Hellisforheroes

Hi guys

Its been a long time coming, and my current system has gone long and hard and survived the initial age of DX10 and Vista 64 with the help of my PS3 and HDTV taking most if not all of my gaming needs aside. However, the time has come to let it rest and start a new build completely from scratch this coming spring. Now this is only in initial stages, and it will be some months now before I can save the money up to do it, but I am going the whole vista 64/DX10/Intel/ATI route to put it shortly. I'm focusing on the q6600 GO right now because I know its an extremely capable CPU with alot of Overclocking potential and above all its price-performance ratio.

So I've gathered together a list of components that are targets price and performance wise for my new system. But ofcourse, having been such a while since I did this I may need pointing in the right direction. Any tips or recommendations would be VERY helpful here. Thankyou

CPU fan: Zalman CNPS9500-AT Intel LGA775 Aero Flower Cooler

Case: Antec 900 - Nine Hundred Ultimate Gamer Case with 200m Top Fan w/o PSU

OS: Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate SP1* 64Bit 1Pk OEM (DVD)

PSU: 1000W Corsair HX Series PSU ATX, EPS12V, PS/2, Modular Power Supply, UK Version

CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600, SLACR G0, S775, 2.40 GHz 1066MHz 8MB Cache, 9x Multiplier, Retail

OR

Intel Core 2 Quad Q9650, Yorkfield Core, S775, 3.0 GHz, 1333MHz, 12MB L2 Cache, 9x, Retail

HDD: 500 GB Maxtor STM3500320AS DiamondMax 22, SATA 300, 7200 rpm, 32MB Cache, 8.5 ms, NCQ

RAM: 8GB (2x2GB)x2 Corsair Dominator DDR2 PC2-8500 (1066), 240 Pin, Non-ECC Unbuff, CAS 5, EPP, DHX + Fan

MOBO: EVGA 123-YW-E175-A1, NF750i SLI ForTheWin, 775, PCI-E (x16), DDR2 1066/800, SATA II, SATA RAID, ATX

GPU: 1GB Sapphire HD 4870, PCI-E 2.0 (x16), 3600MHz GDDR5, GPU 750MHz, 800 Cores, 2x DL DVI-I/ HDTV, HDCP

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sgdude

get the xigmatech cooler that everyone loves. forgot exact name
get a 1gb 4870
get a lower wattage psu and with the money you save get a Q9550
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115041
Q9650 is $60 more than 9550 but that may put you over the edge and its only .17ghz

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SlyOne77

1) OS: Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate SP1* 64Bit 1Pk OEM (DVD)
- Why Ultimate - there's little difference between that and home premium that most users will see... Spend the $80 or whatever it is and buy suggestion #2

2) Get a bigger HDD - these days 500gb will be gone in a flash...

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Folding under Jaz for 37726
..:: HIS IceQ Club ::..

freebeer

Looking good, however, a few changes in my opinion.

1) As SlyOne77 said, Ultimate has just a bunch of junk that you won't use.
2) I'd get a Seagate drive, my old Maxtor drive is a peice of crap.
3) I'd go for a 1GB 4870.
4) 8GB of RAM is a little overkill unless you are a hardcore multi-tasker.

Aside from that, I can say you will like your case a lot. Have fun with your build.

Hellisforheroes

I'd really love to know the name of the cooler you mentioned. That's one thing I'm having trouble putting my finger on. I've only listed the zalman since I already own the AMD version..

I've updated my list with changed preferences and here in the UK, the Q9650 is around £100 more than the Q6600 but with what looks to be quite a large performance increase. I'll evaluate my power needs towards the end but for now I'll stick with 1000w just to be safe on the budget prediction

I initially chose Ultimate because I tend to buy the most capable version of the OS when it comes to it. But I'll have to do more research into what extra features ultimate gives..

I already have a 500GB External hard drive for my media. The new one would simply be for games installs only!

thanks I'll look into the seagate alternatives. I'm staying safe with my choices putting down to which brands I've never had trouble with, see.

Would 4GB (2x2gb) be enough? I'd be using the system for gaming primarily and standard program usage otherwise.

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freebeer

4gb is easily enough for gaming.

SlyOne77

I agree 4gb (2x2gb) generally enough
ps - have you considered i7?

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Folding under Jaz for 37726
..:: HIS IceQ Club ::..

Hellisforheroes

I heard that it generally requires alot more money spent across the entire build. But I'm not too sure the performance gain is enough to persuade me. Any info?

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