Gaming Build

[jin999]

Hi, I'm new to building PC's from scratch but I have a rough idea of what parts I was going to buy. Any thoughts and comments/improvements would be appreciated.

Case: CoolerMaster Elite 330 ATX
CPU: E6850 2.66Ghz Core 2
CPU Cooler: Arctic Cooling AC-FRZ-7P Freezer 7 Pro
PSU: Coolermaster Real Power 700w
Motherboard: ASUS P5N32-E SLI Plus
Memory: OCZ 2GB Kit (2x1GB) DDR2 800MHz 4-4-4-15
Graphics Card:BFG GeForce 8800 GT OC2 512mb (Uk edition: 675/1674/1950mhz: core/shader/memory clock speed)
Hard Drive: Western Digital WD5000AAKS 500GB
Sound Card: Creative SoundBlaster X Fi Xtreme OEM

Extras:
Monitor: LG L1953S TFT Monitor
DVD: LG GSA-H55NBAL 20x & LG GDR-H30NBL
Mouse: Logitech G5 Laser Mouse
Keyboard: Microsoft Black Wired PS/2 Keyboard 500
Speakers: Logitech X-230 2.1

I've chosen the Core Duo because I don't think I'll use all four cores from a Quad, so I'd rather get a slightly faster duo, or not for a while at least and I'm sure in a year there'll be much cheaper Quad's as they'd have been out for sometime; but my motherboard should be able to handle this upgrade.
Thanks In Advance!!


EDIT: Having read a few more posts here, perhaps I should upgrade to the Quad Q6600 G0? It seems more future proof for only another £40 ($80). And If I was to get the "Quad Q6600 G0" then what would be the best motherboard to get? (I am willing to spend around $280 for a mobo)

 

[engiNURD]

The E6850 isn't worth the price premium over the E6750. You're basically paying a huge premium for 333Mhz -- definately not worth it, especially since a mild, simple OC will reach 3Ghz on stock cooling. Even if you don't OC, you won't notice the 333Mhz difference. If you want to spend that much money, yes, the Q6600 would be a much better choice.

This will help you determine whether or not the quadcore is for you...
http://www23.tomshardware.com/cpu_2007.html?modelx=33&model1=872&model2=871&chart=418

Since you don't need SLI wiht a 19" LCD, ditch that Asus board. Do you plan on OC'ing? If so, I highly suggest sticking with a P35 (single vidcard setup) or X38 board (if you want Crossfire). The Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L, DS3R, DS3P, and DS4, the Abit IP35-E, IP35, and IP35 Pro, the Asus P5K, and P5K-E are all good choices -- choose whatever fits your needs.

You don't need a 700W PSU. Check out the Corsair 520W or 620W -- highly popular PSUs with active PFC.

PSU FAQ: http://www.jonnyguru.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1036

PSU Suggestions:
http://forums.extremeoverclocking.com/showpost.php?p=1590883&postcount=193
http://www.jonnyguru.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1460
http://www.jonnyguru.com/forums/showthread.php?t=103

You won't notice the difference between CL4 and CL5, unless you're running benchmarks (and even then, its negligible), so don't pay a huge price premium for lower latency.

I'd ditch the soundcard for now and try out the onboard HD Audio of a P35 board -- they're much better than they used to be. If you're still unhappy, pickup a soundcard afterwards.

Also, I'd go with SATA optical drives for less clutter inside the case -- especially since you chose a small case.

The Freezer 7 Pro is inadequate for a Q6600. If you go with an E6750, its ok. Better options are the Tuniq Tower, Scythe Ninja Plus Rev.B, Thermalright Ultra120 eXtreme + S-Flex fan, and the Thermalright Ultima90 + Panaflo Hydrowave fan.

 

[alg7_munif]

EDIT: Having read a few more posts here, perhaps I should upgrade to the Quad Q6600 G0? It seems more future proof for only another £40 ($80). And If I was to get the "Quad Q6600 G0" then what would be the best motherboard to get? (I am willing to spend around $280 for a mobo)

Keep in mind that 680i with quad is not a very good idea.

 

[jin999]

Thanks for the replies. So I've updated the spec to the following:

Case: CoolerMaster Elite 330 ATX
CPU: Q6600 G0 2.4GHZ
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Ultra120 eXtreme + S-Flex fan
PSU: Corsair 520W HX series
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3P
Memory: OCZ 2GB Kit (2x1GB) DDR2 800MHz 4-4-4-15
Graphics Card:BFG GeForce 8800 GT OC2 512mb (675/1674/1950mhz: core/shader/memory clock speed)
Hard Drive: Western Digital WD5000AAKS 500GB


Extras:
Monitor: LG L1953S TFT Monitor
DVD: LG GSA-H55NBAL 20x + LG GDR-H30NBL
Mouse: Logitech G5 Laser Mouse
Keyboard: Microsoft Black Wired PS/2 Keyboard 500
Speakers: Logitech X-230 2.1

What suggestions would you have for the Optical Drives? And would I be able to overclock this system safely to 3/3.2Ghz and have it run constantly for day to day use as well as some gaming?

 

[engiNURD]

What suggestions would you have for the Optical Drives? And would I be able to overclock this system safely to 3/3.2Ghz and have it run constantly for day to day use as well as some gaming?

Any SATA Optical drive should work well. Samsungs are quiet. Lite-Ons are loud. I use all brands, Pioneer, NEC, Lite-On, Samsung, BenQ, etc.

Yes, you should be able to OC to 3.2Ghz (stable) easily.