First-time build

[Grenwyck]

Hi folks,

I wanted to thank you for the wealth of information you have here before getting to the business. After ~7 years I decided its about time for a new PC and I wanted to try to build it. The primary task would be multi-tasking followed by light-moderate gaming. I'd like to have something that will last me a while and keep some options open later for future upgrades. I won't be doing any overclocking with this build. I really would like to not have to spend much more than $800-900 (looks like I'll get some of that back from rebates if I order the following soon).

After doing some browsing and researching, this is what I've come up with. I'll appreciate any suggestions or further advice. If anyone has experience with the P182, I'd appreciate some first-hand advice. I'm not completely smitten with the case, but I liked the look and the front ports.

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 Conroe 2.66GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80557E6750 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115029

MoBo: ASUS P5K-E/WIFI-AP LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131196

GPU: EVGA 512-P2-N757-TR GeForce 8600GT 512MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130290

PSU: Antec earthwatts EA500 ATX12V v2.0 500W Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371007

Case: Antec P182 Gun Metal Black 0.8mm cold rolled steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129025

Mem: CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X2048-6400 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145590
I might go ahead and get 2 pair of these since its decently priced.

HDD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250410AS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148262

Optical: LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model LH-20A1L-06 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106072

OS: Windows XP home


I think I've got everything else (peripherals, etc.).

Thanks,
-John

[Katreat]

Your list looks good and it should suit your listed needs. You might check out the new E8400 CPU. It sells for about $30 more but is kind of replacing the E6750 as the sweet spot in the market. They may be hard to find though, limmited supply, but it cant hurt to look.

The other point I will throw out is about your GPU. The 8600 is a OK gamer. It all depends on what you mean by light to moderate gaming. It will play older games fine and newer games if you turn down the video settings. If gameing is important to you then you might try to get something like the ATI 3850 / 70 or GeForce 8800 GT. You might check out this review for an idea of how the cards stack up for gaming.

http://www.tomshardware.com/2008/01/...ming_graphics/

Kat

[shadowpr]

Looks good to me.

If getting 4gb of ram with xp home, just know that it will only see about 2.7 -3.5gb.

[Grenwyck]

Thanks for the input, Kat and shadowpr.

Looks like I'll bank on the upgrade to the 8800GT 512MB.

I looked into the E8400 and put it in the cart. But then I started thinking that maybe for the little extra the Core 2 Quad Q6600 might be a better investment in the long run. Any advice on that?

[Katreat]

A quad core is more future proof. Now that they are becoming common software will start to be writtent to take advantage of it. Very little software uses 4 cores at this time so quads are mainly for multi taskers.

The new E8400 is faster though so it comes down to speed today or the possiblity of performance enhancements down the road.

In my last build I went the speed route and got the E6750. I wanted the 1333 FSB and my feeling was that a year or so down the road, if software started to utilize 4 cores, I could upgrade. Hopefully by that time they will have 1333 FSB quads also at a resonable price.

Both processors are very nice so which ever direction you go I am sure you will be happy.

Kat

[DSCHIEF]

I would dump the case and go with this one

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119106

The Antec was the first case I bought for my Folding at home farm.

It weighs a Ton , and the Location of the Power Supply at the bottom is a Royal Pain in the Butt. Routeing power cables up through the trap door , over the top of the video board
to the top of the mother board for the 8-pin power connector was a hassle.

I bought 4 of the Cooler Master cases after that. And I'll probably go to my grave only recommending the Centurion Model.

[Grenwyck]

Just to be sure, with the GeForce 8800GT and the quad core, will my current PSU supply enough voltage and amps or should I look for another?

Thanks, DSCHIEF, I'll take a look at that one.

[Devastator]

It is Antec's lower end PSU, I think it'd do, but really I'd go for the Corsair 520W HX.

Edit: By the way, case is a personal preference - go with what you like. Antec cases have always been awesome IMO.