Opinion on build.

[Kharben]

Okay this will be my first custom built computer and I have found all the parts required to do so (I',m pretty sure, but yet I am noob here) Just wanted your guys' opinions and possible corrections. Several links following:

Tower

Motherboard

Processor

CPU Cooler

Power Supply

RAM

CD/DVD drive

Graphics Card

Hard Drive


My intent for this machine is moderate - Heavy gaming and graphic design, I also plan on running Vista on this computer. I am not very sure on the ram choice and im not sure the processor is compatible or not? (1066MHz processor - 1600/1333MHz Motherboard FSB)

All input is extremely welcome! Thanks for reading.

[Masaki 7-11]

Everything looks good, if you are not overclocking, don't bother with the heatsink/fan as it will void your intel warranty. If you are overclocking, you might want to take a look at a better known heatsink/fan such as:
AC Freezer 7 Pro: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835186134
or
Zalman CNPS 9300AT: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835118044
If you want to save some money, go for a lower wattage power supply, 650W will give you more than enough power for your build and still provide ample headroom, here is a good, inexpensive power supply with 650W: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371015

[Kharben]

I guess my next question should be would it be wise to overclock? I'm sorry I've tried to comprehend the reasons for overclocking and simply don't understand (maybe someone could give me a hand with that lol)

[joshrogoff]

Can't beat this deal newegg has going right now on a great HSF

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835233003

[Masaki 7-11]

Originally Posted by Kharben I guess my next question should be would it be wise to overclock? I'm sorry I've tried to comprehend the reasons for overclocking and simply don't understand (maybe someone could give me a hand with that lol)

Overclocking is used to boost the clock frequency (and therefore performance) of a processor at the cost of higher heat and power usage. Overclocking also lowers the life of the processor, but if the overclock is within reasonable limits, you can usually use the processor for at least 3 years while overclocked. I overclock most of my processors because it allows me to buy less expensive processors while having performance higher than that of more expensive processors, often I can get an inexpensive processor to higher frequency/performance than a much more expensive extreme edition processor. Ultimately it depends on what you want to do with the computer, if you want really high performance and have the time/patience to learn about overclocking and your motherboard and its BIOS, then overclocking is for you, otherwise you can go without overclocking.

[Doom]

Here are my thoughts. I don't OC myself... but it can be a good way to compensate for your CPU if a budget is preventing you from getting the speed you want. Also, if you plan to run a few intensive programs vice heavy multitasking... you can increase game performance by going to a faster dual core processor like the E8400 or E8500. You can also use the savings there to boost your graphics card.

Component Thoughts:
- Case: Thumbs Up. It's the most popular one out there for a reason.
- CPU: Like I mention above... you might want to check out the E-8400.
- CPU Fan: If you don't OC...go with the stock cooler.
- PSU: 850w is way overkill unless you're ever going to use dual graphics cards. A single card setup can run w/ 550w. Antec is a good brand and so is Corsair. I know Corsair makes a 520w modular PSU which I recommend.
- RAM: Thumbs Up. That's what I use and love it.
- GPU: There are much more powerful cards if you want to do any heavy gaming. Take the savings from the CPU cooler and any cost savings by moving down to a lower wattage PSU and move them into a better graphics card. With your savings... you should be able to find a 9800GTX in your budget.
- DVD: No problems here... but many folks recommend LiteOn... and they may be cheaper.
- HDD: I use Western Digital and like it... but most people here recommend Seagate.

[Masaki 7-11]

Originally Posted by Doom Here are my thoughts. I don't OC myself... but it can be a good way to compensate for your CPU if a budget is preventing you from getting the speed you want. Also, if you plan to run a few intensive programs vice heavy multitasking... you can increase game performance by going to a faster dual core processor like the E8400 or E8500. You can also use the savings there to boost your graphics card. Component Thoughts: - Case: Thumbs Up. It's the most popular one out there for a reason. - CPU: Like I mention above... you might want to check out the E-8400. - CPU Fan: If you don't OC...go with the stock cooler. - PSU: 850w is way overkill unless you're ever going to use dual graphics cards. A single card setup can run w/ 550w. Antec is a good brand and so is Corsair. I know Corsair makes a 520w modular PSU which I recommend. - RAM: Thumbs Up. That's what I use and love it. - GPU: There are much more powerful cards if you want to do any heavy gaming. Take the savings from the CPU cooler and any cost savings by moving down to a lower wattage PSU and move them into a better graphics card. With your savings... you should be able to find a 9800GTX in your budget. - DVD: No problems here... but many folks recommend LiteOn... and they may be cheaper. - HDD: I use Western Digital and like it... but most people here recommend Seagate.

For gaming, any Core 2 series processor at 2.4GHz and up is fine, the E8400/E8500 are both about the same as the Core 2 Quad Q6600 in terms of price. If you are looking to make a more future proof computer (meaning you don't plan on getting a new computer or upgrading the processor in the next two years), quad core is the only way to go, in terms of total performance of the processor, the quad cores easily provide more than dual cores, even if the dual cores are clocked higher.

[Kharben]

Okay yea I can't really afford to build a new computer very often so a Quad core seems appropriate. I edited my list:

Scratch CPU cooler


New Power Supply

New Graphics Card



Changing to these two shaved 100$ off my price. so i got 100$ to spare, suggestions?

Any other comments greatly appreciated.

[Doom]

The setup looks good. $100 extra... sounds like time to get a game or two that will push this thing to the limit.

[Kharben]

Woo!! Thanks guys! you've been great!