Thoughts on this gaming build?

[bulacawa]

Hello Everyone!

I am about to get a new gaming system and would like to get some input! Here is what I am planning right now. Thanks for your time!

The primary purpose of this build is a gaming system in the price range of around $4,000 (or a bit less); overclocking is intended. I am planning to have this system build within the next week or two. I live in the US.

I have a 27.5" monitor that runs on a 1900x1200 Resolution. I am planning to get Windows Vista Home Premium 64 bit edition.

Here is the system I have in my mind right now:

CPU: Q9650
CPU Cooler: Xigmatek HDT-S1283
MB: Asus Premium P5E3 (will set up wireless network)

Memory: NEED INPUT,
Which memory is best for the MB/CPU that I chose (best stability and OC)?
I want between 4-8 GB of ddr3 RAM (2x2 GB kits), 1333 MhZ or 1600 MhZ;
How is corsair ddr3 1333 MhZ XMS3 DHX , or the Corsair XMS DHX 1600 Mhz or OCZ reaperX hpc 4gb (2x2 gb) ddr3 1333 Mhz (read that this kit is great to work with and OCs very nicely)? Or some of the other OCZ kits?
Some kits come with different timings...so I will need some advice with this, if possible.

Video Card: Radeon HD 4870X2 2gb; since they are all reference design I don't care too much for the brand?or is there any brand that is more reliable/generally better than the others?

HDs:
HD1: 150gb Velociraptor (WD1500HLFS): for OS and applications
HD2: 300GB VelociRaptor (WD3000HLFS): for gaming
HD3: 250gb WD Caviar SE16 (WD2500AAKS0): for storage

Soundcard: Creative SB@X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty Professional
CD/DVD: Samsung Super-WriteMaster SH-S223 Black
Case: Lian-Li PC-A7110 (most beautiful case I?ve ever seen?)
PSU: Antec Signature 850
OS: Widows Vista Home premium, 64 bit

The CPU, CPU cooler, MB, and RAM should allow for great overclocking? Any other suggestions for this built to improve performance/bring costs down?

Thanks!

 

[DSF]

DDR2. Learn it, live it, love it. There's very little justification for DDR3 considering its expense compared to DDR2. Also, since you're overclocking I don't see much reason to get the Q9650 over the 9550. They should OC to around the same point.

With your budget why get a 250GB storage drive when the 640GB Caviar is larger and higher performance for under $100?

 

[Roguestar]

DDR3 = No.

Get some cheap DDR2-1000 and you're grand for overclocking and you don't have to shell out for super-expensive DDR3 and a DDR3 compatible motherboard.

Seconding the 640 WD Caviar recommendation.

Unless you're doing professional sound editing you'll not need that sound card. The onboard sound on any new motherboard will do perfectly well for even a big expensive speaker system; 7.1 surround and optical out are pretty standard now.

 

[JPB]

I agree with this guy ^^

DDR3 not needed. 640gig hard drive = :thumbsup:

 

[JPB]

Oops. DP

 

[z1ggy]

U may not even need the raden x2.. for a 27.5 monitor you might not even be able to tell the difference. A regular one may do, but if you feel the need than go for it. And.. Do you REALLY need a sound card? I have the logitech z-5500's on my realtek888 and man.. it is absolutely KILLER with my optical connection. Ditch the card and the last HD for the better one like the other ppl suggested. With the money you save..Buy as much DDR2 800 ram as you can. And if you really want a quad core.. cool but you don't really need it. A solid duo core OC'ed should be fine. The aftermarket cooler is a good one so you could really push it. But good luck with that build dude.