Hello all, I am a long time reader of toms and have finally decided to build my own computer this time around. I am looking to build a new pc that will be almost exclusively a game rig. I currently have a Dell Dimension 9150 and seem to have reached the reasonable edge of its performance. I was hoping to possibly steal some parts out of it, however, including a DVD drive, the video card i put in it (GeForce 8800 GT by Elite Group) and if possible the sound card (can't remember off the top of my head), but I am unsure about the feasibility of the sound card.
Price > performance. I don't have a set budget, but am looking to build a reasonable machine while keeping costs down, with the idea of upgrading over time.
I have largely based this on the system builder marathon from Jul 08, so if there have been any changes I would appreciate the input. I have been browsing the forums to the best of my abilities, but there is quite a bit of info out there to digest.
My thoughts so far:
CPU: Intel core 2 DUO E8400 (I have thought about the Q6600, but decided to go duo core atm with the possibility of future upgrade due to the fact that it will be almost exclusively a game machine)
MOBO: MSI P7N SLI Platinum [OR] MSI P45 Platinum (I would like to be able to overclock and run SLI cards in the future, but will be sticking with stock speeds and the 8800 at the start. The mother board is the biggest mystery for me. I don't know if the increase in FSB between the two will actually do me any good in the long run or not. I chose these because of the system builder articles, but again would greatly appreciate input on this part in particular.)
Case: Cooler Master Centurion 590 RC-590-KKN1-GP
Power: Silverstone ST400 400W (Is 400 enough power? I don’t' have good frame of reference for power source)
CPU cooler: Cooler Master HyperTX 2
DVD drive: taken out of existing dell.
Graphics card: 8800 GT from existing computer.
Sound: onboard or sound card from dell.
RAM: Crucial Ballistix 2x 1GB PC2-6400 Kit
HD: TBD
Again it is largely based on the sub$1000 marathon build. Any and all input appreciated.
Price > performance. I don't have a set budget, but am looking to build a reasonable machine while keeping costs down, with the idea of upgrading over time.
I have largely based this on the system builder marathon from Jul 08, so if there have been any changes I would appreciate the input. I have been browsing the forums to the best of my abilities, but there is quite a bit of info out there to digest.
My thoughts so far:
CPU: Intel core 2 DUO E8400 (I have thought about the Q6600, but decided to go duo core atm with the possibility of future upgrade due to the fact that it will be almost exclusively a game machine)
MOBO: MSI P7N SLI Platinum [OR] MSI P45 Platinum (I would like to be able to overclock and run SLI cards in the future, but will be sticking with stock speeds and the 8800 at the start. The mother board is the biggest mystery for me. I don't know if the increase in FSB between the two will actually do me any good in the long run or not. I chose these because of the system builder articles, but again would greatly appreciate input on this part in particular.)
Case: Cooler Master Centurion 590 RC-590-KKN1-GP
Power: Silverstone ST400 400W (Is 400 enough power? I don’t' have good frame of reference for power source)
CPU cooler: Cooler Master HyperTX 2
DVD drive: taken out of existing dell.
Graphics card: 8800 GT from existing computer.
Sound: onboard or sound card from dell.
RAM: Crucial Ballistix 2x 1GB PC2-6400 Kit
HD: TBD
Again it is largely based on the sub$1000 marathon build. Any and all input appreciated.
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