New build after many many years... please rate!

[Zyzyb]

After more than 6 years from my last build, I decided to do another one but I am lost with the new technology. I need advice and critiques. The main use for the PC is home and my husband's Autocad REVIT (and some gaming). This is what I chose:

CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600
Mobo:Asus P5QC P45
CPU Fan: Asus silent Square EVO
Case: NZXT Apollo
Case Fan: Artic Cooling Fan 8
PSU: Seasonic SS 600 HT 600W
RAM: 4 GB Super Talent PC6400 800MHz DDR2 dual channel
HD: 500 GB SATA 7200 (we have 2 other external ones)
Optical: 20X lightscriber DVD-RW
Graphics: ATI Radeon HD3850 1GB 2DVI/HDCP
OS: Vista home premium 64

I was really torn by the choice of MoBos and Graphics card. We can't spend a lot of money, but I would like to have a upgradable system that will last some years.
What do you think?
Thank you a lot for any input!

Zee

 

[chechnyan]

you're system looks good
except that i just feel that HD 3850 is bit slow
yes it will work but you will find you're new game running slow
and if you are not overclocking i don't think you need that fan stock fan will do the job
otherwise the XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 has a good reviews plus cheaper
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233003

 

[iluvgillgill]

get the 4870 or the 4870X2 if you can afford.

+1 on the xigmatek S1283.

 

[outlw6669]

Drop the Asus P5QC.
Those DDR2/3 hybrid Mb's are a rip off.
Go with a P5Q-Pro for the same price but make sure to update the BIOS on any P45 Mb right away.
Stick with DDR2 800 with 4-4-4-X timings.

I would also suggest changing your choice on CPU coolers.
The xigmatek will give you the same results or better for half the price.

The 3850 is not a bad low end card but I would highly recommend upgrading it to a 4850.
Well worth the extra cash.

 

[Zyzyb]

Thank you for the reply!!

My worry about the P5Q-pro is that it is not even listed at the ASUS site. But even if it were it is not in the list of the Mobos I can get from the place I am getting most components.
How do you feel about the P5Q deluxe? The P5Q premium is too much for me...
on the graphics card, I do not have the option of the XIGMATEk one you suggest, so how about the NVidia GTS 8800 640MB? Is that one better than the ATI redeon HD 4850 512 MB or not?
On the fan front, how about the Thermaltake CL-30P91. Definitely cheaper...

Thank you!!

Zee

 

[cokenbeer]

The Xigmatek is a CPU heatsink and fan. It's great for keeping your processor frosty and is a great value.

For a mobo, the P5Q deluxe is a decent mobo, you won't be disappointed.

And for a graphics card... Any ATI 4850 or 4870 if you can afford it will give you the best bang for your buck!

Good luck!

 

[outlw6669]

The P5Q Deluxe is an excellent Mb.
If you can locate it in your area, look at the P5K-E to save some cash.

Think you may be confused a little.
The Xigmatek 1283 is a CPU cooler, not a video card.
I could not locate a Thermaltake CL-30P91 using google but I think you are talking about This one.
I saw a review on a Thermaltake Orb a while back and it seems to do a decent job at cooling.
It is pretty big, though.
If you want another cheaper alternative, check out the Artic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro.

As for the video cards...
No, the 8800GTS 640 will not be faster than a 4850.
In fact, none of the GF8 or GF9 series, with the exception of the 9800GX2, will be faster than a 4850.
The closest competition it has is from the 9800GTX+ which is almost as fast.
I would recommend looking for a 4850 with an upgraded cooler.
Without applying a fan speed fix, they run pretty hot with the stock cooler.