Another "Check this build" thread

[jon_e_33]

Hey all,

My friend wants a new computer to replace his old machine, and liked the idea of building it himself with my help. I've built a few computers in the past; however I have not kept up to date with all the new technologies out there.

His budget is about $600 or so, there is a little leeway in there. He does a lot of multitasking and a moderate amount of gaming, mostly World of Warcraft which doesn't take too much power to run. However we're hoping to run some newer FPS, although they don't have to run at top notch speeds/graphics.

He has a copy of Windows XP, a Samsung SyncMaster 205bw monitor, (1680x1050), speakers, case, and a Seagate SATA 16mb 3.0mb/s 320g HDD. Overclocking isn't a concern.

The parts list we have so far is:

Intel C2Q6600
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115017

Corsair XMS2 2g DDR2 800
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145175

Corsair 550W PSU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139004

Lite-On Sata DVD burner
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106073

Asus P5K SE
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131189

MSI 8800GTS 320mb
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814127328


The questions I have are:
1. Is that mobo going to be ok, or should we bump it up to the P5K-E?
2. Will the 550W PSU be enough or should we get a 620W version?
3. I realize that is the old version of that video card. Should we ditch it for something else? The price is right for that card, and it still outperforms a lot of cards on Tom's Hardware charts as well as having a higher Bandwith and fill rate than a 9600GT card which costs more. We're looking to spend 150$ TOPS on a videocard; preferably around $110-$125.

This all rounds out to about $616.00 with rebates and such.

Thanks for any help and suggestions!

[Alaron]

That motherboard and PSU look good. I was going to suggest checking out the 9600GT as well, but for your friend's use, I doubt there is a difference between the two.

Good list, go for it.

[Dave21]

[QUOTE=jon_e_33]
The questions I have are:
1. Is that mobo going to be ok, or should we bump it up to the P5K-E?
2. Will the 550W PSU be enough or should we get a 620W version?
3. I realize that is the old version of that video card. Should we ditch it for something else? QUOTE]
1) Unless you are going to utilize the wireless fuction of the board, then just go with se to save a bit of money.
2) Honestly I think 550 is enough for a few years unless you plan on getting the 9800gx2 which would require 600 W+
3) Get the 512 mb version at least.

[Drunner611]

[QUOTE=Dave21]

Originally Posted by jon_e_33 3) Get the 512 mb version at least.

Except teh G92 (512mb) version is crazy faster and costs $100 more. Get a 9600gt. The old 8800gts (320 and 640mb) are not worth the discounts as a 9600gt is faster and costs $10 more.

[Katreat]

Build looks good. As you noted, the newer 8800 GT and GTS both out perform the older 8800 GTS 640. However, it is all about price, and if the price has dropped on the older card is could be a very attractive purchase. My newest build used a 8800 GTS 320, the baby brother of the card you list, and it runs games great. I even loaded up a copy of Crysis and could ran it at very high settings with no problems.

kat

[jon_e_33]

Originally Posted by Katreat Build looks good. As you noted, the newer 8800 GT and GTS both out perform the older 8800 GTS 640. However, it is all about price, and if the price has dropped on the older card is could be a very attractive purchase. My newest build used a 8800 GTS 320, the baby brother of the card you list, and it runs games great. I even loaded up a copy of Crysis and could ran it at very high settings with no problems. kat

Yah the 9600gt is about $40 more than the 8800gts 320mb, with price being the factor in that choice.

However after thinking about it a bit longer I thought maybe just go with the more expensive 9600gt

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130334

And possibly get an Antec Earthwatts PSU since it's cheaper.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371007



Either way I think the build will be good for what we want to do with it, but once you get to building it's addictive trying to cram every extra inch of performance you can get.