1rst Build Needs Review

[ianmc74]

My First Build…
This computer will be used mostly for gaming purposes. It will also be used to burn DVD’s, music, and surf the net, but will rarely have more than two programs running at once.

CPU: Intel E8500 (189.00) or Q9550 (314.00) Undecided and looking for some input
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115036
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115041

Motherboard: ASUS P5Q3 LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131344

GPU: Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121291

RAM: CorsairXMS3 3GB (3 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145223

Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar Green WD10EACS 1TB SATA 3.0Gb/s
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136151

CD/DVD: LG Black 22X (CAV) DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 16X DVD+R DL 22X
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136153

OS: Undecided and definitely need help please.

PS: CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006

Tower: Antec 900
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021&Tpk=antec%20900

I’ve heard not so good reviews about my tower selection but really like the design with the fan in the top.

I’m open to any suggestions…or corrections.

 

[Nevermind42592]

Check out the CoolerMaster HAF 932 for a case. It's amazing! My friend had the Antec 900 and it looks awful in person. It's cheaply made and doesn't offer any great features.

 

[Outlander_04]

Does that motherboard upport tripple channel RAM ?

I dont think so .

Only Core i7 do.

Get 4 gig double channel kit .

 

[Noya]

You don't need a quad for what you do.

On another note, your build is ALL over the place. You don't need DDR3 or a $150 P45 board.

Go for 4gb of DDR2-800 1.8-2.0v and the Gigabyte UD3R.

Also, I would go for two 500gb drives vs the single 1tb drive. Put your OS on drive #1 and games on drive #2.

 

[V3NOM]

get the e8500 if you're ocing... add a sunbeamtech core contact freezer to that list..

OS ATM: vista premium 64 bit

2x2GB DDR2 forget DDR3 for a core 2 duo!any sort of ram really... ram is overrated imo, timings make pretty much no difference.

and forget that DDR3 board...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131299
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131328

would be much superior.

 

[ianmc74]

Thank you everybody. I really like that CoolerMaster case!!! Thanks for pointing out the RAM, would not have figured that out till it was too late, and thats why I'm asking for support. Also I wanted to go with a motherboard that had some extras for the future, and thats why I decided to go with DDR3. I do have a little bit of money to spend but would very much like to keep this computer under $1200. I told my girlfriend it would only cost 600-800 so please keep me out of the dog house. lol

 

[eroc]

since your getting the antec 900, there's a combo w/ the e8400 so you can save some money there if you wish to.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.146903

& it's a really nice case as far as i'm concerned. only my opinion though

use the saved $30 to get a cooler for oc

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835207004
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835887016 <--really good for the price after rebate

both boards suggested above are nice i consider this one to be an option also
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128359

if you need crossfire, it's an extra $15

 

[ianmc74]

So two more quick questions...

Whats the benefit of having 2 hard drives other than memory?

Should I go with DDR2 or DDR3? or a motherboard that supports both?