In Need of Serious Advice on First PC Build

[mawsoccer]

I'm looking to build a good computer that will last me the next 3 years without too many upgrades for $600-$800, preferably closer to 600 if possible. Here are my specs so far:

ASUS P5WD2-E Premium - N82E16813131589 - $229.99
Intel Pentium D 805 - N82E16819116001 - 97.00
BFG Geforce 7300 GS 256MB - N82E16814143050 - 72.99
LITE-ON SHM-165H6S - N82E16827106015 - $41.99
ZALMAN CNPS9500 Blue LED - N82E16835118223 - $54.99
Artic Silver 5 - N82E16835100007 - $5.99
pqi TURBO 1GB DDR2 667 (PC2 5400) - N82E16820141210 - $79.99
Shipping Estimate - $31.50

Total - $614.40

I am looking to possible overclock the PD 805 to around 3.6 ghz using that Zalman hopefully. I have never overclocked and this PC will be my first build. Please let me know where I might run into problems and if I can save myself money by getting a cheaper part that will fit my needs.

Also, you probably noticed I have no PSU or Case in my estimate. I am looking to spend around $100 or less if possible on a nice case and adequate psu.

Right now I am looking at:

ENERMAX EG425P-VE SFMA 2.0 ATX12V 420W - N82E16817103459 - $59.99

ASPIRE ATX-AS520W-BK ATX 520W - N82E16817148008 - $59.99

ASPIRE ATX-AS520W BLUE ATX 520W - N82E16817148002 - $59.99

ASPIRE ATX-AS500W-GN ATX Daul12V (V2.03) / SLI compliant 500W - N82E16817148003 - $59.99

OR

Antec Sonata II w/ 450Watt SmartPower 2.0 - N82E16811129155 - $74.99 (After Rebate)

Please give me some comments and or suggestions here.

I dont plan on playing any hardcore games. I'll occasionally play GTA San Andreas and maybe Fifa but thats about it.

 

[dustmann]

I'm unfamiliar with intel builds, however, I know that you would be much happier with a 7600gt vs the 7300. Are you planning any gaming for this machine? Also, you have no OS listed, are you planning on running vista? It will most likely require a faster video card than the 7300. Also, I think you may want faster ram than the 667, (please someone correct me if I'm wrong). I would recommend 2gb also. That mobo looks good, maybe a tad expensive, ASUS is a great brand however. The intel 805s are old technology now that core 2 duo has been released. You may want to research them before purchasing, as it sounds like they are monster overclockers, and with that 230 price tag on the asus board, you should be able to afford a new core 2 duo relatively cheap. Sorry for the long post! I don't claim to know everything however

 

[mawsoccer]

Well, I have XP Home OEM Now and I am planning on running Vista. I have the public beta which has the AERO feature enabled on my 128mb Geforce FX 5200 and it seems to run fine. I just figured any 256mb 7 series Nvidia card would be better than what I have now. Besides that is PCIe 16x and my FX 5200 is AGP 8x. Vista gives my current stock 2.8 ghz p4 with 1 gig of ram and the 128mb video a 2 as far as its performance rating.

 

[VivienM]

Originally posted by: mawsoccer
I'm looking to build a good computer that will last me the next 3 years without too many upgrades for $600-$800, preferably closer to 600 if possible. Here are my specs so far:

ASUS P5WD2-E Premium - N82E16813131589 - $229.99

If you're going to spend $230 USD (I'm assuming this is USD) on a motherboard, get the Asus P5W DH with the Conroe/Kentsfield support...

 

[dexvx]

Drop the P5WD2-E / 805D with:

E6300
Gigabyte DS3

 

[mawsoccer]

Is ASUS P5B Deluxe/WiFi-AP better than P5WD2-E PRemium as far as OCing and or futureproofness? I know Newegg has the P5b $5 cheaper than the P5WD2-E.

 

[DavidoFoo]

Originally posted by: dexvx
Drop the P5WD2-E / 805D with:

E6300
Gigabyte DS3

What this guy said.

 

[harpoon84]

Better off going AM2 or Conroe instead of PD. AM2 if the budget is tight, Conroe is better if you can afford it.

 

[mawsoccer]

Could I get by with the regular P5B Board for OCing PD 805 or Conroe to 3.6 or 3.8? I dont need the dual PCIx16 slots. Also, would I need the Zalman for OCing the Conroe to 3.6 or 3.8?

 

[imported_Crusader]

SERIOUS advice?

Then heed this warning: dont go cheap on two things.
PSU and RAM.

Also be sure to research the ram/motherboard combination you are planning on buying as well.

 

[mawsoccer]

Here is what I am looking at right now:

Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 - Zipzoomfly - 339.00
Asus P5B - Zipzoomfly - 164.99
XFX PVT42EUDE3 6800 XTreme 256MB - Zipzoomfly - 94.99
LITE-ON SHM-165H6S - Zipzoomfly - 40.99
OCZ OCZ2G8002GK 2GB Kit DDR2-800 - Zipzoomfly - 156.50 (After Rebate)
Artic Silver 5 - Newegg - 5.99 (Does it make that much of a difference?)
Total 802.46

I could also go with the Conroe E6400 for 702.46 or E6300 for 673.45. I still have no PSU or case picked out but I am hoping to spend 125 or less for both. Also, I would plan on OCing the Conroe maybe 1 to 1.2 ghz if possible on any given model. I would definatly need the Zalman for that right? Would it be possible to OC that much on my rig?