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NEW cheap system build.

J

JeebusCrispies

n00b
Joined
Jun 7, 2003
Messages
13
I've been sifting the threads on here for a few days. Based on some of the threads I've read and the recommendations I've seen posted, as well as my $450 budget, I've decided to possibly go with these parts.

MB: ASUS P5Q Pro LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor

RAM: G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory

GRAPHICS: PNY VCG96512GXEB GeForce 9600 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express

I have everything else and what I'm most interested to know is if this system will work well with FSX and Fallout 3.

Thanks for reading.
 
Yes it will you're a tad light there with 9600GT though for FO3 depending on your res. I further assume you don't need a PSU, case, monitor etc. just those four components? What will your display resolution be? If you are locked into a $450 max budget then you might consider dropping down to a E7200/7300 and with the $50 you saved from the E8400 applying that towards a HD4850 [up from your 9600GT]. Its not a bad list as is though.
 
I think thats a great build, and you can wait until black friday and upgrade the video card for a great deal.
 
The monitor is a 22" Westinghouse LCD. I'm running it at 1440*900 and usually run all my games at 1024. I'm wondering if my 3 year old Zalmann 400 watt psu will be able to do the trick, though. I am running an external Seagate HD and an external LG DVD burner.
 
Danny Bui said:
Which Zalman 400W PSU do you have?
Click to expand...

I really wish I could be more specific with you but I can't. The sticker is even ripped off the side so I can't give you the #. I do remember that it is a single rail (I think) if that helps. Oh and it's black and has a fan lol. :p
 
JeebusCrispies said:
I really wish I could be more specific with you but I can't. The sticker is even ripped off the side so I can't give you the #. I do remember that it is a single rail (I think) if that helps. Oh and it's black and has a fan lol. :p
Click to expand...

Hmm, well found the Zalman ZM400B-APS 400W PSU which does have a single +12V rail rated at 19A. That's pretty weak for more modern systems like the one you chose. Considering the age of the PSU and the semi-decent quality of that PSU, I recommend getting a new PSU. I recommend this PSU:
Antec Earthwatts 650W PSU - $70

Also, make sure that you buy the Asus P5Q Pro and E8400 as a combo to save an additional $30. Check the "View All" link in the Combo tab on either the E8400 and Asus P5Q Pro's newegg pages to find the combo link. The combo link will automatically add the two items together as a combo in your shopping cart.
 
Man.. might as well get another PSU then. This build should do nicely for Fallout 3.

CPU/RAM - Intel Core2 E7300(2.66ghz) + OCZ Fatal1ty Edition 4GB combo deal for $166
Mobo - MSI P43 Neo3-F for $84($10 MIR)
Video - MSI Geforce 9800GT O/C edition for $120($20 MIR)
PSU - Antec EA650 for $70 w/free shipping.

Total: $440 before shipping & rebates.
 
Danny Bui said:
Hmm, well found the Zalman ZM400B-APS 400W PSU which does have a single +12V rail rated at 19A. That's pretty weak for more modern systems like the one you chose. Considering the age of the PSU and the semi-decent quality of that PSU, I recommend getting a new PSU. I recommend this PSU:
Antec Earthwatts 650W PSU - $70

Also, make sure that you buy the Asus P5Q Pro and E8400 as a combo to save an additional $30. Check the "View All" link in the Combo tab on either the E8400 and Asus P5Q Pro's newegg pages to find the combo link. The combo link will automatically add the two items together as a combo in your shopping cart.
Click to expand...

Thanks Danny,

I did go with the combo due to you and tiraides posts in several other threads I've read the past few days. You two are really awesome to people like me. I work close to 60 hours a week and when I'm not stuck at work or stuck behind the wheel of my car either driving to work or driving home, I have a consolidated amount of time to enjoy other things.

Thanks for helping. Both of you rock.
 
find memory with a MIR, it can get as cheap as 30 bucks after rebates.
look in the open box section for a motherboard, sometimes they don't include the back plate, but that doesn't matter, it saves you between 20 and 50 dollars.
use the money you save to buy a beefy video card, and good cpu cooler
 
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