Yet another "My first PC build"

[Hkshooter]

1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing.

Gaming 99% of the time

2. What YOUR budget is. A price range is acceptable as long as it's not more than a 20% spread

I would like to have it around $900-$1250

3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from.

USA

4. IF YOU have a brand preference. That means, are you an Intel-Fanboy, AMD-Fanboy, ATI-Fanboy, nVidia-Fanboy, Seagate-Fanboy, WD-Fanboy, etc, etc, etc, you get the picture.

EVGA video card is the only thing I will not change

5. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are.

Mouse, keyboard, monitor

6. IF YOU have searched and/or read similar threads.

Yes

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.

I dont plan to overclock, but Im open minded about it.


After searching and reading the boards for a month or so I have finally decided to try my hand at building my own PC instead of hitting up Dell for my gaming needs. I looked through quite a few builds and pick out some parts that I thought would fit my needs. Listed below is what I think I should go for. If any of you know of any better suggestions that would reduce the price, but not the performance please let me know.

GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX All Solid Capacitor Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/product/...x?item=N82E16813128059

Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 - If I can even get ahold of one
http://www.newegg.com/product/...x?item=N82E16819115037

OCZ StealthXStream OCZ500SXS ATX12V / EPS12V 500W Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/product/...x?item=N82E16817341012

2 X - For a total of 4gb - Crucial Ballistix 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model BL2KIT12864AA804 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/product/...x?item=N82E16820146565

Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/product/...x?item=N82E16811129021

EVGA 512-P3-N841-AR GeForce 8800GTS (G92) 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready
http://www.newegg.com/product/...x?item=N82E16814130325

Western Digital Caviar SE WD5000AAJS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/product/...x?item=N82E16822136178

SAMSUNG 20X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model SH-S203B - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/product/...x?item=N82E16827151153

With how the prices of video cards are would it benefit me any to move up to the 640mb version of the GTS or even the GTX? Is that just a waste of money?

Also Im a little unsure of what version of Vista I need. I do know I want the 64 bit version. Is it possible to purchase 1 copy of the 64 bit version that I can load onto multiple computers without any issues?

Thank you all very much for your feedback.

 

[DSF]

Originally posted by: Hkshooter
With how the prices of video cards are would it benefit me any to move up to the 640mb version of the GTS or even the GTX? Is that just a waste of money?

The 640MB version of the 8800GTS is actually lower performance than the 512MB version, and the 8800GTX is only slightly better. The 8800GTS 512MB offers the best value of the three.

Personally, I wouldn't buy RAM that needs 2.2V to achieve its advertised specs.

 

[Hkshooter]

In that case I also see alot of people on the forums recommend this brand of memory. Would this do the trick http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820231111
or would you recommend something else.

Thank you for clearing up the video card questions, I appreciate it.

 

[chuckm]

Looks good. I would go for 2X2 on the ram not 4X1, in which case you can't use ballistix. 2X2 puts less strain on the northbridge and requires less voltage, as least from what I've read. You can only use the OS on multiple systems if you buy a multi-license pack.

 

[Hkshooter]

Ok I understand now. Looks like i just had to do a little more research. After awhile all the numbers look the same to me. LOL

Thanks again

 

[angry hampster]

Also, you may want to consider this corsair PSU over the OCZ

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...004&Tpk=corsair%2b550w

It's a bit pricier, but it is an extremely solid unit that you'll be able to keep for a long time.

 

[DSF]

Originally posted by: angry hampster
Also, you may want to consider this corsair PSU over the OCZ

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...004&Tpk=corsair%2b550w

It's a bit pricier, but it is an extremely solid unit that you'll be able to keep for a long time.

Or this one, which is just about as powerful and has the advantage of modular cables for just about the same price at buy.com:
http://www.buy.com/prod/corsai...loc/101/203270716.html

 

[accguy9009]

I picked up the OCZ StealthXStream OCZ500SXS ATX12V when it was on sale at buy.com recently for less than $ 30.00 after MIR. I can tell you so far it has been rock solid and whisper quiet.

 

[Hkshooter]

I will definately take a look at the those two power supplies. Hopefully one will pop up with a nice big rebate like Accguy got.

 

[MarcVenice]

Take a look at this one as well: http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...p?ProductCode=10006237

It's complete overkill, but hard to pass up on for the price ? The 520hx is modular though, which is neat as well. The cooler master provides more power though. Both are about equal in build qaulity.

Check this thread: http://forums.anandtech.com/me...=2159351&enterthread=y if you need to find a e8400/E3110.

 

[Roguestar]

This RAM:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820231122

Uses less slots, runs at 1.8V, cheaper than 2x(2x1GB).

 

[TheWrongTree]

I would definitely look for a solid 750W or greater PSU. Not that it won't run fine with 550, but that's one area you don't want your computer to struggle, ever. Power is like the blood and your PSU is the heart of your computer. Get good ones. EVERYTHING else depends on that. Besides, if some badass new GPU comes out that sucks power like a Hoover, but you HAVE to have it... you'll be ready. Silverstone is developing a good name for themselves. I used one of theirs in my recent build and it is quiet, modular, and has enough power to do anything that I might want to do. But there's plenty of good PSU's out there now. Just do your research.

Modular is nice because you can remove wires you don't need.
Multiple 12V rails can be good or bad. Try to keep your GPU off the rail that your motherboard/processor run on.
Fans are a consideration. Do you want a totally silent fanless number, or something that will help move air out of your case?

etc. etc.

Good luck! I think it looks like a fine build though.

 

[TheWrongTree]

Also, I am using Vista 64 and it's fine. It was the smoothest Windows installation I've ever had. Up and running in 45 minutes, no problems with drivers or compatibility at all. I think most of the early driver issues people experienced are resolved and the remaining problems are probably mostly hitting those who are trying to upgrade to 64 bit Vista from machines that were designed for 32 bit XP. I don't think that's a good idea at all.