Help with New Build

[JIMBOB73505]

I am going to build a computer for a friend who primarily surfs the internet and does a lot of word processing - he doesn't do any gaming. Cost is not really a consideration and he desires "a high end system that is fast". He will use Windows XP or XP Pro for an operating system and will probably not upgrade to VISTA for several years. Based on numerous post in these forums I have about decided on the following main components:

ASUS P5B Plus motherboard. (It is only $18 more than the basic P5B)

Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 or E6700

SEAGATE 250GB ST3250620AS SATA2 16MB 7200RPM (Bare drive)

LITE ON LH-20A1S-12 20X SATA SUPER ALL-WRITE DVDRW DRIVE w/SW (Black)(Retail)

ANTEC SONATA II (BLACK) ATX SUPER MINI TOWER W/SMARTPOWER 2.0 450W ATX POWER SUPPLY

I have the following questions:

1. Will there be any noticeable difference between the E6600 and E6700 CPU and if so is it worth the $100 difference in price.

2. Which of the following memory kits should I get (price almost exactly the same)

a. CORSAIR VALUE SELECT VS2GBKIT667D2 2GB KIT (1GB x 2) PC25300 677MHZ CL5 240-PIN DDR2 DIMM

b. CORSAIR TWIN2X2048-5400C4 2GB KIT (1GB x 2) PC25400 675MHZ MATCHED PAIR
4-4-4-12 240-PIN DDR2 DIMM

c. CORSAIR TWIN2X2048-5400C4PT 2GB KIT (1GB x 2) PC25400 675MHZ MATCHED PAIR
4-4-4-12 240-PIN DDR2 DIMM

3. I really need help with a video card. I have been looking at the following but not sure. Any comments or other recomendations would be appreciated.

a. ATI RADEON X1300 PRO 256MB PCI EXPRESS (Retail) (*Regular $121 - $5 Mwave Instant Discount = $116, While Supplies Last!)

b. EVGA 256-P2-N615-TX GEFORCE 7600GT 256MB DDR3 PCI-E VGA+DVI+HDTVOut

c. eVGA 256-P2-N554-AX GEFORCE 7600GT KO 256MB DDR3 PCI-E W/HDTV & DVI


No problem with other components (mouse, keyborad, speakers, etc) and he already has a monitor.

All comments and recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

[XIII]

That's more than enough to type a paper on microsoft word. Lol! Personally, I would go for an Nvidia video card instead of ATI. I just love the overall quality and detail that Nvidia gives. Seeeeeeeeeeexy...lol!

[Staren]

If he doesn't do anything more then basic work the 6600 is serious overkill. I'd look at the 6300 or one of the 4000 chips for a processor. He'd never know the difference.

[minsonngo]

Originally Posted by JIMBOB73505 ASUS P5B Plus motherboard. (It is only $18 more than the basic P5B)

Go with the regular P5B... the P5B and the P5B Plus are the same... the only difference is the P5B Plus has the firewire port... if your friend does not need it... do him a favor by saving him a few bucks here and going with the regular P5B.

SEAGATE 250GB ST3250620AS SATA2 16MB 7200RPM (Bare drive)

For just 10 bucks more... get the 320GB version instead: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148140

LITE ON LH-20A1S-12 20X SATA SUPER ALL-WRITE DVDRW DRIVE w/SW (Black)(Retail) ANTEC SONATA II (BLACK) ATX SUPER MINI TOWER W/SMARTPOWER 2.0 450W ATX POWER SUPPLY

Good choices here. You may want to take a look at the Antec Sonata III... it comes with a really good (Earthwatts) 500 watt PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129024

1. Will there be any noticeable difference between the E6600 and E6700 CPU and if so is it worth the $100 difference in price.

You won't even notice the difference in real life usage... stick with the E6600 and save some cash.

EDIT: Staren is right... if you friend is just a light to moderate PC user and does not game... you can downgrade the processor a bit to save some cash.

2. Which of the following memory kits should I get (price almost exactly the same) a. CORSAIR VALUE SELECT VS2GBKIT667D2 2GB KIT (1GB x 2) PC25300 677MHZ CL5 240-PIN DDR2 DIMM b. CORSAIR TWIN2X2048-5400C4 2GB KIT (1GB x 2) PC25400 675MHZ MATCHED PAIR 4-4-4-12 240-PIN DDR2 DIMM c. CORSAIR TWIN2X2048-5400C4PT 2GB KIT (1GB x 2) PC25400 675MHZ MATCHED PAIR 4-4-4-12 240-PIN DDR2 DIMM

Since all three are about the same price... go with "C".

3. I really need help with a video card. I have been looking at the following but not sure. Any comments or other recomendations would be appreciated. a. ATI RADEON X1300 PRO 256MB PCI EXPRESS (Retail) (*Regular $121 - $5 Mwave Instant Discount = $116, While Supplies Last!) b. EVGA 256-P2-N615-TX GEFORCE 7600GT 256MB DDR3 PCI-E VGA+DVI+HDTVOut c. eVGA 256-P2-N554-AX GEFORCE 7600GT KO 256MB DDR3 PCI-E W/HDTV & DVI

I would pick "C" out of the three choices. Any one of them are certainly better than onboard video. If you want something better (have to spend more though) look at the 8800 series video cards from EVGA.

[Alaron]

If there is no gaming involved at all, how about getting the P5B-VM motherboard. It has onboard graphics that are plenty for Word and the Internet. There's no reason to get a gaming card for a non gamer.

I agree with Staren on the CPU as well. The 6600 is way overkill, he would never see a difference. Drop down the E6320.

[JIMBOB73505]

Originally Posted by Staren If he doesn't do anything more then basic work the 6600 is serious overkill. I'd look at the 6300 or one of the 4000 chips for a processor. He'd never know the difference.

Thanks

[Staren]

I'd probably go with the P5B-VM as well. If he wants some gaming ability or doesn't like the idea of on-board graphics. go with an 8600GT. Right at $150. Not the most powerful card around but supports all the new technologies.

Something like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130091

[doubledragon5]

He may just be doing internet and work processing, but personally I never like onboard myself.. He may in the futrue want to try and play some games here in there, so the C option for video card like minsonngo suggested would be my choice...

[JIMBOB73505]

I would pick "C" out of the three choices. Any one of them are certainly better than onboard video. If you want something better (have to spend more though) look at the 8800 series video cards from EVGA.[/QUOTE]


What about the following card as Staren has recommended:

EVGA 256-P2-N755-TR GeForce 8600GT 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Superclocked Video Card - Retail

[minsonngo]

Originally Posted by JIMBOB73505 I would pick "C" out of the three choices. Any one of them are certainly better than onboard video. If you want something better (have to spend more though) look at the 8800 series video cards from EVGA.

What about the following card as Staren has recommended:

EVGA 256-P2-N755-TR GeForce 8600GT 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Superclocked Video Card - Retail[/QUOTE]



Thats a good card to go with considering the price.

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by JIMBOB73505 I am going to build a computer for a friend who primarily surfs the internet and does a lot of word processing - he doesn't do any gaming.

Has your friend considered just getting a DELL?

Cricket

[JIMBOB73505]

Originally Posted by Cricket Has your friend considered just getting a DELL? Cricket

He doesn't want a Dell for various reasons including all the "stuff" they load on it.