another n00b in need of build advice

[tamgros]

I am in need of a computer for Statistical analysis (I'm an Econ grad student which means stata, gauss, matlab, etc.), but also enjoy gaming. I don't really have a budget, but I want something reasonable (nothing flashy, just quality performance and reliability).

After studying up i think the E6400 is the best buy.

my updated build:

Already have: DVR, 200GB HD, tower(medium), 17" LCD monitor, external accessories...

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 ($200)

MoBo: GIGABYTE GA-965GM-S2 LGA 775 Intel G965 Express ($105)

Ram: 2x1GB patriot 240P 6400 ($165)


Video card: GeForce 8800GTS 320MB ($310)
http://www.newegg.com/product/Product.asp?item=N82E16814150172
(the computer isn't really for gaming, but this is cheaper than a PS3 or 360, haha)

PSU: Mushkin|550200 550W ($80)

Final questions:

I was also entertaining the idea of moderate OCing. Would anything else be totally necessary? I also don't really mind if it is loud.

Could this vid card handle two monitors (LCD 17" and 19" or 17" and 17")? or would i have to upgrade?

 

[emilyek]

Spend about $100 more dollars and get Intel Core2 4300 or 6300, 2gigs of 5-5-5-15 DDR2 800, a $100-125 965P motherboard like the Biostar or the Gigabyte S3, and a slightly more reputable PSU in the $75 range.

 

[yh125d]

PSU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16817104954

Proc
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16819115013

Mobo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16813128017

RAM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16820231055


This gets a better PSU, faster/better processor and mobo, 2 gigs of ram, and it all cost about $20 less. Everything else looks good.

That ram you have is DDR2 533, and it would slow down the other ram, but all the ram would be slowed down if you dont overclock. I would leave it out and sell it, 2 gigs is more than enough

 

[JEDIYoda]

Originally posted by: tamgros
I am in need of a computer for Statistical analysis (I'm an Econ grad student which means stata, gauss, matlab, etc.), but also enjoy gaming. I don't really have a budget, but I want something reasonable (nothing flashy, just quality performance and reliability).

I've been reading a lot about AMD vs Intel and it seems as though (in general) AMD is better for gaming/concentrated tasks and Intel performs better for multitasking (when considering similar model CPUs). Does this sound right?

I don't do intensive multitasking, just intensive programming. I'll assume AMD for my tentative build:

Already have: DVR, 200GB HD, tower(medium), 17" LCD monitor, external accessories...

CPU: Athlon 64 X2 5400 ($260)
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=80741

MoBo: MSI K9N4 SLI-F Socket AM2 NVIDIA nForce 500 SLI MCP ATX AMD ($84)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16813130071

Ram: DDR2 800 PC2 6400 2x512 ($80)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16820161029
I happen to have 2x256 PC2 4200 Ram (that's what they say on the label). I'm not sure if they are DDR2 but it seams that most PC2 4200s are. If they are DDR2/compatible would they slow down the other RAM?

Video card: GeForce 8800GTS 320MB ($310)
http://www.newegg.com/product/Product.asp?item=N82E16814150172
(the computer isn't really for gaming, but this is cheaper than a PS3 or 360, haha)
Could this card handle two monitors (both 17"ish)? If I were to use two monitors it would be to view more code, nothing intensive video wise...

PSU: I need help here, how many W would i need?
Rosewill RD500-2-DB ATX V2.2 500W ($48)?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16817182044
looks good and cheap, but i don't really know. I hear I might have to worry about the power supply supporting a video card like that one even if it puts out a lot of wattage, suggestions?

I miss anything?

Would all of this be compatible and somewhat easy to install into a medium tower?

I was also entertaining the idea of moderate OCing. Would anything else be totally necessary? I also don't really mind if it is loud.

Note: My tower has an open slot for HD and most Mobos have 4 Dimms for RAM. It will be easy to upgrade the amount, I want to discuss more about the compatibility and effectivness of these parts.

Why scrimp on the most important piece of hardware in your system???

 

[tamgros]

Edit: see first message for newest tentative build

 

[JMoore]

Originally posted by: tamgros

Originally posted by: JEDIYoda

Why scrimp on the most important piece of hardware in your system???

Ok, looks pretty clear i need a better motherboard, lets assume something like this for now:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131013

Edit: see first message for newest tentative build

Im pretty sure he was talking about the power supply. You never want to cheap out on the power supply since if it breaks it can take out your whole system. And that mb won't work with an intel system. Not sure if you were planning on using it or what.

if i were u
the forton psu is cheap and good quality. if you want silence id go with seasonic 430. not sure if it it power 8800 gts suffienciently
e4300 conroe. might want to wait until april because of big intel price cuts
mb good. if you want to oc go with ds3
memeory 2 gigs if u want to game
id- unless you have a super high resolution monitor and like to max out your games id go with something lower $ (personal choice). dx10 budget cards coming out soon imma wait for them until i build my system.