hopefully quick build checkup

[greengrass45]

After 3 yrs w/ an A64 3000 system, I've decided it's time to upgrade to a new rig. The computer is used for web stuff, office applications, camtasia, a little image analysis, and moderate gaming (probably a bit more once I get a sweet new card ). Ideally the components that I need wouldn't cost more than $750, and I don't think that will be much of a problem. I'm in the US and have no fanboy loyalties I've looked around a fair amount at other threads, and I do plan on doing some moderate overclocking. Nothing air cooling with a small upgrade to the heatsink can't handle.

My main questions are twofold. First, I don't plan on upgrading this machine for another 2-3 years after this, so I'm leaning towards the e8400 over the e2180. Is that a wise choice? The e8400 is $150 more expensive, and I've heard lots of great OC stories about the e2180, so I'm not sure if the upgrade I'd be getting from the 8400 is worth it. Second, is my PSU good enough? It appears to be adequate judging by other threads, but I just want to make sure.

Although I think I have a fairly good setup here, recs for alternative components are definitely appreciated.

Here's the rig - how does it look?

HOLDOVER PARTS
HDD - 400gb seagate sata drive
OPTICAL DRIVE - nec 3550
CASE - antec p182
MONITOR - dual dell 2001FPs

NEW PARTS

CPU - e2180 ($60AR)
or e3110/e8400 ($205)

MOBO - gigabyte ga-p35-ds3l (83)

GPU - evga 8800gt
or msi 8800gt (200 or 215)

POWER SUPPLY - corsair vx550w (55 AR)

HEATSINK - arctic cooling alpine 7 (20)

RAM - 4gb corsair xms2 ddr800 (84 AR)

total is 502 with the e2180 and 647 with the e8400

 

[greengrass45]

oh one other quick thing I didn't think of. Would this, my current power supply, be sufficient? I've seen some people say 400ish watts is ok for similar rigs to mine, but the potential OCing makes me wonder.

 

[tynopik]

your old PS should probably work

 

[chinaman1472]

If you're going to overclock a bit, I'd probably stick with the E2180. The thing will go past 3.0GHz, and should be suffice for most games for at least another year. After a year or two, the E8400 should drop in price, and then I'd buy one. I'd save the extra $150 for something else.

Your old PSU shouldn't have any problems.

 

[Roguestar]

EVGA have a step-up program, incase that'll sway you.

Overclock the E2180.

 

[DSF]

Another vote for the E2180 since you're willing to overclock. It's very unlikely that any Core2Duo at 3.0GHz will hold you back in gaming for the next two years.

The only thing I would say is that you might want to consider the 8800GTS 512MB since they've fallen in price and you have a fair bit of room in your budget with the E2180.

As low as $255 after rebate:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...S+G92&name=Video+Cards

 

[MarcVenice]

Get this cooler instead: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...ic%2bfreezer%2b7%2bpro or just stick with the stand HSF. Your old PSU will be just fine. I'd buy a e2180, by the time you really need something new, like in 1-2 years, 150$ will buy you a 3.0ghz qaudcore.

 

[greengrass45]

Thanks for the help so far guys. If I do go with the e2180 now, will whatever quadcore cpu I get 1+ yrs down the line work with my MB? I'm not quite up to speed on when the MB architecture will need to be switched for new processors.

 

[MarcVenice]

Nehalem won't, but it won't work on ANY motherboard out there, so don't fret. The yorkfiels / 45nm qaudcores will work just fine on your mobo. Those will be released next month or so, but won't be within reach of your budget for a little while.