New Build - Gimme your opinion

[dttuner]

I've decided to bite the bullet, and finally complete my PC build.
I've had some random parts sitting around for a while now... returned some for others, and have been generally BS-ing around getting a new PC. Now, my girlfriend needs a new laptop.. so I'm going to give her mine.

My build is going to be a Bang-for-Buck build, and should run me no more than $1000.
Here is what I plan on picking-up this week:
Antec Nine Hundred case
Gigabyte GA-EP35C-DS3R motherboard
Intel Q6600 Quad-Core CPU
Thermalrite Ultra-120 CPU heatsink/fan
Corsair XMS2 Dominator TWIN2X2048-8500 2GB Ram
EVGA Superclocked 8800GT 512mb 512-P3-N802-AR
OCZ Stealthxtream 600 watt 12v Power supply

Then a 500gb SATA3 HD, SATA DVD burner, etc.

Any suggestions?

[gvblake22]

I don't really like those StealthXstream PSUs because they have so few SATA power connections (only three). I recently got myself a Corsair VX550 PSU and I highly recommend it.

What is the primary use(s) of this system? If it is gaming and general usage stuff, you might consider a faster clocked dual core (like the E8400) instead of a slower clocked quad core (like the Q6600).

[dttuner]

Originally Posted by gvblake22

I don't really like those StealthXstream PSUs because they have so few SATA power connections (only three). I recently got myself a Corsair VX550 PSU and I highly recommend it.

What is the primary use(s) of this system? If it is gaming and general usage stuff, you might consider a faster clocked dual core (like the E8400) instead of a slower clocked quad core (like the Q6600).

Hmmm... good call on the Powersupply. I'll look into the Corsair.

Well, this is a gaming build, but with a strong focus on budget PC.
The Q6600 is priced really well right now. But I will see what I can find in the E8400 series.

[screwballl]

question... why go with the EP35C? that is a combo board that can use either DDR2 or 3... but the performance of either one on these combo boards is lacking so it is typically better to get one that uses one or the other. Maybe look into the EP35-DS3R

[dttuner]

Originally Posted by screwballl

question... why go with the EP35C? that is a combo board that can use either DDR2 or 3... but the performance of either one on these combo boards is lacking so it is typically better to get one that uses one or the other. Maybe look into the EP35-DS3R

Basically, it's what's available.
I'm buying from this location (because it's local to me, and 3% tax)
Micro Center Online | the center of .computer shopping

How about Gigabyte GA-EP35-DS4 ??

.

[screwballl]

the DS4 is good as well...
May want to look into newegg to check the shipping and cost to see how it compares to the local shop prices... sometimes even with shipping the cost is still lower than local computer shops after tax. At least worth a look.

[dttuner]

Originally Posted by screwballl

the DS4 is good as well...
May want to look into newegg to check the shipping and cost to see how it compares to the local shop prices... sometimes even with shipping the cost is still lower than local computer shops after tax. At least worth a look.

I'm a huge newegg fan... thing is, since I'm in NJ I have to pay tax AND shipping :(

[screwballl]

ewww
The goal is to find the best price for the best deal... any of the gigabyte EP35 boards are great. I just tend to not suggest the EP35C combo boards unless you have no other choice.

[dttuner]

Originally Posted by screwballl

ewww
The goal is to find the best price for the best deal... any of the gigabyte EP35 boards are great. I just tend to not suggest the EP35C combo boards unless you have no other choice.

After reading some reviews of the GA-EP35-DS4 board, I'm gonna go with that.

[Hitman]

Right now Newegg is offering quite a few items with free shipping, so you still might save a few pennies. Worth a look.