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critique my first gaming computer build

Forum Homebuilt Systems : New System Build - critique my first gaming computer build

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never built a computer before, been reading the forum alot so i have somewhat of an idea of what i want. definately want it to last a couple of years before having to build another if thats possible, gonna be used for mostly gaming and the internet. DEFINATELY open to any suggestions to the list i have so far, good or bad!
I also don't know how to do the links for the items below, if you can help me with that would be great...

EVGA 512-P3-N801-AR GeForce 8800 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
Model #:512-P3-N801-AR
Item #:N82E16814130318
Return Policy:Limited Non-Refundable 30-Day Return Policy
Out Of Stock
Auto-Notify
$164.99 $164.99

Update GIGABYTE GA-X48-DS4 LGA 775 Intel X48 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Model #:GA-X48-DS4
Item #:N82E16813128336
Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy
In Stock
$224.99 $224.99

Update Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit English for System Builders 1pk DSP OEI DVD - OEM
Model #:66I-01939
Item #:N82E16832116488
Return Policy:Software Return Policy
In Stock
$109.99 -$10.00 Instant $99.99

Update Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
Model #:WD6400AAKS
Item #:N82E16822136218
Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy
In Stock
$74.99 $74.99

Update Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
Model #:Nine Hundred
Item #:N82E16811129021
Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy
In Stock
$139.99 -$30.00 Instant $109.99

Update CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Retail
Model #:CMPSU-750TX
Item #:N82E16817139006
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
Mail-in Rebate

$179.99 -$60.00 Instant $119.99

Update ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler - Retail
Model #:ACFZ7-PRO
Item #:N82E16835186134
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
$36.99 -$10.00 Instant $26.99

Update Intel Core 2 Duo E8600 Wolfdale 3.33GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8600 - Retail
Model #:BX80570E8600
Item #:N82E16819115054
Return Policyrocessors (CPUs) Return Policy
In Stock
$269.99 $269.99

Update CORSAIR DOMINATOR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X4096-8500C5DF - Retail
Model #:TWIN2X4096-8500C5DF
Item #:N82E16820145197
Return Policy:Memory (Modules, USB) Return Policy
In Stock
Mail-in Rebate

$124.00 -$5.00 Instant $238.00
Subtotal: $1,329.92

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I might make a few other niggling changes, but the one I would definitely make is to replace that RAM with a DDR2-800 kit that will achieve its advertised timings on the JEDEC default 1.8V. Mushkin makes some good ones.
I think you might get better results and spend less money with a 4850 GPU. Your mobo is a Crossfire board, which requires ATI GPUs to pair them up. If you don't plan to Crossfire (SLI is the nVidia equivalent), then you could get a P45 mobo and save $80+.
The cooler you've chosen is ok, but there are better ones, like the Xigmatek 1283.
Check out buy.com for prices on cases and PSUs. They are often better than Newegg.

------------------------------ There is ALWAYS a drone. Exactly where, or how many drones you will encounter may vary, but that there will be at least one will not.
Reply to jtt283

To add a link in this forum you select the link and click the URL icon (it looks like a chain link, the one after C/C++).

The GA-X48-DS4 is a brilliant idea, but you need to combine it with a Crossfire card for future-proofing, not with a SLI card. That is, keep the GA-X48-DS4, dump the 8800GT, add a HD 4870 512MB or even better a HD 4870 1GB (if you have the extra cash).

Visiontek HD 4870 512MB, $250
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814129113

Sapphire HD 4870 1GB, $319
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814102801

If you have a 24" monitor or larger it's worth getting the 1GB version. For a smaller monitor the 512MB version is almost as good.

Good choice of Windows, HDD, case, PSU.

The E8600 is very good for gaming, unless you play Flight Simulator. I'd prefer a Q9550 myself, but it costs more.

Your choices of cooler and RAM are contradictory. Either you overclock (and you need a high-performance cooler rather than the Freezer, and the DDR2-1066 makes sense)
or you don't (and the Freezer is not needed, the stock cooler is already just fine, and you can get cheaper DDR2-800). If you do want to overclock keep that RAM and add a Sunbeam Core Contact or a Xigmatek HDT-S1283. If you won't overclock, don't buy any cooler.

You could also get something like GA-EP45-DS3R + HD 4870 X2. That would give you the same performance as GA-X48-DS4 + two HD 4870 1 GB cards, for a lot less money.

GA-EP45-DS3R, $116
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813128344

Sapphire HD 4870 X2 $560
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814102768

That's 116+560 compared to 235+2*319 for GA-X48-DS4 and two Sapphire HD 4870 1GB, you save $197, but you have to pay the whole thing up front, no adding a second card later when it's cheaper.

If you prefer nVidia cards, look at GTX 260, not 8800GT. I'd suggest staying with a P45 motherboard in that case and giving up the multi-GPU option, because SLI motherboards are too much trouble.

Reply to aevm

like i said im new at building dont know how to over clock but would probably try it eventually i do play flight sim games will that make a difference with the e8600, thanks for the advice on links will give a try

Reply to rcd7767

An 8800GT/512 is hardly underpowered, but there are better bang for the buck deals.

Also, why bother with an X48? You're not going to SLI, ever. Trust me!

I use the AC Freezer Pro 7, it's nice and compact, but too noisy, try a different model with a bigger slower fan....120MM.

Reply to bf2gameplaya

if you were to build a gaming computer for $1300 what would you suggest maybe that is a better ?

Reply to rcd7767

also the games i play are mostly 1st person shooter and flight sim maybe that would help in deciding wich way to go

Reply to rcd7767

Hard to decide. For shooters the E8600 is better. For FSX the Q6600 is better. Get the Q6600 only if you play FSX more than anything else and/or you do video encoding often. Otherwise I think the E8600 is better for you.

Reply to aevm

i dont do video encoding dont even know what it is lol, i do play fsx alot dont know what the difference would be between cpu,s any other suggestions on a $1300 build, thanks

Reply to rcd7767

also dont know how to oc, but like i said will probably try it later on when i get more comfortable understanding how everything works

Reply to rcd7767

I think I would go with Win XP instead of Vista.

Reply to ddc22

First off, what all do you need? (monitor, Windows, etc?)

Second, build as cheap as possible that will satisfy you. PC parts drop in price all the time, and new ones come out every 6'ish months.

I would go something like this since you play FSX:

- Intel Quad core
If there's a micro center near you, $250 for a 12mb Q9450:
http://microcenter.com/single_prod [...] id=0287628
If not, a Q9400 or Q6600
- S1283 120mm cooler (overclock it to 3.0ghz+)

- P45 motherboard with decent overclocking ability ($80-110 with rebates).

- ATi HD 4870 or Nvidia gt216 ($200-220 with rebates)

- Corsair 650/750tx, $80 after rebate at buy.com all the time
http://www.buy.com/prod/corsair-65 [...] 78324.html

- 4gb DDR (2x2gb) $30-50 with rebate

- DVD/RW - $20-30

- Decent cooler master case for $77 shipped:
http://www.buy.com/prod/cooler-mas [...] 77908.html

Check slickdeals.net and fatwallet.com for the best prices on electronics.

Reply to Noya

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