Looking to build the least expensive 8800GTX system I can

[davidober]

I have an extra 8800GTX, and instead of putting it in my current rig in SLi mode, I've decided to build a second gaming system for my son. However, I want to spend as little as possible. This would be the first system I would build myself.

Here's what I have already:

1) Monitor (A crappy Sylvania that runs native at 1280x1024)

2) 8800GTX

I'm guessing I need:

Case: Not sure what to go with here, since the 8800GTX is so big

Mobo: Completely lost here. I will definitely want to overclock the CPU, so I want a mobo that will help me here, but I'm a total noob still, so I don't know what to do regarding a mobo...

CPU: I'm thinking the E6300 or E6400?

RAM: ???

Hard Drive: ???

CD/DVD: ???

PSU: ???

What else am I missing?

Any help and/or suggestions is greatly appreciated.

David

 

[Arkaign]

Originally posted by: davidober
I have an extra 8800GTX, and instead of putting it in my current rig in SLi mode, I've decided to build a second gaming system for my son. However, I want to spend as little as possible. This would be the first system I would build myself.

Here's what I have already:

1) Monitor (A crappy Sylvania that runs native at 1280x1024)
That's sad A 8800GTX will be so bottlenecked at that res that it's a waste, get a 21-22" CRT for cheap and do 1600x1200 or more, or get a 20"+ LCD that's capable of either 1600x1200 or 1920x1080 etc.

2) 8800GTX
Awesome!

I'm guessing I need:

Case: Not sure what to go with here, since the 8800GTX is so big
An awesome buy is the $45 Cooler Master 532 from newegg, you will need a PSU for it though. Very cheap, solid, and configurable, with front + rear 120mm fan emplacements.

Mobo: Completely lost here. I will definitely want to overclock the CPU, so I want a mobo that will help me here, but I'm a total noob still, so I don't know what to do regarding a mobo...
Gigabyte DS3

CPU: I'm thinking the E6300 or E6400?
Get the 6300 to save more now, then jump to the 6320 or 6420 later on.

RAM: ???
To game effectively at the settings you're going to want to feed that 8800 beast, get 2gb of matched DDR2, try to find DS9-based mem. Go for minimum PC2-6400/DDR2-800 speed. Avoid the 5-5-5-15 and worse timing, 4-4-4-12 or 4-4-4-15 should be your minimum accepted timings.

Hard Drive: ???
Doesn't matter so much, but I recommend the Seagate 500gb, fast, quiet, cheap, NCQ, etc.

CD/DVD: ???
Burners are dirt cheap, so grab a $35 DVD+-RW DL from the egg.
PSU: ???
Single 8800 in this for the predicable future? The Antec Neo 550 should be more than enough, with triple 18A 12v rails and VERY quiet performance.

What else am I missing?
To build it and enjoy it Don't forget a couple of low rpm/high cfm 120mm fans for that case, and some AS5.

Any help and/or suggestions is greatly appreciated.
Keep us posted!

David

 

[Skott]

Alot of things can be argued/debated over but it often comes dont to personal choices. For mobo you could also consider a P5B-Deluxe or E model. Very high OCer and some consider it more stable than the DS3. The DS3 is a good mobo though. You could save some money and instead of the 500Gb hd get the Seagate 7200.10 250Gb. Top notch hd, fast and below $80 now(shipping not included). IMO its the next best thing to a WD Raptor. Seagate makes them in 250Gb, 320Gb, 500Gb, and 750Gb units.

Also remember you want to OC so be sure to get a good aftermarket HSF. Make sure the case will fit your choice. Case choice is a tough one. Everyone has their likes and dislikes when it comes to looks. And there are lots of choices that will fit your needs. If you want something better than the Antec and even more quiet I'd suggest the Corsair HX620w or Seasonic S12 600w. Seasonic also makes a modular version, the M12 600w.