New computer build - opinions wanted

[Khrysus]

Hey guys, i'm just trying to finish up with my new computer build. I'm kinda on a budget but i want to build a good machine that will run the new games pretty fast. This is what i've come up with so far, I\'d like to order it soon. I'd appreciate it if you guys could just look it over and tell me how the build is. I'm getting most if not all my parts from newegg. Thanks in advance:

* Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale 3.16GHz 6MB L2 Cache
LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor
* ASUS P5N-D LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 750i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard
* EVGA 512-P3-N871-AR GeForce 9800 GTX(G92) 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card
* G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory
* Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250410AS 250GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
* RAIDMAX HYBRID 2 RX-730SS 730W ATX12V V2.2/ EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready Modular Modular LED Power Supply


I also really havent chose a case yet, so input would be appreciated. I'd like it if it had a side window and good airflow. Thanks alot guys :]

 

[SuxoR]

Well I'm sure somebody will help you with parts asap, I for one am not the best at picking parts

What's your overall budget? And what kind of case are you looking for? (price ranges help)

 

[Khrysus]

Thanks for the quick reply! I'm trying to stick maybe below 800, preferably 700.

 

[objecterror]

Are you putting this together for a 64bit system? You'll save money running 2GB of ram.

 

[Puddle Jumper]

That's a good start but there are a few things I recommend changing.

I would change the motherboard to a Biostar TP45hp. Sli boards like the p5n-d generaly aren't as good as ones using Intel chipsetes like the tp45. The tp45 is also a great overclocker.

Newegg.com - BIOSTAR TForce TP45HP LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Intel Motherboards

I would also change the video card to a ATI HD 4850 which is faster and generally cheaper than the 9800gtx. The motherboard I recommended also supports crossfire so you could add a second hd 4850 in the future.

Newegg.com - ASUS EAH4850 TOP/HTDI/512M Radeon HD 4850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards

I wouldn't get a raidmax psu since they are low quality. A Corsair 650tx would have plenty of power for your system even if you decided to add a second graphics card in the future.

Newegg.com - CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Power Supplies

The nzxt tempest has great airflow and a side panel window.

Newegg.com - NZXT TEMPEST Crafted Series CS-NT-TEM-B Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Computer Cases

 

[philbar71]

the evga 750i ftw is a very good board and a good overclocker. if it were me i would stick with the 750i and a 9800gtx+ and have the option to sli later

 

[Puddle Jumper]

^^The 750i FTW isn't nearly as good of a overclocker as the tp45 and costs significantly more. A 9800gtx+ also costs more than a 4850 and has similar performance.

 

[zmatt]

the evga 750i ftw is a very good board and a good overclocker. if it were me i would stick with the 750i and a 9800gtx+ and have the option to sli later

Many people call the 750i ftw the ftl for a reason. The TP45 is known to be able to hit 720mhz. I would like to see a 750i ftw do that. The FTL also cost a fair bit more than the TP45. Also the 4850 is a beast of a card and has great price/performance. You put two of those in Crossfire then you are set. A 750i FTL and 2 9800GTX+'s will be slower and much more expensive.

 

[philbar71]

it's only like a $60 difference. and you have the ability to sli on the 750i if he gets a 9800gtx+ also almost every review i have seen on the 750i they were able to overclock q6600's to like 3.6ghz

 

[zmatt]

Your logic is flawed.

1st, $60 is a lot of money, especially right now. A Q6600 at 3.6ghz is 400mhz fsb. that is not impressive, P35s can do that.

2nd, P45s are the best platform for overclocking Core 2s. Nothing comes close. The I45 has the world record, and the TP45 is only 5mhz behind it.

3rd, 9800GTX+s are slow and expensive. Why buy them? The only game they have an advantage in is Crysis, and that is one among a sea of others.