First build ~$2k

[gwhendri55]

I'm trying to build one for mostly gaming and some school.
This is what I have finally decided on:
150GB raptor
2x1GB Super Talent DDR2 800
Core 2 E6700
PCP&C 750W PSU
EVGA 8800GTS
EVGA 680i motherboard
LIAN LI ATX mid tower
I have a good mouse and keyboard, am planning to use my 17" CRT and am going to try and salvage an optical drive.
I want to be able to overclock and also to do sli in the future. I'm thinking my psu is maybe overkill? The price-tag is $2028; please let me know if this is a sound build.

 

[maroon1]

Get E6600 instead of E6700
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819115003

get 8800GTX instead of 8800GTS
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130072

 

[b1gapl]

Agreed with Maroon. Although it's not necessary to go with the GTX, because the GTS still kicks a**. But if you have the money, then go for it. Awesome system by the way.

 

[Sora]

The PSU is overkill IMO. Even with an 8800gtx. I would say 650 would be good enough.

also make sure you get a zalman or big typhoon CPU cooler. Even a GPU cooler and some aftermarket case fans would be good. Stock fans always suck.


Also I suggest getting a half decent sound card.

This one right here is cheap yet decent

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829120103

Or cant go wrong with a 50 bucks sound blaster for games like Battlefield

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829102011

 

[Ronnie]

is super talent a good brand?

im not sure but i would look at g skill for ram or crucial

 

[ThirdLeft152]

agreed with fade2black, go with the g. skill or some xms2

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145034
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820231065

and the psu is overkill, unless you plan on going sli with those 8800s

 

[b1gapl]

Even this power supply is good enough:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817128002
and it's SLI Certified.

 

[Sora]

most people see timings that are like those super talent. Yet they fail to look at the voltage. It's alreadyn set at 2.2 which is max in my mobo and a few others. My G.Skill when ran at 400mhz and at 2.2v can be OC'd to 4-4-3-8 easilly. Yet i choose to keep a 1:1 ratiop therefore its run at 4-4-4-12 at 440mhz. I've even had it at 5-5-5-15 at 540mhz LOL. So Bottom line is find cheap ram with the lowest timinngs and voltage.

a 5-5-5-12 stick of g.skill at 1.8v is the same if not better than 4-4-4-12 xms at 2.0v. Just slighly overclocked

 

[lancec2c30]

I would net even consider sli 8800's, by the time you need it there will be a single card for the same price that would kill the older sli setup.

core 2 duo e6600 would be a lot better. only big jump from e6600 is the e6800 because it has an unlocked multiplier.

Ya get some g skill ram. Overclocks really well.

Now because you wont need to really do SLI, I would justg get a 600w or 650w power supply and a good soundcard along with going from gts to gtx.

Zalman cpu cooler and some better case fans for more airflow and your in.