Please help build my new C2D system!

[gootecks]

Hi guys,
I'm looking to build a new conroe system but I've never built a computer before and I have no experience with OC'ing. I would like to learn though! I am thinking a E6300 is best but who knows.

Anyways, my budget is about $1000, give or take. I am going to be doing a lot of video and audio editing and I need a graphics card that so I can play Second Life and maybe other MMORPGs.

I would appreciate any help, tips and guidance for this. I don't have a lot of computer savvy friends in real life so I'm hoping you gurus here at AT can help. Thanks guys! =)

 

[Skott]

Supposedly the 2nd revision Conroe mobos start launching this week so I suggest waiting for them to come out. They should be more stable than the current line up.

 

[chimera1982]

Here's something I threw together real quick for you that should make a very capable gaming system. I didn't have a LOT of time, so I'm quoting all prices from newegg. Also, while it may be a tad over budget, I'm listing some of the most solid components you can get. If you want to go SLI/Crossfire, you'll need to consider a different motherboard, but it is one of the better ones for OCing a 6300.

Finally, if you're going to get into games like Oblivion, etc...and playing at high resolutions, you'll want to consider a more powerful GPU (X1900XT for example), but your costs will go up significantly.


So here we go:

Processor--Core 2 Duo E6300 -- $183.00
Cooler -- Scythe Ninja -- $39.99
Motherboard--Gigabyte GA-965P/G--$149.99
Memory-- Corsair DDR2 800 XMS2 1GB --$144.00
Hard Drive--Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 250GB--$79.99
PSU --Corsair HX520--$129.99
Case --Antec P180 --$119.00
Video --EVGA 7900GS -- $197.99
Sound --Onboard
Thermal Paste -- AS5 --$6.00
DVD Burner--Any Lite-on/Sony/Samsung 16x DVD Burner -- ~$30.00


I believe I covered everything...total comes to about $1080.00 BEFORE shipping...so you may be a tad over budget, but I'm sure there's some things you could cut back on like the case...maybe video card or PSU...Or you may be able to find all that stuff for better prices elsewhere like ZipZoomFly or Ewiz...shop around.

You could also probably go with some good DDR2 667 that can OC to 800MHz+ That could save you a bit of money...this is assuming you'll be running a 400MHz + FSB at 1:1.

Also, do you already have a monitor?

Hope this helps!

 

[blurp]

Originally posted by: chimera1982
Here's something I threw together real quick for you that should make a very capable gaming system. I didn't have a LOT of time, so I'm quoting all prices from newegg. Also, while it may be a tad over budget, I'm listing some of the most solid components you can get. If you want to go SLI/Crossfire, you'll need to consider a different motherboard, but it is one of the better ones for OCing a 6300.

Finally, if you're going to get into games like Oblivion, etc...and playing at high resolutions, you'll want to consider a more powerful GPU (X1900XT for example), but your costs will go up significantly.


So here we go:

Processor--Core 2 Duo E6300 -- $183.00
Cooler -- Scythe Ninja -- $39.99
Motherboard--Gigabyte GA-965P/G--$149.99
Memory-- Corsair DDR2 800 XMS2 1GB --$144.00
Hard Drive--Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 250GB--$79.99
PSU --Corsair HX520--$129.99
Case --Antec P180 --$119.00
Video --EVGA 7900GS -- $197.99
Sound --Onboard
Thermal Paste -- AS5 --$6.00
DVD Burner--Any Lite-on/Sony/Samsung 16x DVD Burner -- ~$30.00


I believe I covered everything...total comes to about $1080.00 BEFORE shipping...so you may be a tad over budget, but I'm sure there's some things you could cut back on like the case...maybe video card or PSU...Or you may be able to find all that stuff for better prices elsewhere like ZipZoomFly or Ewiz...shop around.

You could also probably go with some good DDR2 667 that can OC to 800MHz+ That could save you a bit of money...this is assuming you'll be running a 400MHz + FSB at 1:1.

Also, do you already have a monitor?

Hope this helps!

Good suggestions.

On a cheaper side, I suggest the Fortron Blue Storm 500W PSU and the Antec slk3000b Case. Cheaper components doing a great job for me.

 

[gootecks]

Originally posted by: chimera1982
Here's something I threw together real quick for you that should make a very capable gaming system. I didn't have a LOT of time, so I'm quoting all prices from newegg. Also, while it may be a tad over budget, I'm listing some of the most solid components you can get. If you want to go SLI/Crossfire, you'll need to consider a different motherboard, but it is one of the better ones for OCing a 6300.

Finally, if you're going to get into games like Oblivion, etc...and playing at high resolutions, you'll want to consider a more powerful GPU (X1900XT for example), but your costs will go up significantly.


So here we go:

Processor--Core 2 Duo E6300 -- $183.00
Cooler -- Scythe Ninja -- $39.99
Motherboard--Gigabyte GA-965P/G--$149.99
Memory-- Corsair DDR2 800 XMS2 1GB --$144.00
Hard Drive--Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 250GB--$79.99
PSU --Corsair HX520--$129.99
Case --Antec P180 --$119.00
Video --EVGA 7900GS -- $197.99
Sound --Onboard
Thermal Paste -- AS5 --$6.00
DVD Burner--Any Lite-on/Sony/Samsung 16x DVD Burner -- ~$30.00


I believe I covered everything...total comes to about $1080.00 BEFORE shipping...so you may be a tad over budget, but I'm sure there's some things you could cut back on like the case...maybe video card or PSU...Or you may be able to find all that stuff for better prices elsewhere like ZipZoomFly or Ewiz...shop around.

You could also probably go with some good DDR2 667 that can OC to 800MHz+ That could save you a bit of money...this is assuming you'll be running a 400MHz + FSB at 1:1.

Also, do you already have a monitor?

Hope this helps!

Thanks chimera, I will shop around for these components. Hopefully I can find a deal.

Yes, I already have a monitor.

I'm also wondering if it would be helpful to get 2gb of RAM since I am going to be doing a lot of video editing?

 

[chimera1982]

Hey, no problem. Glad I could help.

As for the 2GB question...Sure, I mean 2GB is always a good option. I was thinking about that when I threw that system together for you...but it will put you a bit more over budget...but like I said if you shop around and find a deal, you may save just enough to fit in that 2GB.

Also, if you can spend a little more, go ahead and go with the e6400...you'll more than likely get better overclocks out of it.

Let me know what you end up buying! And if you need any help putting it together and overclocking, feel free to ask.