Rate my Build...

[redice]

I have a $700 budget and this is what I have come up with.

This PC will be for every normal day usage for an adult (this PC is not for me). Work such as documents, internet browsing, cd burning (MP3 cds), and light gaming (when I say light, I mean mostly play sports games...and want a PC capable of playing current games at a good rate).

I will not be overclocking, and will reuse my CRT 19" monitor as well as keyboard and mouse.

Processor - $165
Intel Core 2 Duo E8400

Motherboard - $53
GIGABYTE GA-G31M-ES2L

Memory - $45
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)

Video Card - $145
SAPPHIRE 100245L Radeon HD 4850

PSU - $80
CORSAIR CMPSU-450VX 450W

Hard Drive -$70
WD WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM

Optical Drive - $25
LG DVD Burner GH22NS30

Case - $60
Antec Three Hundred

TOTAL - $643

Is this good enough for my use? Am I getting any parts unnecessary for my use?

Thanks for the help!

 

[aford10]

This corsair psu is big enough for that build and is $50 after rebate.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139008

This is some good memory and is $34 after rebate.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227267

With the money saved and the room left in your original build, I would recommend upgrading the board to one of the following:
GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P - 115
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128358
or
GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3L - 99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128372
or
GIGABYTE GA-EP43-UD3L - 80
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128380

 

[Outlander_04]

You could save a little on the processor too IMO

an e7400 should be plenty

 

[Helloworld_98]

Hmmm for what your doing go for an amd P2 X3 based build since you'll save a bit off of the e8400 and will perform better in what your doing because of the extra core.

 

[MrCommunistGen]

I'd be leery of running that build using a 400W PSU even though its actual draw should come in well under 400W. Just call me old fashioned... I like to have a good cushion. I'd also recommend upgrading to a better motherboard, if you're using a real graphics card I'd stay away from integrated graphics because the components used on a low end motherboard like that are usually inferior. The EP43-DS3L should be plenty for your use. Stepping down to an E7400 would save you some decent money without hurting performance too much.
What Helloworld_98 says has reasonable merit. In a multitasking environment having an extra core could prove valuable, but would require a different motherboard. I'll investigate.

-mcg

 

[redice]

Thanks for all the input..I appreciate it!

 

[redice]

Is the Intel Q8200 good?

 

[Nik_I]

Is the Intel Q8200 good?

it is, but for your needs, look at a higher clocked dual core cpu instead. you don't really need 4 cores. half of them will go idle almost all the time.

 

[xthekidx]

That 400w corsair PSU is quality and will be plenty for that system. If you buy a larger PSU it will be out of its efficiency range and actually not run as well as that one. The system you are building will need probably 200-250w tops at full power draw.

I would get the EP43-UD3L mobo that was suggested as well.

Since you won't overclock then I would stay with the CPU you have picked out, I'd only recommend the E7400 or lower CPU's for people to overclock them.

 

[redice]

Ok, based on your suggestions here is my new system:


Processor - $120
Intel Core 2 Duo E7400 2.8GHz

Motherboard - $80
GIGABYTE GA-EP43-UD3L

Memory - $45
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)

Video Card - $145
SAPPHIRE 100245L Radeon HD 4850

PSU - $60
CORSAIR CMPSU-400CX 400W

Hard Drive -$70
WD WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM

Optical Drive - $25
LG DVD Burner GH22NS30

Case - $60
Antec Three Hundred

TOTAL - $605

Good?

 

[xthekidx]

Its decent, but I'd upgrade the CPU since you have $100 to spare to the E8500

 

[redice]

^^ I will not overclock...good idea

 

[xthekidx]

I think that's about as good as it gets. You are ready to go.

 

[aford10]

+1 to the 8500
Good changes. For your budget, it's a pretty nice build.

 

[Tech-Boy]

I know you said that you will only be doing light gaming. But the 4870 HIS on New
Egg is at $164 Which is only $20 more than the 4850. I would go with a 4870 as it will give much more bang for your buck, but that's just me.

Looks like a good build, I also recommend going with the 8500 over the e7400.

 

[redice]

I just want to be able to play the latest games at a good rate. So it's worth upgrading to the 4870? (It is sold out btw on NewEgg)

 

[xthekidx]

Upgrading the GPU means upgrading the PSU too, since you need 2x6 pin connectors. It would give you better gaming, but would end up costing about $20 more for the PSU too. This one would be good:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151069

 

[redice]

doesn't seem worth it for my purposes

 

[aford10]

I've got the 4850. I play all of the command & conquer and red alert games on high settings. I think it will be just fine for what you are looking to do.

 

[redice]

thanks for the comments, i think imma stick with the 4850