Opinions of Build

[toado]

This is my first attempt at building my own, figured the time was right as I wanted a new pc. This will be used for general use internet browsing etc., some light video and photo editing, and gaming on a 32" 720p HDTV. I'm budgeting around 650 or so, but will go up or down for the right build

Heres what I have so far

Antec 900 + Earthwatts 500 $130
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 (plan on overclocking to 3 or 3.2) $160 (after live.com cashback)
Arctic freezer 7 pro $25
Diamond Ati Radeon 4870 1GB $180 (after rebate and live.com)
Seagate 7200.11 500 GB HD ($55 after live.com)
GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3R LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail ($90 After Rebate)
4GB OCZ DDR2 800 5-4-4-15 $25 (after rebate)

Adds up to $665 after all the rebates. I know that the 4870 1GB is overkill at 720p, but i want this rig to be future proof, and $180 seems like a steel to me.
Any and all opinions would be appreciated.

 

[Blain]

Old school quad core = :thumbsdown:

Seagate 500GB = :thumbsdown:

4GB OCZ 2.1v DDR2 = :thumbsdown:

Antec 900 = :thumbsup::laugh:

AC HS = :thumbsup::laugh:

Gigabyte P45 MB = :thumbsup::laugh:

4870/1GB =

 

[toado]

Thanks for the feedback, I just had a few questions.

1. What are the disadvantages of the Q6600 vs. the newer Quad cores?
when I compared the Q6600 to the Q8200 (only one in same price range), it seems like the Q6600 had more cache, and more overclocking headroom (as it starts with a lower fsb). Am I missing something?
2/3 .What alternative hard drve/ram would you reccomend in a similar price range?

Thanks for the input

 

[Blain]

* 45nm = less power usage, less heat, better SSE4.1 instructions
* WD 640GB "Black" or "Blue" versions
* Corsair XMS TWIN2X4096-6400C5 (1.9v)

 

[Denithor]

Blain has pretty much hit the high points, let me chime in with a few more details.

Q6600 is known for good overclocking but it's also known for turning a computer into a space heater (which might be acceptable in the winter but no fun when summer comes back around). 45nm quads run considerably cooler, have SSE4.1 (major impact in supported applications) and tend to overclock well and easily.

RAM - go for something rated specifically for 1.8 or 1.9V or you may not have any fun at all with your build when it fails to boot (if memory requires 2V or 2.1V and the board doesn't recognize that, you're out of luck unless you have another stick to use to boot and set the voltage up higher). There's a great G.Skill 2x2GB DDR2-800 pack at newegg for $45 shipped or you may have some luck finding a rebate kit cheaper.

WD is winning the performance & stability war this round and isn't charging a lot for it, either. The WD6400AAKS is the default recommendation, 640GB for $70 shipped is a great deal. The "black" version of the same drive features 32MB cache and is slightly faster in some applications, also costs like $20 more. Your call.

And one final comment: get the Xigmatek HDT-S1283 for $27AR instead of the AF7P. Much, much better cooling performance at the same price.

 

[disports]

If there's a microcenter nearby, that Xigmatek that Denitor is talking about is $14.99 AR! Ends Today 11/30!