new build, please comment

[takethesewords]

Been running on an 3200+, 1GB DDR400, 939Dual-Sata2, 7900GT setup for quite some time. Decided to open up my first credit card, make a big purchase and pay it off monthly, so I'm finally getting an updated system (please, no lectures on credit cards). I've been reading through the forums here and looking at recommended items, but I want to just double check with you (the experts) that I did not miss anything..

Most of my gaming is now done on my 360, so ignore the fact that I am not going for top of the line video card here. Once my anticipated PC games hit (Starcraft 2, the new Guild Wars) I will probably upgrade the vid card again. Honestly I am only getting a new vid card so I can give my 7900GT away to a needy friend.

All parts from newegg...I will be re-using my existing mouse, monitor and case (sonata II)..

• Vid Card & PSU - EVGA 512-P3-N861-AR GeForce 9600 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - & Antec earthwatts EA500 500W ATX12V v2.0 Power Supply - Retail - $169.99 (combo deal).
• CPU - Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor Model BX80562Q6600 - Retail $199.99
• MOBO - GIGABYTE GA-EP43-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P43 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail - $99.99
• RAM - G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ - Retail $83.99
• HDD - Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM - $94.99
• Burner - SAMSUNG 20X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model SH-S203B - OEM - $26.99
• Keyboard Saitek PZ30AU Black USB Wired Standard Eclipse Keyboard - Retail - $34.99
• HSF XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler - Retail - $36.99
• HSF Bracket - XIGMATEK ACK-I7751 Retention Bracket - $6.99

Total - 754.91 + Shipping

Do you see any glaring problems with the above parts list ? Anything not compatible that I may be missing ? Any better deals with better performance that you know of ? Let me hear it!!

Thanks much!!

 

[legendz411]

I beg of you, please, just search "credit card" here and read. Please!


Other then that, You might as well go for the 8800GT instead of the 9600GT. Preformes better by a wide margin and cost 'bout the same, (I think -_- )

That keyboard is sweet.

 

[takethesewords]

Well, first off I have excellent credit. I have a good paying, stable job with hopes of gaining a new one by the end of the year.

I've had quite a few "store credit cards" that I opened with 0% interest when I've bought various items such as my surround sound, my guitar, or my bedroom furniture. All (except for the furniture) have been paid off in full already. I schedule my monthly payments so that they are paid off 1 month before the 0% interest promotional period ends. I've had success with that in the past and I have a 0% interest for 15 months Amex card on the way, which is what I will be using for this purchase. I will cut it up after placing the order.

I'll round the price up to $800, divide that by 12 months, resulting in a monthly payment of $67. So I'll just setup an auto payment for each month and my balance should be $0 after a year, with 3 months to spare. No big deal.

All of the 8800GT's I've seen on Newegg are $169. For that same price I can get a 9600GT and a 500W PSU, while still being an upgrade from my current vid card. That's the only reason.

I'm really excited about being able to stream HD content to my 360 via tversity My current system struggles with even low quality formats....

Thanks for the reply!

 

[Toaster Oven]

The EVGA 8800GS + Antec EA500W combo is $40 cheaper($50 cheaper AMIR) than the EVGA 9600GT + Antec EA500W combo. Given how close 8800GS and 9600GT are in performance, there's no way the 9600GT is worth $40/$50 more. Especially since you're not planning on keeping the card for very long.

I would take the money saved and upgrade the mobo. Something with a few more features, better construction, better BIOS support than a bottom of the barrel budget mobo. Keep in mind P43 does not support Crossfire so there's no reason to pay a premium for it over a perfectly good P35 mobo.

Also one last consideration is that Antec 500W PSU will be a bit underpowered if you plan on upgrading to a top line GPU down the road like say a 4870X2. Especially if you will be overclocking that Q6600. If it's a possibility, you're better off spending a few more bucks now to get a better PSU.

 

[takethesewords]

i will now go with the DFI Bloodiron mobo instead - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813136038 . Better?

Since I am getting that aftermarket cooler, I guess I will go ahead and try some overclocking on the Q6600. I'll spend some extra $$$ and get the 8800GS/GT as well. A 500W PSU should be fine for that current build, though ? I'll get a new PSU when I upgrade the CPU (way way down the road).

Thanks for the advice! Can't wait to get this!

 

[tiraides]

DFI motherboards have more overclocking options, but they can be overwhelming for the beginning overclocker. If you want to keep things simple in regards to overclocking, stick with the Gigabyte motherboard.

What montior/resolution are you using? Depending on that, the 8800GS/EA500 combo may, in fact, be better for your needs.

 

[takethesewords]

I've done some simple overclocking on my 3200+ CPU before, but still yes, I am relatively new to overclocking. BIOS options don't scare me though I can figure that stuff out. I won't be pushing anything to it's limits - just a little bump for some extra speed is all I would want.

I have a 19" Gateway widescreen LCD that runs in 1440x900. I wouldn't be going over that reso.

 

[onedestinazn2]

if your gaming at that resolution id get the 8800gs combo and the psu is fine even with the newer cards. i would stick with gigabyte as they make great quality products and overclocking is as simple as changing a number or two.

 

[adgriffi]

The sh-s203b is discontinued and is out of stock at the egg...

I'm thinking the sh-s203d will show up soon.