Sekigahara

Howdy, new user looking for input on my first custom-built PC. I'm trying to make a system with good upgradeability and low price without skimping on performance. Here's the spec I've compiled over the past few days.

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo e4500 w/ AC Freezer 7 Pro and Arctic Silver 5
Mobo: Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L
GPU: eVGA GeForce 9600GT 512mb 256bit w/ Zalman VF900 (are these compatible?)
Memory: 2GB Corsair XMS2 DHX DDR2-800
HDD: Don't know, probably from old systems or hand-me-downs
Optical: See HDD
PSU: PC P&C Continuous 610w
Case: Cooler Master Centurion 5

Memory has already been bought from MicroCenter and it will end up costing me only $40 with their sales/discounts. Aside from that, I haven't ordered anything.

I'm planning on overclocking pretty considerably, but I want to make sure my system is running relatively cool and quiet, hence my decisions for fans and heatsinks. I'm still debating what PSU would be a good fit to maintain the right wattage and rail amperage as well as being cool and quiet for a low price. I chose the PC Power based on a recommendation from a friend who is heavy into computer modification that is aesthetically minded. Any part recommendations are welcome. I've become pretty well-versed in how to safely and efficiently overclock based on these specs, but any guides or tips would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Edit: See below posts.

sc30317

I like your build- What are you planning on doing with your machine? If you are planning on gaming, that vid card wouldn't be up to snuff. I would recommend an 8800GT or GTX from Nvidia, or a HD3XXX series from ATI. The board and proc you chose are good ones, and the memory seems good. If you want really good HDD performance, get a WD raptor- If you want a lot of storage space, get a SATA3 from WD, Segate, Samsung, etc. Other then that, the build seems pretty good. Good luck!

Sekigahara

I plan on using it for graphic-intensive programs and gaming mostly. Atm I'm looking for a budget graphics card that doesn't have to be top of the line but is still decent, and for $65 after rebate, the 8600GT seemed to be a pretty good deal. Yougamers.com also rated the 8600GT as the best 3Dmarks per dollar after the 8800 series cards. I don't mind starting off with a slightly lesser graphics card for now because I know that I could always sell it or use it in a second system.

If you really think I should go ahead and get an 8800, I think that the eVGA GeForce 8800GTS 320mb might be what I go with instead. I've seen an 8800 run but not an 8600, but if you think the upgrade is worth the $100+ right off the bat, I'll go for it.

That aside, should I get a separate sound card as well?

Sekigahara

Ah Christ, I'm so indecisive. After you mentioned a GPU upgrade, I went ahead and did the research on the 8800GT cards and the 9600 cards, and now I think I'd rather spend the money for the 9600. >.<

Chose the eVGA GeForce 9600GT 512mb 256bit, and then decided to upgrade the PSU to PC P&C 610w just to be safe. Any idea if the Zalman VF900 is still compatible with the 9600, or should I choose another fan/hs?

PizzaMan

You don't need any after market fan with the 9600GT. nVidia has this card using less power and less heat. You should be fine with stock fan. I would rather look for a case with a side fan instead of replacing the GPU fan.

I get 52c tops with my fan at 60%. Though I do have a 120mm fan blowing at medium setting on it.

Spend the extra bucks on something like the CoolerMaster 690: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119137

This will help keep ambient temps down and will help reduce temps on GPU and CPU.

As for the 9600GT. It's a good card. Plays my games very smooth. Only very few have had good luck OCing it as of yet. Either due to a bottleneck or more likely poor drivers.

Also, I would suggest useing the disc drivers the 174.16 is a Beta version and doesn't play some games right.

All and all looks like a good budget build. Your gona get very good bang per buck. I would predict you'll get 10,200-11,000 3Dmark06 out-of-box. Just a guess.

Sekigahara

Case looks very nice and the price is good.

Thanks very much for all the help. hopefully I should have the rig set up by this weekend and stats posted before I try to OC the CPU and memory.

HemiRick

I just got thru building almost the same machine but my MB and vid card are off for RMA.....It ran great for a week, then the vid card started buzziing and then a few days later the MB corrupted both copies of it's BIOS....It played Crysis like it was made for it.
I keep going back and forth on lapping my CPU hate to trash it's warranty...maybe after I get a couple months on it and know it's a good one.