Critique this gaming build

[mattmuffinman]

This PC is built for PC gaming, not much else. I already have a soundsystem, monitor keyboard and mouse. I do plan on overclocking and I have a few questions about this (see below)

As far as budget goes... the components listed puts me pretty much at my limit so dont suggest any major upgrades (though if you can think you can save me money then thats different!)



Powersupply: 620W Corsair HX Series Modular SLi PSU (I know I could save a few pounds not going modular but I like the idea)

Case: Antec 900 - Nine Hundred Ultimate Gamer Case with 200m Top Fan w/o PSU

Operating system: Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1* 64Bit 1Pk OEM (DVD)

Memory: 4GB Corsair (2x2GB) TwinX XMS2, DDR2 PC2-6400 (800), 240 Pins, Non-ECC Unbuffered, CAS 5-5-5-18

Storage: 750 GB Western Digital WD7500AACS Caviar Green, SATA 300, 7200 rpm, 16MB Cache, 8.9 ms

Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo, E8400, Wolfdale Core, S775, 3.0 GHz, 1333MHz, 6MB Cache, 9x Multiplier, Retail

Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R, iP45 Express, S775, PCI-E 2.0 x16, DDR2 1066/667/800, SATA II, SATA RAID, ATX

1GB XFX GTX 280, PCI-E 2.0 (x16), 2210MHz GDDR3, GPU 602MHz, 240 Cores, 2xDL DVI-I/ HDTV + Far Cry 2


I had a few questions...

1. What other good overclocking motherboards are there?

2. I have never overclocked before, I understand that the speed of the memory you buy effects your ability to overclock, have I made a good choice?

3. What processor cooler should I get?!

4. I decided agaisnt i7 due to the cost and what I understand to be its limited effect on games (relative to the GPU). Will my Core2Duo make the most of the 280?

Ok I think thats it thanks for any help.

 

[Denithor]

(You know you want to)

No, not really...but I'm bored. 😀

Save $30 with the Corsair 520HX.
How much is that RAM? There's a G.Skill 4GB DDR2-800 kit at newegg for $40 shipped.
Caviar Green is not the performance drive. Go for the Caviar Black instead.

1) That's one of the best.

2) Read the guide in the CPUs & Overclocking forum. Seriously. It's easy but you need to know what you're doing before you get started. For e8400, DDR2-800 will get you to 3.6GHz without overclocking the memory.

3) Xigmatek S1283 Now with a bonus free USB cable. :laugh:

4) E8400 @ 3.6GHz can certainly push a GTX 280 nicely. But what monitor/resolution do you use? A GTX 280 is overkill unless you're playing on at least 1920x1200.

 

[Syran]

For the most part, I agree with denithor. Based on your commend about saving a few pounds, I'm assuming you live in Great Britain, so I'm not sure what to tell you about pricing for the most part.

I love the Corsair PSUs (I have 2 520s, 3 620s, and 1 1000). The 520HX can probably handle what you want, but the 620 gives you some overhead. You might want to look at the PC Power & Cooling 750s, as they come in at around the same price; but alas, they are not modular; Still very well regarded in that price range.

I would look at the WD 640GB HDD. It's a small drop in size, but seems to perform amazingly well, much better then the higher capacity drives; getting comparisons to raptor speeds for much less price, and with much more size then the raptor.

You may also want to look at a AMD 4870 1GB video card, probably come in cheaper then the 280GTX, and can run anything 24" or under easily resolution wise.

 

[Denithor]

Originally posted by: Syran
For the most part, I agree with denithor. Based on your commend about saving a few pounds, I'm assuming you live in Great Britain, so I'm not sure what to tell you about pricing for the most part.

I'm blind. Or just stupid. Whichever.

Totally overlooked that tidbit, sharp eye there Syran.

If going non-modular the Corsair 650TX is one of the best PSUs around right now.

The 520HX is plenty strong for any single GPU on the market today. But yeah, if the price isn't much different the 620HX gives you a little more room.

 

[mattmuffinman]

Nice responses, thanks. Ive changed the hardisk.
Yes I do live in the UK... thats why I left the prices off as I know most people on here are American. I have a 24" so I will be gaming at 1900x1200, for that reason i'll probably stick with the 280.

 

[krnmastersgt]

Aside from what Syran said about the HD, I really can't see anything to "upgrade" in this set-up you're planning. Nice rig 😀

 

[garritynet]

WD Green HDDs are all 5400rpm if I am not mistaken. Thats slow. Stick with the WD6400AAKS. Its fast.

 

[Denithor]

Actually the Green models use an adjustable spindle rate, they run at 5400rpm when idle and accelerate to 7200rpm when actively searching/reading/writing. The lower performance comes from the momentary hesitation while it speeds up.