Noob Build 2nd revision, please help!

[efowler13]

Graphics Card: ASUS EAH4850 TOP/HTDI/512M Radeon HD 4850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail

HardDrive: Western Digital VelociRaptor WD1500HLFS 150GB 10000 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive (bare drive) - OEM

Memory: CORSAIR DOMINATOR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X4096-8500C5DF - Retail

I am torn between these two Processors,: Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale 3.16GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8500 - Retail

and Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor Model HH80562PH0568M - OEM

Mobo: ASUS P5Q Pro LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

Power Supply: Antec EA650 650W ATX12V Ver.2.2 / EPS12V version 2.91 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Retail

Primary questions are as follows: In regards to the processor is it better to get the quadcore for "future proofing" I have read that the overclocking potential on the quad drive is incredible, even with stock fans.

Aside from that, is the Mobo a decent choice for the setup I have listed here, and are there any extras I should be concerned with aside from what I have listed here? I am going for a good gaming build that doesn't kill my wallet though I am splurging on a few things (hard drive, monitor) any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

 

[jpdykes]

Comments as follows:

- 4850 is good choice.

- Unless you are planning very large overclocks you only need DDR2-800 RAM.

- If you game go with the E8500. I went quad core to future proof and it didn't really help. Duals perform better in games, but the overall system scores are relatively similar.
- Q6600 is a good overclocker - but only if you want to try your hand at it. If you are I would suggest an Xigmatek cooler and retention bracket mount.

- P5Q is good.

- You might want a storage drive. There is currently a good offering from WD at 640Gb.

Jeremy

 

[aevm]

I agree with jpdykes.

Get the Mushkin 2x2GB DDR2-800 that's $50 now at newegg.

There's also a Corsair 650TX PSU at www.buy.com, excellent quality and very cheap.

If this is a gaming machine, replace the Velociraptor with a WD6400AAKS and the HD 4850 with a HD 4870 1GB. You will gain a lot more than you lose, and the total price is about the same.