Please help me with my new build :-)

[Vincentjames501]

Alright, I just ran into about $700 dollars and I'm looking to upgrade my PC.

To start off, I already have a monitor, OS, case, and 350W PSU. My overall goal is to have a perfectly compatible PC and have 0 build problems. I'm looking to basically build the best high-end computer for the dollar. If you can suggest better parts for the money please suggest it though I can't go much higher on the total. I hear that G.Skill memory is great for overclocking and I'm looking to run 1:1 if possible.

MEMORY
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-8500CL5D-4GBPK
$104.99

MOTHERBOARD
ASUS M3A32-MVP Deluxe/WiFi AM2+/AM2 AMD 790FX ATX AMD Motherboard (OPEN BOX)
$140.80

DVD DRIVE
SAMSUNG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model SH-S223Q/BEBN
$25.99

CPU & HD
Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD5000AAKS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
AMD Phenom 9950 BLACK EDITION 2.6GHz Socket AM2+ 140W Quad-Core Processor Model HD995ZFAGHBOX
$214.98 For HD and CPU

GPU
ASUS graphic card bundleASUS EAH4850/HTDI/512M Radeon HD 4850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card
$182.99

Grand Total: $669.75

 

[MarcVenice]

If you're looking to run 1:1 you have to buy ddr2 533mhz ram... I'd get this ram http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820231145 or any other ddr2 800mhz ram, because all of it will EASILY be more then fast enough to run your phenom at 1:1.

Btw, best bang for buck high-end PC with overclocking is an intel based PC. Like a q6600 for $190, a p45 mobo for $100-130 and 2x2gb of that ddr2 1000mhz ram I linked to. Then buy a HD4850 for $150 after rebates, and you're done. For gaming a e8400 would be a better choice though, and then you WILL need ddr2 1000mhz ram to get the best overclock.

Goodluck running all that on a 350w PSU btw. I suggest you get something beefier, like a 550vx instead.

 

[Billb2]

You'll need a better (i.e. more powerfull) PSU.

 

[Vincentjames501]

Alright, I will get another PSU. I'm not really looking to overclock I just want a fast machine. Ok I'm looking into the e8500. It looks extremely fast. what motherboard would you recommend and would you still consider the same memory? I assume the GPU I have chosen is adequate?

 

[DSF]

Since you're not looking to overclock, DDR2-800 is going to be fine for any processor out there.

The Gigabyte EP45 series and ASUS P5Q series are the two most commonly recommended around here. Choose the board that fits your needs without overspending. (For most people that's the EP45-DS3L, P5Q, or P5Q Pro.) Since you're not overclocking and you're running a single graphics card you might consider the P43 chipset, which is slightly less expensive. (EP43-DS3L or ASUS P5QL for example.)

 

[Roguestar]

^ Or even the EP35-DS3L, infact.

 

[Vincentjames501]

Ok, now I'm stuck between the Q6600 and the E8500. Which is better and why would you say so. Looking at the benchmarks on tomshardware the e8500 seems to win in more categories. I've chosen the P5Q pro mobo. Also what's the best PSU I can get for the dollar (I would like the minimum i could go to keep w/in my budget)?