PC Build...(Sub $1000 Gamer)

[Flatline]

After reading through a lot of these posts, doing research I have come up with a build. Let me know what you think. Sorry as it turns out I have copied quite a few of the users on this list including my buddy I work with here: Shooting for sub $1000 and it looks like I will make it....

• Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 Conroe 2.4GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80557E6600 - Retail
• G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-6400CL5D-2GBNQ - Retail
• ASUS P5B LGA 775 Intel P965 Express ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
• Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3500630AS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
• NEC Black 1.44MB 3.5" Internal Floppy Drive - OEM
• LITE-ON Black SATA DVD-ROM Drive Model SHD-16S1S-05 - OEM
• LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner With 12X DVD-RAM Write Black SATA Model LH-20A1S - Retail
• EVGA 256-P2-N624-AR GeForce 7900GS 256MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 KO Video Card - Retail
• COOLER MASTER Centurion 532 RC-532-SKN1 Black Aluminum bezel, SECC chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
• COOLER MASTER eXtreme RP-500-PCAR ATX from factor 12V V2.01 500W Power Supply - Retail
• Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - OEM

[Katreat]

Welcome to PCMech!

Overall your parts list looks great.

If your not planning on overclocking Corsair value select ram (667) might save you a little money. The 800 is only necessary if you are planning on overclocking. You will get no advantage from it if you are running at stock speeds.

The C2D comes with a thermal pad which you must use to maintain the warrenty so the Arctic Silver is not necessary. Although nothing wrong with having a bit around the house.

All I can think of right of the top, I am sure others will come along and give you some additional suggestions. The PSU you have choosen it not one I have heard much about but I am no PSU expert so I will leave it to others to comment on that.

Kat

[Flatline]

I noticed that you posted up in someone elses that the 667 Corsair is the way to go for no overclocking: But if I wanted the option to potentially OC in the future which would be the way to go out of the following?

Out of the following which will perform the best right out of the box. As you can see the 2 bolded below of these are almost identicial because I could not tell the difference, does anyone know which is better...All 4 of these range from $105 - $115 at the moment.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145098
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231098
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145167
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145015

So 2 questions:

1.) Which is the best for OCing?
2.) Which will perform best right out of the box with my listed parts?

*just wondering since they are all so close in price...

[Katreat]

OK, first off, if you are not going to over-clock just use:

CORSAIR ValueSelect 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Desktop Memory - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145098

From everything I have read there is no reason to move up to the XMS line unless you plan on over-clocking and for that you should be looking at DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)

Now, if you are thinking about overclocking your computer I think this is the most commonly recommend:

CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16820145590

Again, let me say this recommendation is based on that fact that Corsair has a history of being very reliable.

I have never used G.SKIL or seen anyone on the board recommend it so I kind of shy away from an unknown. It could be great RAM, I just do not know anything about it. Perhaps some others will chip in with information on it.

[chuck4456]

Unfortunately, you are dealing with the unknown if you purchase XMS. They've been using low end chips and are running an 85% RMA rate. The G.SKILL PC26400 NQ is ELPIDA, which is the same thing that KINGSTON HYPER X is using. Overclocks very well. The G.SKILL PC26400HZ is MICRON D9 (two variations) and overclocks better than extremely well.
You'll be fine with the CORSAIR VALUE SELECT PC5300 for what you are doing. I would suggest another video card, since it appears that you want to invest a bit in your system. The EVGA 8800GTS 320 or SAPPHIRE X1950xt would be better options.

[Katreat]

Thanks Chuck, first I have heard that Corsair is having problems with XMS. But since I have never overclocked I have never really looked to hard at PC2 6400 memory.