500$ build for Warhammer Online

Hey guys,

A friend of mine wants to buy a new computer to play the upcoming Warhammer Online game, do some photoshop work and the basic surfing/office stuff. His budget is 500$, but he may spend a bit more than that if necessary. He doesn't want to overclock, if that helps.

Here's a quick build I made:



Now as you can see I went over the buget, and now I need some help with what can be downgraded to fit in that budget.

Some ideas:
-Get an AMD mobo (~70$) and a dual core ~2.8 (~100$) = save ~130$
-Get a 8800GT instead = save 25$ (not worth IMO)
-Change the RAM for cheaper DDR2-667 or DDR2-800 with 5-5-5-X timings = save 25$

Doing all 3 would lower the price to about 600$ taxed and shipped, which is probably acceptable, but I need some tips from you guys before sending him the final build.

Thanks!

https://secure.newegg.com/WishList/ [...] ID=8840832

Not sure if the link works, but I created a wish list on Newegg that is an AMD setup but comes out at $572. I run a slower proc and at 1280 resolution my 4850 does great with games so this should be plenty fast enough. Memory latency isn't that important so I just selected some regular DDR2-800 and a motherboard you can upgrade to a quad core later if you want.

Here's a few adjustments that I'd consider.
1) Get the best GPU for the $, the 4850 is a good choice
2) Get a decent 2 core CPU, the e7200 [2.5 ghz] or x2 5400+ [2.8ghz] (either stock or Black Edition, if you want to spend about $25 extra for a CPU HSF).
3) Stick to DDR2 800mHz (CAS 4 stuff if it's affordable) for either CPU/Mobo selection. Either will do you well.
4) Get a solid but inexpensive case, but DON'T skimp on the PSU!
5) Use a quality PSU for the build, can't stress this enough!! I prefer Antec/Corsair/PCP&C PSU brands. They tend to have good quality PSU's and have good warranties too. An Antec Earthwatts PSU would be the minimal selection that I'd go with. The 380w would do, but wouldn't leave much for upgrades later. I'd recommend the 500w one that is bundled with your case that you selected. You could also go with the Corsair vx450w PSU too.

I finally went the AMD route. Despite the worse performance, the CPU+mobo cost about 43$ less so it helps fit in the budget and shouldn't have a big effect on performance in games.

I also went for cheaper RAM and separate case and PSU. I couldn't find the 24$ case unfortunately. Here's the updated build:



Final price: 575$, including shipping, tax and MIRs.

Any opinions?

Hmm, so a E5200 on a Gygabyte P35 board would cost only 5$ more than the AMD config but uses newer (faster) technology. I think I'll go with intel once again

*edit* Does the P35 chipset support the 45nm dual cores?