Could use some input on my choices

[Dynesh]

Hey everyone, I'm new to these forums. Used to go to IGN PC hardware forums, but I let my subscription run out, and found these forums to be very helpful looking.

I'm in the process of finally upgrading my PC. Its about 3 or 4 years old, I guess. It has a P4 2.8, ati x850 pro, and 1 gig ddr pc2700 RAM.

I'm somewhere in the middle when it comes to computer technical stuff. I've never actually put a PC together, which is basically what this is going to come down to. I've been researching and have come up with what I consider my final go to list

I kind of wanted to see some opinions on the parts I've chosen, and also how these parts will work together, and what problems I might run in to.

EVGA 640-P2-N821-AR GeForce 8800GTS

Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 (actually waiting for the 6420)


OCZ Platinum Revision 2 2GB DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 pc2 6400

ASUS P5W DH DELUXE/WIFI-AP LGA 775

I could also use a recommendation for good power supply, but a fairly inexpensive one.

Thanks for any help, in advance.

[garetjax]

Originally Posted by Dynesh

I could also use a recommendation for good power supply, but a fairly inexpensive one.

Since you are wanting to use a power hungry 8800GTS videocard in your rig, I would highly reccomend that you buy a power supply that is at least 500w or more. These days, with SLI and multiple hard drive RAID arrays being the norm, there is no excuse to spend a bit more coin for a better PSU. As your rig grows so will your power needs. That's why I reccomend always buying the best PSU you can afford. You may not grow into it now, but you sure will in the future when the upgrade bug bites you.

Check out the OCZ GamerXStream 600w power supply. This honey will keep your rig running smooth and clean with its dual 12v rails, active PFC and SLI certification. It runs about $130.00, and it's on sale at Newegg right now with a $15.00 mail-in rebate. You can't really go wrong with OCZ. Their products, warranty, and their customer service are top notch!

Just ask Paul! ;)

[One4yu2c]

First and foremost, welcome to HardwareLogic, Dynesh!

As for your system, you've certainly done your research. I'm running that very motherboard on one of my systems, and it's a fine piece of silicon. I also like the nVidia based 680i and 650i chipset based boards, which also can accommodate two nVidia graphics cards (SLI), should that be a concern.

And speaking of videocards, have you looked at the 320MB versions of the 8800GTS? You can pick one up for under $300 after rebate, which would rate it relatively high on the bang/buck scale.

As for the PSU, Garet's correct, I'm (Paul) a fan of the OCZ GameXstream series (rebadged Fortrons), and that above linked 600w would have you sitting pretty. It's a good deal even without the mail-in-rebate, as is this 600w Tagan unit.

[Dynesh]

I did look at the 320MB version, and I was just a little torn. I'm not really sure what difference will be made. The best I could see is that the higher version can play higher resolutions, but at lower res, which I usually play at 1024x768, or something like that, there isn't much difference. Correct?

Maybe I'll drop down to the 320MB version so I can afford a better PSU

[screwballl]

With this new PC put together you will be able to play almost anything at much higher resolutions and graphics levels without losing any performance.
I just built myself a new budget build (in the sig) to replace an aging box XP3000+, 9600XT, 1GB PC3200. I could play CS:S on the old one at medium to high settings at 1280x1024 and get 30-80 fps.
Now with this new build I can play it with everything turned all the way up including AA/AF and still get minimum 120fps at 1440x900 (19" widescreen).
Also BF2 is MUCH smoother with everything turned all the way up and same resolution versus everything at medium on the older box, it was still choppy during artillery attacks and lots of people in the area and shooting.

With your mentions there, I would say step down to the 320MB version and get a bit better power supply. Also price drops are planned for the end of April and for the current price of a E6400, you can get a E6600 at that time. Might as well step up to that OR get the 6420 and spend a little bit more on something else.

[Mithosphere]

I dont know if you have or have not checked out the recommendation pages but may want to just take a look . . .HardwareLogic

also i noticed that you havent listed any other parts, i'm just a curious person would you perhaps if by chance list what youre thinking of getting with those already listed?

[Dynesh]

As to the other parts, I'm reusing everything from my current PC. I have two 250 gig hard drives, a western digital and a seagate. I think both only have 8mb buffers. My case is what I'm worried about. Its from Ibuypower, but its pretty big. I'm hoping the motherboard fits it right, or I'll be buying a case too.