Core Duo Build need approval

Hartwich

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Sep 1, 2009
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Here is an idea I had for a Moderate-somewhat heavy Duo core game computer, I want this build to a 22 inch LCD screen. I would love for the pros to take a look at it and provide input. Some Ideas have been taken from others*

Antec Nine Hundred Steel ATX Ultimate Gamer PC Case (Black)
$104.99 - Quantity: 1 - In Stock


Sold by: Amazon.com, LLC
Zalman CNPS9700NT Copper Heat Pipe CPU Cooler
$53.92 - Quantity: 1 - In Stock


Sold by: Amazon.com, LLC
Corsair XMS2 4 GB (2 X 2 GB) PC2-6400 800 MHz 240-PIN DDR2 Dual-Channel Memory Kit - TWIN2X4096-6400C5
$58.99 - Quantity: 1 - In Stock

Sold by: Amazon.com, LLC
Corsair CMPSU-750TX 750-Watt TX Series 80 Plus Certified Power Supply compatible with Intel Core i7 and Core i5
$119.99 - Quantity: 1 - In Stock


Sold by: Amazon.com, LLC
Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 3.0 GHz 6M L2 Cache 1333MHz FSB LGA775 Dual-Core Processor
$177.66 - Quantity: 1 - In Stock


Sold by: Amazon.com, LLC
Western Digital Caviar Black 640 GB Bulk/OEM Hard Drive 3.5 Inch, 32 MB Cache, 7200 RPM SATA II WD6401AALS
$74.99 - Quantity: 1 - In Stock


Sold by: Amazon.com, LLC
GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard
$132.69 - Quantity: 1 - In Stock

Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound 3.5 Grams
$7.30

TOTAL
$784.45 with Free 2 day shipping from Amazon!

And Graphics card

SAPPHIRE 100245L Radeon HD 4850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card****Not sure of this***$94.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102770

Thanks in advance for all the help!
 

wathman

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Jun 22, 2009
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Not sure if the rebate deal for the Corsair PSU is still going on, but if it is, you can get the same one for $89 after rebate at the Egg.

If you don't plan on overclocking, you can save a bit more by using the stock HSF instead of the Zalman and Arctic silver
 

Hartwich

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Thanks for the reply Wathman, I am not yet sure if I want to overclock or to say I am very inexperienced as I have never overclocked before. I manly want to ensure that everything looks in check and get the most out of my computer.
 

wathman

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Everything looks ok, the 4850 is a good card, though can't say how it will handle games 6 months to a year from now. Also, for just gaming , this setup will do pretty well, but it won't do multitasking and complex operations like transcoding as compared to currently available quad cores.
 

Hartwich

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Hey Wathman thanks Again for Reply,
Do you think that this computer will be easy to upgrade once quad cores take full flight into the market?
And do you mean that the graphics card will deterorate after some time or are saying that it will not be able to handle newer games? I am personally a mmo player so those games "try" to be friendlier to people with older computers.
Thanks
 
You're not going to find many people suggesting Core 2 Duo for a new build since AMD currently offers more bang for the buck and a better upgrade path. There are also going to be new Intel CPU's released next week. It's just a bad time to be considering Core 2 Duo for a new build.
 

wathman

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There won't be too many new quad cores, so as shortstuff said, core 2 duo's aren't very popular for new systems right now. And what I meant for the gfx card, new games in 6 months to a year will not run as well as current gen games do on your proposed system build with the 4850.
 

Hartwich

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hmm that does put a twist on things....I do not know anyone personally who uses the AMD processors and I hear they are not great to overclock (something I have never done) And with the case I do want to go toward the Antec 900 just because a friend has one and hopefully will be around to help with cable management because I hear that it isn't all that great. HOWEVER, My budget on this rig can be expanded so I am not looking to be all that cost effective as long as I am getting my moneys worth (trying around 800 though)!
 
Whoever you're getting your information from isn't correct. The new Phenom II chips overclock nearly as good as Intel chips. obsidian86's build would offer better performance and a better upgrade path since it uses the current AM3 socket and DDR3 RAM.
 

Hartwich

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Sep 1, 2009
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mmmm yeah I guess I really gotta bite my lip on this one, should I consider going for an I7 then......even though the I5 will jump around prices with the proccessors.....the unfortunate thing is that this computer is an ASAP thing I need as I want it for gaming but also SOME WORK AND SCHOOL reasons. can't borrow my current laptop for ever : D
 

Hartwich

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Sep 1, 2009
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Wow that AMD processor is not bad at all actually, I feel fortunate asking for help on this forum........can't believe how cost effective the AMD is, why is that?
 

Hartwich

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Sep 1, 2009
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Ok so obsidian86's build looks pretty solid. I am gonna continue research on some items. If anyone else has any tweaks or other alternative builds I'd love to hear them and check them out!

Thanks Everyone!
 

Agreed. I recommend you wait OP for the i5s or go AM3. and +1 for obsidian's build.