First System Build - $600-700

[mroehler]

Hi, I'm planning on building my own computer system for the first time ever, instead of ordering something from Dell. I looking to build a great gaming PC for the money I can spend (my budget is between 600-700 dollars), in addition to the other, less system-intensive uses for it like surfing the internet or watching movies.

Here's the build I was planning on ordering, please let me know your thoughts. I don't want to screw this up. I'm especially clueless about my motherboard.

Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8400

Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-EP45-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard

RAM: CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X4096-6400C5

Hard Drive: HITACHI Deskstar P7K500 HDP725050GLA360 (0A35415) 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive

Graphics Card: SAPPHIRE 100245L Radeon HD 4850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card

DVD/CD Drive: LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model iHAS120-04

Case: COOLER MASTER Centurion 590 RC-590-KKN1-GP Black SECC / ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

Power Supply: APEVIA ATX-CW500WP4 500W ATX Power Supply

I planned on using integrated sound for this PC, and using the monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc. from my old Dell. Any mistakes/missed opportunities/alternate configurations in there? Thanks for the help! The total price from this thing before mail-in rebates is $650, and wasting $100 on the OEM of Windows Vista Home Premium brings it up to $750.

Also: do I need to buy a Case Fan for this thing? There's no way in hell I trust myself with liquid cooling.

 

[slomo4sho]

Pretty solid build but I would recomend getting a better psu. Try one of these options:

Antec Neo Power 500
Bundled with
Antec Three Hundred
http://secure.newegg.com/Shopping/AddToCart.aspx?Submit=ADD&ItemList=Combo.141087
$89.94 (free shipping)

OR

OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ500MXSP 500W
bundled with
Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD5000AAKS 500GB
http://secure.newegg.com/Shopping/AddToCart.aspx?Submit=ADD&ItemList=Combo.142782
$104.98 - $20 MIR

Also, go with the Asus P5Q Pro bundled with the E8400 as you save $30 due to the bundle and a better board at a lower price!
http://secure.newegg.com/Shopping/AddToCart.aspx?Submit=ADD&ItemList=Combo.138376

 

[jerreece]

Good build. I'd probably go with Slomo's advice on the case & power supply bundle. But I'm an Antec PSU guy, they've always treated me well. I'm not familiar with Apevia honestly, and tend to stay away from off-brand or cheap power supplies. They've always spelled trouble for me.

The power supply & hard drive combo isn't bad either. Western Digital makes a solid hard drive in my experience.

And heck, the Asus P5Q boards are pretty good from what I see (never had one), and bundled with the E8400 to save you $30 I'd say go for it.

So yeah, maybe I should have just said Ditto to Slomo?

Oh one thing. I always suggest buying an aftermarket CPU cooler. Stock coolers aren't always that great (even if you're not planning to OC).

 

[mroehler]

Alright, thanks for the advice. I made the changes you suggested Slomo, getting the Antec NeoPower and the Antec 300 instead of the Cooler Master case and the Apevia power supply. I also bought the chip that was bundled the Intel E8400.

Jerreece: How about the Artic Freeze 7 for a cheap yet effective CPU cooler? Or is there another option I should be considering?