Building a budget gaming system

[Kronos121]

Hello,

I'm planning on building a budget gaming system (I don't really play games above 1280x1024) but I'm new to this and not sure if I have made the correct choice.

After a couple weeks of research I've decided to go for the following:

Dual Core E2160 (1.8Ghz) - $81 or C2D E4500 (2.2Ghz) - $124 (planning to OC to 3Ghz)
Abit IP35-E - $95 or Asus P5K-SE - $106
HIS HD 3850 256MB - $184
2x1GB Kingston DDR2 800 RAM (of which I already own)

That should cost slightly less than $370 if I go for E2160 and around $400 for E4500.

Do you think I should go for the more expensive E4500? From what I have read, an E2160 performs roughly equal to an E4500 when both are OC to 3Ghz. If that is indeed the case wouldn't an E2160 be the better choice?

As for the motherboard, both are within my budget limit but which would be a better choice for overclocking purpose (and in terms of stability/performance)? I've read some reviews and both seem on par.

Also would a 450W PSU be adequate for this system? Which brand of PSU would provide the most while being affordable?

And lastly a newbie question (1st time overclocking here): would overclocking severely reduce the life of the processor and motherboard? Do I need any additional cooling if I intend to overclock E2160/E4500 to 3Ghz or I just have to stay with the stock cooler?

Thanks.

 

[MegaVovaN]

O/C will not reduce life severely. Especially if you keep parts cool.

IMO go for 512mb version of that video card...

If budget is a problem, I would go with 512mb 3850 and e2160 rather than 256mb 3850 and E4500

450W is plenty, this will draw like 200W.

My favorite 450w is Corsair VX450. It may cost a little more coin ($60-70) than other 450s but it's well worth it.

 

[Kronos121]

Thanks for replying.

Is the stock cooler adequate for overclocking to 3Ghz? Do I need additional cooling (CPU fan, NB cooler)?

 

[BOLt]

Originally posted by: MegaVovaN
O/C will not reduce life severely. Especially if you keep parts cool.

IMO go for 512mb version of that video card...

If budget is a problem, I would go with 512mb 3850 and e2160 rather than 256mb 3850 and E4500

450W is plenty, this will draw like 200W.

My favorite 450w is Corsair VX450. It may cost a little more coin ($60-70) than other 450s but it's well worth it.

good psu recommendation.

stock cooling on mobo should be fine.

 

[Kronos121]

I just checked with a few local computer shops but they don't carry Corsair VX450. Any other "cost effective" PSU recommendations? Would an Enermax Liberty 400W a good choice?

 

[Doclife]

This PSU is also very good

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817371006

 

[DSF]

Originally posted by: Kronos121
I just checked with a few local computer shops but they don't carry Corsair VX450. Any other "cost effective" PSU recommendations? Would an Enermax Liberty 400W a good choice?

Any reason you're not willing to order online?

 

[chuckm]

Best deal on that PSU:
http://www.buy.com/prod/Corsai...loc/101/205466485.html

The motherboard depends on things like raid, firewire ect. The IP35E is $60 after MIR@ newegg.

 

[Kronos121]

Originally posted by: DSF

Any reason you're not willing to order online?

It is not as convenient in my country as in the US to order computer hardwares online. The custom tax is high enough that we have to rely on local computer shops. That said my product choices are somewhat limited, and also more expensive.

Meanwhile, I'd like to know if my current, older PSU would be able to support the new system
(also posted on power supplies forum):

Cooler Master RS-450-ACLX (450W)

Basically the spec is as follows:
+3.3v : Peak - 30A, Continuity - 20A
+5V : Peak - 35A, Continuity - 25A
+12V1 : Peak - 18A, Continuity - 12A
+12V2 : Peak - 16A, Continuity - 10A

191W for both +3.3v and +5V
264W for both +12V rails

If by any chance the above PSU is good enough then I would be able to save the money for a new PSU.

Thanks.

 

[MegaVovaN]

Your "Cooler Master RS-450-ACLX (450W)" should work fine.

 

[Kronos121]

I'm not sure about this but the max combined ampere for 12V rails is only 22A, and I thought that 3850 requires much more than that. Would it still work fine?