New build

[Chacotako]

Hello everyone,
I'm looking to start a new build but have been out of the loop for quite some time. I'm currently using a 28" monitor, so please keep this in mind

1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing.
Gaming with the occasional use of Lightwave and Photoshop.

2. What YOUR budget is. A price range is acceptable as long as it's not more than a 20% spread
$2k - $2500

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

4. IF YOU have a brand preference. That means, are you an Intel-Fanboy, AMD-Fanboy, ATI-Fanboy, nVidia-Fanboy, Seagate-Fanboy, WD-Fanboy, etc, etc, etc, you get the picture.
I really have no preference as I've been out of the loop for so long - I have always gone with nvidia though but it looks like that may change (crossfire)

5. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are.
Only thing that I am keeping is my monitor (see above)

6. IF YOU have searched and/or read similar threads.
I have read through a lot of threads already and from those I put together a potential list but I'm not completely comfortable since it's been so long which is why I'm looking for help.

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.
I will probably overclock a bit, but nothing spectacular by any means.

8. WHEN do you plan to build it?
I'm hoping to build within the next couple of weeks or so.

Here's what I was looking at. Please be gentle

Intel Core 2 Duo E8600 Wolfdale
WD Caviar Black 1TB
G-Skill 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR2 1066
G-Skill 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR2 1066 (8 Gigs for vista?)
ASUS Rampage Formula LGA 775 Intel X48 ATX Intel Motherboard (this is one I'm unsure of)
Radeon HD4870 x 2
Thermaltake toughpower 750W (crossfire ready)
LIAN LI PC-A10B Black Aluminum Case
XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler
SAMSUNG Black 22X DVD+R 22X DVD-R 16X DVD-ROM


What do you think? Are there parts here that I'm skimping out on, or going overkill with others? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Mike

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: Chacotako
Hello everyone,

6. IF YOU have searched and/or read similar threads.
I have read through a lot of threads already and from those I put together a potential list


Here's what I was looking at. Please be gentle

Intel Core 2 Duo E8600 Wolfdale
WD Caviar Black 1TB
G-Skill 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR2 1066
G-Skill 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR2 1066 (8 Gigs for vista?)
ASUS Rampage Formula LGA 775 Intel X48 ATX Intel Motherboard (this is one I'm unsure of)
Radeon HD4870 x 2
Thermaltake toughpower 750W (crossfire ready)
LIAN LI PC-A10B Black Aluminum Case
XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler
SAMSUNG Black 22X DVD+R 22X DVD-R 16X DVD-ROM

1. If you've read through threads here, then you should already know what we think about memory rated over DDR2 800.
2. What version of Vista are you planning on running?

 

[Chacotako]

It's cheaper and just as good, I know. I ended up basing a lot of it off the resource thread so please forgive me.

As far as which version, I'm not completely sure. Sorry for the lack of information

 

[Denithor]

If you're going above 4GB of RAM you want Vista 64-bit (either Home Premium or Ultimate) otherwise the extra RAM won't be seen/used.

As Blain said, in his rather abrasive manner, just go for either DDR2-800 or DDR2-1000 memory kits, they cost less and are just as good (800 for moderate overclocking, 1000 for extreme overclocking).

Get the ASUS P5Q Pro and a 4870X2 instead of X48 motherboard & 2x 4870. This will actually give you slightly better performance at a lower price.

Switch to a Corsair 600-700W PSU instead of that 750W Thermaltake (see this page for why).

 

[Chacotako]

Awesome, thanks for the help I appreciate it. I'll go ahead and make a few adjustments and see what I come up with.

Thanks again

 

[DSF]

No real justification for the E8600 in my mind.

"Better overclocking, blah blah blah..."

If that extra 200 MHz is worth $100 to you that's your business, but it wouldn't be to me.

 

[aclim]

All I can really add or vouch for is this

Yes is the get E8500 just because its cheaper and will give you similar OC results. However have you looking into going quad core since it looks like you dont upgrade often?

Yea get either the 800 or 1000 mhz RAM. Cheaper and will once again give you similar OC results.

Go for the Vista 64bit premium

If you dont upgrade your PC often I would go with a x38/x48 board. It will give you many nice features and also allow you to crossfire x16 for both cards. Maybe go fot either a 4870x2 now and down to road purchase another one for xfire, or go with above poster and get a ASUS P5Q Pro and just upgrade to the best GPU whenever you need it.


Also get a SATA version Samsung drive.

Soundcard? If you have nice speakers and your spending this much, id say got for a X-FI xtremegamer Fatal1ty card. just my opinion.

 

[Blain]

If you're going to OC and want "bang for the buck", get the E7200 > run the FSB up to a standard 333MHz and BINGO, you're got a 3.1GHz CPU for $120.

Get memory rated for 1.8-1.9v

 

[dmw16]

I would opt for a Corsair powersupply. If it sets you back a few extra bucks step back a CPU level (as a PP said) and/or go with DDR2-800 or 1000.

 

[Roguestar]

Originally posted by: Chacotako
2. What YOUR budget is. A price range is acceptable as long as it's not more than a 20% spread
$2k - $2500

If you were my boss I'd definitely ask you for a 20% pay increase!

Originally posted by: Blain
If you're going to OC and want "bang for the buck", get the E7200 > run the FSB up to a standard 333MHz and BINGO, you're got a 3.1GHz CPU for $120.

Get memory rated for 1.8-1.9v

Makes a lot more sense than buying an E8600 if OP already says he wants to try a little overclocking.