Intel Core 2 Duo build

[Nibelheim]

It's been a while since I've upgraded hardware, but my motherboard is going out so it's forcing the issue. Since it's more than 4 years old (along with every other part in the computer), I figured I may as well upgrade the whole kit and caboodle rather than replace outdated technology.

What I want out of the computer:

1. What YOUR PC will be used for: programming (Visual Studio, which loves RAM) and music editing (Sibelius). Not a big PC gamer, would like to throw on older games like SimCity 4, Command and Conquer, but no dual video cards. Would like to leave the gaming option open but I am not a performance freak in this regard. Windows XP Pro, might dual-boot Vista.

2. What YOUR budget is. would like to keep it under $700 total, although I'll go a little higher to get a significant bump in quality or performance. As you can see I put a higher end video card in since it looked to be a good bang for the buck.

3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from: US - Newegg.

4. IF YOU have a brand preference. Intel multi-core CPU is about all I'm locked into (not sure if a quad-core CPU would be worth it at this point). Would prefer reliability and stability rather than raw performance in the individual parts.

5. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are: case - Antec Super Lanboy. Audio - Creative Soundblaster Audigy 2 ZS (requires a PCI card slot). Keyboard/mouse - generic USB connected. Monitor - VGA-connected Samsung LCD.

6. IF YOU have searched and/or read similar threads: Have been reading the various system/parts guides on this site and others.

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds: default.

8. WHEN do you plan to build it? In the next week or so.


Parts list:

Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale 3.16GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8500 - Retail $189

GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3R LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail $120

mushkin 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model 996599 - Retail $77

Antec NeoPower 650 Blue 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready Modular Active PFC Power Supply - Retail $99

SAPPHIRE 100258-1GL Radeon HD 4850 1GB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail $167

LG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model GH22NS30 - OEM $24

 

[zerocool84]

You said you're not overclocking yet you are buying more expensive parts for their overclocking potential. You don't need 1066 RAM or the UD3R if you're keeping your processor at stock speeds. You can keep those components as they are good but no need to spend the extra money if you have no need for that. You can save some $$$ buy getting these.

GIGABYTE GA-EP45-DS3L $79.99AR

G.SKILL 2 x 2GB DDR2 800 $39.99
or
Corsair 2 x 2GB DDR2 800 $29.99AR

 

[Denithor]

The Audigy 2 ZS - pretty much sucks compared to today's onboard HD audio (I know because I have one sitting in a desk drawer). Try it out before you install that card again.

Corsair 650TX $70AR
Sapphire 4830 512MB $90AR (plenty of power for those older games)

Q9400 (2.66GHz, 6MB cache) $240 (more CPU power never hurts anything)

 

[mechBgon]

If you do have a $77 budget for RAM, and aren't going to overclock, then hey. Go for 8GB and make sure your Vista dual-boot is 64-bit Vista, so it can use it.