Gaming PC

[sxx]

Hello, i need some feedback in creating my new PC!

This is what i produced in my notepad while digging through multiple boards, please help me answering my questions and point out anything whats wrong.
Retailer i used is just for examples, i will probably buy from different sites, so feel free to link anywhere you want.

Usage:
MOSTLY gaming

CPU:
Intel E8400
http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.aspx?sku=344772

GPU:
single nvidia/ati
GeForce GTX 275 / Radeon HD4890

MoBo:
Intel P45 GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P (or UD3R if gtx275)
http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.aspx?sku=391836

RAM:
Corsair TWIN2X 8500C5 DDR2 4096MB CL5 (5-5-5-15) (+2x2GB later)
http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.aspx?sku=366762

DISPLAY:
22" 1680x1050 LG Flatron L227WT
http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.aspx?sku=418704

CASE:
Cooler Master 690
http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.aspx?sku=347261

PSU:
620W (modular but expensive :/) or 650W Corsair (cheaper)
http://www.komplett.ie/k/kcp.aspx?sku=327672&sku=340676
Need a modular at the price of 650W Corsair

CPU cooling:
Xigmatek Dark Knight S1283 CPU
http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.aspx?sku=441227

HDD:
Western Digital Caviar Black 640GB
http://www.komplett.ie/k/kcp.aspx?sku=391645&sku=391646
+external later

DVD:
LG DVD±RW GH22NP20 22x
http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.aspx?sku=358828

other:
Logitech UltraX Premium Keyboard
http://www.komplett.ie/k/kcp.aspx?sku=389166&sku=341896
Onboard sound

Overclocking:
Probably in future, when it starts to be not enough.

OS:
Vista 64


Lets say this is max i can afford.
All suggestions are welcome!

 

[Dangman]

Please answer the stickied questions from the sticky titled "ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS FIRST!" so that we can help you better.

 

[sxx]

The only answers i didnt provide are:
- location central europe
- buying it this month
- i dont need a mouse

 

[Dangman]

The only answers i didnt provide are:
- location central europe
- buying it this month
- i dont need a mouse

You didn't provide an answer to question 9

 

[sxx]

6+ USB's is what i need.
I would like a SLI support but i havent heard anything good about it, and i cant take X58 cause it will raise up the price.
So i took a mobo recommended everywhere with xfire support (because MAYBE, some day, who knows etc), but it really depends on GPU im gonna choose. For example for GeForce i could drop to UD3R model.


Also ive just been thinking about trying to save as many parts as i can when upgrading in two years. When i switch to 3ghz+ quad (when it really will be needed for games) and better GPU, it would be nice if PSU, CPU cooling and mobo could stay the same.
The other option is saving as much as i can now, and making it i7 in the future, but why would i want to play on low fps through that time.
Its not a priority but its something i started to consider.

 

[Dangman]

GPU wise, the performance is pretty much the same:
GTX 260 = HD4870 1GB
GTX 275 = HD4890

GTX 260 < GTX 275.

Performance wise, you cannot go wrong any of the video cards listed. So now it really boils down to is this: Which video card has the better warranty and better support? Generally Nvidia video card partners, specifically XFX, eVGA and BFG, have better support and better warranty (all of three Nvidia partners offer lifetime warranty once you register their cards) than ATI's video card partners.

CPU wise, Drop the E8500 down to the E8400 as the 167Mhz increase in clock speed that the E8500 has is not worth the extra 25 euros. Save that 25 euros for something, not a waste of money like the E8500.

HSF wise, go with the Xigmatek Dark Knight S1283 CPU Cooler as it has the mounting bracket included for not that much more. In addition it has mounting brackets for most of the sockets in use two years from now.

Sound card wise, try out the onboard audio FIRST and then decide if the onboard quality is good enough for you.

PSU wise, the Corsair 620HX is your best bet for a modular PSU at www.komplett.ie as most of the modular PSUs at that site are either more expensive or not as good quality as the 620HX. So if you want modular cables, the 620HX. No need for a modular cables, the 650TX

 

[sxx]

Thank you for pro input!

Updated main post with Dark Knight, and ill go with E8400 E0 revision.

As for PSU, Corsair 620W is too much in price and im choosing 650W version,
BUT
If i choose ATI HD48xx and will want to upgrade in 1-2 years with quad (775) and xfire, will 650W be enough?
If not maybe i should take a cheaper 520W Cooler Master which IS modular?
http://www.komplett.ie/k/kcp.aspx?sku=327671&sku=327672&sku=350470&sku=350472


As for GPU ive heard about GTX 275 going 90 C degrees on load, is it normal/ok? HD4890 goes 20 C less on tests. Or it depends on producer...

 

[engiNURD]

The Corsair 650W will be more than enough for your current plans.

 

[Dangman]

What enginurd said: A good quality 650W PSU will be more than enough for most future upgrades. I would not recommend going with that Coolermaster PSU(520W and 620W) due to their low amperage compared to similar PSUs in the same wattage range (That 520W is roughly equal to Corsair 450W PSU in amperage. Not a real good sign). In addition, there hasn't been any proper reviews nor info about who actually makes those PSUs. As such, those Coolermaster PSUs are unknowns so not a good idea to go with them.

As for the temperatures, it seems like it's common that the GTX 275 does run a bit hotter than the HD4890.

 

[sxx]

My build is soon to be done, but im very confused cause there is so many ppl suggesting Phenom II X4 920, and i5 is coming out 'soon'. I will have to change my intel fanboyism or wait a bit.


One last question regarding PSU, seems like Thermaltake got a nice choice of modulars (purepower and toughpower series):
http://www.thermaltake.com/product_...0000020&ccid=C_00000122&PARENT_CID=C_00000122
and they are cheaper than Corsairs, so anything wrong with them?
For example I can have Thermaltake 750W modular at the price of 650W Corsair.

Same as Zalman:
http://www.zalman.co.kr/ENG/product/Product_Read.asp?idx=196

 

[Dangman]

One last question regarding PSU, seems like Thermaltake got a nice choice of modulars (purepower and toughpower series):
http://www.thermaltake.com/product_...0000020&ccid=C_00000122&PARENT_CID=C_00000122
and they are cheaper than Corsairs, so anything wrong with them?
For example I can have Thermaltake 750W modular at the price of 650W Corsair.

Same as Zalman:
http://www.zalman.co.kr/ENG/product/Product_Read.asp?idx=196

The Purepower series is of low quality. Generally avoid them unless you're love wasting money. However the Purepower RX and Toughpower series are pretty good. Not as high quality as Corsair modular PSUs but still pretty good. However some of the Toughpower PSUs are more expensive, well here in the U.S, than Corsair's PSUs.

That particular Zalman PSU is pretty good as well.