Planning to build a computer

[Rubur]

Ok, so im a highschooler, with some computer experience, im planning to build myself a new system, just wondering what some of you think about this, and if you guys could help me out while i learn.

Heres my planned specs:

GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128337

PNY VCG981024GXEB-FLB GeForce 9800 GT
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814133244

Kingston HyperX 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1150 (PC2 9200) Dual Channel
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104059

Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST3500320AS 500GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148288

SAMSUNG Black DVD Burner
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151171

I already have my processor and case due to a mistake that i made, i tried another mother board that did not support my CPU.

Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021&Tpk=Antec%20Nine%20Hundred

Intel Pentium E5200 Wolfdale 2.5GHz 2MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116072

So i pretty much know that i could have done with a better CPU, but my reasoning was that i was on a budget, and i wasn't really thinking, but at least i learned from that mistake. Anyways, this motherboard supports my CPU and later on I plan to upgrade to a quad core, a more ram, I plan to run 64 bit XP. The only problem i can think of wiht this build is that my motherboard's 4-pin CPU connector might not reach all the way up there. I have an Antec PSU, 500 watt.

 

[Proximon]

You are paying too much for RAM. What you want is 1.8V CAS5 800Mhz:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227124
$20 after MIR.

You should get a newer chipset motherboard:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128347

 

[ahslan]

I actually thin you made a great decision on that cpu...you'll be able to OC that bad boy beyond belief with a decent cooler

you definitely need to drop to cheaper but still good quality ddr2 800 ram...

That 9800gt is WAYYY overpriced...at that price, you might as well get a 4850 that will destroy the 9800gt in everything

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102770

 

[Proximon]

Oh yeah good point on the 9800GT... you can actually get one for far less, which I thought you were listing. the 1Gb memory isn't going to do that much for you and can actually slow the card down at times.

Get:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814133242

Or get the 4850 Ashlan listed, which is the better choice.

 

[knotknut]

MSI makes some really nice cooling devices for their cards.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127370

 

[geofelt]

98000GT is a good card. Here is a EVGA unit I like better:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130397
It is cheaper.
I like the dual slot cooler.
EVGA has good support and a "step-up" program.

Core 2 cpu's are not sensitive to ram speeds. Get a basic 4gb kit(2x2gb).
Ram is cheap.
Here is one from corsair:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145184

As a student look into a heavily discounted academic Vista license. I prefer the 64 bit version.

Don't worry about a PSU lead not reaching.
It probably will be ok.
If not, you can always get an extension like this:
http://www.pcsforeveryone.com/Product/StarTech.com/ATXP4EXT

---good luck---

 

[Proximon]

I'm almost sold on this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161244

reviews say:
-quieter
-cooler
-faster "performance falls squarely between the reference 4850 and 4870"

Some complaints about price but it looks good to me

 

[Rubur]

Thanks guys, i really appreciate all of this, i hope to stay dedicated to this site that i can continue to learn. i REALLY enjoy working and playing with computers, sometimes i can't tell the difference. I appreciate all these tips.

*EDIT*
Hi again, just went back and edited my wishlist, you guys saved me money by getting me a better system. Your all SO cool.

 

[dirtmountain]

I'd go with a P45 board, runs an extra $25 over the P35, but has crossfire support. The P43 that the proximon recommended is also a good board at the same price as the P35.
ECS P45 with crossfire if budget is really a problem $75 after rebate (FSB 1333/1066MHz)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813135093
Gigabyte DS3R with crossfire $107 after rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128344
Sapphire HD4850 $140 after rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102770

DDR2 800 RAM

By going with a P45 crossfire board you leave some options open for the future, first the 4850 is hands down a better performer then a 8800GT/9800GT and it can also be used in crossfire. They are slowly phasing out the P35s so support will continue longer for the P45s.