First Build - Advice needed please

[skudboy]

Hi there, I've decided to build myself a new PC for the first time in the new year. Primarily I want to use it for gaming (of course). This is my first build but I want to make it good!

This is what I've come up with:


CPU:
Core 2 Duo E6300 1.86ghz - Skt775 Fsb1066 2mb Cache Boxed In
http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/112704/rb/23978310285

MOBO:
ASUS P5B Pentium 4/Celeron/Pentium D/PentiumEE/65nm dual-core/Core2Duo/Core2EE
http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/113965

GFX:
XFX 7900GT 470MHz 256MB 256bit DDR3 PCI-E
http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/112704/rb/23978310285

RAM:
2GB (2x1GB) CorsairTwinX XMS2, DDR2 PC2-6400 (800), 240 Pins, Non-ECC Unbuffered, CAS 4-4-4-12, EPP
http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Produ...oductID=402849

PSU:
Coolermaster eXtreme Power 650W PSU - ATX 12V V2.01 120mm Fan 20+4pin
http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/116522

HDD:
Western Digital WD3200KS 320GB SATAII 16MB Cache 7200 rpm - OEM
http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/110269

CASE:
Coolermaster Centurion 532 Black - No PSU
http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/103563/rb/23965248613

COOLING (CASE):
Antec SmartCool 120mm Case Fan, with thermal control
http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/54151

(I already have a nice big widescreen monitor, DVD-RW drive, surround sound speakers, keyboard, mouse)

This totals to about £690. I'd like to spend no more than £600 - £650

I'm not sure what processor (Intel) and gfx card to get.
I can overclock the processor (or perhaps upgrade in a year) and I'd like a card that will do a good job until I can get a dx10 card (and vista!) in about 6 or 7 months time. (Thats why I'm spending abit less now) (I've added these on advice given below)


Also any extra cooling/fans I need to get?

Any and all advice would be much appreciated

[flanzig1]

Could drop the PSU down to a 550w and the ram to Corsair value select and save a few quid to put towards the CPU(go with the Core 2 Duo/which ever one fits the budget)
CPU: http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/cat/Process...cat/Core-2-Duo
Video: http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/119500/rb/23977266332
These should still be within your budget.

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by skudboy RAM: 2GB (2x1GB) CorsairTwinX XMS2, DDR2 PC2-6400 (800), 240 Pins, Non-ECC Unbuffered, CAS 4-4-4-12, EPP http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Produ...oductID=402849

You'll want to get RAM with a CAS of 5 instead of 4...I understand the CAS 4 RAM causes system instabilities with that motherboard.

Originally Posted by skudboy PSU: Coolermaster eXtreme Power 650W PSU - ATX 12V V2.01 120mm Fan 20+4pin http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/116522

Do you really need 650 watts? I think 550 watts will power almost anything out there that isn't using dual video cards. And I would stay away from Cooler Master power supplies...there are other brands that are better.

Originally Posted by skudboy I'm not sure what processor (Intel) and gfx card to get.

Can't help you with the video card choice but for the CPU just get the C2D that fits your budget. Any of the Conroe C2D processors will power a gaming rig just fine.

Originally Posted by skudboy Also any extra cooling/fans I need to get?

I wouldn't think so...just watch your CPU and system temps and get another fan if the system is overheating.

Originally Posted by skudboy Do I need to get USB ports seprately? (My DVD drive is USB)

No, that motherboard already has provisions for 10 USB ports.

Cricket

[skudboy]

Thanks for that guys I've added the CPU and gfx card on your advice.

Originally Posted by Cricket You'll want to get RAM with a CAS of 5 instead of 4...I understand the CAS 4 RAM causes system instabilities with that motherboard.

I had no idea about that. I was under the impression that this RAM would go well with this mobo as it's 6400 800mhz. Can you recommend a better and cheaper one?

Originally Posted by Cricket Do you really need 650 watts? I think 550 watts will power almost anything out there that isn't using dual video cards. And I would stay away from Cooler Master power supplies...there are other brands that are better.

Same again can you recommend a good, reliable PSU? Do you think 550 watts would be enough to power a dx10 card when I upgrade to one?

It would be good to get under budget again without sacrificing performance!

[flanzig1]

550w PSU should power just about any one video card system. For the ram, can go with the Corsair Value Select DDR2 667. This would still allow some OC.

[skudboy]

Cool for the RAM I'll go for this:

2Gb (2X1Gb) Corsair Value Select, DDR2 PC5300 (667), 240 Pin, Non-ECC Unbuffered, CAS 5-5-5-15
http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/98691

PSU:
500w AKASA PAXPower ATX 2.2 Ultra Quiet Clean PSU
http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Produ...oductID=465717