Thoughts on my ~$750 E8400 Build

[skool]

Hey everyone, hope all is well. I have been throwing around the idea of building a new desktop for myself which will primarily be used for email, web browsing, photo editing, and web design. I am not new to building systems and have built about 5 in the past 6 months; however, now that it is my turn, I am unsure and would like to see some input about my build.
My goal is to keep the cost below $750 after rebates, and I plan to use this system for 3+ years. All the texts are embedded with links to the parts on Newegg.com. Any input, suggestions, comments are welcome! Thank You!

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: By 9/13/2009 BUDGET RANGE: $650-$750

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Surf the net, watch HD video/content, Graphics & Web Design, Gaming.

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Keyboard, Mouse, Monitor, Speakers, Operating System

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Newegg.com or anywhere else.

PARTS PREFERENCES: I would like to use only an Intel CPU, with either an ASUS or Gigabyte motherboard, and Antec case.

OVERCLOCKING: Maybe SLI OR CROSSFIRE: No

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1440x900 on 19 inch widescreen LCD (primary), 1360x768 on 22 inch widescreen LCD TV (secondary)

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: I don't care much about the noise level.

Case
Antec Three Hundred Illusion Black Computer Case

Processor
Intel Core 2 Duo E8400

Motherboard
GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3R ATX Intel Motherboard

Memory
OCZ Reaper HPC 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory

Graphics Card
MSI GeForce GTS 250 N250GTS-2D512-OCv2 Video Card

Power Supply
OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ600MXSP 600W Power Supply compatible with core i7

Hard Drive
Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 500GB 3.5" SATA 3.0Gb/s Internal Hard Drive

CPU Cooler
ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler

Optical Drive
Sony Optiarc DVD/CD Rewritable Drive Black SATA Model AD-7240S-0B

 

[Twoboxer]

If you live close to a MicroCenter, an i5 750 can be had for $180 ($210 at Newegg), and a mobo at the same price as yours. The E8400 is good - got a couple running myself - but why not consider a much better all around processor? (You'd change memory as well, same price or a few dollars more).

I can't find a review for your psu that actually does a thorough test, and the OCZ brand on psus is spotty enough to get concerned about "bargains". I'd suggest a 550W Seasonic, $79.99 free shipping at Newegg in either case.

 

[Why_Me]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.245591 -$15.00 Combo Price: $99.94 Free Shipping*
Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
Antec Basiq BP500U 500W Continuous Power ATX12V Version 2.01 Active PFC Power Supply - Retail

http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=MB-P55M-D2 Combo Price: $299.98 | $284.98 - $15 off with P55 combo purchase w/ code OMGi5COMBO Free Shipping
GIGABYTE GA-P55M-UD2 Socket 1156/ Intel P55/ DDR3/ CrossFireX/ A&GbE/ MATX Motherboard
Intel Core i5 Processor i5-750 2.66GHz 8MB LGA1156 CPU, Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.256305 Combo Discount: -$15.00 Combo Price: $184.98 $10.00 Mail-In Rebate Price After Mail-In Rebate(s): $174.98 Free Shipping*
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBRL - Retail
MSI N250GTS-2D512-OCv2 GeForce GTS 250 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152181 $49.99 Free Shipping*
SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - OEM

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118030 $29.99 Free Shipping*
Sony Optiarc Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA DVD/CD Rewritable Drive - OEM

Total: $664.98 *not including shipping/tax and mail in rebates

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103064 $19.99
Cooler Master Intel Core i5 compatible Hyper TX3 Socket 775/1156/AMD 130W 92mm "heatpipe direct contact" CPU Cooler RR-910-HTX3-GP - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065 $29.99
COOLER MASTER Intel Core i5 & Intel Core i7 compatible RR-B10-212P-GP 120mm "heatpipe direct contact" Long life sleeve CPU Cooler - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116677 $109.99 Free Shipping*
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit for System Builders w/ Tech Guarantee - OEM | Includes free Windows 7 upgrade coupon

 

[skool]

thanks for the replies guys! would it not be smarter if I wait until the i5 has more builds and more people have used it? It was just recently released after all.

 

[evongugg]

I got my parts the same day as i5 came out. It works. There are no problems.
I saved a lot of money at Micro Center.

 

[AMDThunder]

thanks for the replies guys! would it not be smarter if I wait until the i5 has more builds and more people have used it? It was just recently released after all.

Nope. Its smarter to get the new tech instead of a dead end socket like the 775. Why_Me gave you a great build at the lower end of you budget.

 

[skool]

thanks for all the recommendations guys. I have looked at Why_Me's build and I really like it, so I will look more into the i5s.
If anyone has any more suggestions on i5 builds, please feel free to share them. Thank You!!

 

[gtnx]

Definitely agree, go with the i5. If you can wait though, the price should be lower in a couple months. Especially with the holiday season coming up, there are bound to be great deals. But if you need one now, the build above is a pretty good value.