New Build: H20? Salvage old PC Parts? Spending about $2000.

Hello to all!

This is functionally my first post here at Tom's, but I have been an avid fan for many years. The time has come once again, as it does every few years, to get some new hardware. Up until Core2Duo was released, I was very up to date on everything hardware, but now I feel a bit rusty, so I hope you can help me make some decisions on my upcoming PC.

My overall Goal is to build a high performance/cost ratio PC while putting some extra money to go over the top in some areas. $2000 is about where I want to be, but can stretch it if it's worth the dough...

Primary use: FPS Gaming
Secondary use: Graphic Design [Minimal Flash]
Occasional: Movie Making/Encoding


I would like to do dual GPUs.
I would like to moderately overclock, but not to the point of maxing out my hardware.


(Pre-build Question): I have XP. I love XP. I would like to keep XP and not move to Vista. (I have vista on my laptop)

I don't hate Vista, but I don't see any decent improvements in it over XP for the amount of extra resources it uses.

Is there any chance of me using one of my copies of XP on a newly built PC?




That said, I guess I will get right into it...


My system was once great, but dated at best...
Pentium4 3.6Ghz
256MB 6800 Ultra
10k Raptor 74GB [WD800GD-75FLC3]
SB Audigy 2ZS soundcard
2GB DDR2 @ 667
DVD-Rom [Sony DDU1615] and DVDRW [NEC 3550A] ND-drives
Logitech Z5500 5.1 Speakers
Dell 2007WFP LCD Monitor


(Question One) This leads me to my first question. My CPU, MOBO, PS, GPU are outdated, and I am not fond of the case nor the noisy fans and such. I am obviously going to reuse the monitor and speakers, but Is it worth salvaging the soundcard, drives, and HDD? Or should I just leave the old PC intact as a backup or for basic use?


(Question Two) CPU Debate: I am going Intel either way, but Dual Core vs. Quad Core.
I can pickup a Intel Core 2 Duo E8600 Wolfdale 3.33GHz 45nm CPU for about $280.For the same price I can only get a Core2 Quad Q9400 2.66GHz LGA 775 95W 45nm. For $50 more, I can get a Core 2 Quad Q9550 Yorkfield 2.83GHz with a 1333 FSB.

Granted I understand I am getting 2 more cores running at 2.66 or 2.83 with the quads, but is my logic amiss when I consider that gaming performance is my utmost concern and pure clock speed is what I should be after? Before the question is asked, I don't need everything set to max AA and trilinear, my native resolution is 1680x1050 with no desire to use any other resolution.

Also keeping in mind that I would like to do some overclocking.

What would you suggest to be the best buy for the CPU as it pertains to gaming only at the price range of:

• Under $300? Dual Core or Quad? Which Model?
• Between $300 and $450? Dual Core or Quad? Which Model?

(Question Three) Watercooling. Overclocking will happen, and H20 is something I have been looking forward to. I need a lot of help in this arena with decision making.

• Everything does NOT have to be contained inside of the case
• I would like to watercool at least the CPU and GPU [or GPUs] if not more.
• I would prefer getting a kit to do everything rather then parting it together.
• I want maximum cooling performance out of it, not just something to say it have it watercooled.
• What other components should I consider watercooling?

I am also okay with the idea of getting a pre-made case for watercooling. Any suggestions for the kit or case as well as what I would need to get it going for the CPU and GPUs?

Based on what you suggest for watercooling, what else will I need to provide cooling for?


(Question Four) Storage. I have some External HDDs and a large MP3 player for music, video and files. If it's not gaming related it probably will be stored off of my PC. My primary goal for the HDD is performance for gaming and startup. I currently own a Western Digital 10k raptor 74GB that's about 5 years old.

• Should I salvage my current drive or get a new one?
• If I get a new one, should I go 10k again, or have there been big improvements on 7200 drives?
• SSDs are pretty much out of the question due to their high price point.
• Would a RAID setup of dual 7200rpm drives out-performance a single 10k?

(Question Five) Perhaps most important of all. GPU Choice. I want to go Dual GPU. This is one area I know I may splurge on my price/performance ratio.

• Is 2x 8800GTS in SLI my best option in this price range? If not, what is?
• Remembering that Watercooling is highly likely, is overclocking really worth it on an SLI 8800GTS setup?
• I prefer nVidia, but arguments could be made the other way.

(Question Six) Sound. I have a SB Audigy2ZS sound card. Again, should I salvage it? Should I get a new soundcard? Should I just use onboard sound from the MOBO?

• I do use Logitech Z5500 5.1 speakers but don't have them setup in a traditional way to be used for surround sound as they are all in front of me. They are primarily for movies/music while I work on the computer.
• I use a headset most of the time while gaming anyways, not my speakers.
• Does a hardware card vs. Onboard make any performance differences for the machine, or just quality for sound?

(Question Seven) RAM. I would prefer 4GBs but the brand, overall quality and speed of the ram will likely be limited by whatever is leftover in the budget from everything else. Suggestions?


(Question Eight) Power Supply. Again, one of those aspects that is tough to determine since I have never done an SLI PC before. Energy usage for newer CPUs is so different from what I was used to before, so I need something that has plenty of power to push the specs I have listed above without creating so much heat and noise as to overwhelm the principles of the watercooling.

It needs to power; 1 performance HDD, 2 GPUs in SLI, 2 disk drives, Mobo, perhaps some lights and some case fans. Keeping in mind my watercooling-wants...


(Question Nine) Motherboard. I saved it for next to last because determining all the other components helps to determine my MOBO needs. Just to review what I was hoping for overall with my system specs:

Intel CPU Dual or Quad. 4GBs of Ram (Possibly latest and greatest tech ram). Likely a 10k RPM HDD. 2 nvidia GPUs in SLI. Soundcard or possibly onboard audio. 2 disc drives. Watercooling.

*Assuming that case size isn't an issue and that I will pick a case to fit the MOBO and watercooling solution.


...and finally...
(Question Ten) The case. Size and weight are not an issue. Cost could become an issue, but I am willing to get even one of the pricey watercooled cases if it's the best option and fits the price range or goes over it within reason



.....Thanks if you read all of that. I know it must have taken awhile to read because it took awhile to type.

Any help is appreciated!

Thanks!

-FiberX