Advice on first time build. Intel or AMD?

[joaquin]

Hi all, been reading up in the forums and I'm grateful to have such a helpful community. This is the first time I'm building a system and I have NO idea what I'm doing so I'm including a list of everything I'm buying. I'm also having trouble deciding between a processor. My budget is about $1200 but that will include a 22" or 24" LCD.

Thanks in advance for your critiques and advice.

Antec 900 Case
109.99

EVGA 01G-P3-N880-AR GeForce 9800 GTX+ 1GB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
209.99

OCZ GameXStream OCZ700GXSSLI 700W ATX12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready Active PFC Power Supply - Retail
89.99

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-8500CL6D-4GBNQ - Retail
44.99

Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250410AS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
54.99

LG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model GH22NS30 - OEM
24.99

ASUS V52 92mm Sleeve CPU Cooler - Retail
19.99
[Do I need this?]

ARCTIC COOLING MX-2 Thermal Compound - Retail
6.99
[I read somewhere that this was needed for the cooler? I have no idea what it's for though ]

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit for System Builders - OEM
99.99

Subtotal: 661.91

OPTION 1: INTEL
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor Model BX80562Q6600 - Retail
189.99

GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3R LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
119.99

Total: 971.89

OPTION 2: AMD
AMD Phenom 9850 BLACK EDITION 2.5GHz Socket AM2+ 125W Quad-Core Processor Model HD985ZXAGHBOX - Retail
147.99

GIGABYTE GA-MA78G-DS3HP AM2+/AM2 AMD 780G HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
85.99

Total: 895.89

Some closing thoughts: I like that the AMD system is cheaper by $100. I want this to be a good gaming rig that will run WoW as well as multitask well with the Adobe Suite of products (if I can ever afford it). I'd like this system to last me a good 4-5 years as well. Is there anything else I need to buy? Is there some place I can look up how to put the system together? I'm nervous about doing this but I can't pass up the savings on a homebuilt rig as opposed to something prebuilt like doghouse systems.

Thanks for your advice

 

[dirtmountain]

You have some questionable choices.
1. The 9800GT+ 1GB, it's about the equal of a HD4850, but about $60 more expensive.
2. DDR2 1066 RAM is not usually a good option, more dependent on CPU/mobo, if it's an Intel system go with 2X2GB DDR2 800 1.8v. If it's an AMD quad core then you'd use the DDR2 1066.
3. a 250GB hard drive for a $1,000 + system doesn't make much sense, maybe if you were really squeezing a budget, but a 640GB HD is only $15 more.
4. You don't need an aftermarket cooler or thermal paste unless you're planning on overclocking your CPU.

You should check out the system builder marathon builds here at Toms at the $625 limit and the $1,200 limit to get some ideas. Also check out some other builds here in the forums.

 

[coleman]

hi m8 i would peronaly go for the intel q6600 as i have always been an intel man. Like dirtmountain said 2x2gb of ram would be better as 4gb 1066 is more usfull if you are planning on overclocking.

As for the gfx card i would go witht the hd 4870 over the card that you have selected, better bang for buck.

it would be good to know where you will be ordering from so that we can post links.

hope this info helps

 

[joaquin]

Thanks to both of you for your responses. As you can see, I was totally throwin darts in the dark. All prices are from newegg.com. I would have linked them but I was in a rush. I'll take a look at the system marathon builds and repost with some revised components. Thanks for the advice on the video card too. I want a great one, but don't want to pay more than I have to.

Will post later tonight.

Cheers.

 

[joaquin]

Okay, a little more time to post links and what not. Gah there are so many options, so confusing. Here's another shot at it. All links are newegg.com

Antec 900 Case
109.99

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor Model BX80562Q6600 - Retail
189.99

SAPPHIRE 100258-1GL Radeon HD 4850 1GB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail
161.99 (151.99 after rebate)

ASUS P5Q SE PLUS LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
96.99 (81.99 after rebate)

OCZ Special Ops Edition 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ2SOE8004GK - Retail
89.99 (39.99 after rebate)


Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD7500AAKS 750GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
79.99

LG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model GH22NS30 - OEM
24.99

Waiting on fans/coolers cause I have no idea how to overclock. Might as well wait till I need it. Am I missing anything? Is this any better?

Thanks all.

 

[joaquin]

I forgot the PSU

OCZ GameXStream OCZ700GXSSLI 700W ATX12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready Active PFC Power Supply - Retail
89.99

 

[Levi182]

eww 90$ ram lol just get this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231122