Check this build

[flatblastard]

Originally posted by: Mark2582
Think I will be going with CRT because space isn't really a huge issue. Sure it would be nice to have some more desk space, but it's worth the sacrifice.

:thumbsup: Wise decision, grwasshoppah! Between my 24" widescreen crt and 21" crt, I'm almost all outta desk space but it's more than worth it.

Also, hows about an updated list?

 

[flatblastard]

I forgot to mention my suggestions:

I would change CPU to 3500+ venice and upgrade RAM to corsair twinx-1024 pc3200xl, or something similar.
There's nothing wrong with value ram, but since you don't want to overclock the main components, I figure you'd want the best ram you could get at stock voltages.

 

[Mark2582]

Any reason not to buy the 3700+ if you aren't OCing? It's only $60 more and offers the 1MB cache. I don't really mind spending the extra $60 for it. Also, why upgrade the RAM? What will it offer me if I don't plan on OCing the CPU?

 

[Mark2582]

Also people in the San Diego OCing thread over in Processors/Overclocking have had a 17% jump in gaming with the San Diego when compared to Winchesters, Clawhammers, etc. that were running at the same clockspeeds. Of course this guy could just be doing something different.

 

[Mark2582]

Plus I figure if I am really compelled to OC sometime in the future, all I should have to do is buy a new heatsink and go at it. If this is the case though, should I upgrade the ram to something like the Twinmos pc3200 1GB kit. Just in case I want to OC in the future. Would this be worse than the ValueSelect running at stock speeds for some reason? Edit: I just want to clarify that I will not be OCing this right away though. Maybe after I gain a bit more experience I might consider it.

 

[flatblastard]

If you've got the extra money, then by all means get the 3700+ and the high performance RAM. That way, once your ready to OC, you'll have everything you need. The reason I suggested the 3500+ and better RAM was to keep the price about the same. It's hard to say which is a better performance increase, extra CPU cache or low-latency RAM, because both will be minor increases, really. But if you've got the cash, then the choice is easy: Get both.

 

[Mark2582]

Bump.

 

[xTYBALTx]

If you are OC'ing, all you need to add is good chip (Venice 3500+ ?), good ram (lots out there), and a good HSF. The 6800GT has tons of potential, your MoBo and PSU will work well with OC'ing as well. I will tell you this: OC'ing can be quite frustrating sometimes. You may seem to have a nice stable overclock, only to find that one of your favorite games' innate instablity is magnified by the overclock. . .the occasional CTD, even if one every 20 hours, can be quite annoying if it comes at the wrong time! Additionally, there is no question that a 3500/3700+, 6800GT, and 1 gig of ValueRam will provide excellent performance right now.

It all comes down to what you want. The price difference between adding a Venice core and high-quality OC'ing ram and HSF is what, $200? $250? You will have to decide if it's worth the investment, and no one here can answer that question for you.

Come quite a way from your initial post, eh?

 

[Mark2582]

That is why I don't really want to OC right now. I have no experience with it, and I would rather just get my PC up and running without any hassle (as this is my first build). Maybe on my next build I will OC but right now, I don't really feel it's worth it for me. I know it won't really improve gaming performance now, but I wonder what kind of CPU's were going to need to run to avoid a bottleneck with a G70/R520. The 3500+ is definitely fine for right now, but what about when G70/R520 are introduced? I'm still not going to OC because I lack experience and don't want too many hassles, but I wonder how far I should go with the CPU. Any advice?

 

[Mark2582]

Bump.

 

[Mark2582]

Any more help? This looks like the final build and I will be ordering this weekend if no one has any other advice.

 

[flatblastard]

Originally posted by: Mark2582
That is why I don't really want to OC right now. I have no experience with it, and I would rather just get my PC up and running without any hassle (as this is my first build). Maybe on my next build I will OC but right now, I don't really feel it's worth it for me.

Lol! I'm only 26 years old and have already grown tired of overclocking.....now I just prefer a nice stable build.....I started off just like you though, not wanting to OC until I gained more experience. I think that is a wise decision on your part, wait until your ready and then have at it. But then again, OCing is easier now than it ever was and you will gain a lot of knowledge through doing it.

I know it won't really improve gaming performance now, but I wonder what kind of CPU's were going to need to run to avoid a bottleneck with a G70/R520. The 3500+ is definitely fine for right now, but what about when G70/R520 are introduced? I'm still not going to OC because I lack experience and don't want too many hassles, but I wonder how far I should go with the CPU. Any advice?

Nobody here knows the answer to that yet, it's just too soon to say. I'd say don't worry about it right now and deal with it when the time comes. Besides, by that time you'll probably be OCing your 3500+ to higher CPU speeds anyways. Looks like you've got yourself a nice rig so hurry up and go order it! I think you will be very happy with that build if everthing goes well. Good luck