Need Advice on Gaming/Multitasking PC Build

[ericc59]

It has been a few years since my last build, and I am looking to upgrade from a Pentium D 945 3.4ghz, 2GB PC-6400, 8600GT, etc. I am looking for some advice on my current build so far.

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APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: tomorrow -- the sooner the better
BUDGET RANGE: ~US$500-750
SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Work(Software Engineering), Gaming, Mild 2D & 3D Graphic Design, Surfing, Movies
PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Keyboard, Mouse, Monitor, Speakers, OS
PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg.com
PARTS PREFERENCES: Haven't been a huge fan of ATI or AMD for a few years, but open to suggestions.
OVERCLOCKING: Maybe
SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Not planning on it
MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1680x1050
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Preferably cool & quiet.

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Case: Antec Three Hundred Illusion - $64.95
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129066

HD: Western Digital Caviar Black WD5001AALS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s - $69.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136320

Memory: G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) F2-8500CL5D-4GBPK - $59.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231166

CPU Cooler: XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle - $36.60 + $10 MIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231166

PSU & DVD/CD Combo: - $106.98 + 30$ MIR
- CORSAIR CMPSU-550VX 550W ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified
- Sony Optiarc 24X DVD/CD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.232789

CPU & MB Combo: $319.98 + $15 MIR
- Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 Yorkfield 2.83GHz LGA 775 95W BX80569Q9550
- ASUS P5Q Pro Turbo LGA 775 Intel P45
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.232667

Total Price: $658.49 After shipping with the 10$ Antec 300 promo. Also has $55 in mail in rebates.

I'm looking for any suggestions you might have on replacing any of these parts, and also for a video card. I am planning on sticking my 8600GT in here, and then grabbing a video card in a couple weeks. I want a solid video card, but I don't want to pay a ton (i.e. GTX 295). I am looking at the EVGA GeForce GTX 260 Core 216 Superclocked edition, but would take any suggestions on that as well.

As a developer I do a lot of multi-tasking. I usually have a bajillion firefox windows open, several visual studio, netbeans, or eclipse windows open, etc, but I also do a fair amount of gaming.

I would like to stay below or at 700$ without a video card.
I have a couple 22" Acers that I will be hooking this up to. I may upgrade those some time in the future.
I want performance, but I'm not ready to pay for a core i7.
I would also like the computer to be cool and quiet.

Thanks for taking the time to look at my build!

 

[gkay09]

Spend $5 more and get the WD Black 640GB - They are newer, faster and more efficient than the 500GB ones...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319

If you are a kind of person, who keeps upgrading the PC on a whole, then it wont matter going with either intel or AMD...

But I dont think this is the correct time to buy an intel PC as by September 9th, intel will officially launch Mainstream i5 CPUs, that would give you very good performance for less...So you should certainly check that out...And am sure its worth the wait...

 

[jbakerlent]

^+1 for the i5 recommendation... For the HDD though, this one is actually much newer, faster, and more efficient than even the WD:
SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152181&Tpk=f3%20500gb

 

[ericc59]

Thanks for the advice. I suppose I can wait a few days for the i5!

 

[huron]

Yep...another +1 for the 640GB black - fantastic drive.

Looks like a solid build. If you live anywhere near a microcenter, you can get the Q9550 for $170.

 

[jbakerlent]

I wish people would stop recommending the WD 640gb black. It was fantastic but it is now yesterday's tech - it simply can not compete with drives like the Spinpoint F3. The only reason to ever get it over the 500gb spinpoint is if you need exactly 640gb versus 500 or 1000, and I can't think of a situation in which this would be the case.

 

[huron]

jbakerlent - can you point me to articles to read on this. I haven't seen anything about them.

Thanks

 

[obsidian86]

the samsung uses a high density i single 500gb platter compared to the wd dual platter designs so its faster an more efficient

 

[ericc59]

Do you guys have any recommendations/prices on i5 compatible motherboards?

 

[shortstuff_mt]

You'll have to wait until next week when they're officially launched and the NDA lifts. Everything is just speculation until then.

 

[ericc59]

Ahh thanks, that's what I was thinking.