Please critique my build

L

logiclxm

n00b
Joined
Jun 6, 2007
Messages
13
Hi,
I decided to build a mid-range Core Duo rig. This will be my first build, but I have read a lot of info about hardware installation and pretty much know what to do (at least I hope :rolleyes: ). Initially, I have decided to wait till July 22nd and purchase a Quadcore CPU (Q6600).
However, since I will not be using my comp for heavy apps or games (i.e. Photoshop, Oblivion, Crysis), I decided that going w/ a Core Duo CPU would be the logical/financialy smart decision. I might upgrade to a new rig in a 2-3 yrs time; when Penryn/Nehalem and DDR3 will be the
standard in the market or when I see a drop in performance when using common applications.

In any case, here are the selected parts for my midrange Core Duo system:

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E4300 Socket LGA775 ($137 CAN)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-965P-DS3 ($135 CAN)
Case: Antec SOLO ($90 CAN)
Memory: Corsair XMS2 TWIN2X2048-6400 Matched Pairs 2GB Kit (2x1GB) PC6400 DDR2-800
CL 5-5-5-12 240-pin Dual Channel Memory ($120 CAN)
HDD: Western Digital 500GB SATAII 7200RPM 16MB Buffer ($115 CAN)
PSU: Corsair HX-520 ($100 CAN)
Video Card: EVGA E-GEFORCE 7900GS KO 500MHZ 256MB ($165 CAN)

Total: $862 OR: $950-1000 (after taxes and shipping charges)

P.S.
I am not planning to OC at the moment, maybe at the end of the year. So it is stock for
now.

Feedback is welcomed.
Thnx.
 
Gigabyte P35C-DS3R instead. I think from a longevity standpoint this is a much better decision. With the DS3R you'll have the option of a newer CPU. With the 965 based board you're buying already outdated tech that is known to not support the newer smaller process / faster FSB CPUs. Other than that, for a budget build it looks just fine.

Might want to consider the E2xxx series chips and lower cost even more, looking forward to replacing it in a year or so once it feels slow. Same architecture as far as I know, just a smaller cache.

Had nothing but bad luck with Western Digital drives, but... everyone seems to have their horror stories here with one brand or another.
 
I agree with Silent-Circuit about the mobo. Will you be gaming with this rig? If so, what games and on what size monitor?
 
If you are going to eventually overclock it then why not now?
 
I don't know if I should go w/ a P35 board. As mentioned earlier, I do not plan to upgrade the build. So upgrading to a Quad next year for example is not planned, In 2-3 yrs thats another story.
I guess I just want a solid budget Core Duo rig.

I want to play games such as: Fifa 2008, NFS ProStreet, GTA IV, NEW Call of Duty and Medal of Honor releases. Maximum settings are not a must.

Should I spent the extra $70 and get a P35 mobo (Gigabyte P35C-DS3R), instead of the
P965 (Gigabyte GA-965P-DS3) even tho I am not likely to upgrade my CPU within the next 2 yrs.
That is of course if an overcloked Core Duo will be stable for the next 2 yrs. At least for basic apps...

P.S.

I am changing the video card. Instead of the EVGA E-GEFORCE 7900GS, I decided to go with ATI X1950 PRO 256mb. They dropped in price :)
 
Look at a 650i based board if you really aren't concerned about quads. Not sure what those go for in Canada, but it could save you some money, even over the 965.
 
logiclxm said:
Should I spent the extra $70 and get a P35 mobo (Gigabyte P35C-DS3R), instead of the
P965 (Gigabyte GA-965P-DS3) even tho I am not likely to upgrade my CPU within the next 2 yrs.
That is of course if an overcloked Core Duo will be stable for the next 2 yrs. At least for basic apps...
Click to expand...

I say don't spend the extra $70. If those were American prices, I would've said yes but since they're Canadian prices, the extra $70 is simply not worth it if you don't plan on upgrading your CPU within the next two years.

But think of the P35C-DS3R as a long-term investment. A year or two from now when you upgrade, you'll already have a mobo that can support the newer Yorkfield and Wolfdale CPUs as well as incredibly fast DDR3 RAM. That'll save you money in future since you don't have to buy a new motherboard.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top