My first build, good GPU/mobo choice?

[jamie8dc]

This is my first build and I've been doing a lot of research and think I've got it pretty much finalized. I'd like to place my order in the next few days.

COOLER MASTER RC-690 Mid Tower Computer Case
Seagate Barracuda 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s
Corsair 650W PS
Corsair 4GB DDR2-800
Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale
Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P LGA 775
Asus Radeon HD 4870 1GB
Creative X-Fi Xtremegamer
Samsung Burner with Lightscribe
Acer X243Wbd Black 24" 5ms Widescreen 400cd/m2 3000:1

Does the mobo seem like a good choice for this setup? Also, I was really torn between the 4870 1GB and the GTX 260 (maybe 55nm, but those aren't in stock at newegg). Opinions? I'll be using this system for gaming primarily, I do not want to SLI/crossfire now or in the future, so that doesn't matter.

This is my first build and I'm a little nervous, though I've read a few guides and I have changed out individual parts in past PCs so I'm familiar with the inside of a computer. Should I buy extra thermal paste, or is the thermal pad that comes with my CPU sufficient? Putting the CPU in seems like the most nerve-racking part of the whole process (besides pressing that power button for the first time) so I want to go in there prepared.

Thanks for your help and please be honest if something looks bad or sub-par, I can take it! Right now with shipping I'm at around $1520, including the monitor, and I've got $90 in mail-in rebates so it'll be a little under $1430. Seem like a good price for this system?

 

[DSF]

Putting the CPU in is actually really simple. The stuff that comes automatically applied to the stock heatsink is fine. The heatsink you're using makes much more difference than the thermal material.

If you search LGA 775 on Youtube there's a nice video by Intel that shows the whole CPU installation process.

 

[zerocool84]

If you don't plan on going multiple GPU then why are you spending more for a board that supports that?
GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3R $104.99AR

Also step down to the E8400. It's $28 cheaper and you won't notice a difference between the two.
E8400 $159.99

Also I would ditch the soundcard. The Gigabyte boards have really great onboard sound. No real need to spend that much cash with how great onboard sound is now-a-days.

If you're staying at stock speeds on your cpu then it's fine to use the hsf that comes with it. No need for extra goop 😛 for you. If you plan on overclocking there are many options out there for different HSF.

Depending if you want to overclock your cpu, you could even step down to a less expensive motherboard cus you are paying extra for better overclocking ability but these are still great mobos.

 

[jamie8dc]

Wow thanks DSF that video will help a lot.

Zerocool I had no idea that mobo I picked supported crossfire. The whole motherboard selection is so overwhelming, it's the most confusing/complicated part for sure! Thanks a lot, I think I'll go with the one you recommended instead. Thanks guys!

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Those creative sound cards are great cards. I actually had a X-Fi Elite Pro, and traded it in for an Xtreme gamer. I wouldn't go back to the Elite Pro again. The X-ram just doesn't do what is says its suppose to do and if you run Open AL in a game like UT3, you will crash no matter what. The Xtreme Gamer doesn't have the X-ram and does not crash UT3.

I like that drive. I actually have the NS of that exact drive. You will get a total of 465Gb from that drive. You can get a larger capacity for just a little more and I hear the 1Tb 333 model is the one to get.

I would not compromise on a 5ms response time LCD. I would go for a 2ms response time. I noticed a difference when I hooked my old 7ms & 2ms LCD's to my X1900XTX and booted. The 7ms was noticeably slower. Look through here for 24" monitors. **dang those look temping**

 

[jae]

There are combo deals for the e8400 + Asus P5Q Pro; and Gigabyte UD3P. You can also get a Gigabyte P45 DS3L for 99 + $15 MIR.

I would go with a Western Digital 640GB Black for HD.