New gaming/linux build need input.

[sourceninja]

I'm working on a new build.

I have a friend who wants to buy my old PC. So i'm looking to build a new one.

The main purpose of this is to run windows 7 64bit ultimate and to play video games.

It's secondary purpose is to run linux (Which is where I do most of my work).

I'm trying to keep it under 800.00, but I'm ok with going higher. I'm not tied to anything at all. I just want quad-core and 4-8 gigs of ram.
Edit: Actually, I'm not tied to quad-core either. If I can get more bang for my buck over the next 2 years from dual core then I'm fine with that.


SAMSUNG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner Black IDE Model SH-S222A - OEM
Item #: N82E16827151175
$29.99


COOLER MASTER Centurion 534 RC-534-KKN2-GP Black Aluminum & Mesh bezel / SECC Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
$49.99


Seagate Barracuda LP ST31000520AS 1TB 5900 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Hard Drive - OEM
Item #: N82E16822148411
$79.99


XFX HD-485X-ZDFC Radeon HD 4850 1GB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail
Item #: N82E16814150351
$124.99


OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ600MXSP 600W ATX12V V2.2 / EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC ... - Retail
Item #: N82E16817341017
$99.99



2 x GeIL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10660) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model GV34GB1333C9DC - Retail
Item #: N82E16820144266
$80.49


GIGABYTE GA-P55-UD3R LGA 1156 Intel P55 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Item #: N82E16813128401
$139.99


Intel Core i5-750 Lynnfield 2.66GHz LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80605I5750 - Retail
Item #: N82E16819115215

Any input? I have not build a computer in years. My last build was a AMD X2 4400 about 2 or 3 years ago. My day to day computer is a macbook pro.

I'm really looking forward to playing games such as dragon age. I know I don't need 8 gigs of ram, but ram is so cheap I figure why not.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Bateluer]

Most of the build looks decent to me, however, you may want to consider an Nvidia card. While in Windows, ATI has the edge, their Linux drivers aren't as polished as Nvidia's. They are improving, and although I've never had a problem with them, many people do. Just a consideration.

I'd also look for a little bit larger power supply. The 600W OCZ is a decent PSU, but it may be a little small for your parts. Especially if you plan on dropping in a faster video card or CPU down the line.

 

[sourceninja]

Yea, I am a little worried about using ATI because of linux compatibility. However, it is supported by the ati driver and I'm no stranger to linux. So I think it should be fine.

Right now I'm just really trying to make sure I'm not overspending on my hardware. i'm fairly sure I want to go with the i5 because its quad core and a reasonable price. I'm wondering though if I can't get better performance with a similarly priced core2duo. It's the more cores or more power debate. I figure having 4 cores probably won't help gaming much right now, but it might in a year or so as the industry realizes everyone basically has multi-core computers.

I'm looking to buy at the end of the month. Just have to straighten out the details and see if any sales happen at that time.

 

[Firsttime]

I would buy a different PSU, for the money I would think you can do better. Maybe something like this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817139005

Also I would spend the few extra bucks and get a Sata burner mainly just so I wouldn't need to have any big cables in my case.

Edit: here is like the same burner, but Sata and $2 more.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16827151188

 

[philosofool]

If you're looking to play some games, especially new ones like Dragon Age, I would consider a Radeon 4870 1GB rather than the 4850. The cost difference isn't very much and it is a much better card. You will probably need to lower settings in dragon age to play with the 4850. It's all speculation at this point, but I think this is a pretty good bet.

Anand recently reviewed the Gigabyte P55M-UD2, a mATX board, and couldn't stop raving about it. It's an excellent overclocker and will save you money ($110). I'm using the board, like it a lot. That savings might help you squeeze a better graphics card in your budget.

Get a SATA dvd burner. It's easier to work with and the cost is the same.

Get a 7200 RPM HDD. You will probably need to spend about $100 for a 1TB drive; if 640GB will suit your needs, you can do that instead and it will be about $70.

 

[Knavish]

Originally posted by: Bateluer
Most of the build looks decent to me, however, you may want to consider an Nvidia card. While in Windows, ATI has the edge, their Linux drivers aren't as polished as Nvidia's. They are improving, and although I've never had a problem with them, many people do. Just a consideration.

I'd also look for a little bit larger power supply. The 600W OCZ is a decent PSU, but it may be a little small for your parts. Especially if you plan on dropping in a faster video card or CPU down the line.

Why do people want 800+W PSUs so badly. Look at the anandtech 5870 Review. The load power of a i7-920 @ 3.33Ghz with a 5870 is 401 Watts.

Unless you're going SLI / Crossfire or trying for a huge overclock, you do not need > 600W. You just need a good quality PSU.

 

[sourceninja]

Yea, I don't see myself going SLI. I usually build a new computer every other year and sell my old one.

My last two computers were macbook pros. So this will be my jump back into getting a desktop. Honestly, I'm debating if I need to run linux at all at this point. I've been playing with Win7 and it is nice. I could probably handle all my development needs on my macbook and just use win7 fulltime.