First Time PC build.

[rskogl2]

Hey guys, first time posting and my first PC build. I am trying to build a PC on a budget of $600-700. It is mainly going to be used for WoW: WotLK. I am planning on purchasing it within the next couple of days from Newegg. I already have a 22" Samsung WS monitor that I will be using. I'm not sure if I am planning on OC at all seeing as this is my first build. Thank you guys in advance. Here is what I have so far, please let me know if I will be able to play WotLK well on this system at med-high settings at a fairly decent resolution.

Case & PSU: Antec Sonata III 500 Black 0.8mm cold rolled steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 500W Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811129024

DVD: Samsung
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16827151173

HD: WD 640 GB 7200 RPM SATA
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16822136218

Video Card: EVGA 9800 GT 512 MB 256-Bit GDDR 3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814130380

Memory: G.Skill 4GB (2x2GB)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820231122

MB: GIGABYTE GA-EP45-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P45
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813128345

CPU: E5200 Wolfdale
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16819116072

Cpu Cooler: XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16835233003

Total w/ OS : $710

 

[zerocool84]

Are you planning on playing any other games? You have good components but do you really need a p45 and such a hefty cpu cooler just for WOW???

 

[MarcVenice]

First of all, welcome to the fora !

Case/DVD/HDD/MOBO/RAM are all good, looks like you did your research The 9800gt ain't bad, but I like this one better: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814127381 it has a better cooler, and a kickass overclock.

But, WoW is a CPU whore, so I really WOULD overclock the CPU. It's dead easy, and with that xigmatek cooler it's pretty safe too. If you're not overclocking, you might as well save yourself $20 and drop the xigmatek cooler.

 

[rskogl2]

Is that MSI 9800 GT too big for my case? Also, what would be a safe overclock speed for this setup, for both the CPU and the GPU?

 

[ther00kie16]

Originally posted by: rskogl2
Is that MSI 9800 GT too big for my case? Also, what would be a safe overclock speed for this setup, for both the CPU and the GPU?

Really varies, e5200 should do mid 3ghz just fine, maybe even closer to 4ghz. If you live near a Fry's, see if you can pick up a e7200 for $80. GPU tend to vary a lot more than CPUs. You can probably get about a 15% overclock over reference clocks.

 

[dangman4ever]

Originally posted by: rskogl2
Is that MSI 9800 GT too big for my case? Also, what would be a safe overclock speed for this setup, for both the CPU and the GPU?

As long as the CPU voltage or vCore is under 1.4V and the CPU temp under 65C, whatever OC you hit with the CPU within those limits will be safe. Oh and the 9800GT will fit inside the case just fine.

However, if you're not adverse to buying from other sites, you can get the significantly better cooling, looking and easier to work with Coolermaster RC-690 case from Amazon.com for only $75 with free shipping:
http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-M...&qid=1219905233&sr=8-1

You can also pick up the very same PSU that's inside the Sonata III for $50 with free shipping:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817371007

So for a total of $125 shipped plus tax, you get a significantly better case but same PSU.

 

[rskogl2]

Just finished my build with the parts listed above and for the most part I'm happy with it. I didn't trust the Xigmatek fan so I just used to stock one for now. Also, I have a cord from my video card that I don't know if it is necessary. It is orange and black with 2 separate black inputs at one of the ends and one solid white input at the other. You can see it in the newegg picture. If anyone knows what this is please let me know. Thank you.

 

[AVP]

I could be wrong but the 6 pin power connector? I believe that is for if your power supply does not have one than you can plug it into a molex connector. Just make sure that your card is getting the extra juice from somewhere, preferably straight from your psu's 6pin pci-e cable.

 

[DSF]

Originally posted by: AVP
I could be wrong but the 6 pin power connector? I believe that is for if your power supply does not have one than you can plug it into a molex connector. Just make sure that your card is getting the extra juice from somewhere, preferably straight from your psu's 6pin pci-e cable.

I believe this is what you're talking about. It has two 4-pin Molex connectors leading into one 6-pin PCI-express connector, right? It's just an adapter in case your power supply was made before PCI-e connectors became commonplace. Don't use it, since you're building with a PSU that has a PCI-e connector built in.

 

[rskogl2]

Yes, I have the 6-pin power connector already inserted. I think it is a SPDIF cable, which I don't need.