Building gaming system, would like any advice!

[CompStomp]

Hi all,

I've got a gaming system in mind and was wondering if you folks could look over it for me.

I'm trying to keep it under $1300 counting mouse, keyboard, and monitor... I already have the OS.

Case: NZXT Tempest
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146047

CPU: E8400
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037

Motherboard DFI x38
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157136

Memory 4gb Mushkin:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146731

GPU 4870:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814129113

PSU Corsair 650TX:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139005

Hard drive Seagate 640gb:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148335

Samsung dvd burner:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151171

HSF sunbeam core contact:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835207004

Monitor 22" SCEPTRE:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824112009

Mouse Logitech MX518:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826104178

I believe thats it... Except for a keyboard, I'm not sure what to get there, so any suggestions are nice. I would like to keep the keyboard price under or around $30.

Thanks in advance!

 

[buzznut]

Hi-
A couple of things. The sunbeam cooler, in that price range I would look at the xigmatek rifle coolers. I think the 1283 is what I would get. The sceptre monitor LOOKS like a great deal but they don't have a great reputation. Also note that it doesn't come with a dvi cable, which you will definately want with your 4870. You will need to add on 20 bucks for the cable. You might wanna look around some more at other monitors. I reccomend acer for budget monitors, samsung if the sky's the limit.

For gaming i would get a g11 keyboard. they are running about 60 US, which is really good for a gaming keyboard and excellent quality.

Ram looks good, but wouldn't you want to run with something a little faster? isn't the e8400 a fsb 1333?

Also the 1 Tb drives are strong performers, you might consider spending a little more for that.

Otherwise it looks good. Have fun with that!

 

[Onus]

The RAM is just what you want; DDR2-800 that runs at the JEDEC standard 1.8V.
Unless you plan to Crossfire another video card, drop back to a P45 mobo. Use the money saved toward the keyboard. Unless you plan to overclock, the stock Intel HSF will be sufficient.

 

[CompStomp]

Hey guys,

Thanks for the heads up on the monitor, how are Asus monitors? I was looking at this one
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236028

I am planning to OC and since the Mushkin was at 1.8v I figured I'd be able to OC it easily if I wanted to gain more OC on my CPU, and save money by getting the 800.

I was thinking of crossfiring down the road when just one 4870 isn't enough gaming power... But is that a better/more cost effective way? Or is just upgrading to another single card a better Idea?

 

[dirtmountain]

Order the Corsair 750w power supply from www.buy.com It's only $3 more with free shipping from there and will give you added headroom with your crossfired 4870s.
http://www.buy.com/prod/corsair-tx-750w-atx-12v-power-supply-corsair-tx-cmpsu-750tx-atx12v/q/loc/101/206178325.html
Also check the Antec 900 case at $85 with free shipping.
http://www.buy.com/prod/antec-nine-hundred-steel-atx-mid-tower-computer-case-900-antec-nine/q/loc/101/202997579.html
yeah it's a pita to get something from another e-tailer, but worth the effort.

 

[dirtmountain]

With your choice of motherboards then crossfiring another 4870 when you have the budget for it is a good idea.

 

[CompStomp]

Nice, thanks for those finds Dirtmoutain.