New build check: ordering the parts asap

[Hattrix]

Edited again ... New mobo and vid cards this time ... how's it looking??

Thanks...you guys/gals rock!!!

1. What YOUR PC will be used for. => GAMING
2. What YOUR budget is. => ~$1300
3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from. => NEWEGG.COM
4. IF YOU have a brand preference. => Intel-Fanboy, nVidia-Fanboy
5. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts. => NO
6. IF YOU have searched and/or read similar threads. => YES
7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds. => DEFAULT
8. WHEN do you plan to build it? => ordering the parts within a week, build immediately.

Here's the whole build: http://secure.newegg.com/NewVe...WishListNumber=5399925


Here are the main, vital components:

• OS: VISTA 64bit (is this going to be OK? I've read a ton of good things, but I'm still unsure.)

• Case:COOLER MASTER ATX Mid Tower

• Power Supply: COOLER MASTER 650W

• Motherboard: eVGA nForce 750i SLI

• CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.00GHz

• RAM: 4GB DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) OCZ

• Video Cards: 2x MSI OC GeForce 8800GTS 512MB SLI

 

[AmberClad]

Just an FYI - the E8500 is going to see a price drop to $183 in Q3. I would not buy that CPU at $269.99.

 

[Hattrix]

WOW ... really?
I guess the 8400 will also be dropping?

When you say Q3, is there a firmer date? I ask because the window of opportunity for me to order parts is fairly short. If the price drops in July, I think I can hold out. If it's not until the last week in Sept, then I doubt I can wait.

Thanks for the info!

 

[AmberClad]

Sorry, I don't know of a specific date in Q3. The E8400 will also be dropping in price - $163. So it's not as drastic of a price drop.

 

[DSF]

Last year the Q3 price drops were on July 22 if I recall correctly. Doesn't necessarily mean retailers will reflect the lower price right away. (Nor does it necessarily mean the drops will occur at the same time this year.)

 

[angry hampster]

Agreed with Amber. I'd get an E8400 or an E7200 right now. Considering that the E7200 can easily go above 4GHz on air, it seems like an obvious choice at $130. Also, are you considering using EVGA's step-up program when the new Nvidia cards launch next month"?


edit: Didn't read all of your OP, failed to notice that you don't intend to overclock. An E8400 is probably your best bet.

 

[Blain]

Why dual threads?

 

[Hattrix]

Dual threads cuz I screwed up.

Sorry

 

[Hattrix]

Originally posted by: angry hampster
Agreed with Amber. I'd get an E8400 or an E7200 right now. Considering that the E7200 can easily go above 4GHz on air, it seems like an obvious choice at $130. Also, are you considering using EVGA's step-up program when the new Nvidia cards launch next month"?


edit: Didn't read all of your OP, failed to notice that you don't intend to overclock. An E8400 is probably your best bet.

EVGA's step-up program? Sounds like a good thing. I'll head to their website to see if there is any info on it. Anyone have anything good/bad to say about it?


Anyone have any issues with the mobo, ram, case, ps ?
I guess since no one has said anything bad, I'm hoping that they are a good choice.

 

[angry hampster]

Originally posted by: Hattrix

Originally posted by: angry hampster
Agreed with Amber. I'd get an E8400 or an E7200 right now. Considering that the E7200 can easily go above 4GHz on air, it seems like an obvious choice at $130. Also, are you considering using EVGA's step-up program when the new Nvidia cards launch next month"?


edit: Didn't read all of your OP, failed to notice that you don't intend to overclock. An E8400 is probably your best bet.

EVGA's step-up program? Sounds like a good thing. I'll head to their website to see if there is any info on it. Anyone have anything good/bad to say about it?


Anyone have any issues with the mobo, ram, case, ps ?
I guess since no one has said anything bad, I'm hoping that they are a good choice.

The step-up program is generally well-liked from those who've done it. However, keep in mind you won't have a video card for 2-3 weeks while you're waiting for your step-up.

 

[DSF]

Originally posted by: angry hampster
The step-up program is generally well-liked from those who've done it. However, keep in mind you won't have a video card for 2-3 weeks while you're waiting for your step-up.

Yeah, the shipping is the only drawback, both in terms of cost and time. Good program though.

 

[AmberClad]

Originally posted by: Hattrix
Anyone have any issues with the mobo, ram, case, ps ?
I guess since no one has said anything bad, I'm hoping that they are a good choice.

I wouldn't have picked that particular motherboard. I don't know that I would go with an Nvidia chipset board at all unless I needed one (for SLI). Are you planning on getting a second 8800GT at some point? Otherwise, I think most people here will recommend a far cheaper P35 board.

The only other thing that comes to mind -- a 250GB hard drive isn't going to be a good value these days. For around twice the price of that drive, you could get a drive with three times the capacity. But that's up to you and only you can determine whether you might need more storage space in the future.

 

[PurdueRy]

If your not going to use SLI from the start I don't recommend getting an SLI board. Also you don't need a 750W power supply. Anything 450ish and greater is fine.

 

[Hattrix]

Thanks for the advice!

As for the mobo, I'm still on the fence regarding the vid card(s). I 'may' go with 2x 8800GT and need the SLI and the bigger power supply.... but maybe I'll stick with the AKIMBO.

What mobo (company & model) would you recommend for NON SLI?

250GB hard drive is going to be MORE than I need so I'm cutting costs here. I've been using the same 60GB hard drive for the past 5.5 years. 250GB will seem like a bottomless pit of storage LOL.

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: Hattrix
Thanks for the advice!

As for the mobo, I'm still on the fence regarding the vid card(s). I 'may' go with 2x 8800GT and need the SLI and the bigger power supply.... but maybe I'll stick with the AKIMBO.

What mobo (company & model) would you recommend for NON SLI?

250GB hard drive is going to be MORE than I need so I'm cutting costs here. I've been using the same 60GB hard drive for the past 5.5 years. 250GB will seem like a bottomless pit of storage LOL.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813127030

Provided you order it and use the rebate

 

[angry hampster]

Originally posted by: PurdueRy

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813127030

Provided you order it and use the rebate

Agreed. The IP35 Pro is a ridiculously good board.

 

[themisfit610]

eVGA step-up is WIN!

I went from an 8800GTS 320 - > 8800gt for free. You can _not_ say no to that!

~MiSfit

 

[Hattrix]

Seeing that the prices for the new nVidia cards will be $400-$600, there's no need for the eVGA step-up, cuz I ain't spending $400 on a video card. So .... I chose the MIS version thats the same price without having to mail in a rebate. Also, since there's a slim to none chance that I buy a 2nd vid card for SLI, there's no real reason for me to get the nForce 780i mobo.

Is this build lookin good?
I'm looking forward to a screaming gaming rig and I think this will fit that.

Thanks for your replies!

 

[GuitarDaddy]

After adjustments your looking good except the PS. Spending $170 on a 750w PS is totally unnecessary for the rig youv'e spec'd

Drop down to the 650w which is still more than you need and save $100

Cooler master 650w $70 AR

 

[GuitarDaddy]

Stupid server lag

 

[Hattrix]

I just changed my mind again ...... now I'm looking at a 750i SLI mobo, so I have future room for another 8800 GTS 512, and getting DDR2 1066 RAM.

I think that 750w PS is needed, if I get a 2nd 8800 GTS ??

 

[Hattrix]

I dropped the PS down to the 650w that GuitarDaddy advised....Good call. Thanks! It seems that there are A LOT of people using that PS for SLI setups so I'm confident that it'll be enough.

Also, since I 'saved' money on the mobo and the PS, I had enough to add a 2nd 8800 GTS in there. WOOT!

Any last minute advice or comments? I think it's lookin pretty stable and fast.

 

[PurdueRy]

be careful that the 8800GTS you get has fan control. I know that some 8800GT versions did not and therefore are always VERY loud.