New "Builder"

[blufox219]

Hi im just starting to build my first system, and wanted some advice. I originally wanted the computer to run BF2 CS:source and AA:O, simple(er) games compared to whats out now. My friend howver talked me into building a "Rig" so ive decided to go with something a bit faster. I liked the idea of having a media center as well. (is vista any good?compared to xP)

I found all these things on newegg.

EVGA 132-CK-NF78-A1 LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 780i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor Model BX80562Q6600

EVGA 512-P3-N841-A3 GeForce 8800GTS (G92) 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card

Kingston HyperX 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1200 (PC2 9600) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model KHX9600D2K2/2G

Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3320620AS (Perpendicular Recording Technology) 320GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive

SAMSUNG 20X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model SH-S203B -

Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 w/SP2B

Can anyone recommend a decent PSU? Something with enough juice that i can add an additional graphics card in the future.

entire system will cost 1200 shipped (not counting PSU, Case, Fans, etc.)

Can anyone recommend anything for this system to make it even faster?
(please keep suggestions decently "priced")

 

[turtile]

Unless your trying to overclock very far, I would go with DDR2-800 and buy 4GB instead.

PSUs:
Corsair 620VX
PCP&P 750w
Seasonic S12 650w

 

[blufox219]

Thank you turtile i wanted to know if i could switch out memory to save money/get more.

I also have a question about processors. I see the wolfsdale e8400 is quite less (in price)than the q6600. what are the main differences between the two? Which might be better for gaming?

 

[maroon1]

I also have a question about processors. I see the wolfsdale e8400 is quite less (in price)than the q6600. what are the main differences between the two? Which might be better for gaming?

Q6600 is quad core, while E8400 is the new 45nm dual core

E8400 is better for gaming

 

[gurusan]

IMO this is a better system for the money. Just add your choice of cooler (Thermalright Ultra 120 Extreme + Scythe S-Flex 1200rpm is my recommendation)

Also this is if you overclock...if you don't overclock then the e8400 is the better choice

1172.94 subtotal
1102 after mail in rebates

 

[darksideleader]

um your buying xp now?

 

[nOcLuE98]

get vista home premium if you are gonna get 4gb of ram, and get the e8400 for games. Or wait a little while and get a new quad

oh and make sure you notice the change in motherboard someone suggested in the screenshot. The Asus p5e is x38, not 780i. it supports crossfire not SLI, so if you plan on using two GPUs, then you want two 3870's(or x2's), not the GTS512. If you dont plan on SLI, then the p5e is a wonderful choice.

 

[blufox219]

If going x38 then what kind of graphics card should i be looking for? (assuming im not going for SLI)

 

[maroon1]

If going x38 then what kind of graphics card should i be looking for? (assuming im not going for SLI)

If you are not going to SLI then I would recommend BFG 8800GTS
Newegg.com - BFG Tech BFGE88512GTSE GeForce 8800GTS (G92) 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail

 

[nOcLuE98]

If going x38 then what kind of graphics card should i be looking for? (assuming im not going for SLI)

any kind. It is when you get to 2 graphics cards that you need to pay attention. So if you plan on using two, then you need ATI (look at the 3870x2) for x38.