First off, it's been a loooooooooooong time since I've built a PC. I'm talking AMD 2000+ with an ATI 64mg video card. Add to that I've been running a laptop for the last 1.5 yrs and that let's you know how out of tune I am with new hardware. So, I've got an itch that needs scratched and have come up with a list. Tell me what you think, where I could make some improvements, save money, or get better performance for the same price. Just to let you know, I'm going off of ExtremeTech's new build's they've posted lately. Just to let you know, I'm wanting something I can game on for a decent price, but still be able to upgrade over the next couple of years. I don't have a big budget, so going over the current price by too much won't happen. With that being said here's the list, and thanks for the suggestions. * Antec Sonata III 500 - $129.99 * ASUS P5KC - $139.99 (takes both DDR2 & DDR3) * Intel Core 2 Duo E6550 Conroe 2.33GHz - $169.99 * Corsair XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) - $53 * EVGA 512-P2-N773-AR GeForce 8600GTS 512MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported - $159.99 (This was my first choice, but now that I've seen the front page article on the 9600GT. Oh the decisions.) * BFG Tech BFGE96512GTE GeForce 9600GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported - $179.99 Total with 8600GTS = $652.92 minus $55 in rebates = $597.92 Total with 9600GT = $672.92 minus $25 in rebates = $647.92 I know I'm missing some items, but the hard drive's and optical are coming from my current PC make-shift pc, and don't need replacing. Again, thanks for looking and comment away.
If you want that system to last a while, I'd go with 4Gb of RAM and cut back on the motherboard a little to an Abit IP35-E. What power supply do you plan to use?
the 9600GT is definitely what you want, the 8600 range is a waste of space. Do you want a DDR3 capable motherboard? if not go with a Gigabye GA P35 DS3L cheap and cheerful! (edit: or what he said ^^) I will let other comment on the rest.
Power supply is 500w and comes with the case. The mobo is DDR2 and DDR3 capable, so that leaves room for upgrading the mem. Honestly, I only need 2g of mem to get going, so adding another 2 isn't needed at this point. I considered that at first, but will leave it for upgrading later. I'll definitely look into that mobo though. As for the 8600/9600 issue, for only $20 it's almost a dead give away, just wanted to know if the 8600 would get me by without shelling out the extra dough.
No is is the simple answer - they are a waste of space Well its an Antec case so I would presume its an Antec PSU which is alright
What if i managed to get one on dec 31st... i dont want to shell another 120 bucks out to get another graphics card. As for the psu, I would suggest getting a decent one that dosent come with the case.
OK, so if the consensus is that I get another PSU, then what do you suggest? In the past I've always gone with what was cheaper, and realize that now that's not the best way to go. I know that some will always go with their brand, but I don't have to have some 1.21 jigawatt PSU. In the meantime, I'll go through the Hardware section on the front page for suggestions. Oh, and what wattage would I need anyway? I figured 500 would be enough.
I think the PSU in that case would be fine, Antec is a good brand. Usually (as in 99% of the time) PSUs that come with cases are rubbish.
A man with some sense... Anyone else get annoyed by the constant stream of people always thinking they need a 750-1000 watt PSU to power their single cored, non SLi computer? Really listen to what people are saying, do NOT go with a 8600 graphics card, they have shocking performance. Get the 9600 range, or even better the higher end 8800's...
Thanks Fishlock, and besides, I can't afford one of those monster PSU's anyway after looking at the price. I removed the 8600 and will stick with the 9600. Oh, and it looks like I chose a good mobo, http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1697,2275639,00.asp.
