Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more

So once again the time arises that I must throw myself upon the mercy of the gods of this forum to check, double check and basically re-affirm my uneasy mind of my choices.
Let me start off by saying, I will be using this computer mainly for gaming and web surfin'. I hope to play games like Spore, Starcraft II and give that little known game, Crysis, a spin. I also don't have set budget so to speak, I’m aiming to spend around $1200 but am not imposed to spending up to 1500 if required.
Before getting into the selection I have made so far, I have a few questions that someone might be able to shed some light on.

~Is Vista ok to buy yet? I had heard that it was not a good idea to get if you were to play games on your computer. I own a copy of Win XP but wouldn’t mind spending a few more dollars on Vista and if so do I need Vista 64?

~I own a very hairy mutt that tends to leave Dog 'tumbleweeds' around my home and would like to figure out a way to better protect my computer from his floating debris. Someone had mentioned putting little mean greenie scrub pads, the ones for scrubbing your dishes, in front of the fan ports and just throwing them into the dishwasher when they are dirty.

And now the Meat and Potatoes:
CPU: 249.99 Again have been toying with the idea of this CPU, seems to have some of the best bang for the buck.
http://www.newegg.com/product/prod [...] 6819115017
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor Model BX80562Q6600 - Retail

Case: 69.00 Not sure about this case, I really don’t even know how to judge a good one.
http://www.newegg.com/product/prod [...] 6811166030
Sunbeam Silent Storm IC-SS-SVBK Black/Silver Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

MoBo: 99.00 Seems to be fine, I wouldn’t be opposed to OC'in but probably not right away, I would rather spend more money right away and get a better computer that doesn’t need the OC’in to play games.
http://www.newegg.com/product/prod [...] 6813128059
GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX All Solid Capacitor Intel Motherboard - Retail

Ram: 185.00 Seems fine to me and its got the 1066 which matches my CPU FSB which I heard was good to do.
http://www.newegg.com/product/prod [...] 6820231166
G.SKILL 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-8500CL5D-4GBPK - Retail

GFX: 299.00 Seems like a lot of people like this GFX, I hope to match the power of the CPU and the GFX as not to Bottleneck.
http://www.newegg.com/product/prod [...] 6814130337
EVGA 512-P3-N845-AR GeForce 8800GTS 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail

HDD 50.00 Just your average HDD
Western Digital Caviar SE WD1600AAJS 160GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/product/prod [...] 6822136075

Optical Drive: If someone can pick one of these out for me it would be much appreciated

HSF+Fans+PSU If anyone could suggest some for me.

Thanks for the all the info and time guys

Message edited by xerocool83 on 04-01-2008 at 01:10:22 AM

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You don't need that super fast RAM unless you're doing some serious overclocking. thanks to Intel's marketing machine, the FSB1066 translates to a bus speed of 533MHz, which is DDR-533/PC4200. Buy 4G of DDR2-800 and you're all set for FSB1600. And you've saved maybe $120.

For cases in your price range, I like the NZXT ones but it's very subjective.

PSU, I've never felt compelled to spend more than about 50-75 bucks- I got my Antec Trio 650W for $69. I find it amazing that some people spend upwards of $200 for a PSU. It's up to you.

Message quoted 1 times

Reply to bliq

For gaming forget Q6600 and go for E8400

Reply to kad

This is a good PSU I think. Looks like a good price on it now too.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817139005

------------------------------ Phenom II X4 940 BE 3.0GHz - 1.25V > GA-MA790GP-DS4H > XFX ATI 4850 1GB > 4GB OCZ Platinum 1066MHz 5-5-5-15-2T > PCP&C 610W
Athlon II X2 250 3.0GHz > GA-MA770T-UD3P > Sapphire ATI 4650 512MB DDR3 > 4GB OCZ Platinum 1600MHz@1066MHz > XP/Win7 Enter 64
Reply to EXT64

For HSF: I would take a look at Xigmatek HDT-S1283 (Its a new cooler, and rated at #1 at Frostytech)
http://www.frostytech.com/top5heatsinks.cfm

For PSU: Corair 450VX/550VX/520HX or PP&C 610

For quiet and quality fans look in to Scyth and Yate Loon.

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http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2617/3815217176_0a5be7955d_o.gif

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3553/3818083596_1a772f7162_o.gif

Reply to shadow703793

bliq wrote :

You don't need that super fast RAM unless you're doing some serious overclocking. thanks to Intel's marketing machine, the FSB1066 translates to a bus speed of 533MHz, which is DDR-533/PC4200. Buy 4G of DDR2-800 and you're all set for FSB1600. And you've saved maybe $120.

For cases in your price range, I like the NZXT ones but it's very subjective.

PSU, I've never felt compelled to spend more than about 50-75 bucks- I got my Antec Trio 650W for $69. I find it amazing that some people spend upwards of $200 for a PSU. It's up to you.

Agreed. P35-DS3x boards seems to have a problem with natively higher DDR2 800 RAM, but not when DDR2 800 is OCed to the same level. Go for regular DDR2 800 from a good manufacture like Crucial, Corsair, etc.

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Reply to shadow703793

Is there a difference between these two and if so which should I get?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819115037

Also, how do you guys think this computer will handle current games right now like Crysis and World in Conflict?

or

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819115046

Reply to xerocool83

Wow! That is a big price difference! The second doesn't have a fan and has a shorter warranty (usually). If you are going to use an aftermarket HSF, I'd go with the OEM for sure. That's a nice price.

------------------------------ Phenom II X4 940 BE 3.0GHz - 1.25V > GA-MA790GP-DS4H > XFX ATI 4850 1GB > 4GB OCZ Platinum 1066MHz 5-5-5-15-2T > PCP&C 610W
Athlon II X2 250 3.0GHz > GA-MA770T-UD3P > Sapphire ATI 4650 512MB DDR3 > 4GB OCZ Platinum 1600MHz@1066MHz > XP/Win7 Enter 64
Reply to EXT64

Thanks for all the help guys.

Could I still get someone to point out a good Optical drive?

Is this one fine?
http://www.newegg.com/product/prod [...] 6822136075

Would it benefit me at all to push it to 8 gigs?

And still wondering about Vista vs XP?

Thanks again

Reply to xerocool83

That HDD is fine as long as you don't need much storage. If possible try to get 7200.11 HDD. In order to use 8GB completely you need a x64 OS. Windows x86 is limited to ~3.5GB.

Message edited by shadow703793 on 04-01-2008 at 03:16:04 AM

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Reply to shadow703793

Im not sure I have heard of 7200.11 HDD? Whats the difference and could you point me to a good ~200GB one?

Reply to xerocool83

Actually looks like I did find one how does this one look?

http://www.newegg.com/product/prod [...] 6822148288

Reply to xerocool83

Alright more questions for you guys.

How does this case seem?
http://www.newegg.com/product/prod [...] 6811166030

Also will I need to purchase the epoxy to attach the HSF or does it have it pre-attached?

Thanks again.

Reply to xerocool83

case and HDD looks good. You will not need epoxy to attach HSFs these days. How ever you will need thermal paste like ArcticSilver5. The LGA775 HSFs ate attached with pins.

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Reply to shadow703793

Thanks for all the help guys. I have, what I think to be, the final version here on my wish list
https://secure.newegg.com/NewVersio [...] ID=6068545
With a total of $1072

Now my final question is if I had an extra 200 dollars to throw at this machine would anyone get a difference CPU/GFX card?

V/R
X

Reply to xerocool83

Don't use those scrub pad things, go to a home supply store and buy a foam pre-filter that you can stick into your case somewhere. Or any kind of fine metal mesh will work also.

The problem is $200 isn't really enough to upgrade your graphics card since from there you're looking at a dual GPU style card as the only real upgrade. Either switch to a 9800 GTX or stow the cash for a second card later would be my recommendation.

Reply to theaxemaster

So I shouldnt sub in a GeForce 9800 GTX instead?
if I can afford it
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814143129

Reply to xerocool83

forget the 9800gtx. just get the 8800gts you wanted and SLi.

from what i know (don't quote me on this) Vista is coming out with SP1 i think around september which should fix most of its bugs. so it might be worth considering.

and buy crucial ddr2-800 i OC'ed mine to 1066mhz @ 2.4 volts and 5-5-5-13 timings.

^ Vista SP1 is already out...

Your wish list 4 posts up isn't public so we can't view it.

Optical drive... I've had good luck with Samsung, but any brand name is about the same and around $30:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6827151153

Message edited by oushi on 04-01-2008 at 10:41:14 PM

Reply to oushi

I would spend your extra cash on a better case. The Antec P182 is quiet, cool and has built-in easily removable dust filters.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811129025

Also go with a PSU from Antec, Seasonic, or Corsair.

Reply to azmtbkr81

Ok
So am I good to Order yet?
Antec P182 Gun Metal Black 0.8mm cold rolled steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX All Solid Capacitor Intel Motherboard - Retail

EVGA 512-P3-N845-AR GeForce 8800GTS KO 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail

CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX ATX12V / EPS12V 650W Power Supply - Retail

Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 3.0GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model EU80570PJ0806M - OEM

Crucial 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model CT2KIT25664AA800 - Retail

Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST3500320AS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM

SAMSUNG 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model SH-S203N - OEM

Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - OEM

XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler - Retail

Totaling at $1,131.90

Thanks again guys

Reply to xerocool83

Looks good. . For OCing help on the P35-DS3L:P35-DS3L OCing HOW TO

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Reply to shadow703793

Your list looks good now, don't change a thing. I am so glad you changed the case to the P182. It has washable front intake filters.

Reply to geofelt

I would get the 9800 GTX, if you can afford it, because you cannot SLI on that board you are getting.

Latest benchies show it hangs well at higher resolution, but you did not mention your monitor choices..... Anything bigger than 20" and I would be on the 9800 vs the 8800.

Vista now posts better scores in 3dmark06, a synthetic benchmark for sure, but does offer future proofing, and make sure the copy you get has sp1 on it, to avoid any install issues with more than 2 gig of ram, and if you get Vista 64, you will want more than 2 gigs.

I have the P180 and love it, even fit all my watercooling (pump and 2 rads) in there with my sli'd 8800 GTX's.

Reply to Granite3

Well as for monitors I have two:

http://www.recycledgoods.com/item/22200.aspx
and my tv which Im interested in hooking up my computer too

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6889102161

If I get the 9800 GTX will it work with my current set up and is this one fine?
http://www.newegg.com/product/prod [...] 6814121238

Reply to xerocool83

That second one is NOT a monitor :lol:

If you do get a 9800GTX (I'm not necessarily recommending it), I'd go eVGA for their step-up. Both my old 6800s were from them. They seem to do as good of a job as anyone.

Message quoted 1 times

------------------------------ Phenom II X4 940 BE 3.0GHz - 1.25V > GA-MA790GP-DS4H > XFX ATI 4850 1GB > 4GB OCZ Platinum 1066MHz 5-5-5-15-2T > PCP&C 610W
Athlon II X2 250 3.0GHz > GA-MA770T-UD3P > Sapphire ATI 4650 512MB DDR3 > 4GB OCZ Platinum 1600MHz@1066MHz > XP/Win7 Enter 64
Reply to EXT64

The reviews of the 9800GTX, granted only 5 of them, seem less then stellar. Will I see any significate difference between the 8800 and the 9800?

Thanks

Reply to xerocool83

Ok Right quick before I head to bed, I was thinking of not getting the 9800 GTX but instead getting the 8800GTX instead of the 8800GTS
Especially since with the rebate the GTX will be cheaper then the GTS....What is everyones thoughts on that?
http://www.newegg.com/product/prod [...] 6814130072

Thanks again guys

Reply to xerocool83

sounds great to me. plus 8800gtx supports triple sli which the gts does not.

Yeah go with the GTX or else a cheaper GTS 512. I'd go for the GTX and overclock it, and then use Evga's step-up program if something worthwhile comes out in the next 90 days.

Reply to Avenger_K

Ok its set then Ill get the 8800GTX instead...

Reply to xerocool83

EXT64 wrote :

That second one is NOT a monitor :lol:

If you do get a 9800GTX (I'm not necessarily recommending it), I'd go eVGA for their step-up. Both my old 6800s were from them. They seem to do as good of a job as anyone.

Agreed.

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Reply to shadow703793

just thought i would let you know the evga 8800 gts 512 is 250$ after rebate so it is 40$ cheaper if that matters. i also found this msi 8800 gts 512
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814127325
200$ dollars after rebate + you get a game (dont know if the game is even worth mentioning though)
that seems like a pretty good deal to me unless the msi card is worse than the evga in some way. can anyone comment on this? there shouldt be much difference between high quality manufacturers right?

and also is the step up program really worth anything now? i mean the 9800 gtx's are out so there isnt anything big and new coming out over the next 3 months. or is there?
not trying to hijack the thread, but sorry..

Reply to 0gab0ga

0gab0ga wrote :

just thought i would let you know the evga 8800 gts 512 is 250$ after rebate so it is 40$ cheaper if that matters. i also found this msi 8800 gts 512
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814127325
200$ dollars after rebate + you get a game (dont know if the game is even worth mentioning though)
that seems like a pretty good deal to me unless the msi card is worse than the evga in some way. can anyone comment on this? there shouldt be much difference between high quality manufacturers right?

and also is the step up program really worth anything now? i mean the 9800 gtx's are out so there isnt anything big and new coming out over the next 3 months. or is there?
not trying to hijack the thread, but sorry..

Yeah that MSI is a good deal, even if you don't want the game you could just sell it off.

How ever, although I don't know if this will be in the next three months (and I suspect not) there's this: http://www.nordichardware.com/news,7578.html

We shall see

Well I'm off to soccer.........

Message edited by Avenger_K on 04-03-2008 at 12:08:27 AM

Reply to Avenger_K

I like your final also.
If it were me I would buy the Retail e8400 @ $209.99.
For the extra $10.00 you get 3years warranty vs. 1year with the OEM

Reply to rsetter1

Forum Homebuilt Systems : New System Build - Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more

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