So after spending a few weeks catching up on all the new hardware since my last build a couple years ago (Athlon 3200+, 1GB PC 3200, etc.) I want to go through with buying almost a completely new system. I've scoured Tom's builds and think these components will work well, but any advice as to how I can get better performance without increasing price very much (or better for less $) PLEASE let me know. Here Goes:
Intel Core 2 Duo E7400 - $120
?Gigabyte GA-EP45-DS3L - $100
Patriot Viper 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2-800 - $38 (after MIR)
????VIDEO CARD???
Corsair 550 W - $85 - $20MIR = $65
WD Caviar Black - $128
?Fit? Sunbeam CR-CCTF - $40 - $10MIR = $30
My real questions lie in whether or not I should go with the selected MOBO and what to do about cooling as $65 is a lot for a heatsink (how much could I overclock with stock?). Also, any vid card suggestions would be welcomed and should I go with the green WD Caviar to be eco friendly or the Black for performance. The PSU could be changed out as well, if I can get a good perf. one for less $$$.
I play comp. games occasionally, but I primarily backup files, DVD's (with CloneDVD2)and use Adobe a lot, so I want 750GB or more on my HD. Also, I will be running my new version of Vista Ultimate on it (b/c it has all the bells and whistles, like RDC). I will part out my current system and use the same case and DVD drive. ANYWHERE that you think I could save money and not sacrifice performance or even gain significant performance for less and maybe a few dollars more, PLEASE let me know. THANKS IN ADVANCE!
Intel Core 2 Duo E7400 - $120
?Gigabyte GA-EP45-DS3L - $100
Patriot Viper 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2-800 - $38 (after MIR)
????VIDEO CARD???
Corsair 550 W - $85 - $20MIR = $65
WD Caviar Black - $128
?Fit? Sunbeam CR-CCTF - $40 - $10MIR = $30
My real questions lie in whether or not I should go with the selected MOBO and what to do about cooling as $65 is a lot for a heatsink (how much could I overclock with stock?). Also, any vid card suggestions would be welcomed and should I go with the green WD Caviar to be eco friendly or the Black for performance. The PSU could be changed out as well, if I can get a good perf. one for less $$$.
I play comp. games occasionally, but I primarily backup files, DVD's (with CloneDVD2)and use Adobe a lot, so I want 750GB or more on my HD. Also, I will be running my new version of Vista Ultimate on it (b/c it has all the bells and whistles, like RDC). I will part out my current system and use the same case and DVD drive. ANYWHERE that you think I could save money and not sacrifice performance or even gain significant performance for less and maybe a few dollars more, PLEASE let me know. THANKS IN ADVANCE!