Final Build Critque

[uncleezno]

So I've read a million posts here about other people's builds, quad vs. dual, DDR2 vs. DDR3, g90, 45nm intel chips, etc. I've decided I'm tired of waiting for the next big thing, because I'll just be waiting forever! I'm replacing a four year-old laptop, so anything is going to be better than what I've got. I'm hoping to use this new desktop for three years without replacing anything. Here's what I've picked out (nicely linked and priced, as people prefer):

MOBO - Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3R, $137 @ newegg

CPU - Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600, $298 @ tankguys.biz

RAM - Patriot eXtreme Performance 2GB (2 x 1GB)DDR2 800 (PC2 6400), $119 ($74AR) @ newegg.com

VIDEO - eVGA GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB PCI Express, $280 ($260AR) @ newegg.com

HDD - Samsung 400GB SpinPoint Serial ATA-300, $85 @ newegg.com

MONITOR - Acer AL2051W Black 20" 8ms Widescreen LCD Monitor - Retail, $200 @ newegg.com

DVD - LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner With 12X DVD-RAM Write Black SATA Model - OEM, $37 @ newegg.com

CASE - COOLER MASTER CAC-T05-UW CENTURION 5, $45 @mwave.com

POWER - Corsair 520W SLI Certified Modular ATX Power Supply, $100 ($80 AR) @ buy.com


Total: $1301 ($1216 AR), not including an OS



So, what do you think? Will this let me enjoy Oblivion, Supreme Commander and Bioshock, and let me get some enjoyment out of future games? Let me know! Thanks!

EDIT: Added a case, a better PSU and a smaller, higher quality monitor. Thanks guys!

 

[ethugholla]

Looks good.

If you want a cheap, reliable case, I recommend you check out the Cooler Master Centurion 5.

http://www.mwave.com/mwave/sku....hmx?SCriteria=BA21145

Also, you might want to check out a different PSU--the Corsair 520HX.

http://www.buy.com/prod/corsai...loc/101/203270716.html



Fortunately that Corsair PSU is on sale for 69.99 if you use GCO. A very very good deal for a high quality PSU.

 

[Noema]

Looks nice, but I'd get a slightly beefier PSU, at least 600W from a good brand, such as this.

Sure, it's pricey, but it's a quality PSU that will last, is quieter and provides wattage that's closer to what's advertised, as opposed to cheaper power supplied with low efficiency.

It's not wise, in my opinion, to spend $1200 on a PC and then skimp on the PSU.

 

[uncleezno]

Thanks for the case, ethugholla. I think I'll go with it.

Do I really need to drop $100 on a PSU? I'm not going to overclock, and I've read a lot of back and forth between people who want 1000W and people who are fine with 400W.

 

[KungFused]

You don't need to drop extra money for extra wattage on a PSU. 400W (or even 300W) will be more than enough to power the system you have configured and any upgrades you might make in the future. You should, however, consider spending extra money on a higher quality PSU, made by Seasonic, Enermax, FSP, Corsair, or any other reputable PSU manufacturer that's escaping me right now.

[EDIT] Didn't notice the link above to the Corsair 520HX for $70 -- that's a very good deal on a very good power supply, I'd jump on that ASAP were I in your shoes.

[EDIT2] Also, I'd definitely consider either spending a bit more for a better quality 22" monitor, or spending about the same on a slightly smaller 20" monitor. The monitor's your primary interface with your system, so it's always worth it in my opinion to spend a little extra for additional quality. This 20" Acer is $30 less (which'd help offset the extra cost from the quality PSU) but has a better quality panel compared to the one you have picked out right now.

 

[uncleezno]

Makes sense to me. I'll go with a 20" monitor and the better PSU. Now that I think about it, I probably don't have enough room for a 22" monitor on my desk in my office anyhow. Thanks for the help!

 

[guaterickie]

are you ordering this like today? because some of those rebates end tomorrow 7/31 im pretty sure. i wont be getting my list together until tomorrow because the rebates end tomorrow so i have to see if there are going to be new rebates. just FYI

 

[uncleezno]

I did notice that. Now that it's finalized, I'll order tomorrow, and hopefully find comparable deals.