The ultimate computer for $650?

I'm planning on building a computer in the next few weeks. Since i don't do gaming on my computer often (I might buy one or two games a year for it) i don't need an ubermachine. So i have designed a computer that is $650 after all MIRs, but i need help to make sure i'm not building a pile of junk. these are the parts.

GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813128337

Antec Sonata III 500 Black 0.8mm cold rolled steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 500W Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811129024

LITE-ON Black
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6827106265

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819115017

EVGA 384-P3-N966-TR GeForce 9600 GSO
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814130356

OCZ Gold 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR2 800
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820227199

Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 250gb
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822148262

Windows vista Home premium SP1 64-bit
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6832116488

Total after MIR and shipping- $651.93

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If you want to seave a little money....consider this card.....

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814102792

At the moment they seem to be out except for the 99 dollar version, but according to reviews, the 4670 is nearly equal to the 9600gso, maybe just one step below it, but if you want to save 20 bucks might be a way to go.

EDIT Just looked and saw the 9600gso has the 50 dollar mail in rebate, so probably a better deal than what I pointed out.

Message quoted 1 times
Message edited by ohiou_grad_06 on 09-21-2008 at 09:13:19 PM

Reply to ohiou_grad_06

ohiou_grad_06 wrote :

If you want to seave a little money....consider this card.....

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814102792

Since he's considering the MIR, that's actually not cheaper.

------------------------------ "If you don't plan on listening, why ask?"
Reply to johnyeah

Only objection I have is the 2.0 volt memory. You should always look for 1.8V

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820146731

Oh, and consider a newer chipset:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813128347

Message edited by Proximon on 09-21-2008 at 09:20:47 PM

Reply to Proximon

The 9600 Gso is great.
That is a pretty good setup. the powersupply in the case is perfect as well.
I say pull the trigger and buy.

------------------------------ Censorship is Evil.
Reply to customisbetter

Thanks for showing me the new chipset mobo. For the same price, its practically a no-brainer to go with the new one. Oh and what is the difference between 2.0 volt and 1.8 volt RAM? :wahoo: okay seems pretty positive on the build, I'll be building it in two weeks, when I have a three day weekend to enjoy it.

Message edited by tastytaco on 09-21-2008 at 09:36:38 PM

Reply to tastytaco

2.0 volt ram generally means your RAM will run at a higher temperature (unless it has better cooling) and 1.8 volt rams usually have a better room for overclocking.

------------------------------ "If you don't plan on listening, why ask?"
Reply to johnyeah

If i don't plan on overclocking is it still worth the extra $20?

Reply to tastytaco

Your choice of the RAM is perfectly fine, since you're going on a budget. You can still overclock the OCZ memory, even though it's at 2.0 V.

------------------------------ "If you don't plan on listening, why ask?"
Reply to johnyeah

Also if i throw another 30 dollars for a OCZ vendetta 2 will i see a major difference from 2.4 GHZ to 3.0 GHZ?

Reply to tastytaco

Since the JEDEC standard is 1.8V, RAM that is listed for that voltage will run at its advertised timings, no muss and no fuss. If the RAM wants more, it will probably run at 1.8V, but at worse timings.
Your BIOS will default to 1.8V on any CMOS reset, so you'll need to tweak it each time.

------------------------------ There is ALWAYS a drone. Exactly where, or how many drones you will encounter may vary, but that there will be at least one will not.
Reply to jtt283

I'd get the http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835233003 if anything (and with this cooler yes, you will see a big difference in your CPU temp)

------------------------------ "If you don't plan on listening, why ask?"
Reply to johnyeah

Top 10 heatsinks on cooling and on noise: http://www.frostytech.com/top5heatsinks.cfm.
There's also a link there for low profile ones.

------------------------------ There is ALWAYS a drone. Exactly where, or how many drones you will encounter may vary, but that there will be at least one will not.
Reply to jtt283

Personally if I'm building a budget gaming rig, I'm going to get the most GPU that I can afford. With that in mind I'd get the 4850 GPU and probably the e7200 CPU. Yes this is a step down on the CPU, but there are a couple of benefits: it runs cooler, consumes less power, and can OC just as well as the q6600 (if you end up doing this later). Now I know you said that your not going to OC, but I can guarantee that 95% of games will run better on a 4850/e7200 than a 9600gso/q6600. I'm trying to find Tom's review they did earlier this year that matched up slower CPU's w/bigger GPU's and pretty much showed that the slower CPU didn't affect the gameplay speed hardly at all. My point is that you don't have to have a large CPU to play decently. Yes it helps, but if your running at 60 fps w/a quad and 58fps with an e7200, will you really notice it?

Message quoted 1 times

------------------------------ PSU Tiers
GPU Power
8800gtx w/e6600 OC'd will run on Antec 380w w/27A on 12v rail, PSU!!
Reply to lunyone

Okay so it seems like I should spend a few more dollars for the 1.8V ram and the cooler. And I will probably buy a new GPU when i get some more extra money, like in the summer so for now the GSO will work, and when i see I'm falling below my standards I'll upgrade.

Message edited by tastytaco on 09-21-2008 at 10:16:02 PM

Reply to tastytaco

lunyone wrote :

Personally if I'm building a budget gaming rig, I'm going to get the most GPU that I can afford. With that in mind I'd get the 4850 GPU and probably the e7200 CPU. Yes this is a step down on the CPU, but there are a couple of benefits: it runs cooler, consumes less power, and can OC just as well as the q6600 (if you end up doing this later). Now I know you said that your not going to OC, but I can guarantee that 95% of games will run better on a 4850/e7200 than a 9600gso/q6600. I'm trying to find Tom's review they did earlier this year that matched up slower CPU's w/bigger GPU's and pretty much showed that the slower CPU didn't affect the gameplay speed hardly at all. My point is that you don't have to have a large CPU to play decently. Yes it helps, but if your running at 60 fps w/a quad and 58fps with an e7200, will you really notice it?

I would totally agree with you, but the e7200 and 4850 adds up to $260, but the q6600 and the 9600 adds up to $240. It's not a big difference, but it's personal preference.

Message quoted 1 times

------------------------------ "If you don't plan on listening, why ask?"
Reply to johnyeah

Found another option to consider. Here's a combo deal on a e8400 (3ghz) w/an Asus P5Q Pro mobo for $275 - $20 MIR = $255!!! Now that's like getting the CPU for $170 and the mobo for $85!! Not too bad of a deal if you ask me.
Look at combo #4 down from the top

------------------------------ PSU Tiers
GPU Power
8800gtx w/e6600 OC'd will run on Antec 380w w/27A on 12v rail, PSU!!
Reply to lunyone

i think I'll stick with the q6600 and 9600 just cause i saw some benchmarks of it and it was preforming well. Also I defiantly want quad core and with the Core I7s coming out soon, I don't want to end up with a dual core if all of a sudden everyone stops selling Socket 775s.

Message quoted 1 times

Reply to tastytaco

johnyeah wrote :

I would totally agree with you, but the e7200 and 4850 adds up to $260, but the q6600 and the 9600 adds up to $240. It's not a big difference, but it's personal preference.

Yes it is a personal choice. The 4850 is a step above a 9600gt, which is better than the 9600gso. Personally I look for the best GPU for the $ that I can afford, but that is just my preferance.

------------------------------ PSU Tiers
GPU Power
8800gtx w/e6600 OC'd will run on Antec 380w w/27A on 12v rail, PSU!!
Reply to lunyone

tastytaco wrote :

i think I'll stick with the q6600 and 9600 just cause i saw some benchmarks of it and it was preforming well. Also I defiantly want quad core and with the Core I7s coming out soon, I don't want to end up with a dual core if all of a sudden everyone stops selling Socket 775s.

And there is nothing wrong with that choice. I was just pointing out some options to consider.

Message quoted 1 times

------------------------------ PSU Tiers
GPU Power
8800gtx w/e6600 OC'd will run on Antec 380w w/27A on 12v rail, PSU!!
Reply to lunyone

While you would probably be fine with it I don't really like the 2.0 voltage on the RAM either. I recommend getting some Mushkin RAM. This one has a mail in rebate but it still comes out to a little more

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820146692

All around good choices. You may want to consider spending a little more and getting an 8800GT though, but I suppose that 9600GSO will be fine for now and you can upgrade to a better card latter. It's hard to beat that 9600 with that great mail in rebate

lunyone wrote :

And there is nothing wrong with that choice. I was just pointing out some options to consider.

Yeah, didn't mean to sound harsh or anything. And for the price the 9600 GSO is the best card for my current budget. next year = better gpu

Message quoted 1 times
Message edited by tastytaco on 09-21-2008 at 10:56:57 PM

Reply to tastytaco

The E8500 is a better choice in a budget build. Quad core won't benefit you in the long run at that speed, etc. The E8500 regularly performs better across the board. Since you say you don't game, and since you are building on a tight budget you shouldn't be worried about future upgrades anyway.

I'm still running dual-core until better quads come down in price. The Q6600 is not a bad budget part but most software won't benefit from it, so you should probably go for the clock speed if you're not going to OC.

Message quoted 1 times

Reply to wasteoftime

tastytaco wrote :

Yeah, didn't mean to sound harsh or anything. And for the price the 9600 GSO is the best card for my current budget. next year = better gpu

Wasn't affended at all, just wanted to express some other options to consider, especially when the budget gets tight. :sol:

------------------------------ PSU Tiers
GPU Power
8800gtx w/e6600 OC'd will run on Antec 380w w/27A on 12v rail, PSU!!
Reply to lunyone

wasteoftime wrote :

The E8500 is a better choice in a budget build. Quad core won't benefit you in the long run at that speed, etc. The E8500 regularly performs better across the board. Since you say you don't game, and since you are building on a tight budget you shouldn't be worried about future upgrades anyway.

I'm still running dual-core until better quads come down in price. The Q6600 is not a bad budget part but most software won't benefit from it, so you should probably go for the clock speed if you're not going to OC.

True, I might have to reconsider that then. Its just that i have been thinking about the q6600 since i first started making designs. Yeah, I wish i had a super $5000 dollar budget... but money doesn't grow on trees.

Message edited by tastytaco on 09-22-2008 at 12:37:05 AM

Reply to tastytaco

If you don't want to worry about overclocking, you could always go AMD and get a little cheaper processor to up the graphics. Intel typically performs better, but an AMD would not do bad either. And if gaming is the main concern I think a good dual core chip and a good video card would drive you just fine for a while.

Message quoted 1 times

Reply to ohiou_grad_06

ohiou_grad_06 wrote :

If you don't want to worry about overclocking, you could always go AMD and get a little cheaper processor to up the graphics. Intel typically performs better, but an AMD would not do bad either. And if gaming is the main concern I think a good dual core chip and a good video card would drive you just fine for a while.

Totally agree with this. I hadn't mentioned this before, because he seemed pretty intent on an Intel build. AMD x2 5400+ Black Edition 2.8ghz stock speed for $77 shipped (+25 CPU HSF, since one doesn't come with it) would be a solid choice!! Than a 4850 could be fit into the budget!!!

CPU/Mobo combo - $157 shipped!! AMD x2 5400+ BE and Biostar 790gx Mobo!!
Combo link, it's combo #5 from the top!
AMD Athlon 64 X2 5400+ Brisbane 2.8GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 65W Dual-Core black edition Processor - Retail
BIOSTAR TFORCE TA790GX A2+ AM2+/AM2 AMD 790GX HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail

GPU - $170 - $30 MIR = $140!! Hard to beat a 4850 GPU right now for the value and performance!
ASUS EAH4850/HTDI/512M Radeon HD 4850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail

Case/PSU/DVD Burner Combo - $152 - $50 MIR = $102!!! Antec Sonata III/Antec 500w Earthwatts/LiteOn DVD burner Retail!!!
Combo link, use the first combo on the list!

HD - $60 shipped!!
Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD2500AAKS 250GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM

RAM - $74 - $20 MIR = $54!!! RAM previously mentioned.
mushkin 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail

CPU HSF - $33 shipped (can be had for $7 less at ewiz.com). Needed for CPU, since it doesn't come with one.
ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 64 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler - Retail

OS - $99 shipped!!
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit English for System Builders 1pk DSP OEI DVD - OEM

Total = $746 - $100 MIR's = $646!!! And you could take off another $7 if you get the CPU HSF at eWiz.com!!

------------------------------ PSU Tiers
GPU Power
8800gtx w/e6600 OC'd will run on Antec 380w w/27A on 12v rail, PSU!!
Reply to lunyone

hmm i like that build, and i found a vendetta 2 at amazon through amazon for 29.99 so then i can save even more money! But would a brisbane be better for the long run with its higher GHZ, but 2 less cores, or should i just go quad now. I'm planning on using this computer for about 4 years, 1-2 as gaming 3-4 as normal computer.

Message edited by tastytaco on 09-22-2008 at 11:19:50 PM

Reply to tastytaco

Well that will be up to you to decide. You'll have to spend a bit more now to get the quad, but in general a duo core is all that most people need. Yes the quad core should become more useful in the future, but when is the real question. The x2 5400+ can easily OC'd to 3.2-3.4ghz pretty easily, so take that into consideration when chosing. The Phenom Quads OC, but not as well as the Intel's so that might be an issue for you too.

------------------------------ PSU Tiers
GPU Power
8800gtx w/e6600 OC'd will run on Antec 380w w/27A on 12v rail, PSU!!
Reply to lunyone

Okay, in the next four years will the quad become needed for everyday use, or will a duo-core still be mainstream?

Reply to tastytaco

My best guess is quad-core will enter the market mainstream or more mainstream when 3-3.2Ghz clocked models hit ~$400.00, then C2D will vanish into the realms of budget builds. I'm hoping AMD hits that $400.00 and under mark first.

Edit: With the HIGHEST nano-spec being 45nm.

Message edited by Fwertz on 09-23-2008 at 12:16:43 AM

Reply to Fwertz

Mainstream for me is about $75-175 depending on the chip. Most people won't buy a >$200 CPU, because their budget won't allow it. Enthusiasts will buy >$200 because they want the added performance. AMD's quad cores (and q6600) are about as mainstream as they can be right now. When you start seeing quad core systems from HP, Dell, Gateway for around $400-500 than you have hit mainstream, AFAIC. They are getting closer everyday, but they are currently using AMD quads and generally the q6600 (older tech). When the q9550 and such hit mainstream pricing than that'll be when quads are mainstream, which might be a year from now???

------------------------------ PSU Tiers
GPU Power
8800gtx w/e6600 OC'd will run on Antec 380w w/27A on 12v rail, PSU!!
Reply to lunyone

Okay so in the next for years, and i plan on keeping it for 4 years so I'll just the quad and clock it to 3.0 ghz so that i'm main stream market futureproof. I'll buy a better video card next year. Also, how easy is it to get the overclock to 3.0 ghz on the q6600 if i do it, and will a OCZ vendetta 2 and the antec sonata case keep it cool?

Message edited by tastytaco on 09-23-2008 at 02:11:18 AM

Reply to tastytaco

I think if you want a computer that long, you are probably better to spend less now and upgrade sooner.

Message quoted 1 times

Reply to ohiou_grad_06

ohiou_grad_06 wrote :

I think if you want a computer that long, you are probably better to spend less now and upgrade sooner.

Cheaper system now, upgrade GPU next year sometime, than the year after upgrade everything! That's what I'd do if I could. For me I try and upgrade every 2 yrs., but this year I can't afford it, so I'm still rockin' on my x1800xt that I bought 2-3 years ago!!! That has lasted me more than any that I've bought! Had a 9800pro until last year when it went south. It lasted about 3 yrs or so. If your doing light gaming than just get what you need now and upgrade when your needs change. The 9600gso will do or the 4850. The 4850 is a better GPU and you pay a bit more for it too.
Minimal build for you right now would be an AMD system with 2 or 4 CPU cores, whichever you like with the 790gx mobo (onboard 3300 GPU, good for WoW and such maybe more). Upgrade to best GPU when your needs arise and you'll be good for a good period of time. Than if you feel that you need more gaming power, either upgrade to the latest that you can afford or do a full upgrade to whatever you can afford.

------------------------------ PSU Tiers
GPU Power
8800gtx w/e6600 OC'd will run on Antec 380w w/27A on 12v rail, PSU!!
Reply to lunyone

I hate to say this, but there's no such thing as future-proofing. In terms of gaming, you'll pretty much need to switch your video card every two years to be on top of things (that's assuming by then your CPU won't be bottlenecking your GPU, think of it this way, in about two years most games will probably be as demanding as Crysis).

Overclocking is relatively easy as long as you get a solid motherboard, RAM, cooling for your CPU and good ventilation for your motherboard. You can check out the overclockers forums here. It's pretty straightforward. The Sonata case has pretty good airflow and OCZ vendetta 2 is also fine (for the same price I'd go for the Xigmatek 120mm Rifle CPU cooler though).

Your system can definitely last 4 years in terms of everyday application requirements. My laptop has lasted me for the last 4 years, albeit I can't really play any games beyond WoW with that machine.

------------------------------ "If you don't plan on listening, why ask?"
Reply to johnyeah

Exactly. You know a lot of guys spend alot of money to get a high end system. But they are upgrading again. What I found is basically, get the best stuff you can. Go to what is the top of the ladder, then drop down a step or 2. You may not get the latest and greatest, but you should still end up with what is a good solid system that will perform for a while. Then as you can afford upgrade. For example, why not buy a 100-110 dollar video card or even a 150 dollar card as opposed to say a 300-400 dollar card? Yeah it's not as powerful, but by the time you truly truly see a difference, you can upgrade again and get another card, which may be more powerful than a 300 dollar card someone bought last year. Look now at the 8800gt, what was it say 150-200 last year, now you can grab 9600gt which is only 15-20% less performance for 100 bucks? The nice thing you'll see too is tech is getting way better, and all the technology that is the new flashy thing is going to get pushed mainstream, and things are going to get cheaper I think. I mean now for 650 you can build a pretty decent game system.

The key is have a balanced system. I'd about rather have say a mid range dual core chip with a better video card, than to have a lower end card like say an 8400gs or something with a very fast chip. If games are your thing, I'd get at LEAST 2 gb of memory, something dual core or better if you can, like say on an AMD build, I probably would not get under a 5000+ or a 5200+ x2 chip, but get a better vid. card. Just my opinion.

Message edited by ohiou_grad_06 on 09-23-2008 at 09:29:25 PM

Reply to ohiou_grad_06

Yeah, okay thanks for the help guys. And i'm pretty sure this system is balanced. Also, I'll buy a better video card probably next year when i have some more extra money. Hopefully i can convince cousins to let me build their computer so that I'll be able to come back and consult with you guys. I'll probably hang around anyway.

Reply to tastytaco

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