Advice on first time gaming build

[lkoverton]

Hey all

I have been thinking about building a gaming PC for a while now, and finally decided to at least take the first step and Wish-List it at NewEgg...

This is the first time I have built a computer myself, and would like any input/suggestions/criticism that you have of what I have put together so far.

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/P...Computer Build - 1st time build for gaming PC


Thanks for your help!

 

[hyperjoe]

Sucks! Start over!

J/k

Seriously, here are some comments:

Mobo: Read THG's review of the P45 chipset. Not very impressive grades. If you aren't thinking of CF'ing at some point, downgrade to a P35 mobo. If you do plan on CF'ing, think about biting the budget bullet and going for a X38/X48 chipset mobo.

CPU: Good affordable CPU for quad core. But if you are just doing gaming, a lot of people will tell you to go for the E8400. Similar price for 3.0GHZ clock speed and 45nm process chip... good for power/OC'ing.

Other than that it's just a matter of preferrence. I might look into a more powerful (750W) PSU if you plan on CF'ing in the future.

Good luck!

 

[shadowthor]

If you are planning to crossfire, definitely get an x38 or x48 mobo. You definitely need at least 750W psu, go with corsair, antec, thermaltake, enermax, seasonic, pc power and cooling, The Q9450 is going to drop price soon, so I would wait for that. Good choice on video card, most will say the WD 640 is a good upgrade and more space can't hurt.

 

[aevm]

750TX instead of StealthXStream 600W, $25 more.

WD6400AAKS (640GB, very fast) instead of Seagate 250GB, $30 more

4GB of RAM instead of 2GB, $33 more.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145184

RC-690 for improved cooling (helps with HD 4850, especially in CF)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119137, $24 more

Q6600 OEM + Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro instead of Q6600 retail, $7 more
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115018
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186134

The P5Q Pro is fine for HD 4850 CF at 1680x1050 or less. At 1920x1200 you're better off with a P5E Deluxe X48, but that's $80 more. Also, with Asus HD 4850 and P5Q Pro you get a combo deal at newegg.

 

[Onus]

That case has no reset button on it. You may or may not care, but I know I like having one.
It is definitely not a bad build, but I also think aevm's suggestions would make it a better build.

 

[smotman]

I just bought that motherboard . Not a problem , Plug and play . No bios updates to run the 45nm chips . Face it intel is coming out with a new chipset and this board will do fine for a couple years . I went with the e8400 instead of the quad core .
That vid card has a loud fan , Bought that one too .
I also recommend 4 gigs of ram if going vista 32 .
Look at corsair power supplies , They cost a little more but you get what you pay for . I got the 620W .

 

[lkoverton]

Updated with aevm's suggestions! Thanks for the replies, keep 'em coming!

 

[aevm]

What, you've got the cash for all those changes? Nice

OK, let's see. When you add the second video card, it would be good to add a SFF21E fan or two (or SFF21F, noisier but pushes more air). You don't have to do that yet, IMO, with a single card.

If you're interested in overclocking and don't mind paying $14 more, get rid of the Freezer 7 and get these instead:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233003
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233019
Warning, the installation is more work with the Xigmatek HDT-S1283. On the bright side, you can reach 3.6 GHz instead of 3.2 GHz, or something like that.

 

[lkoverton]

Well, this is why it's in the wish list so far...I've got about $800-$900 sitting in PayPal from some eBay auctions, but I don't want to go half way on a build and be doing it again in 6 months and ending up spending the same amount in the end.