E8400 Build

[Red Beach]

Hey all

My first post here, hoping to get some input with regards to an upgrade from my old AMD 2500XP rig which has past its use by date.

I'll be using the computer for 95% gaming: WoW, fps, rts, sports games; I play most of them Basically hoping for a 2-3 year lifespan. Since I'm in New Zealand we don't have nearly the same range as North America/Europe so I'll try indicate the products that have limited range.

I also won't be listing prices, however my budget is pretty flexible so I'll consider any improvements.

Case: Coolermaster Cosmos 1000
PSU: Corsair CMPSU 620HX, 620 watt.
CPU: Intel E8400 Wolfdale Retail
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Ultra 120 Extreme
RAM: G.Skill DDR2 4GB PC2 8500 CL 5-5-5-15
MOBO: Gigabyte GA X38 DS4
DVDRW: Samsung SH 182M
HDD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 500GB
GPU: XFX 8800GT Extreme Ed. 512mb
Monitor: Viewsonic VX2255WMB 22" LCD 1680x1050 5ms
OS: MS Vista Home Premium 64bit
Sound: Auzentech XFI Prelude 7.1

Monitors are pretty limited down here, I've basically got the choice of the Viewsonic or a Samsung 226BW, not sure when or if we're getting the 2253BW.
I actually wanted a P35 mobo, looking at either a P5K-E or the Abit I35, but I cant source one anywhere in the next few weeks; which left me with the X38.
With regards to the case, I have the option of a Silverstone TJ10 or the Cosmos, I'm leaning towards the Cosmos but both have had great reviews.

Your thoughts and opinions will be appreciated!

 

[chinaman1472]

1. Heatsink alternatives: Tuniq Tower 120, Xigmatek HDT-S1283. You *might* have to lap the TRUE. The other 2 offer similar performance and are a bit cheaper (at least in the US) with no lapping required usually.
2. RAM choice might too much if you're not doing extreme overclocking (over 400MHz FSB), DDR2-800 PC2 6400 is probably cheaper.
3. Can't get the Gigabyte P35-DS3* series? X38 chipsets are a bit pricey if you don't need all the bells and whistles.
4. MSI has a great aftermarket cooler on their 8800 series, though only a 3 year warranty; usually cheaper too.
5. Drop the sound card and save yourself a few. Get one later if you feel onboard sound is inadequate; newer motherboards have decent quality onboard sound.
6. Case option is really up to you on aesthetics. I can't comment on airflow or cable management on either case.

 

[MarcVenice]

Chinaman said pretty much everything allready. Consider getting a 520hx instead. And a 750gb samsung f1, which will be a bit faster then the seagate HDD.

Airflow is a bit restricted in the cosmos, especially around the HDD's, unless you get the cosmos s. The tj10 would also be a excellent choice. Both are pretty expensive though ? Considered the p182 for example ?

 

[Red Beach]

Hey thanks for replying guys,

Originally posted by: chinaman1472
1. Heatsink alternatives: Tuniq Tower 120, Xigmatek HDT-S1283. You *might* have to lap the TRUE. The other 2 offer similar performance and are a bit cheaper (at least in the US) with no lapping required usually.

I'll have to search for these two sinks, our choices are a bit limited with only support of the "major" brands ie Thermaltake, Zalman, Gigabyte, Coolermaster. Going by the Tom's Hardware cooler reviews these leave a lot to be desired.

2. RAM choice might too much if you're not doing extreme overclocking (over 400MHz FSB), DDR2-800 PC2 6400 is probably cheaper.

Ok I've adjusted the ram: Corsair 4GB Twin2X4096-6400 CL 5-5-5-12 - Almost half the price

3. Can't get the Gigabyte P35-DS3* series? X38 chipsets are a bit pricey if you don't need all the bells and whistles.

The P35-DS3R is available, it's about $80USD cheaper than the X38, and yeah I don't need all those extras, might put the savings towards a 8800GTS.

4. MSI has a great aftermarket cooler on their 8800 series, though only a 3 year warranty; usually cheaper too.

Awesome, I'll check the MSIs out, 3yr warranty doesn't phase me, I (hopefully) don't see the rig lasting more than 3 years.

5. Drop the sound card and save yourself a few. Get one later if you feel onboard sound is inadequate; newer motherboards have decent quality onboard sound.
6. Case option is really up to you on aesthetics. I can't comment on airflow or cable management on either case.

I'm of an audio dork and got my heart set on the Auzen, I've budgeted for it so I'm ok with the price.
With regards to the case I'm a bit stuck, most reviews have been glowing on both, with no side by side comparisons. TJ10 is the newer (?) I believe, both are the same price. Might try and see them both in person before pulling the trigger. I haven't seen the P182 here as yet, the P180 and P160 exist, but these look to be getting a bit old now.

Thanks again fellas!

 

[chinaman1472]

The P180 is the exact same case as the P182, just a different finish on the outside. The case may be a bit old, but it's definitely a very well made case with great airflow if I'm not mistaken. Newegg has some great pictures of the case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811129154

After looking at the Cosmos S and TJ10, I'd take the TJ10.