web dev / light gaming computer build

[NiKeFiDO]

I need a machine for home (getting sick of the Mac laptop )

It will mainly be used for web dev - This means acting as a LAMP (php/mysql) dev box, Photoshop (not hard core, hopefully cs4, cs3 if not), Flash (hopefully cs4, cs4 if not). I will also be using it for some games (starcraft 2, CS:S).

My box at work is pretty new and I think it's a good place to start (I built it based on the advice from the stickied build thread a few months ago):

PSU:
PC Power & Cooling S61EPS 610W
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817703005

Vid Card:
EVGA 512-P3-N978-AR GeForce 9800 GT
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814130379

HD:
Seagate Barracuda ES.2 ST3500320NS 500GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16822148294

DVDR
SAMSUNG Black 22X DVD+R
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16827151173

MoBo:
GIGABYTE GA-EP45-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813128345

Case:
COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811119137

CPU:
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz 2 x 4MB L2 Cache LGA 775 Quad-Core
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16819115017

RAM:
Mushkin 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820146731

This totaled in $850

Since this is a personal box, I'd like to think I might try OCing, but I would def. not do anything crazy (more like just seeing if I can do it without breaking everything )

So basically, using this computer as a starting point - where should I go (hopefully to spend about the same about of money - increasing if someone talks me into it )

It looks like Vista 64 would be a good way to go assuming I get cs4 (would hopefully get it free via license from work).

I'm not a huge fan of Vista - Might just grab the Beta of the new OS if I can or just use my XP Pro until I buy the new OS when it's out (suggestions on this?).

I believe with my computer use, I should maximize RAM and Hard Drive space to conserve on others. I don't really know how to do that cheaply and efficiently (Don't have the time to troll the forums enough anymore )

Other notes: I use a 24" wide, most likely will grab a 2nd one down the line (have one already that I use with my laptop)

 

[Slugbait]

Wow, those reviews on the hard drive...I mean, wow. Scary shit. I'd spend ~$15 more on the hard drive, and get twice as much disc space with more reliability on one of the fastest terabyte drives available.

Your video card was deactivated. If going with a 9800GT, I'd suggest this XFX with CoD 4/5 for $110 AR.

You might consider saving $25 AR and go with some Corsair RAM instead.

I like your choice of case...a lot. eSATA, Firewire and USB all top-mounted? Sideways drive cage? Backplane side vent? Nice choice. The PSU is also well chosen.

I've had the same burner for about five months, I even left a review on it back in Oct (I usually don't do that). Rock solid, I've burned about a hundred discs so far. Whisper-quiet drawer. A Lite-On at 20 paces can be heard more easily than this drive sitting next to you.

Since yer not a fan, get going with XP today, go W7 later. Be sure to have all your files backed out to a different partition or hard drive, and remember to deactivate your Adobe apps before the "upgrade" to W7.

 

[NiKeFiDO]

Thanks for the suggestions -

Will a 9800gt be OK for my gaming "needs" ? (I would like to get max resolution I can - Don't think sc2 will really be too big a bear on that)

Also, how about the CPU? Is that still a good choice? (The build above is a few months old...)

What ram should I get to do some "light" OCing ?

 

[Slugbait]

I don't know if anyone knows how powerful of a card you'll need for SC2. If you'd like to get max resolution with everything maxed out on a 24", consider getting a GTX260/216 instead.

CPU is fine. Good overclocker, legendary proc. Almost at EOL, so get it before it disappears.

The Corsair is another $5 cheaper today, but if you're overclocking, this stuff probably won't cut it. Also, seems a lot of people have trouble with some DOA modules and not getting the rebates. If you can handle a rebate, and know how to change voltage, you'll probably be better off with Viper or Reaper, which should allow for some fine overclocking.

 

[NiKeFiDO]

Thanks for the input. I guess I'm off to find me some RAM.
I'm curious as to why you picked the viper/reaper ram.

I also came across this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820231166

Also - anyone have any comments on the motherboard choice?
A lot of people's builds here have motherboards that are twice as expensive. I assume this is for a newer round of CPU's / chip sets?

 

[NiKeFiDO]

I'm thinking http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813128358 for a motherboard as the one I linked lacks IEEE 1394a while the case has external outputs for it (as well as more PCI, 2nd LAN set, more USB).

 

[Slugbait]

I primarily suggested Viper and Reaper because they are well-regarded for overclocking, and are currently the cheap stuff after rebate.

And yeah, good homework on the mobo.

 

[NiKeFiDO]

Thanks for your continued input.

Probably pull the trigger on this tonight.

Anyone have other feedback? Arguments make for better builds