Need advice on my first build!

[esheppard19]

I'm building a computer for the first time and I'm struggling to work out all of the possible issues with my parts. I've spent hours and hours reading guides, forums, reviews etc so I'm getting the hang of all the jargon. I'm looking for any comments or suggestions you have.

Here's my background and then my current parts list:
1. Purpose: mid-level gaming. RTS, RPG, not cutting edge
2. Budget: under $700
3. Country: US (Newegg)
4.
5. OC: yes, looks like fun, I'd like to try it
6. Resolution: I'm not particular. I'm thinking a 19'' LCD
7. When: I'd like to buy everything within a week.

My proposed parts:
Mobo: GIGABYTE GA-G41M-ES2L LGA 775 Intel G41 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
CPU: Intel Pentium E6300 Wolfdale 2.8GHz 2MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor - Retail
CPU fan: ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler - Retail
GPU: SAPPHIRE 100253HDMI Radeon HD 4650 512MB 128-bit GDDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Low Profile Video Card - Retail
Memory: CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X4096-6400C5 - Retail
HDD: Western Digital Caviar Blue WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - OEM
Optical: HP Black 24X DVD+R SATA 24X Multiformat DVD Burner LightScribe Support - Retail
Case/PSU: Antec New Solution NSK2480 Black/Silver 0.8mm cold-rolled steel MicroATX Desktop Computer Case 380W Power Supply - Retail
Monitor: ASUS VW195T Black 19" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 2000 :1 (ASCR) Built in Speakers - Retail

My current concerns are:
1. Is the memory compatible with the mobo- the model isn't on the manufacturer's list
2. The HDD is OEM and I can't find a similar retail one on Newegg- what do I need to install an OEM HDD? I don't have spare parts lying around like all of you do!
3. Is the MicroATX case risky because it could create installation problems?
4. How do I check that I have all necessary cables?

 

[brblx]

you can definitely do better for $700. is that the budget for the machine only? how about OS and monitor?

in response to your questions-
1. yes, it's compatible. any DDR2 will fit that board, and DDR2-800 is plenty fast for that processor.
2. your mobo should come with at least one sata cable, and that's all you need. newegg's photos should show what's in the box.
3. not so much, but there are two things to be concerned with- CPU cooler height, and the length of your graphics card. the latter shouldn't be an issue with a 4650. it's also doubly important to have adequate airflow in a tight case.
4. you'll be fine on power cables. only other things you'll need are a sata cable for the hard drive, and an ide or sata cable for your burner (the one you've picked is sata, so, you need two sata cables).

i don't know what makes you think intel is more 'reliable' than AMD, the only differences are in performance and price. for your budget, i'd be looking at a cheap AMD tri or quad core. you could also afford a better video card, the 4650 with DDR2 will play some games, but it's pretty bottom rung these days.

why do you need this to fit in an HTPC case?

 

[jdjbuffalo]

Unless you need a quiet rig, which you don't seem to be going for, then just use the stock Intel cooler. It works well as long as you don't do overclocking. With your processor, motherboard and RAM I wouldn't be looking at overclocking much. However, if you do decide to go with a 3rd party cooler then pick up some Arctic Silver 5: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16835100007

Your graphics card is really on the light side. I would recommend a ATI RADEON 4850 512MB. You can pick one up for $109.99 with a $20 mail in rebate. If you don't want to do a rebate then go with one of the $99 ones. GIGABYTE GV-R485ZL-512H Radeon HD 4850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814125238

For the memory I prefer OCZ, Mushkin or Crucial. Here is an OCZ module that is $5 cheaper than the one you selected: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820227199

The hard drive you picked is alright but if you're just going to have one hard drive in your computer (not my preference) then I would go with the Western Digital Caviar Black WD5001AALS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16822136320 The one you picked actually varies from 5400 to 7200 RPMs. This is fine its a media storage drive but I wouldn't generally recommend it for an OS/Boot drive.

I think you should definitely get a different case. This is not really a great case for what you will be doing. I would recommend the Antec Three Hundred Illusion Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case for $69.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811129066 and the CORSAIR CMPSU-400CX 400W ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply for $29.99 after $20 mail in rebate http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817139008

 

[brblx]

the caviar blue is a 7200rpm drive. you're thinking of the caviar green, which is actually always 5400rpm, the whole 5400-7200rpm thing is just a marketing scheme.

not sure why you wouldn't overclock an e6300, he could likely go from 2.8ghz to 3.3 with the stock cooler, higher with a better one.

 

[esheppard19]

Wow, I am so glad I posted. Thank you for the advice so far!

Let me clarify my budget- $600 without OS or monitor

And yes I'd like to overclock- but I know there's many other limiting factors besides heat- so with a build like this is a cooler upgrade worth the money?

Also, I'll change to a mid tower, probably the one jdjbuffalo's recommended. I wanted a small case but I don't need it.

I'll start looking at an AMD setup again. My friend is convinced they're less reliable, but I trust your opinion over his.

This is what I had in mind before I switched: ASUS M3A78-EM AM2+/AM2 AMD 780G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813131324

Well regardless, I'd love some suggestions on AMD mobo/CPU combinations.
Thanks again!!

 

[BaboonGuy]

I suggest a 3.0ghz quad-core AMD phenom II setup. I recently built one with an PII 940 x4 (3.0ghz). I have 4GB ram, 500GB HD... cost me $467. Also have the corsair 400W PSU. I didn't put a dedicated GPU in mine though, but for $130 you can get a really nice video card I'm betting.

Look for combo deals newegg has with these phenom II chips and motherboards. That's how I got mine so cheap. Oh and I got a Rosewill case that I really like. Search threads I've made to see my parts list.

 

[okstatefan69]

Originally posted by: BaboonGuy
I suggest a 3.0ghz quad-core AMD phenom II setup. I recently built one with an PII 940 x4 (3.0ghz). I have 4GB ram, 500GB HD... cost me $467. Also have the corsair 400W PSU. I didn't put a dedicated GPU in mine though, but for $130 you can get a really nice video card I'm betting.

Look for combo deals newegg has with these phenom II chips and motherboards. That's how I got mine so cheap. Oh and I got a Rosewill case that I really like. Search threads I've made to see my parts list.

I'm tellin' ya if you can get a quad core cpu do it, I'm tellin ya I started off with that cpu,
and I'm tellin' ya, you get a quad and you can tell the differnce

 

[okstatefan69]

Originally posted by: okstatefan69

Originally posted by: BaboonGuy
I suggest a 3.0ghz quad-core AMD phenom II setup. I recently built one with an PII 940 x4 (3.0ghz). I have 4GB ram, 500GB HD... cost me $467. Also have the corsair 400W PSU. I didn't put a dedicated GPU in mine though, but for $130 you can get a really nice video card I'm betting.

Look for combo deals newegg has with these phenom II chips and motherboards. That's how I got mine so cheap. Oh and I got a Rosewill case that I really like. Search threads I've made to see my parts list.

I'm tellin' ya if you can get a quad core cpu do it, I'm tellin ya I started off with that cpu,
and I'm tellin' ya, you get a quad and you can tell the differnce

ya'l excuse my language I'm from Oklahoma. I type the way I talk

 

[brblx]

how about-

antec sonata / earthwatts 500, $110
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811129024

samsung dvdr, 27
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16827151187

WD 640GB, 65
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16822136298

780G mobo, 90
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813157161

AMD phenom II x4 945, 170
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16819103696

crucial mega-blinky ddr3, 70
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820148261

4850, 95
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814102824

over budget by $25. you can save some money by finding a cpu/mobo combo, especially one with an older AM2+ board (which is fully compatible with AM3) and DDR2 (about $25 bucks cheaper for 4GB).

 

[betasub]

Originally posted by: okstatefan69
ya'l excuse my language I'm from Oklahoma. I type the way I talk

Fo'sho'bro