Q9300 Gaming Build - N00b

[topshot]

This is going to be my first build ever and I need some help. I just want to make sure I'm getting the most bang for my buck and I have a good rig. I was wanting to keep it around $1300. If you have any advice or see any possible problems let me know.

CPU: Intel Q9300
Mobo: [strike]EVGA 132-CK-NF78-A1 LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 780i SLI ATX Intel[/strike]
GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard
Ram: [strike]2x CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 675 (4GB total)[/strike]
CORSAIR TWIN2X4096-8500C5 4GB (2x2) DDR2 1066
Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA
OS: Vista Home 64 bit
Case: Thermaltake Armor Series VA8003BWS
PSU: Thermaltake W0131RU 850W
Video Card: [strike]EVGA 512-P3-N871-AR GeForce 9800 GTX(G92) 512MB[/strike]
SAPPHIRE 100245L Radeon HD 4850 512MB
Optical Drive: LG 22x DVD Burner SATA Model GH22LS30

 

[alcattle]

You don't need 850W PSU for your system, 600W would be plenty.
I would get 2x2GB Ram, vista will use all of it and be hungry for more.
I would look at P45 MBs and a Q6600 CPU if you do not plan to use 2 9800GTXs. The Q6600 is a better bang for your buck CPU. You would save money with other MBs

 

[topshot]

Yea I just picked out a PSU that would provide "growing" room I guess. I actually bought the Q9300 already so I'm kinda stuck with it. I bought it at my local Micro Center for $180 so it didn't cost too too much

 

[alvine]

that psu is overkill
sir get 4gb ram

 

[alcattle]

Nothing worng with the Q9300, and you got a good price.
There is a review of MB here so look at different chipsets and the price range.
You did not list what you plan on doing with the system, but what you have is a good setup, just not what I would choose.

 

[topshot]

Mostly gaming..flight sims in particular. I would like to max out the settings FSX and X Plane 9.

 

[kelfen]

I would stay away from NIVIDIA chipset as they are not as stable as intel boards if your going to go SLI might as well get x58

 

[topshot]

I need some help picking out ram. I found these G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 but I read that they sometimes have problems with Nvidia boards. Kelfen does the x58 board work with the Q9300? I read it is just compatible with the i7.

 

[apache_lives]

I would stay away from NIVIDIA chipset as they are not as stable as intel boards if your going to go SLI might as well get x58

Second that, get a P35/P45/P31/P41 chipset from Intel - much better.

Also concider the ATI 4850 and 4870 video cards.

 

[topshot]

Ok I will check into those thanks. I have one thing thats been bugging me, even though I got a good price on the Q9300 should I try to exchange it for the Q6600 or the E8400? These seem to be more popular and better for gaming.

 

[apache_lives]

Ok I will check into those thanks. I have one thing thats been bugging me, even though I got a good price on the Q9300 should I try to exchange it for the Q6600 or the E8400? These seem to be more popular and better for gaming.

Dont even think about touching the dual cores!

The Q9300 is newer tech and will overclock great!

 

[topshot]

Ok I'm going with the GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P now I just need help picking out ram. I looked at the supported memory list but I didn't see where they tested any 2x2GB sets.

 

[topshot]

The ATI 4850 looks good and is in my price range I'll get that one. Thanks for the recommendation. I think I am also going to get the CORSAIR TWIN2X4096-8500C5 4GB (2x2) DDR2 1066. Good choice?