new build using some old parts

[Masaki 7-11]

I'm building a computer to be used for gaming, multitasking and light overclocking (20% on the CPU) with a budget of $950 (taxes take up $50). I have a build list below which is what I'd like the computer to be like, but would appreciate any comments or suggestions.

ASUS P5K-SE Retail $104.95
http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/PID-MX17943(ME).aspx

Intel Q9300 OEM $329.95
http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/PID-MX20402(ME).aspx

Zalman CNPS9500 AT $69.95
http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/PID-MX12304(ME).aspx

OCZ 2x1GB Platinum DDR2-800 (Already have)
http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/PID-MX11912(ME).aspx

Evga 8800GTS 512MB $279.95
http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/PID-MX19419(ME).aspx

Seagate 320GB HD 7200.10 (Already have)
http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/PID-MX12631(ME).aspx

OCZ StealthXStream PSU 600W $79.95
http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/PID-MX17273(ME).aspx

Cooler Master CM 690 Chassis, Black $79.95
http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/PID-MX19307(ME).aspx

Benq 18x DVD+/-RW w/ Lightscribe (Already have)
(Can't find link)

Creative Labs Sound Blaster Audigy SE 7.1 Retail (Already have)
http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/PID-MX10326(ME).aspx

Windows Vista Premium OS (Already have)

2x Acer 19 inch Widescreen 1440x900 (Already have)

Logitech G15 Keyboard (Already have)

Generic Optical Mouse (Already have)

Sony Headphones (Already have)

Subtotal: $944.70

Total: $991.95 (with tax [5% GST])

[Katreat]

Everything looks great and it should be an excellent gamer. But since you asked I will throw out a few thoughts.

Is the Burner you have SATA. With some problem I have read about I generally recommend people spend the $30 to upgrade if they are still using IDE. Use the IDE as a second burner.

I am not convinced the $50 boost for the GTS is really worth it. Performance figures just seem too close. But that is my personal opinion and GTS does have great reviews. I have been getting interested in the 8800 GT (1GB) which I think might be a better investment of some extra cash. It is a bit more, about $70 over the 512 GT, but from what I have read it can really pay off on newer games much like the 768 mb of the GTX keeps it in the running even though it is getting a bit old.

The $330 for the CPU I also feel is a bit much. You said gamer so you already know that few if any games will use quad. On top of that the new quads have really not seen an price reduction yet so they are a bit above the sweet spot in the market and more towards screaming edge. I think you could save $100 - $150 there and see very little performance decrease. Again, just some thoughts, I am also jealous you are getting it :).

Build looks good, have fun putting it all together. Great find on the PSU, have not seen a quality 600w at that price in a while.

Kat

[shadowpr]

Agreed with Kat about the processor. You could lower the cost by getting a q6600 instead if you want a quad, and a better heatsink.

[Masaki 7-11]

Although I'm building the computer, I'm giving it to my brother as a birthday present, so I won't be on it much. If I was building the computer for myself, I would have used the Q6600 because it is less expensive and overclocks better, but I'm going for the Q9300 for several reasons; it is sold as OEM whereas the Q6600 is only in retail versions, it consumes less power and runs cooler, when overclocked mildly, it will out perform the E8400 in most scenarios. Because this computer is for my brother, I want to make it have good performance, but also really stable so I won't need to continuously work on it after it is built (working on it occasionally is fine, but I don't want it to be something that happens often).

I'll definetly look into a SATA burner, but I've used a IDE Burner with that motherboard and have had no problems. Regarding the video card, I may be able to find one for $229.95 once they restock the BFG 8800GTS 512MB OC. Any suggestions for a better heatsink? I was pretty sure that the one I have in the list is close to the best air coolers (not sure if it is worth getting water cooling; it's $105 for a CPU cooling kit).

[shadowpr]

You might want to look around, cause I know I just purchased a q6600 oem from newegg. So I'm sure there are some retailers in Canada that will sell them oem.