - FREE Copy of Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter 2 PC Game, Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Processor 3.16GHz Retail (499.99 tigerdirect.com)

Vista Ultimate (289.99 newegg.com)

Nvidia Geforce 8500 GT (512 MB) – have it

Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3160815AS 160GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM (47.99 newegg.com) Hard drive for the OS

Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3500630AS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM (74.99 newegg.com) Mirror Drive for Raid setup

Memory- need recommendations

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8500GT isn't a good gaming card. In fact, I don't call it a gaming card. 9600GT/8800GT would be the minimum for me. They can be had for $100 after rebates/discounts. You're wasting a good board on 8500GT. If you want to keep the 8500GT, get a cheap board like GA-EP45-DS3L/R + E7200 + Xigmatek HDT-S1283. Holler if you want to walk through overclocking this to 3.8Ghz.

Reply to akhilles

I kinda figured the video card wouldn't go far. I am not dead set on that video card. It was one I already had at home that I thought may be usable.

My first goal is to get the computer up and running so the overclock is on the backburner for now, but I appreciate the offer.

I will look into the 9600GT/8800GT. Thanks again.

Thanks.

Reply to Anonymous

a better and cheaper power supply
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applica [...] &CatId=106
You can find much better prices at www.buy.com or even www.newegg.com Get a Corsair brand or a PC Power and Cooling brand over 550w for most crossfire

Reply to dirtmountain

Reply to WR2

Get the OEM version of the operating system and save yourself a bundle there.

Get a better video card, 8800GT at least, and get at least 4GB of RAM for vista.

Get an E8400 processor, it's cheaper than the E8500 and you can just OC it to be faster than the E8500.

Get this 700W PSU only $95 after mail in rebate http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817341002

Get a P35 or P45 Mobo if you aren't going to SLi, if you are planning to SLi, get an X38 Mobo.

Reply to efx92

Wow, thanks for the quick responses. I am looking at all the recommendations and will let you know how things work out!

Sean

Reply to Anonymous

Yes, if you plan to OC, do not get an Intel motherboard.

They are great for stability, but they are not good OC'ers.

Message quoted 1 times

Reply to jsc

jsc wrote :

Yes, if you plan to OC, do not get an Intel motherboard.

They are great for stability, but they are not good OC'ers.

What? Intel chipsets overclock alot better than Nvidia chipsets. Now if you mean a board made by Intel, I'll agree with that. Also you cannot do SLI with the X38, only Crossfire.

Message quoted 1 times
Message edited by chuckm on 06-29-2008 at 08:12:26 PM

------------------------------ Opinions are like asses,everybody has one.
Reply to chuckm

chuckm wrote :

What? Intel chipsets overclock alot better than Nvidia chipsets. Now if you mean a board made by Intel, I'll agree with that. Also you cannot do SLI with the X38, only Crossfire.

Lol, yeah, that was such bs. -1 :na:
Current oc record holder: (out of stock due to popularity/hype)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813138118

As for 9600gt, a g92 8800gts priced at $119.99 after mir, compared to $114.99 after mir for 9600gt, is a better deal. It performs far better.
http://fxvideocards.com/ZOTAC-GeFo [...] 16280.html
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MSI/HD_4850/6.html

Message edited by dagger on 06-29-2008 at 08:25:14 PM

------------------------------ Q6600@3.6ghz, GA-EX38-DS4 motherboard, 8gb 800mhz ddr2 4-3-3-12, 8800GTS(g92)@780mhz, 1TB + 1.5TB hdds, 850watt psu
Reply to dagger

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