Build feedback

[JDMs14]

Putting together a new box and looking for some feedback. Not going to be doing any major OCing...and the video is a temp solution until I pick up something more suited to gaming.

Here is what i've got so far:

CPU: Intel C2D E6750

Motherboard: Abit IP35 ATX LGA775 or Asus P5K iP35 S775 ATX (not sure if there are any differences?)

RAM: OCZ Platinum Revision-2 2048MB PC6400 DDR2 800MHz Dual Channel Memory (2 x 1024MB)

Video: 8600GTS or X1950Pro

Hard Drive: Seagate / Barracuda 7200.10 / 500GB / 7200 / 16MB / Serial ATA-300

Case/PSU: http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2448862&CatId=1846

Comments? I'm torn between the two mobos and the video cards...I understand the 8600GTS hasn't gotten the greatest reviews, but like I said i'm not going to be heavy into gaming at the moment and it's more to tide me over until later.

 

[Charger69]

If I remember correct, x1950pro is a better deal and performs better (and is a lower price) but you may as well just opt for the 8600 it since you can get the EVGA step-up to something better... although you could always opt for anything EVGA then if you really just want something so-so (you may be able to get away with like a 7900?) it'd be no different. Lest you want to sink more $$ for something you plan to upgrade soon anyway!

You sticking with the retail HS?

 

[engiNURD]

What's your budget?

You sticking with the retail HS?

I assume so since he doesnt plan on any major OC'ing. FYI, that CPU can reach 3.2Ghz on stock, or near stock, voltage. If you want to run at 3.2Ghz (8x400), I'd suggest a better cooler, like the Scythe Ninja Plus Rev.B for only $35, or the Tuniq Tower for $45.

If you're not gaming, don't bother with a gaming card. Pickup a $35 X1550 card to tide you over, since your'e not playing any games. If you are gaming, hat size monitor do you have and what games do you play?

What features do you need in a motherboard? Firewire? RAID? eSATA?

The Ultra XVS 700 isn't bad, either, which is abnormal for a PSU bundled with a case.

 

[JDMs14]

Looking to keep the budget around $1000 CAD.

I had considered upgrading the HS...and if I did go ahead with an OC then I would definitely pick one up.

I shouldn't say I won't be doing any gaming at all, I would like to be able to play recent games, but I'm not so interested in getting max FPS at full detail...etc..

Debating if I should just bite the bullet and pick up an 8800GTS 320mb. At least it will hold me over for a while. I've currently got a 17" Dell FP and don't have a desire to upgrade anytime soon.


As for the mobo...again i'm not needing anything high end. RAID and Firewire are nice to haves, and eSATA is not needed at all. I've seen some good reviews of the IP-35 and it seems like a good deal for the price.

Thanks!

 

[engiNURD]

If you don't need Firewire, but would like RAID, go with the Gigabyte P35-DS3R.
If you don't need RAID, but would like Firewire, go with the Asus P5K.
If you need firewire AND raid, go with the Abit IP35 vanilla.

If you don't need either, and won't be running many drives, then go for the Abit IP35-E if you don't need legacy ports. If you do need legacy ports, then go for the Gigabyte P35-DS3L instead.

The 8800GTS 320MB will last you a LONG time with a 17" LCD, lol. The 8600GTS will be fine for such a small monitor.

 

[JDMs14]

If you don't need Firewire, but would like RAID, go with the Gigabyte P35-DS3R.
If you don't need RAID, but would like Firewire, go with the Asus P5K.
If you need firewire AND raid, go with the Abit IP35 vanilla.

If you don't need either, and won't be running many drives, then go for the Abit IP35-E if you don't need legacy ports. If you do need legacy ports, then go for the Gigabyte P35-DS3L instead.

The 8800GTS 320MB will last you a LONG time with a 17" LCD, lol. The 8600GTS will be fine for such a small monitor.

The Gigabyte P35-DS3R does seems like a good deal...know of any issues with OCing on that board?

I'm thinking I may go with the 8600GTS for the time being and a little while down the road when perhaps I move to a bigger monitor, I can use eVGAs step up program.

Thanks for the tips all

 

[engiNURD]

The Gigabyte P35-DS3R does seems like a good deal...know of any issues with OCing on that board?

Yah, for me, it won't go past 528Mhz, preventing me from my 4Ghz goal (using an E6750). I could try a newer BIOS, but I'm too lazy. Though, you may have better luck with it, since in OC'ing, YMMV, hehe.

The NB/SB get kinda hot when you feed it more voltage (which is required for high FSBs on ANY board; anything higher than 450). There are easy ways to keep them cool, though.

If you want RAID, Firewire, and better chipset cooling (if you plan on going above 450Mhz base FSB), check out the Abit IP35 vanilla or higher.

FYI, step up program from eVGA is only good for 3 months after you purchase the card.