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I need help making a decision.

Azureth

Azureth

Supreme [H]ardness
Joined
Feb 29, 2008
Messages
5,323
Originally I was planning on making just a mid-range PC however that kind of flew out the window, originally I picked this CPU because it was cheap but I've heard it has good overclocking, however, I don't know much about OC so I'm curious if you think I'd be better off getting a different better CPU (willing to spend around $100 on one), or just read up on OC and stick with that one?
 
And I really don't want to go much higher than what I have.
 
The CPU you have should clock somewhere near 3GHz.
Bear in mind that this chip has only 1MB cache so you will take "up to" 10% loss in gaming performance compared to the same clock 4MB cache chip, so for some games, its like having a 2.7GHz C2D with 4MB cache.
Note I said "up to" 10% difference, you need to verify benchmarks for the games you play at the resolutions you will use.
The performance difference will be a bit larger when compared clock for clock to the new E8xx series chips with 6MB cache.

If that isnt what you are after, you need to get another chip.
It will be an ok CPU to drive a 9600GT but if you upgrade the gfx card you will be wasting its potential unless you upgrade your CPU as well.
Thats not to say it wont perform well enough in the games you play, you may have no need for further performance.
I felt you should be aware of everything.

So check benchmarks of the 9600GT with 4MB cache chips compared to 1MB cache chips running around 3GHz in the games you play and decide if you are ok with the performance.
If you intend on upgrading the gfx card within the next year, look to see how well a 3GHz E2180 can drive an 8800GTS 512MB or 8800GTX.
 
If you're only gaming, you don't 'need' 4gb of ram. Drop it down to 2gb and get something good like Mushkin or OCZ.

Here is the mem i have:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146692 (granted its 4gb, but saves your $10 on your order)

here is a mobo that will save your $40 as well compared to the one you selected in your wish list.. ($10 on check out and $30 on mail in rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813127031 (great overclocker too)

This XFX vid card will save ya another $25 after rebate.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150277

This power supply will save you another $30. (you don't NEED 550 for your setup, 450 will do fine)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139003

If you're going to game, spend the extra $5 and get this for your harddrive. perpendicular recording will assist in read/write operations.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148136

Also, you can save a couple bucks if you don't need to burn DL discs.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118003 (IDE)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118002 (SATA)

It seems you were dead set on the cpu and case so I didn't make any recommendations.
 
Alright, what would you recommend for an overall good CPU that isn't insanely priced but still very good, I just now got my budget bumped up a bit so say around $1,000 for everything.

About the 4 gigs, will it really not make that big of a difference in games? I just figured since I was getting 64-bit Vista why not max it out? Also, would you recommend the 9600, or a better card? Thanks.
 
I had the E2180 and it was such an easy chip to overclock to 3GHz+ but the lack of L2 cache hurt it's performance somewhat but at 3.2GHz it proved to be very formidable. 4GB, while not necessary, is a good thing to have if you wish to do a bit more multitasking and don't want to worry about how much memory things use. I have yet to push the boundary of 2GB let alone 4GB and my rig is mainly focused on gaming. You could always get a 2GB kit (2x1GB) and be set for awhile and have the option of upgrading later if you find you might need it. For me, 4GB is overkill but the price was right. If you want to save some cash, go with the E4500 as mentioned above or if you find you really want to overclock, the E2180 is a good way to go. Although, you don't necessarily need it as you can basically overclock any Intel cpu fairly easily. Also, you might be able to find a deal on some of the bigger cousins (E6600, etc..) if you browse around.

As for the 9600GT, I'd say go for it if you don't have the cash for an 8800GT or 8800GTS 512mb. From the reviews I've seen, it performs spectacularly with only 64 stream processors.
 
As I said my budget has been upgraded, so what is the best gfx card the 8800GT, GTS, GTX, or something better?

Well, I might stick with 2 gigs afterall. My main concern is getting a very nice mobo, cpu, and gfx card.
 
Bang for buck and to keep up a bit better in the future, I'd say the GTS.
 
8800GT's are getting too cheap to ignore, def recommend it over the 9600GT or 8800GTS
 
mind recommending which one to get on newegg, many make them. btw, is HD Audio good?
 
Is the onboard audio good or should I get a dedicated sound card?
 
Again, depends on your needs. Do you plan to use surround sound, or just 2 speaker (2.1 with a sub)?

For Surround sound GAMING I'd recommend a dedicated Sound Blaster card.

If you're not going surround sound, most onboard sound should suffice.
 
Alrigt, so I guess I'm good to go then? Any last minute changes you'd recommend?
 
Still recommend going for the XFX 9600GT instead of the 8800. Plus saves you a couple bucks.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150277

Also, I just saw you have listed Vista 64bit. If you're gaming, stay away from Vista 64. Not enough driver support. if you must have vista, stick with 32bit. If don't need Vista, think about sticking with XP. It'll treat your games better frame rate wise. (For the most part)

Other than those 2 items, good choices I'd say. Even the case looks like something I would choose.
 
Get XP pro, or if you have to get Vista, get a 32-bit version like the poster above says. 8800GT is very worth it and with that built in aftermarket cooler, it should last for quite a while.
 
The only I don't like about the build is the 450 watt PSU. I don't think thats enough for the everything you got in there, on top of that your going to overclock. Corsair is a good PSU manufacture but if you're stuck at that price range, I would grab a similar priced 550 watt or 600 watt. There won't be a need to upgrade in the future also.
 
Ughh...Everyone on the OS board said that just about everything works with Vista 64 bit, and someone else in this thread recommended that 450 PSU. WHAT SHOULD I DO??? AHHHHHHH!!!!!
 
personally I'd go with a corsair 520hx, can be had on buy.com for $79 AR + the -$10 google checkout.
 
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