Building new PC - Will these parts all work together?

[Shuemue]

I wouldn't buy that CPU with the rest of those parts. Look for an E8400 or E8500.

[Alishe]

I'd love for one of those CPUs but the 100$+ additional cost isn't an option for me unfortunately, right now after changing up the PSU to the combo deal Geno posted and getting the case separate, which actually had free shipping that way, and switching up the ram I am @645$ w/ shipping. My cut off is 650$ for what I can afford, 3 days ago I didn't want to spend more than 500$ orz..

[levish]

definately go with 2x 2GB otherwise you'll be running Single Channel mode for memory access if I remember right. Otherwise the build looks fine.

[Olo401]

Going to be running Windows XP home, and maybe dual boot windows 7 eventually.

CPU: Intel Pentium E5300 2.6GHz LGA 775 65W Dual=Core Processor Model BX80571E5300
Mother Board: GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3L LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard
Ram: 1x Kingston HyperX 2GB 240pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Desktop Memort Model KHX6400D2LL/2G
and 1x Kingston HyperX 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PD2 6400) Desktop Memory Model KHX6400D2LL/1G
HDD: HITACHI 0A38016 1TB 7200RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
Video Card: GIGABYTE GV-R485MC-1GI Radeon HD 4850 1GB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Reay CrossFire Supported Video Card
And finally the Case + Power Supply: RAIDMAX SMILODON ATX-612WBP Black 1.0mm SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Foldout MB Computer Case With 530W Power Supply
My main purpose is gaming, FFXI, EQ2, WoW ect and since this PC should run FPS and offline RPGs better than my consoles I'll probably be playing those too. My monitor is a 25" 1080P LCD with 2x HDMI inputs resolution of 1900x1080 with 15,000:1 contrast ratio (dynamic).

Ok first thing..memory. Just get a 2x2GB dual channel kit. I realize what you're trying to do, but it honestly will make no difference - whether you have 3GB or 4GB, you're still gonna lose a gig to your GPU memory and end up with about 2gigs of available system memory for programs. So you might as well at least have dual-channel. And a dual-channel kit is cheaper in most cases.

Older online games like FFXI/WOW/EQ2 will get better FPS with a faster, more streamlined CPU, and I don't necessarily mean a quad-core. The E5300 is decent enough but it's got slower bus AND clock speeds and a small amount of L2 cache, and that's enough to give you lag in busy areas.. I personally will recommend the E8400 - I have one and it's a solid, well-balanced match of bus speed and cache size, plus it's a friggin' GREAT overclocker. If you can't swing that much money than get the E7400 instead ($30 more than E5300).

HDD, motherboard & GPU all look fine to me. From what you said you'd be doing I don't think you'll need 1GB of video memory, so you might be able to save some money by going with a 512MB card.

The case is a subjective thing imo.. everyone has their own tastes. I'm not sold on the PSU that comes with the case though - I'm not too familiar with the branding/factory origins, so I'm not sure of its reliability. The power output should be fine for your build though. Edit: Saw geno's post and that combo of the motherboard & psu works nicely. That Lian Li case is nice too, tho I like the Antec 300 at the low end.

Try this build:

Case: Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Mobo & PSU: GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3L + Antec Earthwatts 500
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E7400 Wolfdale 2.8GHz 3MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor
HDD: HITACHI 0A38016 1TB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
GPU: SAPPHIRE 100245L Radeon HD 4850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card
Memory: Kingston 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin CL5 DDR2 SDRAM DDR2-800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit

=~$608 before shipping, coupon codes and MIR

[Olo401]

Oh yeah, before I forget Newegg has a sale on hard drives - coupon code EMCHDD10, valid through tonight at 11:59PM Pacific Time

[Sonomaa]

get a core2 duo, do not waste your time with a pentium piece of shit
Newegg.com - Intel Core 2 Duo E7400 Wolfdale 2.8GHz 3MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor - Processors - Desktops

[Olo401]

Pentium DCs are Core 2 Duos. They're just badged as Pentium Dual-Core. That's been a misnomer since Intel first started making Duos.

The difference is the lower FSB speed (800mHz) and amount of L2 cache (2MB).. PDCs tend to be more budget-minded.

[mootsfox]

Thanks a lot for the input I am going to check into switching around some stuff now. I know I don't really need the 1gig card right now for the games I play but I think I am going to keep it because this way when newer games come out I want to play, or even ones that are already out that I don't play just because my laptop isn't good enough, I'll be able to still. Won't be ordering until tomorrow most likely so any further input is greatly appreciated

Newer games will not take advantage of the extra memory. People have been trying to future proof their computers since the first CPU came out, it doesn't work.

You'd be better off getting a HD4870 512MB over the 1GB HD4850. They are about the same price, and the HD4870 is somewhere between 12-15% better than a HD4850.

Also what Olo401 said above me is correct.

[Shuemue]

Really, don't scrimp on the CPU. You want a balanced system. E8400 & the 512MB HD4850 are the way to go.

[Mabubeezareel]

Try this build:

Case: Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Mobo & PSU: GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3L + Antec Earthwatts 500
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E7400 Wolfdale 2.8GHz 3MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor
HDD: HITACHI 0A38016 1TB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
GPU: SAPPHIRE 100245L Radeon HD 4850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card
Memory: Kingston 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin CL5 DDR2 SDRAM DDR2-800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit

=~$608 before shipping, coupon codes and MIR

This is pretty much the build that I have, and you will NOT be disappointed.

[Alishe]

Alright well I lifted the budget... only live once... Going to go with a different... everything except the HDD...

CPU: E8500
MB: GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P
Case: XCLIO Windtunnel Case
PSU: XCLIO 700w
Ram: 4 Gig G.Skill

Last question is: Should I go with the 512mb Sapphire HD4870 or the 1gig and if the 512 why?

[mootsfox]

The 512MB HD4870 will be great, go with that.

Xclio PSU? I thought we talked about PSUs?

I would jump on the E8400 over the E8500 unless there is like a $10 price difference. The E8400 overclocks to 4.0Ghz pretty easily.

If you say that you aren't going to overclock, jump on a P31 chipset instead, the P45 would be way overpowered for you if you wouldn't OC.

[Shuemue]

Listen to the deviant, 512mb GPU and Corsair PSU

[Alishe]

Going to OC for sure already looking into aftermarket heatsinks and fans for it. The price difference is only like 20$ for the better processor that's why I am going with the E8500 and I will look into a different PSU this one had good reviews and had modular cords which I really liked.

[geno]

Your system looks a lot like my brother's now. Same case, mobo, CPU, different brand but same RAM.

I can swear by the 512MB Sapphire 4870. Its the card I have, and it does not disappoint. Mine is a particularly good overclocker as well. I've got it at 850Mhz/1000Mhz using ATI Tray Tools ... used to use 1100Mhz for the RAM because the CCC tool that comes with the drivers auto'd me to that, but after I pushed my core clock higher I found that that my memory clock was starting to cause artifacts. After reading some people suggesting not to push it past 1000Mhz, I just decided to play it safe. And since this seems to be the path you are heading on, Don't forget to keep an eye out for some useful combo deals!. That'll get you the exact same gfx card and mobo you are looking at and save you $15 in the process.

I can swear by the case. Sure, its a lesser known brand, but its doing a great job for my brother. Some advice though, I'd buy at least one 120mm fan to put for exhaust as the $100 model I'm sure you're looking at doesn't come with one. Looking at the combos, I can see why you picked that PSU (-$40 is pretty nice) But Newegg reviews aren't really what you should be looking at for a PSU.

Here's arguably a better deal anyways: e8500 + Corsair 620W. With the $40 instant savings, the $30 MIR, the $25 Combo savings, and the Free Shipping, you're essentially getting a $190 PSU that's one of the best around for under or around $90. That's what, only like $30 more than the one you picked out including the $40 savings with your case right? No brainer here!

Now, on the topic of HSFs, I can help you a bit. I recently (as in last week) purchased one after spending forever reviewing the tons of options. I finally settled on what I think is the best value for the dollar (at least for E8xxx Core2Duos) with the HDT-S1283 by Xigmatek. In almost every benchmark and testimonial I could find, it was top 5. In the vast majority it was top 2 (it was usually a battle between this and the Thermalright Ultra-120 TRUE). The difference here is the TRUE is like $60+ and is often hard to find (its not on Newegg), and the HDT-1283 is usually around $35. This was a clear choice for me. And now with it installed, I can tell you that I'm not looking back (I currently have my e8400 overclocked 33% to 4.0Ghz with a significant increase in Vcore to 1.3875V. I've had Prime95 up stress testing it for 5 or so hours right now and both cores are under 60c. For comparisons sake, my stock fan with stock clock/voltage would get above 70c on load lol.)

There are three variations of the HDT-S1283:
Original - $27 after MIR + free USB cable
Red Scorpion - $33
Dark Knight (w/ included Retention Bracket) - $40

Don't just look at the price though because there are some important points to note.

First, the difference in performance between all three is more or less negligible. The Dark Knight may be slightly better because it comes with a little bit more powerful fan and is nickel coated, but not that much better. For the most part the difference is stylistic.

Second, if you go with the original or the Red Scorpion, I would REALLY suggest also buying this Retention Bracket. The original push-pin design is really fucking stupid/annoying (because its really fun to bend the mobo trying to get the stupid pins to click!), and in the end doesn't really give you as tight a fit as this anyways (from what I've read, the retention bracket can make a difference of 5-10c and I'd believe it). The extra money is definitely worth it. As mentioned above, the Dark Knight model I linked to (S1283V) comes with a retention bracket (which explains its higher price).

All three are good choices, but I ended up going with the Dark Knight model. I personally think its the best value, because I was definitely using a retention bracket. After rebates, going with the original would have cost me $4 less. I was more than willing to spend the extra $4 to avoid a mail-in-rebate, get a stronger fan, and a cooler nickel-coated design (I wouldn't have used the USB cable anyways). Regardless though, none of the three are bad choices imo.
edit: I should note, this thing is big (which you will find is true of most of the top performing HSFs). If you planned on bring down your case size back to a mid tower, you may have to reconsider this HSF depending on the case. Look at the dimensions, a lot of good mid-towers will probably still hold it, but some won't. The massive full sized Xclio you currently have picked out should be more than big enough to fit it though, which is why I suggested it.

When you do choose a HSF, don't forget thermal compound. Far and away the most popular choice is going to be Arctic Silver 5. I went with OCZ Freeze but only because it was a dollar cheaper and has no curing time. It really personal preference as both are good choices imo.

Because I know my mobo's chipset is prone to some big heat on the northbridge for heavy overclocks (I have the P35-DS3L), I also bought a 40mm fan that I strapped on with zipties lol. I think the EP45 has a better heatsink, so you may not need this but it might be worth looking into anyways, particularly if you are looking for a bigger overclock.

Let's see, did I cover everything? Oh the RAM. Yeah that looks good. lol

[geno]

You know, looking back at the GPU, its not all that crazy to go for the Sapphire 1GB version of the 4870. I didn't realize how big the price cuts were on that thing; its down to $189, only $10 more than the 512MB version. $25 more if you were going to use the combo I mentioned above. I think in your situation, I might go with the 1GB, mainly because of your 25" monitor. With resolutions over 1680x1050, I think you may actually get some improvement, particularly when using AA. Up to you on how much you want to spend though.

[Shuemue]

Wait, you get an extra half a gig of video ram for $10-25?

Disregard my previous advice regarding the GPU, get the 1GB if that's the case.

[AlexRuzhyo]

Alright. Sorry for the mass editing. i didn't want to make a new topic. Build's in the pic below.

My friend bought this. I'm trying to come up with a similar/more powerful pc for the same price from scratch. I need everything including a keyboard, mouse, and speakers. My goal is to have PC capable of playing today's games on med-high graphics without any lag and be able to last a few years for games to come.

It's a once in a lifetime thing and my budget is $800 but it should be as close $600 as possible(atleast for everything inside the tower). I have no idea how to build a PC and I based my design off of this thread. If you can make this any cheaper or if I'm over aiming or missing anything let me know. I didn't include speakers/keyboard.mouse. Not sure if I need a sound card.

Something that didn't fit: Mobo+CPU Combo
I need a cheap but good DVD/CD RW Burner/Drive
Total price is $807.87 before tax and $31 MIR.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/Ruzhyo608/pc.jpg

There's also this, which I stole from 4chan. It's what I was originally going to purchase.

Spoiler: show

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...3034249241.png

[geno]

You might be overshooting on your goal of med-high for years to come with a $600 budget and need for monitor+peripherals+vista. You may be better off with some pre-assembled build like your friend. But I like a challenge, so let me see what I can do.

$25 - SAMSUNG Black 22X DVD burner
$60 - HITACHI Deskstar 500GB 7200 RPM
$160 (-$30MIR) - SAMSUNG 933BW High Glossy Black 19" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor
$63 (-$30MIR) - OCZ Reaper HPC 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500)
$120 - Intel Core 2 Duo E7400 Wolfdale 2.8GHz
$110 (combo) - Antec 300 ATX Mid Tower + Antec Earthwatts 500W
$215 (-$25MIR)(combo) - Sapphire Radeon HD 4850 512MB + Biostar Tforce TP45HP motherboard
$90 - Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic SP1 64-bit for System Builders

Total before tax/shipping: $842.87
MIRs: -$85

Some improvements from your build:
- Added a DVD burner drive.
- 17" -> 19" monitor. This makes such a big difference. Even then, I'd still rather you go for a 22". Short of a massive upgrade on your video card, buying a bigger monitor will improve your gaming experience more than most anything else (at least it did for me). If you did want to go to 22", I'd probably go with this Acer for about $40 more. The 19" I picked out is a very good Samsung model though and with its current MIR its a hard to pass up deal imo (if there was an equivalent in the 22" field, I probably would have included it in the above build).
- Better RAM and better mobo. This mobo+GFX combo seems very good to me, so I structured the build a little around that. This mobo definitely allows for future upgrades with plenty of supported memory and a second PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot (future RAM upgrades or going for crossfire'd 4850s in the future could make your system better than most for years). The mobo also pushed me to get 1066 RAM instead of 800, which may be for the better because of the very large $30 rebate on it (end cost is actually cheaper than the pair you had picked).

Some notes:
- This build's low cost relies somewhat heavily on Mail-in rebates. With them, you're getting a stronger build for a lot less. Be warned though, it may be a bit more expensive outright than you wanted.
- Although the mobo is great as described, I've had no experience with biostar. I've seen it recommended in the past though, so I wouldn't worry too much.
- 4850 1GB -> 512MB. I know we were just talking about the small price difference making it worth it for the 4870, but in this case I wouldn't spring for it. Two reasons for this. One, the combo for this 4850 is even better (-$35 widens that gap quite a bit). Two, you just aren't going to see the performance difference because of your monitor. On a 19" monitor, I doubt the 1GB would show any improvement on the 512MB, much less on a 17". I wouldn't really even advise the 1GB model until you were over 22" with your monitor.
- You don't really need a sound card, but you do need a keyboard+mouse. I didn't include them so you'd have to pick something out for yourself.

Good luck with your build!

[mootsfox]

HD4850's do NOT crossfire well. Running crossfire just about halved my framerate.