Looking for mobo/case/psu/cooling advice...

[jzsang]

This is what I plan on reusing from my previous computer:

9600 GT (dual slot)
4 GB DDR2 800 (4 x 1 GB)
X-Fi card
320 GB hard drive
Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit

This is what I already purchased for my next build:

E8400 (with heatsink and fan)

This is what I need:

Motherboard
Case
Power supply
Thermal paste
DVD Drive
Anything else...? (aftermarket cooler, more fans, ???)

Any advice?

Notes: I hope to spend about $350 - $425, do not plan on getting involved with Crossfire or SLI, enjoy a cool and quiet case, will eventually upgrade my video card (waiting for the R700 and GT200 die shrinks), would like a simple, yet reliable DVD drive (nothing wild, as I plan on eventually getting a Blu-ray/HD-DVD drive), and will not overclock the computer.

Important edit: I have about $350 - $425 set aside for just the motherboard, case, dvd drive and power supply. The processor and other parts have already been paid for.

 

[auscanzukus]

No o/c & no sli/cf. Then any G31/G35/P31 board is fine. Look into Intel BOXDQ35JOE and BOXDP35DPM.

For a quality case + psu, look into Antec Sonata Plus 550.

For dvd burners, check out LH-20A1L-05, DRW-2014L1T & LH-20A1S.

You can use the stock intel cpu cooler for a stock pc. If you like quietness, look at Freezer 7 Pro. Use the bundled thermal paste.

 

[Proximon]

All great suggestions.

great budget Gigabyte board:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductReview.aspx?Item=N82E16813128337

 

[jzsang]

Thank you for the advice! Very quick and helpful responses.

New Question: I am not at all a power supply expert...would the 550 watt power supply http://www.newegg.com/Product/ShowI...c+Sonata+Plus+550+Black/+Silver+Computer+Case that comes with the suggested Antec Sonata Plus 550 give me enough headroom for a decent single card upgrade down the road? In other words, is this a serious and reliable power supply, something cheap that was just tacked on, or a product that falls somewhere in between?

 

[Proximon]

I think it's an earthwatts PSU. You can likely power one 4850, or say an 8800.

So, limited ability to upgrade. It's the best you can do given your budget.

 

[jzsang]

I think it's an earthwatts PSU. You can likely power one 4850, or say an 8800.

So, limited ability to upgrade. It's the best you can do given your budget.

Regarding the whole budget thing, I think we have a little misunderstanding...heh...I have about $350 - $425 set aside for just the motherboard, case, dvd drive and power supply. The processor and other parts have already been paid for.

Anyways...the things I have been suggested so far, while thoughtful and insightful, only total about $200 - $250. While I would love to save a buck here and there and am not the kind of guy that needs to spend money in order to be happy, I am definitely not opposed to some more pricey suggestions, especially in the power supply / case department.

Nevertheless, once again, thank you for all of your advice...I am still kind of a newbie at this.

 

[Proximon]

Sorry, too many threads

Still, with the single video card stipulation, we're not going to spend a lot.

I'm going to set down the ASUS fanboy hat and point out this MB:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813127050

It's got nice features such as eSATA. The IP35 is famed for it's ability to OC... and while you do not, that translates to stability.


Now that I have that out of the way, I like this board slightly more:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131322
Better price, more features. Probably just as stable, it's just a bit newer than the P35.

"a cool and quiet case"
This is up to your tastes. Good airflow with more fans equals more quiet operation, because the fans don't have to spin as fast.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119157

PSU:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139002
Modular cables and very high quality. More power than you need, but that's safety and longevity... and upgrade ability.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703005
Not modular. VERY fine PSU. Still a bit more than you are going to use today, but I won't go lower. This is a true 5 year power supply.

Thermal paste:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100007
It works, well. has for years. There's newer stuff that might get you a couple degrees cooler, but this product is tested on so many rigs it's ridiculous.

DVD burner:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106073

There, I hope this saves, website has gone nuts lately.

 

[Proximon]

Right on budget

 

[jzsang]

Thanks a million!