1st build. about to hit checkout at newegg. any advice?

[mike12ophone]

Hey so I want a gaming machine at a reasonable price. I'm just about at my absolute price limit so upgrading any of these parts will mean downgrading another. Also I'm concerned with futureproofing my machine [hence the quad core] Just want to make sure I have what I need. So here's what I have in my cart..


CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor Model BX80562Q6600 – Retail - $189.99

Cooling: ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler - Retail - $18.99

Memory: G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ - Retail - $44.99

Mobo: ASUS P5Q Pro LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail - $129.99

PSU: Antec EA650 650W ATX12V Ver.2.2 / EPS12V version 2.91 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Retail - $59.99


Video: ASUS EAH4870 DK/HTDI/1GD5 Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail - $264.99

Hard drive: Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD3200AAKS 320GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive – OEM - $54.99

Optical drive: LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model iHAS120-04 - OEM - $22.99

Case: XCLIO Windtunnel Fully Black Finish 1.0 mm SECC Chassis ATX Full Tower Computer Case – Retail - $119.99



Is there anything I'll need like thermal grease or extra cables? Any input would be appreciated.

 

[zedman3d]

Change the heatsink to this for $29 after rebate ($39 without):
Newegg.com - Sunbeam CR-CCTF 120mm "Core Contact Freezer" CPU Cooler - CPU Fans & Heatsinks

next change the 4870 to two of these 4850's for $290 after rebate ($320 without):
Newegg.com - SAPPHIRE 100245L Radeon HD 4850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards

The rest is mostly preference and/or correct but if you cant find enough to squeeze the above mentioned stuff in, your fine. The stuff you have chosen isnt too shabby at all. Good job.

 

[BongWizard]

i'd want lower latency on that RAM, but otherwise, do as zedman suggested and you'll be pimpin!

 

[Evolv]

Why get 4850's in Crossfire? The 4870 1Gb is a bad a** card. I say stick with the 4870, then just get another for Crossfire if he needs more power later on.

 

[saltynay]

Personally I would get the Q9300 (not sure abour in the US but its a steal here in the UK atm). I would stick with a single gpu the 2x4850 will give you a better speed but crossfire is more hassle then its worth however I would get this 4870
Newegg.com - SAPPHIRE 100259L Radeon HD 4870 512MB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards

 

[UA_Iron]

Personally I would get the Q9300 (not sure abour in the US but its a steal here in the UK atm). I would stick with a single gpu the 2x4850 will give you a better speed but crossfire is more hassle then its worth however I would get this 4870
Newegg.com - SAPPHIRE 100259L Radeon HD 4870 512MB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards

The Q6600 is a better processor than the Q9300.

I picked up a Q9550 for $229 with mobo at frys electronics, that was a steal

 

[saltynay]

Wheres your logic?
The Q9300 is newer, runs cooler, runs faster and has the potential to overclock further
The Q6600 is old, runs hot, runs slower at stock speeds but does have an extra 2mb of ondie memory but that would give little real world performance gain

 

[1337_JohnN]

i7 pwns both, and is only $100 more, and has twice the power because of HT. >:]

 

[saltynay]

Twice the power???? every benchmark I have seen so far only has a 10-20% performance boost and is highly dependent on what program your running. Plus your missing out the hidden cost of motherboard and ram prices being extortionate.....

 

[UA_Iron]

Depends on how high you want to overclock I guess. You'll need a 480 FSB to hit 3.6ghz - which is hardly stable on most boards.

Though the new Q6600's seem to be neutered with their oc'ing abilities too.