Need feedback on this system

[kevrocks]

I want to build a new system, but I haven't built a system for a while now, so I'm sorta behind on the new technology. Here is my tentative system setup:

All prices from Newegg.

Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS3R - $119.99
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz - $199.99
Memory: G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR2 1066 - $149.99
Video card: XFX PVT84JYAJG GeForce 8600GT 512MB - $85.99
Hard drive: Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD5000AAKS 500GB - $89.99
Optical: SAMSUNG 20X DVD±R DVD Burner SH-S203B - $26.99
Case: COOLER MASTER Centurion 534 RC-534-SKN2-GP - $49.99

Subtotal: $722.93

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New setup after feedback:

Motherboard: GA-EP35-DS3L - $89.99
CPU: E7200 - $134.99
Memory: G.SKILL 4GB DDR2 800 - $84.99
PSU: Corsair 450VX - $79.99 ($69.99 AR)
Video card: EVGA 8800GT 512MB - $189.99 ($159.99 AR)
Hard drive: Seagate 7200.11 500GB - $99.99
Optical: Samsung SH-S203B - $26.99
Case: Cooler Master Centurion 534 - $49.99

Subtotal: $756.92 ($716.92 AR)

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1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing.
Mostly web surfing, watching videos, video and photo editing, office productivity purposes, some gaming (not graphics intense games).

2. What YOUR budget is. A price range is acceptable as long as it's not more than a 20% spread
$800-$900

3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from.
U.S.

4. IF YOU have a brand preference. That means, are you an Intel-Fanboy, AMD-Fanboy, ATI-Fanboy, nVidia-Fanboy, Seagate-Fanboy, WD-Fanboy, etc, etc, etc, you get the picture.
Intel

5. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are.
Just peripherals likes keyboard, mouse, etc.

6. IF YOU have searched and/or read similar threads.
Yes

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.
Defaults

8. WHEN do you plan to build it?
Within a month

Additional notes:
- For the motherboard, I want an ATX motherboard with at least 4 SATA, 6+ rear USB ports, and 6+ audio channels. I don't need RAID.
- I would like this to be a mid-level gaming system. I don't play games much, but I would like it to be able to handle games like TF2 and GRAW2. I won't be overclocking.
- Do I need a PCIe power connector for the 8600GT? I couldn't find anything about that.
- I have not chose a PSU yet. Please recommend a good PSU that will support the setup.

What do you guys think about my current setup? Should I replace any items?

Thanks in advance!

 

[chinaman1472]

You're not overclocking, so you don't need the fastest RAM.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820231122

A different video card, the 8600GT is outdated garbage.
8800GT 512MB for $160 http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814130318
There's a deal on an 8800GTS 512MB around for $177 + shipping somewhere as well. The weakest card you should be getting is the 9600GT for a "mid-level" system.

Pick up a Corsair 450VX, 520HX, 550VX. If those feel a bit too expensive for you, look at the Antec Earthwatts 430w or 500w or Seasonic 400w.

It doesn't sound like you need THAT much CPU power. I'd tone it down to a E7*** series for around $140. If you consider overclocking, which technically is a free upgrade (also safe and simple if you take a day or two to read up on it and spend another day or two fine tuning it), I would even consider toning down to the E2*** series and overclock it.

 

[kevrocks]

Thanks china, I went for DDR2 800, E7200, and I added the Corsair 450VX. Would 450W be enough (assuming I'll get the 8800GT)?

If I get an 8800GT, how important is it to have a PCI Express 2.0 slot? I don't want to buy a $200 motherboard just for PCIe 2.0.

 

[Billy Idol]

PCIe 2.0 isn't anything to worry about. The 450VX will certainly suffice at stock clocks and would probably have a bit of room left when OCed. I like your choices after chinaman's suggestions.. the only thing I'd throw in is to perhaps check out the GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS3L LINK. It's $89 but leaves off a few features (the principle one being RAID which you've stated you don't need) you may or may not want.

 

[DarkRogue]

PCIe2 won't be saturated by an 8800GT so don't worry about that too much.
What kind of video and photo editing will you be doing? From what I've read, those things are usually more CPU-intensive, and would help for you to get a faster dual core or even go quad core if you do it a lot and need it to go quicker.

A good 400w or so PSU is enough for your needs as well. If you don't need RAID, why not go to the DS3L? Or does that not have enough USB for you?

 

[kevrocks]

Ok, I went with the 8800GT and the DS3L. Any other feedback?

Dark, I don't do much video editing, but when I do, I just do simple tasks like cutting out frames and re-ordering frames. For photo editing, same deal, just basic to intermediate activities and not on a daily basis.

 

[DarkRogue]

In that case, a slower E7200 might be right for you. Or could always upgrade to an E8400 if you crave some extra power.
PSU you basically have your pick, anything around 400w is more than enough for your system, just get something that's 80-plus certified.

Other than that, it looks good to me. Everything else is just extras (aftermarket coolers, extra fans, etc.)

 

[Roguestar]

Change the OP to reflect your latest choices, then. Easier for people to come into the thread and get straight into the matter and recommend more stuff.

 

[kevrocks]

Thanks for the feedback guys! I will probably stick with the modified config.

 

[Arcanedeath]

Since your under budget and don't want to overclock you may want to add back in the E8400 its quiet a bit faster w/ twice the cache and another almost 500mhz clockspeed along w/ the higher default bus speed. Otherwise your choices look good.

 

[kevrocks]

Actually, with tax and shipping, I would be within budget. Adding the E8400 would bring me over budget. I think the E7200 would suffice.

 

[ViviTheMage]

get an 8800GTS , if you do any type of high end gaming. I built the same setup, but with an 8800GTS and a different case.