First Time Builder

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zarik

n00b
Joined
Mar 12, 2008
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So my current computer is about 4 years old and I'm starting to get the feeling that it is on its last legs. I've never built my own computer, but have been considering giving it a try for a long time since there really isn't anything out there that catches my eye as far complete systems with the quality and price I'm looking for. The only thing that has kept me from putting one together is being unsure if what I put in it will be compatible and perform the way I expect. I'd like to keep the cost as low as possible ($1000 max but I'd like to keep it under ~$850) and still get a decent machine that can perform well in the future (if that means turning down the settings some in a new game in a couple years, that's ok).

I don't plan on doing anything too extreme with it, mostly World of Warcraft and other new games (FPS and RTS) here and there, as well as your standard word processing, spreadsheet work, and web surfing. (but I'm not too concerned about that part). I've been reading up on here for a couple days and am pretty comfortable with what I've put together, but I thought I'd throw it out there for critique and suggestions:

Case: Cooler Master Centurion 5 - $50
MB: Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L - $90
Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.4GHz - $255
HD: Seagate Barracuda 250GB SATA - $70
Video Card: EVGA 512-P3-N861-AR GeForce 9600GT 512MB - $150
RAM: G.Skill 2GB (2x1GB) DDR2 - $45
PSU: Antec Earthwatts 430W - $50
OS: Windows Vista Home Premium (32 bit)

Total: ~ $820

Any tips for upgrades/better options for this setup or potential problems I’ve missed? The one thing I wasn’t sure about was the video card. I'm only using one 19" LCD monitor, so I don't think I need anything fancy like SLI, crossfire, etc but I still wanted to get one that could handle most of what I throw at it. Is there a better (less expensive) option that I could go with and still get reasonably equal performance? Also, would 4GB of RAM significantly increase performance (even if I’m not interested in going with 64 bit OS)? I don’t plan to do any overclocking, but am open the possibility if I get adventurous some day. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
 
Considering you can get 4GB of quality DDR2-800 (which is all you'll ever need with a Q6600, even heavily OCed) for a little less than $70 AR ($80 without rebate for a G.Skill kit at the moment, I think) I wouldn't go with 2GB.

The DS3L was a good deal at $60 AR, it's a joke at $90. Look to the MSI P35-Neo2-FR or similar slightly more expensive boards, or try and find a deal on the IP35-E/DS3L for ~$60 AR. Do not pay $90 for what is in the end a very "bare bones" board.
 
there is the ABIT IP35-E LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard thats $60 AR ($90 originally).
if you need more sata ports or such, then look into spending a few more bucks.

if you opt for 4gb then go with the 64bit OS.

the 9600gt 512mb is the best card to get at that price. theres no other card thats better than it in its price range.

overall it looks good :D.
 
crhscoog said:
the 9600gt 512mb is the best card to get at that price. theres no other card thats better than it in its price range.

overall it looks good :D.
Click to expand...

...however the 8800 GT 512MB should have more staying power (as it has many more stream processors than the 9600 GT) if you can find it for a similar price.
 
yeah thats if you can find it... right now on newegg, lowest one i see is for $199.99 (PNY) rebates not included. with rebates lowest i see is about $190. so its around a $40 difference between the evga OP posted and $190 AR 8800gt.

i would imagine/hope for another price drop when the rv770 comes out.
 
Thank you for the advice. I'm not purchasing this right away, but I'll keep my eye out for a more resonably priced motherboard when the time comes. I'll probably end up going with the 4GB ram like you suggested silent-circuit and just live with the little bit I don't see with 32 bit Vista. I just can't justify the need for the extra cost to go to 64 bit. I'll also look into the Video Card upgrade. You mentioned the staying potential of the 8800GT...do the cards perform about the same today? Or would there be significant improvement going from the 9600GT to the 8800GT?
 
do you have the os already? if so then itll read aout 3.0-3.5gb of ram. if you dont have it already then get the 64bit. at newegg they are same price of $100 (32bit and 64bit). im sure you can find it cheaper elsewhere though.

the 9600gt and 8800gt are similar in alot of games but 8800gt is slightly better in all of them. the 8800gt is the best bet to go out of the two if you want a more lasting videocard.
 
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