$2000 Gaming/Video Editing PC

[DLimmer]

I'm spec'ing out a new OC build (E4300) for my friend... and we're trying to determine where we can splurge and where to go economy.

Here's where we're at:

CPU:
$175
Intel Core 2 Duo E4300 Allendale 1.8GHz LGA 775 Processor
Item #: N82E16819115013

Mother Board:
$133
GIGABYTE GA-965P-DS3 LGA 775 Intel P965 Express ATX Intel Motherboard
Item #: N82E16813128012

Memory (x2):
$220 - 20 Rebate each = $400
WINTEC AMPX 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory
Item #: N82E16820161063

CPU Cooler:
$150 ($90 for Lite version if available)
VIGOR GAMING CLT-M2I 92mm Thermal Electric CPU Cooler
Item #: N82E16835702002

Video Card:
$390 - 35 Rebate = 355
MSI NX8800GTS-T2D640E GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card
Item #: N82E16814127225

Hard Drives (x3):
$95 each
Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3320620AS (Perpendicular Recording Technology) 320GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
Item #: N82E16822148140

DVD Burner:
$37
LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with 12X DVD-RAM write and LightScribe Technology Black E-IDE/ATAPI
Item #: N82E16827106055

Monitor:
$310
SCEPTRE x22wg-Gamer Black 22" 5ms DVI Widescreen HDMI LCD Monitor
Item #: N82E16824112005

Mouse:
$46
Logitech G5 2-Tone 6 Buttons 1 x Wheel USB Wired Laser Mouse
Item #: N82E16826104191

Power Supply:
$110
OCZ GameXStream OCZ600GXSSLI ATX12V 600W Power Supply
Item #: N82E16817341001

Case:
$48
Rosewill R6A34-BK 0.8mm SECC 120mm Fan ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Item #: N82E16811147041

Total: $2049 + S/H ($40)

He wants a pair of hard drives in RAID 0, and a single for data. We hope to OC this past 3.3GHz. Also leaving room to upgrade to SLI MB and second 8800 if necessary.

Any suggestions about a cheaper/better case would be greatly appreciated, as well as the PSU.

His original thought was $1600, but seems comfortable with $2000, if we're getting exceptional value.

 

[moosey]

According to the Gigabyte site the S3 ($115) does RAID and will save you some money.

However, anything on the Intel chipsets does no officially support SLI like you wanted. You'll have to look to Nvidia chipsets for that. However, save some money here...with a 22" LCD SLI is a waste of money.

For memory, this Corsair is cheaper w/ rebate. Or, you could go with the Patriot and hope you get some D9s, plus its cheaper with rebate.

For video card, I'd probably prefer an eVGA card. Also, depending on what settings he'll run games, check some reviews at the resolutions he's running and see if a 320MB GTS will work for him.

Can check out these 2 PSUs also...however, don't skimp on this part
Silverstone 560W
Corsair 520W (i know this is cheaper elsewhere)
Can also check this Enhance 500W if you're looking to save more.

 

[mshan]

http://www.videoguys.com/system.htm
http://www.videoguys.com/DIY.html

 

[bX510]

Judging from benchmarks on anandtech, i would suggest the evga for 8800 gtx. I would say spent extra money for vid card and cpu

 

[DLimmer]

The S3 would work, and might be better if he'll be replacing it when he goes SLI. I just checked out an SLI MB and am having second thoughts: Is the ASUS P5N-E SLI LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 650i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard a good overclocker for the E4300?

Both memories mentioned are good alternates, but didn't quite have the timings of the Wintecs. May OC to those though.

The GTS 320MB is only 55 cheaper and didn't seem worth it (without a rebate).

Is the TT PSU not good, or is 600W too much? If I were to upgrade it, I'd get the PC Power & Cooling 610W.

Should I keep the E4300, or upgrade to a faster processor?
(So many questions!)

 

[moosey]

Wintec timings are 4-4-4-12 just like the Patriot and Corsair.

Motherboard review
http://www.anandtech.com/mb/showdoc.aspx?i=2894

The TT PSU isn't good. 600W for one 8800GTS may even be a bit much, no harm though. The PC P&C 610 is a great choice. However, you may also want to look at the Corsair 520W
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817139001
Here are a couple Silverstone models as well
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817163112
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817163111
Seasonic
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817151027

I think the PC P&C and Corsair are built by Seasonic anyway.

CPU choice depends on how much you want to o/c