Critique before I buy please

[alpeezie]

1. What YOUR PC will be used for: Moderate gaming, Ripping and burning video/audio, Photo editing in Photoshop. Web Development with Visual Studio 2008

2. What YOUR budget is: Cost isn't that important, I just don't want to buy more power than I need. That's why Core i7 920 is out for me. I think it's overkill for what I need.

3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from: USA

4. IF YOU have a brand preference: Price vs Performance is the only thing I am committed to.

5. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are: Just the Power Supply I just bought and DVD writer I just replaced.

6. IF YOU have searched and/or read similar threads: Yes

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds: Run at default unless there is a possibility of O/C without dumping alot more cash into cooling.

8. WHEN do you plan to build it: ASAP

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So I will give you a list of the few crucial parts I am considering buying this weekend. I researched here at Anandtech to try to pinpoint good deals that I can grab at Microcenter locally. The prices I list are from Microcenter, I know I could save a little by ordering online, but I hate waiting for stuff and ppraying it's not DOA, and Microcenter has very competitive prices.

Processor: Core 2 Duo E8200 ($99)
Motherboard: Asus P5Q SE2 ($95)
Memory: 4 GB Patriot DDR2 800 ($39 AR) might double this to 8GB at this price?

Do you guys see anything majorly bad in those components? I am debating the C2D E8200 vs the C2Q Q8200 which is only 139, not sure if I need a quad.

Any input wouldbe helpful.

Thanks

 

[mmntech]

Hmm, those prices for the E8200 and Q8200 are awfully cheap. I got suspicious when I noticed the Q8200 you listed is $100 less than it sells on Newegg. Are you sure those are the correct prices? Sounds like a case of too good to be true.

 

[Eureka]

Originally posted by: mmntech
Hmm, those prices for the E8200 and Q8200 are awfully cheap. I got suspicious when I noticed the Q8200 you listed is $100 less than it sells on Newegg. Are you sure those are the correct prices? Sounds like a case of too good to be true.

They're microcenter prices..

If the quad is only a bit more, I'd just jump for the quad. You'd find much better performance in your video/audio/image work. Ram prices are cheap now, I got my set of 4gb for $25 AR with coupon... so snatch another 4gb when you see it.

 

[elconejito]

Microcenter has some kickin prices. You have to shop carefully though. The CPU might be real cheap, but then they markup the motherboard, PSU, RAM, etc. So net you will pay the same. Best thing to do is get what's cheap at a Microcenter, and buy other stuff at newegg or similar. Right now they've got the i7 920 at $199, the Q9550 at $170, the Q8200 and e8400 both at $140. Those are fantastic prices.

alpeezie, overall I'd go with the Q8200 if i were in your shoes. Especially if you're using photoshop CS4 (very multi-core friendly). And if you plan on overclocking, you can probably get both of them to around 2.8-3Ghz with little fuss. But the e8200 isn't a bad choice, especially if you can put the extra $40 towards another component.

 

[mmntech]

Originally posted by: Eureka

Originally posted by: mmntech
Hmm, those prices for the E8200 and Q8200 are awfully cheap. I got suspicious when I noticed the Q8200 you listed is $100 less than it sells on Newegg. Are you sure those are the correct prices? Sounds like a case of too good to be true.

They're microcenter prices..

Well, I'm thoroughly impressed. I'm used to getting jacked given how overpriced most hardware is here in the Great White North. When I see stuff that cheap, I immediately think it's either refurbed or hot.

Anyway, whenever somebody comes along looking for a content creation system, I always point them to the Phenom II. Microcentre has the X3 720 Black Edition for $119, a nice happy medium between the two Intel ones. Based on benchmarks and my own work, I've found the Phenom IIs to be better for video editing and Photoshop at their price point than Intel's current crop.
http://www.anandtech.com/bench/default.aspx?p=83&p2=52

Generally speaking AMD for media content creation
Intel for Gaming, general use, and media playback

I've always found Gigabyte to be reliable. The GA-MA770-UD3 AM2+ is not bad for $95.
http://www.microcenter.com/sin...tml?product_id=0310241

As for your Intel picks, there's nothing to complain about. I'd spring for the Q8200 for Photoshop. It's worth it. Any Wolfdale (or Yorkfield IIRC) processor will overclock nicely too without breaking a sweat. That mobo currently has a mail in rebate offer so it will only be $85 if you can be bothered to wait two months for that $10 cheque.

 

[alpeezie]

Thanks for all the feedback guys. And mmntech, now you have me thinking about AMD. I have sstayed away from them since the Athlon XP days, but I am seeing alot of people on here that are happy with the newer AMD products. This threw a wrench in my plans, now I have to decide between Intel and AMD systems again.

 

[Lunyone]

Either way you go, you can't lose. AMD build's are generally a bit cheaper, so you can use the added savings for upgrading other parts, or for putting in your pocket. For me I upgrade the GPU, because when I get time to game, I want a decent gaming experience. You may have other interests, but that is how I see it.