Final Proof for new gaming rig

[comp615]

My old computer is about 4 years old so I am looking for a new versatile computer. Editing movies, doing vista stuff, and playing games (mostly the games ) Here is what I have picked out so far, just looking for any final advice in terms of conflicts or suggestions on better parts:

APEVIA (ASPIRE) X-Plorer ATXB8KLW-BL Black/Blue Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Corsair HX Series CMPSU-520HX 50W Power Supply
Corsair TWIN2X2048-6400 2GB Kit DDR2-800 XMS2-6400
LITE-ON 16X ATAPI/E-IDE Model SHM-165H6S
SONY Black IDE DVD-ROM Drive Model DDU1615/B2s
MITSUMI Black 1.44MB 3.5" Internal USB 2.0 digital card reader with Floppy Drive
2x Western Digital Raptor WD1500ADFD
Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeMusic
ASUS P5WDH Deluxe
Intel Core 2 Duo E6600

Video Card: Not buying one atm, gonna try to use a friends old X700 untill the DX10 cards come out

First, I am wondering if I should switch the processor to the E6600...200$ less and something like 200mhz less. Would this be a better "sweet spot" for price/performence.

Please give me any other advice you might have! Thanks for the help!

[glc]

Yes, the E6600 will do you just fine. I'd recommend the Asus P5W DH board instead of that MSI.

[newbuilder14]

I'd urge you to steer away from that MSI motherboard and get an Asus. They are making some quality boards for the intel Core 2 Duo. Get an Asus P5B, P5B Deluxe, or P5W DH. You can save almost $200 by dropping down to the E6600. Other than that I'd say everything looks fine.


Hmm.. GLC beat me .

[comp615]

I was formerly looking at P5WD2 Premium and the DH. I liked the LPT port on P5WD2 and the price tag, but I like the feature set and dual-card option on the DH...

I switched to MSi cause I have an MSI now, like the lcds on the back, like the price/feature set. But if there is a quality issue then I suppose I could go ASUS, however it is a 100$ difference

[Sam-U-Rai]

Yeah dude, always go for Quality when doing the Mobo and PSU purchases.

[comp615]

Of course, but I didn't think MSI had a problem with quality, I know ASUS is great but I thought MSI was pretty good too, so I was wondering if it was just for the features or if there was a problem with the MSI one

[Mr.Ferrari]

Asus p5wdh would be the best choice, but the MSI Platinums were pretty dang good for conroe. Before the asus's came out, msi was really becoming popular.

But its not the greatest choice in board. I suggest you take the others advice and drop the cpu down to e6600 and spend the money on a better board.

One more thing, that psu albiet being manufactured by Seasonic OEM, which is a good brand, it still had many many issues. I would highly suggest you pick something else.

My suggestions for powersupply:
Corsair 520W HX $129.99
Silverstone 500W EF $87.50

[comp615]

I do like switching to the 6600 so I will do that, also as per Ferrari's idea the corsair looks very nice. So I will use that as well.

Still reluctant on the mobo...what is the reason I should switch? I like the 975X platinum and the Asus DH, but what makes it worth the 100$ extra?

[Mr.Ferrari]

Mostly quality is the diff.

BUT If you want it cheaper, and dont mind not ordering from newegg, here is where I get my boards and memory:
Tankguys' P5WDH
$225 vs. $270
Ive always had good dealings with them. Ultimately your choice though.

The boards for 975x that I like with core 2 duo would be the Asus P5WDH and the ABIT AW9DMAX. Abit's newcomer has been really changing abit's past rep. of a poor quality boards.

Or if you have no need for 975X and crossfire, then look into a asus p5b or p5b deluxe if you wanna same some cash.

[comp615]

Thanks for the link...that makes it a much easier choice for me. a 40-50$ raise isn't too much for that board IMO, so I think I will jump (Although I will end up getting it from zipzoom just cause of ease of 2 orders and free shipping, only 10$ more)

[Mr.Ferrari]

This is just opinion, totally your choice, but that case is a bit low quality with poor cooling design.

For 60 bucks, theres alot of other better choices out there..
For 50 bucks you can get something like this..
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119077
Your decision though.

[comp615]

I do realize that the cooling is lacking on it. I usually use an Antec case for my normal builds with a 120mm fan like that has. However, I liked the sex appeal of the APEVIA case, is there anything you'd reccommend in the 60+ range for cases? I like the cooler master in terms of cooling, but it's gotta be hott too

As a note, the Apevia has mounting for a 120mm fan, they just include an 80mm one. So I'd probably replace it below

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811999122 for a replacement 120mm fan maybe?

[Mr.Ferrari]

That fan is fine. Take a look at thermaltake for some other bling cases.

[blue60007]

I would recommend finding a case that you like AND has the fans you need. Once you start adding a couple of 120mm fans, it'll start getting expensive.

This looks like a nice looking case: (of course, I don't know how you define "hott" )
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811133146 - comes with 2 120mm and a 90mm fan. About the same price once you factor in the replacement fan(s) of the other case.

[comp615]

I suppose the soprano http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811133145 could work. Just gotta find a store it's in stock at

[newbuilder14]

Have you checked ZipZoomFly.com?

[comp615]

Yup, out of stock Thats ok...I might just settle for another case