Help me out with this build

C

c0ncept

n00b
Joined
Dec 10, 2006
Messages
33
This will be my 2nd built computer and I'm looking for some constructive criticism for a build that will mainly be used for Gaming/internet/school.


Mobo
GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel------$89.00

Video card
MSI NX8800GT 512M OC GeForce 8800GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3------$200.00

PSU
Antec earthwatts EA500 ATX12V v2.0 500W Power Supply ------$54.99

CPU
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core------$275.99

HDD
Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD5000AAKS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s------$104.99

RAM
4x HP (appears to be Crucial unbranded as HP) 1GB PC2-5300 (DDR2-667) DIMM M------$12.00 (after rebates)
----or----
G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel------$44.99

And I'm keeping my current case and all peripherals. I'll probably be snagging an OS from my Hardware teacher to use.

I might also invest in some thermal paste for the hdd, although I've never done it before, anyone have an opinion on that?

--------Grand Total: ~$737.00 - $770.00 ----------


Many thanks.
 
The video card I would get a 8800GT or 8800GTS 512MB over that 640MB card for a cheapr price and offers better performance.

The quad core CPU is good but on the Dual Core E6600 is not worth it. You might as well get the new 45nm E8400 with a higher clock speed of 3ghz

The HDD you can get a 500gig for $99 if you need the space. You might as well since it's pretty cheap nowdays.

The memory you should just go for a DDR2 800mhz. This will allow you the possible option to overclock the CPU if you choose to.

The Power Supply is decent but, this CORSAIR CMPSU-550VX 550W will put out more power and has a higher efficiency than that Thermaltake PS. for $79
 
HardwareGuru said:
The video card I would get a 8800GT or 8800GTS 512MB over that 640MB card for a cheapr price and offers better performance.

The quad core CPU is good but on the Dual Core E6600 is not worth it. You might as well get the new 45nm E8400 with a higher clock speed of 3ghz

The HDD you can get a 500gig for $99 if you need the space. You might as well since it's pretty cheap nowdays.

The memory you should just go for a DDR2 800mhz. This will allow you the possible option to overclock the CPU if you choose to.

The Power Supply is decent but, this CORSAIR CMPSU-550VX 550W will put out more power and has a higher efficiency than that Thermaltake PS. for $79
Click to expand...

Thanks for the suggestions. About the ram.. I've already ordered it and received it since I couldn't seem to pass up getting them at $3.00 each.. It's all still in the unopened boxes. I may do some overclocking, so would you sell the RAM on ebay (and make a profit) and just buy the 800mhz you recommended if you were me?
 
Don't worry too much on the RAM. DDR667 will be fine. $3 each damn that is cheap. You can't go wrong at that price!
 
I've edited the original post after hearing those suggestions. How's it looking?
 
Actually, if you want to get or support the newer Intel 45nm cpus such as the E8400 cpu, you can't use it on that MSI P6N SLI Platinum LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 650i SLI motherboard. This is because the 650i chipset from Nvidia does not support the new 45nm cpus offered by Intel. Your best bet if you do decide to get a 45nm Dual core such as the E8400 cpu is Intel chipset such as the populat P35 chipset line. The mobo range from $100 - $200. You can get a pretty decent one from $100-$150 range.

Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L for $90 on NewEgg

or the Asus P5K you specified also is an option. The MSI 650i will not support the 45nm Intel cpus. Only the 65nm such as the Q6600, E6600 for example.
 
HardwareGuru said:
Actually, if you want to get or support the newer Intel 45nm cpus such as the E8400 cpu, you can't use it on that MSI P6N SLI Platinum LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 650i SLI motherboard. This is because the 650i chipset from Nvidia does not support the new 45nm cpus offered by Intel. Your best bet if you do decide to get a 45nm Dual core such as the E8400 cpu is Intel chipset such as the populat P35 chipset line. The mobo range from $100 - $200. You can get a pretty decent one from $100-$150 range.

Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L for $90 on NewEgg

or the Asus P5K you specified also is an option. The MSI 650i will not support the 45nm Intel cpus. Only the 65nm such as the Q6600, E6600 for example.
Click to expand...

I'll trust your opinion about the Gigabyte board and use that one, unless you think the Asus P5K would serve me better.

Thanks, btw.
 
HardwareGuru said:
This is because the 650i chipset from Nvidia does not support the new 45nm cpus offered by Intel.
Click to expand...

Wrong. The 650i chipset does support the 45nm dual core Wolfdale CPUs, i.e the E8400. However, the 650i and 680i chipset does not support the 45nm Yorkfield quad- core CPUs.

However, I second the recommendation for the DS3L.
 
Wow, I did not know that part. I learned something new. Thanks Danny. Is it just a BIOS update that will allow that 650i to support the Wofldale cpus?
 
HardwareGuru said:
Wow, I did not know that part. I learned something new. Thanks Danny. Is it just a BIOS update that will allow that 650i to support the Wofldale cpus?
Click to expand...

Dunno actually. I thought it was natively supported. Could be wrong about that.
 
I'd go with a 500 gig HD, the cost difference isn't that much for a 50% increase in size. Also, I'd buy a second of the exact same drive to do backups with.

The Gigabyte and Asus mobos mentioned are good. I have a MSI P35 Platinum that I really like, it would do well for you too.

Get an 8800GT, preferably the MSI at the Egg that's 190 AR - it's less expensive and has a great heastink on it.

I'd recommend a Q6600. Only a bit more than the E8400 and it will O/C up to 3 GHz with your memory on a 1:1 divider.

Plan some $$ for a heatsink. A good Thermalright Ultra Extreme 120 will cool any CPU out there and will let you overclock well.
 
well I would have to vote for the gigabyte board(see my sig), as for some of your other components heres my 2 cents

PSU: Antec earthwatts EA500 ATX12V v2.0 500W Power Supply - Retail $54.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371007
the same specs as the corsair but $25 less.

Video Card: MSI NX8800GT 512M OC GeForce 8800GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 $219.99 - $20 mir $199.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127329

HD: Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD5000AAKS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb $104.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136073

Also I see that the ram is a silly low price but I am pretty certain the 667mhz will slow you down no? Me looks at Danny_bui:rolleyes:
 
E8400 and Q6600 both have FSB mulitipliers of 9. Your memory is rated at 333 MHz (I've got 5 sticks of the same stuff from the same deal). If you run at 1:1 Memory:FSB ratios, both CPUs will be at 3.0 GHz.
 
You can do that. What you can do is....get the mail in rebate back. So.. you paid $12 total on those sticks. Then, sell it for more than $12. Someone would buy if you sold those 4 sticks for $40 or more dollars. If you got the rebate back then sell it for more $.

BTW, the setup you have up there looks great! Can't argue on the prices and components listed.


c0ncept said:
I've made several changes according to the suggestions I've gotten thus far. I am reconsidering the RAM. Would it be better for me to just sell my 4gb of (new, in box) HP RAM I have listed and get 2gb of this 800MHz G.Skill RAM? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231098

Thanks so far.
Click to expand...
 
HardwareGuru said:
You can do that. What you can do is....get the mail in rebate back. So.. you paid $12 total on those sticks. Then, sell it for more than $12. Someone would buy if you sold those 4 sticks for $40 or more dollars. If you got the rebate back then sell it for more $.

BTW, the setup you have up there looks great! Can't argue on the prices and components listed.
Click to expand...

Yeah that's what I was planning on. I bought 5 sticks just so I could sell them anyways, if I didn't use them.

Alright then, thanks. The build has not only been improved, but it's cheaper now. Can't beat that.
 
Arctic Silver 5 is the standard for good thermal paste. Ceramique is also good and I've heard good things about the Nanotherm paste. What you really need is a good heatsink. I'd recommend the Thermalright Ultra 120 Extreme, Scythe Ninja or Noctuna 120. This will ensure your Q6600 runs as cool as possible and allows for the highest overclock.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top