My Build, need suggestions/comments.

[lawrencethomas3]

Greetings all, just put together this build and wondered if anyone had any tips or suggestions.


(prices after MIRs)

COMBO DEAL: Antec Three Hundred Black ATX Mid Tower Computer Case and Antec True Power Trio TP3-650 650W - $119.94
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042&Tpk=Antec%20300
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371001

GIGABYTE GA-EP45-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - $99.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128345&Tpk=GA-EP45-DS3L

Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz - $169.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037

mushkin 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 - $62.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146731

EVGA 384-P3-N966-TR GeForce 9600 GSO - $49.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130356

ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler - $31.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186134


I already have the HDs, CD drives, monitor, and soundcard.


Any comments/suggestions?

 

[jerreece]

You seem to have a pretty decent gaming platform there. Not sure if you actually intend to use it for gaming or not. However, to be quite honest I'd look into a faster video card if you plan to use this rig for entertainment via video games.

9600GSO is cutting it slim compared to the rest of your setup. Personally I'd recommend an 8800 or faster. Though your best bet for over all price and performance, is one of the newer 4850's.

That 9600GSO is only $50, and the 4850 will be probably triple that. But the performance gain will be pretty decent, plus you won't be forced to upgrade in a few months.

 

[dirtmountain]

Right now there's a great combo deal for the E8400 and the Asus P5Qpro P45 motherboard. It will save you money and (just in case) add that second PCIex16 socket at 8x/8x.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131299

 

[lawrencethomas3]

Yeah, the 9600 is basically a stopgap measure until I can afford an up to date card... and since I'm sporting a 6000 generation GeForce now, I figured why not spend the $50 and have better performance in the mean time.

 

[dirtmountain]

I just put one of those 9600GSO in a build, it's a good midlevel card with good cooling, at $50 it's tough to pass up and if you're not into heavy gaming at high resolutions (1680x1050) and above it's a good card. If you're into heavy gaming at high resoulutions i'd agree with jerreece, go with the HD4850 (if your budget can handle it). It would also have the added benefit of being able to be crossfired on the P5Q pro motherboard in the future.

 

[jerreece]

Yeah, the 9600 is basically a stopgap measure until I can afford an up to date card... and since I'm sporting a 6000 generation GeForce now, I figured why not spend the $50 and have better performance in the mean time.

Oh yes, I've got two GeForce 6800's laying on my desk still. Need to just trash them or something. Although I keep them around just incase I get a video card failure and need to get by until I can replace.

The 9600GSO would be a big jump in performance over any 6 series card. But, when you can afford it, definitely pick yourself up one of those HD4850's for sure. I kind of wish I'd waited longer and gotten one myself instead of my 8800GTS.