$677 Gaming PC. Suggestions on this Setup Please!

[Redfin]

Please I need your help. Advice is VERY appreciated!!

Total System Cost: $786 - $72 in rebates = $713!

CPU: $199 E8400 3.0ghz OC it to around 4GHZ

MB: $90 Gigabyte GA-EP35-DS3L ATX LGA775 P35 1333FSB 1PCI-E16 3PCI-E1 3PCI SATA2 Sound GBLAN
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=29705

Fan: $24 Coolmaster HyperTX X2
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3299696&Sku=C283-2034&S

Vid: $195.99 - $30 = $165.99 Evga E-GEFORCE 8800GT 600MHZ 512MB 1.8GHZ DDR3 PCI-E Dual DVI-I Hdtv Out Video Card
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?affiliateid=4352418&sku=27704

HD: $83.88 Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 3.5IN 500GB SATA2 8.5MS 7200RPM 32MB Cache Ncq Hard Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148288

PSU: $57.75 - $12 = $45.75 AR OCZ StealthXStream OCZ500SXS 500W ATX12V 20/24PIN Active PFC ATX Power Supply 120MM Fan Black
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?affiliateid=4352418&sku=26884&promoid=1078

Case: $70.20 Coolermaster CM 690 Mid Tower Black ATX Case 5X5.25 5X3.5INT No PS Front USB Sound Firewire & eSATA
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?affiliateid=4352418&sku=26048

Mem: $66.99 - $30 = $36.99 OCZ Platinum XTC REV.2 2GB (2x1GB) PC2-6400 DDR2-800 CL4-4-4-15 240-Pin DIMM Dual Channel Memory Kit
http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=010870&cid=RAM.346.307

 

[Markfw]

Memory ??

 

[Redfin]

lol, added the memory.

 

[bryanW1995]

hard to criticize that build too much, but I would recommend the new wd 640gb hd (it was $109 shipped last time I checked). Tech report has a nice writeup on that hd, they said it was the best hd they'd ever tested. Also, on the psu I would look at this corsair tx 750: http://www.provantage.com/cors...psu-750tx~7CSMC05E.htm

that deal is just stupid after the $35 mir, though it expires on 4/30 so hurry!

 

[Redfin]

What is the model of that WD Hard drive?

Also, that PSU is definetly a bargain but I live in Canada so cant order from that exact store and do you think I need a bigger power supply?

 

[bryanW1995]

here's a link to it at newegg:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16822136218

sorry you can't buy it there. maybe try ncix, I hear that they're pretty good.

here's the techreport article btw:

http://techreport.com/articles.x/14380

I just noticed that one or two of your items linked to newegg. I thought that they didn't ship to other countries.

 

[bfdd]

There's cheaper memory out there I'm pretty sure? Newegg has Patriot 5-5-5-12 2gb kit for 44.99(34.99 ar) and I've always had good luck with patriot memory. Also are you sure that cooler is going to help you meet your OC expectations? You might want to go a little higher end, Sycthe Ninja Rev B is pretty cheap even the Xigmatek HDT is pretty cheap.

 

[bryanW1995]

actually, I think that bfdd has the ultimate cpu cooler right now...sadly, you won't need that much cooling power on a c2d...

 

[Redfin]

Originally posted by: bryanW1995
actually, I think that bfdd has the ultimate cpu cooler right now...sadly, you won't need that much cooling power on a c2d...

What is a c2d? Also, which do you think is the best of those bfdd suggested?

 

[bryanW1995]

your e8400 is a core2duo processor, shortened to c2d. similarly, c2q is short for core2Quad. I was saying that bfdd's cooler was overkill for his 2 core cpu.

The only cpu coolers that I like are arcic cooling freezer 7 pro for low end (most recently $23 shipped in hot deals section) and tuniq, thermalright ultra 120 extreme, or the noctua unit that bfdd has at high end. The tuniq is easier to use and doesn't require you to purchase a fan to go with it, but it is not quite as strong of a cooler as the other units.

btw, you'll probably be fine with just an ac 7 on an e8400, though for max oc you might look at the tuniq.

 

[bfdd]

Originally posted by: bryanW1995
your e8400 is a core2duo processor, shortened to c2d. similarly, c2q is short for core2Quad. I was saying that bfdd's cooler was overkill for his 2 core cpu.

The only cpu coolers that I like are arcic cooling freezer 7 pro for low end (most recently $23 shipped in hot deals section) and tuniq, thermalright ultra 120 extreme, or the noctua unit that bfdd has at high end. The tuniq is easier to use and doesn't require you to purchase a fan to go with it, but it is not quite as strong of a cooler as the other units.

btw, you'll probably be fine with just an ac 7 on an e8400, though for max oc you might look at the tuniq.

You'd be suprised, my E3110 needs a lot of voltage to get above 4ghz the amount I have it on right now is pretty meh with stability it's like on the virge of being unstable and because it's been so hot in So Cal lately I've dropped to a 3.6ghz, it's supposed to cool down again I'm going to shoot for higher with more voltage. I don't care if the CPU dies I'll buy another.

 

[TemjinGold]

Originally posted by: Redfin

Originally posted by: bryanW1995
actually, I think that bfdd has the ultimate cpu cooler right now...sadly, you won't need that much cooling power on a c2d...

What is a c2d? Also, which do you think is the best of those bfdd suggested?

No offense but if you don't even know what c2d is, are you sure you want to try to OC that high on a budget (I assume you can't afford to replace it if it blows, hence the low budget)?

 

[bryanW1995]

@op, temjingold has a good point. be VERY careful with your voltages...45nm cpus like yours need to keep much lower voltages than the old 65nm chips. I recommend that you stay below 1.4vcore and don't bump any other voltages up more than .2.

 

[Redfin]

As always great advice thanks all!


I will probably not overclock it right away and when I do it will probably only be within "safe" range so probably not 4ghz even though I have wanted a 4ghz computer for like 6 years (back when pentiums maxed at 4ghz and then they went back down).

Here is my FINAL build which I just bought!!!! YEAH!!!

[#00c638]Please I need your help. Advice is VERY appreciated!![/#00c638]

Total System Cost: [#00d42a]$800[/#00d42a] - $72in rebates = [#00f00e]$728![/#00f00e]

CPU: $199 E8400 3.0ghz OC it to around 3.6GHZ

MB: $90 Gigabyte GA-EP35-DS3L ATX LGA775 P35 1333FSB 1PCI-E16 3PCI-E1 3PCI SATA2 Sound GBLAN
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=29705

Fan: $18.38 Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro LGA775 2500RPM 45CFM
[url="http://www.ncix.com/products...ww.ncix.com/products/i...cture=Arctic Cooling[/url]

Vid: $213.99 - $50 = $163.99 Galaxy GeForce 8800GT Overclocked 600MHZ 512MB 2.0GHZ DDR3 PCI-E DVI-I HDCP HDTV Out OEM Video Card
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=26783&vpn=88YFF6HUFEXV&manufacture=Galaxy Technology

HD: $64 Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 250GB SATA2 8.5MS 7200RPM 16MB Cache Hard Drive 5YR Mfr Warranty
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148262

PSU: $57.75 - $12 = $45.75 AR OCZ StealthXStream OCZ500SXS 500W ATX12V 20/24PIN Active PFC ATX Power Supply 120MM Fan Black
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?affiliateid=4352418&sku=26884&promoid=1078

Case: $70.20 Coolermaster CM 690 Mid Tower Black ATX Case 5X5.25 5X3.5INT No PS Front USB Sound Firewire & eSATA
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?affiliateid=4352418&sku=26048

Mem: $105 - $30 = $75 OCZ Platinum XTC PC2-6400 4GB 2X2GB DDR2-800 CL5-4-4-15 DDR2 240PIN Dual Channel Memory Kit
http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=010870&cid=RAM.346.307

DVDR: $24.88 Samsung SH-S203B Black SATA DVD+RW 20X8X16 DVD-RW 20X6X16 DL 18X/12X INT DVD Writer OEM W/ Vista SW
http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=14040DR7425&vpn=SH-S203B/BEBN&manufacture=Samsung

Keyboard, Mouse, 24" LCD, 2.1 Speakers Already owned

 

[bfdd]

Personally I had a OCZ psu that died on me and it was an expensive one also 850w when it came out and I've always just heard bad things bout their DDR2 you sure you can't find something as good for cheaper? Patriot makes good memory, bryans recommendation of the corsair psu is probably a good move also they're pretty beastly.

 

[Redfin]

Originally posted by: bfdd
Personally I had a OCZ psu that died on me and it was an expensive one also 850w when it came out and I've always just heard bad things bout their DDR2 you sure you can't find something as good for cheaper? Patriot makes good memory, bryans recommendation of the corsair psu is probably a good move also they're pretty beastly.

I see your points. The OCZ500SXS PSU has pretty solid reviews though.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...17341012&Tpk=OCZ500SXS


I wish I went with that patriot memory now because its just $5 more and has less of a rebate. http://redflagdeals.pricecanad...9858&sku=PDC24G6400LLK

I can try to call and change my order. Do you think its worth it?

 

[Tempered81]

Originally posted by: bfdd
I don't care if the CPU dies I'll buy another.

then run it at 1.5v+ or 85C+ and shoot for 500 x 9 if your memory can handle it.

 

[bfdd]

Originally posted by: jaredpace

Originally posted by: bfdd
I don't care if the CPU dies I'll buy another.

then run it at 1.5v+ or 85C+ and shoot for 500 x 9 if your memory can handle it.

Memory is already at 1000mhz so it'll be fine, it's just been to hot out dude.

 

[aigomorla]

killing a wolfdale with too much voltage?

bfdd you trying to follow in my footsteps?

I'll tell you the end result. It consisted of me hacking hte IHS off because it was dead, and ripping the die off the pcb.

But yeah, voltage killed my chip for sure, cpu load temps never broke 50C. Voltage was a tad bit too high tho.

I was running 1.6V in bios, and 1.57V loaded prime OCCT F@H stable. OC was 4.3ghz :\


Warning, these guys get uber hot when you pass the 4.0ghz scale, and voltage requirements become rediculous once you pass 4.1-4.2ghz.

 

[crimson117]

For a milder OC, you can easily push it to 400mhz FSB = 3.6ghz CPU, most likely without even increasing voltage. Just do this up front and run the stability tests on it for a day and assuming there are no errors you're good to go

 

[bfdd]

Originally posted by: aigomorla
killing a wolfdale with too much voltage?

bfdd you trying to follow in my footsteps?

I'll tell you the end result. It consisted of me hacking hte IHS off because it was dead, and ripping the die off the pcb.

But yeah, voltage killed my chip for sure, cpu load temps never broke 50C. Voltage was a tad bit too high tho.

I was running 1.6V in bios, and 1.57V loaded prime OCCT F@H stable. OC was 4.3ghz :\


Warning, these guys get uber hot when you pass the 4.0ghz scale, and voltage requirements become rediculous once you pass 4.1-4.2ghz.

Yeah I know, I run at 4ghz I can tell the problems that happen around that level it's crazy hot