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Critique my new build

I

imported_mystik

Member
I've decided to upgrade my old 3700+ @ 2.6GHz / 7800gtx 256mb system when Intel's new 45nm CPUs dual-cores are released and here's what I have planned currently:

CPU: Intel® Core?2 Duo Desktop Processor E8400
CPU Cooler: ZALMAN CNPS 9700 NT 110mm 2 Ball Ultra Quiet CPU Cooler - Retail
Video: EVGA 512-P3-N802-AR GeForce 8800GT Superclocked 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
RAM: OCZ Reaper HPC Edition 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail
Mobo: EVGA 122-CK-NF67-T1 LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 680i LT SLI ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
PSU: OCZ-520ADJ (12v@33a) - I currently own this

I wanted to see what everyone here thought first, since I've been out of the hardware loop for a little bit. I'll be using this PC to play CoD 4, WoW, TF2, etc at 1600x1200 resolution. I'd probably be willing to spend up to $800-$1000 on this upgrade since I'm still a college student. I may moderately overclock this system, but I'll have to wait to see what numbers I can get at stock voltage. Any suggestions or recommendations are welcome!
 
Maybe you can go a little less expensive for RAM, I dunno.
Don't know if 680i is the chipset suitable for 45nm.

Otherwise looks good.
 
I spent a while looking for a decent mobo, I had it down to about 3 or 4 before choosing the eVGA since I love their products and someone recommenced this specific board to me a couple months ago when I was thinking about upgrading. I'm all ears though if anyone has a recommendation on a sub $220 mobo based on an Intel chipset.

The RAM had a $20 rebate available when I was browsing NewEgg. Also I have OCZ ram in my current build and it's run great for over 2 years so I chose to go with OCZ again.
 
Originally posted by: mystik
I spent a while looking for a decent mobo, I had it down to about 3 or 4 before choosing the eVGA since I love their products and someone recommenced this specific board to me a couple months ago when I was thinking about upgrading. I'm all ears though if anyone has a recommendation on a sub $220 mobo based on an Intel chipset.

The RAM had a $20 rebate available when I was browsing NewEgg. Also I have OCZ ram in my current build and it's run great for over 2 years so I chose to go with OCZ again.
Click to expand...


http://www.newegg.com/Product/...3127030&Tpk=IP35%2bPro

IP35-PRO

179.99

I missed the IP35-E when it was rebated at 66AR but this is its big brother, alot of features you may or may not need. But I've heard nothing but great things on it. Probably what im going after in my build
 
Is there much of a difference between the Abit IP35 and the Asus P5K Deluxe other than that the latter cost $20 more? From what I've seen the benchmarks and overclocking capabilities on both are very good. I don't really need a lot of extra features as long as it works well with my E8400.
 
gigabyte ga-p35-ds3p for around $140. All better and More stable than a 680. The 680 doesnt overclck as well either
 
I'd go with an Abit or Gigabyte P35 board. I'm kind of over Asus. The last two Asus boards I had were a little flaky when OCing. I'm using the Abit IP35 Pro now and it has been an excellent board. Many people have been raving about their p35 Gigabyte boards as well.
 
You won't need a $63 CPU cooler for moderate overclocking. The stock cooler is more than adequate and very quiet, even under load. In addition, the Intel 45nm CPU is running very cool and will not need a big and expensiver aftermarket cooler. My rig is running at 3GHz (E4500, 65nm CPU) with the stock cooler for over 5 months now without any problems. Use the money you saved on the CPU cooler to buy better speakers, monitor etc...
 
You're sure about the stock cooler being very quiet? The main reason I wanted an aftermarket cooler was noise. After using an Athlon 3700+ stock cooler I don't ever want anything that will be that loud again.

I'm leaning towards the Abit IP35 Pro since it's had great reviews here and on other sites and 2 people have already recommended it vs only 1 vote for Gigabyte's P35 board.
 
Originally posted by: mystik
You're sure about the stock cooler being very quiet? The main reason I wanted an aftermarket cooler was noise. After using an Athlon 3700+ stock cooler I don't ever want anything that will be that loud again.

I'm leaning towards the Abit IP35 Pro since it's had great reviews here and on other sites and 2 people have already recommended it vs only 1 vote for Gigabyte's P35 board.
Click to expand...

That was an AMD stock cooler, this is an Intel stock cooler. They are not the same. Yes, I'm sure about the Intel stock cooler being quiet because I'm using it (see my signature). I suggest you use the stock cooler first. If you are happy with it then you have saved yourself some dough. If you are not happy with it, then spend the money to buy an aftermarket cooler.
 
Wise choice. It is unfortunate that lots of people will automatically discount the stock cooler without trying it out first and spend big money on an aftermarket cooler that is not needed. Same with the on-board sound.
 
Originally posted by: Doclife
Originally posted by: mystik
You're sure about the stock cooler being very quiet? The main reason I wanted an aftermarket cooler was noise. After using an Athlon 3700+ stock cooler I don't ever want anything that will be that loud again.

I'm leaning towards the Abit IP35 Pro since it's had great reviews here and on other sites and 2 people have already recommended it vs only 1 vote for Gigabyte's P35 board.
Click to expand...

That was an AMD stock cooler, this is an Intel stock cooler. They are not the same. Yes, I'm sure about the Intel stock cooler being quiet because I'm using it (see my signature). I suggest you use the stock cooler first. If you are happy with it then you have saved yourself some dough. If you are not happy with it, then spend the money to buy an aftermarket cooler.
Click to expand...

Solid advice. :thumbsup:
 
Just a couple things.

As suggested, I'd go with a P35 chipset motherboard, not an Nvidia chipset. It's wasted money unless you want to go SLI, and since you're only buying one card, there's no reason for an SLI mobo.

I'd also suggest getting RAM that's rated to run at 1.8V, rather than 2.1V.
 
Originally posted by: mystik
I spent a while looking for a decent mobo, I had it down to about 3 or 4 before choosing the eVGA since I love their products and someone recommenced this specific board to me a couple months ago when I was thinking about upgrading. I'm all ears though if anyone has a recommendation on a sub $220 mobo based on an Intel chipset.

The RAM had a $20 rebate available when I was browsing NewEgg. Also I have OCZ ram in my current build and it's run great for over 2 years so I chose to go with OCZ again.
Click to expand...

My EVGA 680i is a POS. Its sitting in a box waiting for stepup.

The 680i will get raped in stability and oc endurance compared to a P35 board. For 220, you can buy an awesome P35 board which would mop the 680i with its eyes closed.
 
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