First Build Gaming computer

[stav]

hey all, this is the first real computer i took the time to look at what parts and read stuff about so i would like your opinion and suggestion on what i chose so far, alot of parts are actually reused from my old computer but again i wait for your suggestions also take in mind the computer is only used for gaming and nothing else except the occasion downloads ans surf the net

ok here goes

case = antec 900 my current case
psu thermaltake 650 toughpower my current psu
cpu = i was thinking of either the e8400 or q6600
mobo= i was either thinking of an asus one or gigabyte GIGA GA-X48-DQ6 X48 PCIE
gpu = i currently have an asus 8800gt so i might keep it for now
memory = i currently got 2x2gig kingston 800mhz so i might keep that also

so any suggestion would appreciated
thanks alot

 

[hyperjoe]

Thoughts

Case - Pretty good case... I own the NZXT Tempest, a similar case with more fans

PSU - no comments regarding that, I used the Corsair 750TX

CPU - E8400 sounds good just for gaming.

Mobo - I use the GA-X48-DQ6... so +1 on that

GPU - with that mobo, I'd look into buying an ATI GPU, either the 4850 or 4870 and then look into CF later on down the road. The 8800GT will be your bottleneck with your new system

Memory - no significant issues with the mem

Also, are you going to OC? If so buy yourself a good HSF. I recommend (and now THG officially recommends) the Xigmatek HDT-S1283. I would buy the retention bracket as well to strengthen the HSF/Mobo bond.

Good luck!

 

[ausch30]

I agree with the E8400 for gaming and I would go with the Rampage Formula which I have. The Gigabyte board is very good but I think the Asus is superior (might be just because that's what I have). Other than that everything looks good. The 8800GT is a very good card and the 4850 isn't enough of an improvement, imho, to go with instead. I have a 24" @ 1920x1200 and my 8800GT plays everything maxed except Crysis which the 4850 can't even do so in my mind it's not worth the upgrade. I'm waiting to see the performance of the 4870X2 and or the 4870 1gb and I'll likely upgrade to one (or two) of those when they are released.

 

[stav]

thanks for the reply i am believe iw ill go for the e8400 because like i said its only for gaming plus i update my computer quiet often so for now that would be perfect. its just the mobo i got one person saying gigabyte the other asus i always used asus also. mmm

 

[ausch30]

Either one is a good choice. I think Asus has a better BIOS and slightly higher quality design but the Gigabyte is less expensive so really either would perform well.

 

[goatfarmer]

I have an E8400. It seems to be a great processor. Handles everything I can throw at it. Seems to run better the more you throw at it. I also have an 8800GT, although I had a bad one and am waiting on a replacement. The combination of the CPU and GPU seems very good. Although, I pretty much play older games. Plus if need be, you have great overclocking potential. Unless you are going to be playing games that utilize the quad core, or running several instances of a game as well as other programs simultaneously, the Dual Core would be better/cheaper.

 

[aevm]

I think the GA-X48-DQ6 is overkill. That is, GA-X48-DS4 is just fine for even a Crossfire build.

If you want a Crossfire build: 750TX, GA-X48-DS4, two HD 4870 cards.
If you want a single-card build: 650TX, GA-EP45-DS3R, one HD 4870.
If you want a cheaper build: StealthXStream 600W, GA-EP43-DS3L, one HD 4850.

 

[rammar16]

lets see...

i agree with aevm the ds4 is plenty save yourself $50 on that

the 900 is a great case or the nzxt tempest case which is just like it

oh to the guy up top it has i think 1 more fan but they are smaller 2 140mm instead of 1 200mm about the same so.

the xigmatek hdt (make sure to get the retention bracket) cooler is good or the standard 9700 led is just slightly quieter

personally i like the Q6600 more future proof... games will catch up eventually and then quad core like the q6600 will really start to run circles around the dual cores.

if your going to replace the 8800gt (i probably don't even need to say it but) definitely go with the 4870

 

[stav]

just out of curiosity are those 2 companys the best 2 go for

 

[stav]

i decided to go with the ds4 or the rampage i am just curious what memory to chose from i cpu will be overclocked and like i said mostly for gaming

thanks

 

[ausch30]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146731

 

[stav]

thanks for the help

 

[stav]

i decided i doubt i will go crossfire and just buy 1 4870 for now because i am sure i will change my motherboard and cpu next year again so i was thinking for now would the ASUS P5Q-E P45 motherboard go well with my e8400 or do you guys have anyother comments or suggestions

 

[aevm]

The P5Q Pro is $19 less after shipping, and I think all you lose is the third SATA cable and the support for 16 GB of RAM.

 

[stav]

thanks is there any other mobo maybe out there i should consider before buying this one either from asus or another company i would like to buy it soon sorry for all the questions

thanks again

 

[stav]

alos would the p45 motherboard be ok to oc the 8400 to 4ghz

 

[aevm]

Check the newegg reviews for the P5Q Pro. I found 3 reviews with OC'd E8400, at 3.6/3.8/4.0. Maybe the guy with 4.0 was very lucky and/or skilled and you'll get only 3.6, I don't know. Still, it looks good.

There's also the GA-EP45-DS3R, same price, and a reviewer claims 4.05GHz with E8400 on it. However, I like the P5Q Pro more because it has two PCI-E x16 slots. Even if it's not ideal for Crossfire, it at least allows it.