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Tom's Hardware > Forum > Homebuilt Systems > New System Build > $700 hardware rebuild

$700 hardware rebuild

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Hey guys,
I built my first computer over 3 years ago and it finally crapped out on me. I've been researching for a new build and things sure have changed since the 32-bit days. I'm mainly interested in gaming and then industry software like AutoCAD, 3dmax, photoshop, video encoding, ect.

I had to budget hence the cheap PS & GPU combo. I'm worried that it may be a weak PS and nervous because there's no reviews. 600W should be enough, right? Anyways here it is...

CPU: Intel E8600
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819115054

MOBO: ASUS P5Q Deluxe
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813131297

PS: 600W Thermaltake PurePower
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817153077

GPU: EVGA 9600 GT 512mb 256-bit
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814130384

RAM: Corsair Dominator 1gb x 2 DDR2 PC1066
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820145043

As you can see, it's centered around the E8600. I'm interested in overclocking to about 4.2GHz with an aftermarket heatsink. Am I going to be able to use my old 80GB IDE hard drive with this new MOBO?

Appreciate your thoughts, comments, opinions.

Message edited by bartone on 10-11-2008 at 08:54:52 AM

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1) Well if your OC'ing to 4.2ghz, than I would suggest using that PSU. There are plenty of quality PSU's that will do much better than that one that you selected.
2) I'd consider going with 4gb's of DDR2 800mHz for your build. AutoCAD, Photoshop, etc. IIRC are pretty memory intensive, so you will benefit from the added memory.
3) You can also do better with the CPU, IMHO. You can save about $90 and go with a q6600 and OC it to 3-3.4 ghz pretty easily (especially with an aftermarket CPU HSF). Or you could go with the e8400 and save $100 over the e8600 and still be able to OC to 4ghz or so.
4) The mobo you selected is nice, but I'd save some $ and put it towards better memory/PSU/GPU/etc.
Here's what I'd consider for around $700:

CPU/Mobo combo - $270 - $20 MIR = $250!! e8400 & Asus P5Q Pro!! Hard to beat this combo deal!
2nd combo down from the top!!

PSU/GPU combo - $230 - $20 MIR - $16 (Antec20) Instant promo code = $194!!! Antec 550w PSU w/Gigabyte 4850 GPU!! The 4850 blows the doors off of the 9600gt, so you'll get much better gaming out of it for a longer period of time!
2nd combo down from the top!!

Memory - $96 - $40 MIR = $56!!! Some of the fastest DDR2 800mHz RAM (CAS4 4-4-4-12 timings)!! Should OC pretty good too.
Crucial Ballistix 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail

HD - $75 shipped!! One of the better investments you can get for a new system. Your IDE drive won't be quite as quick as this one.
Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM

Total = $678 - $80 MIR's - $16 (Antec20 promo code) = $582!!! Hard to beat that. Now you could add Vista 64bit premium for $100 and still be under the $700 mark!!!

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

I was trying to avoid the e8400/e8500 because I would be mad if I got C0 stepping. That package is pretty enticing for the money though, I'll have to consider it, thanks.

What PS would you recommend for under $100?

Message edited by bartone on 10-11-2008 at 10:16:51 AM

Reply to bartone

If your going with just a $100 PSU, I'd recommend the Corsair tx650 or the tx750w PSU at Buy.com. They are excellent PSU's for the $ and have a 5 yr. warranty too!!!
$93 - $20 MIR = $73!! Hard to beat at this price!
Corsair TX CMPSU-650TX ATX12V & EPS12V Power Supply
$104 - $20 = $84!! Much better deal for more upgrade room too!!
Corsair TX CMPSU-750TX ATX12V & EPS12V Power Supply

Newegg's link for the Corsair 650tx, which has more info than Buy.com's link
Corsair 750tx's link at Newegg

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

hurray, got an e0 e8400. I ordered an aftermarket heatsink as well, but that won't be here until monday. Do I need to get some thermal paste/grease (same thing?) before then, or should the heatsink come with it?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835233003

Message edited by bartone on 10-17-2008 at 08:15:10 PM

Reply to bartone

I'm not sure if that one comes with pre-applied thermal paste, but it's a good idea to have extra if you need to pull it off and re-install it.

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

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