[New System Build] For Starcraft II/ Diablo III/ Half Life II

[Harvey Two Face]

I'm currently trying to build a system(first time) in preparation for Diablo III and Starcraft II as well as being able to play Half-Life II/Episode 1+2+3/Portal/Lost Coast/CS Source/TF 2 PERFECTLY. I have everything I need (I think) and am wondering your guys opinion/help/advice. (I don't plan on doing any overclocking)

CPU:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115041

MOBO:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813121338

RAM:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220286 getting 2 of these by the way for 8GB or RAM

Video Card:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102795

HDD:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148335

Media Drive:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827129021

Audio Card:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829271001

Network Card:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833124069

Monitor:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824001268

Case:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133154

PSU:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817153023

So what advice can you guys give me ? ALSO IMPORTANT Question, What would the Ideal OS be for this system?

 

[joetheone]

At your resolution (1680*1050) don't bother with the 1Gb version of the 4870. I use the 512Mb version at that res and it absolutely destroys Half-Life 2, and the extra memory really doesn't do much until you get into the ultra-high resolutions. Also, with 8Gb of RAM you should definitely go Vista 64 or XP 64.

 

[Fwertz]

If you think a 430 watt power supply is going to power all this, you'll need at least something twice as powerful. Much of it is overkill. You'll probably never get the most out of that 8GB of RAM and DDR3 RAM is over-priced right now for performance gain. Good choice on the HDD, Processor, and Vid. card. For me, onboard audio typically will always suffice and I don't think you'll exactly need the LAN card. Cases are cases, and as for the motherboard, it's high-end, a little much (for me at least. I like the cheap stuff as hardware is WAY above software, except Crysis) but it'll probably do. Good, expensive, rig. I've never personally been challenged by any of Blizzard & Friend's software as far as hardware goes so I have a hard time imagining these newer games are going to be very demanding, but others have different input. Be sure to check out the combo deals on the egg as well, I have just became very familiar with them.

 

[Harvey Two Face]

I thought games have trouble runing of 64 bit OS's? Also is this a better PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817153062

 

[rodney_ws]

I thought games have trouble runing of 64 bit OS's?

I can only comment on the games I own... The Orange Box, AoC and Civilization 4 all play just fine under Vista x64.

 

[Onus]

+1 @Fwertz, on all points. Even without overclocking anything, you'll need at least a quality 500W PSU, and I would choose one in the 550W-650W range just for longevity and efficiency. Antec, OCZ, PC Power & Cooling, Corsair, Seasonic, or Enermax are all safe. The last PSUs I've bought have been Antec Earthwatts or Enermax Liberty; all 80-Plus certified for efficiency.

 

[aevm]

Q9550 - good choice

Motherboard/video - get a GA-X48-DS4 with a HD 4870 card (and add another later)
or a GA-EP45-DS3R with a single HD 4870 X2.
BTW, the 4870 cards will support Havok by the time D3 is out (ATI is working on it already), and D3 will use it.

RAM: get 4 GB of DDR2-800, it's all you need for games.

PSU: Corsair 750TX

 

[njalterio]

+1 Vista 64.

I have encountered no gaming issues in any of my games, which are NWN2, STALKER, UT3.

 

[DXRick]

THG just posted a good article testing 4G memory kits that confirms that you should stick with DDR2 800 rated at the standard 1.8V.

The monitor you list supports up to 1680 x 1050 res. You won't need to Xfire two cards or get an X2 card for that. A single 4870 will be fine.

Having said that, you can just get a good P45 mobo as well, and a 550W (or so) PSU.

Having done a lot of research myself, here is my current wishlist with the same games in mind:
http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=11725467

I will try my current SB Audigy 2 Value card before getting another and am choosing the VelociRaptor for reliability, since I am also a programmer. I will buy the mobo locally and will get what is available.

Good luck!

 

[lunyone]

Q9550 - good choice

Motherboard/video - get a GA-X48-DS4 with a HD 4870 card (and add another later)
or a GA-EP45-DS3R with a single HD 4870 X2.
BTW, the 4870 cards will support Havok by the time D3 is out (ATI is working on it already), and D3 will use it.

RAM: get 4 GB of DDR2-800, it's all you need for games.

PSU: Corsair 750TX

Totally agree with AEVM (usually do ). You build is way over the top and your not likely going to see much if any difference with DDR3 over DDR2. I'd personally go with the p45 mobo with the 4870x2. This way you have a decent mobo (not overpriced) and one heck of a GPU!! 4gb's DDR2 800mHz, 640gb HD, onboard sound, Corsair tx750w PSU (plenty of cables that you might need later), maybe the Cooler Master 690 case (very good for the price. $77 shipped at Buy.com).