Building new comp, any advice are appreciated

[itcomic]

Hi, I am currently building a new small form factor computer and would like to get some opinion/advice from anandtech members, please.

CPU: Intel Core2 Duo E7500 Wolfdale 2.93GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80571E7500

Memory: G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-8500CL5D-4GBPK

Heatsink: Zalman CNPS8700 NT vs thermaltake Blue orb II

Video Card: ATI HD 4870 vs Nvidia 260 (both are 1gb model)

Question:

1. Which heatsink is better to get ?

2. Is the memory compatiable with the CPU ?

3. Which is a good recommandation for micro-ATX motherboard that is compatible with all the parts listed ?

4. Which video card is better for real-time strategy game such as CnC series or starcraft 2 ?

5. Is 500W powersupply good enough ?

thank you

 

[ScorcherDarkly]

The most common advice you're probably going to get is to wait a few weeks and go with an i5 instead of a C2D. I can't answer your first 3 questions with any certainty. For #4, there's not going to be a big difference, if any. And a 500W PSU should be plenty, as long as its a decent unit. The wattage doesn't mean much if the quality sucks.

 

[yh125d]

Originally posted by: itcomic

Question:

1. Which heatsink is better to get ?

They're both pretty crappy. Get a Xigmatek S1283, OCZ Vendetta2, or Sunbeam Core Contact Freezer instead

2. Is the memory compatiable with the CPU ?

Yes, but with intel 775 CPUs theres nothing to be compatible with, the memory controller is on the northbridge, not the CPU

3. Which is a good recommandation for micro-ATX motherboard that is compatible with all the parts listed ?

There aren't many good choices that aren't crippled by only two DIMM slots or PCI-e 1.1

4. Which video card is better for real-time strategy game such as CnC series or starcraft 2 ?

Overall both cards perform almost identically. GTX has the advantage in some games, 4870 in others. Either would be a good choice

5. Is 500W powersupply good enough ?

If it's a good brand yeah. Like Antec, Corsair, Seasonic, PCP&C, BFG, etc. If its from a crappy brand like raidmax, apevia, or the numerous other crappy companies then no

thank you

Honestly I'd switch out the e7500 for a PHII X3 720 and a nice featured mATX Asus or Gigabyte board for ~$120