RapidFireGT

So I'm building my first computer, and I need some advice on whether or not this is a good set up, and whether or not everything is compatible. And of course, I've got some other questions along the way

• NZXT Alpha Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
• OCZ GameXStream 600W ATX12V Power Supply
• EVGA LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 750i FTW SLI Motherboard - thanks reezin14
• Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz 2 x 4MB L2 Cache LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor
• OCZ Platinum Edition 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1000 (PC2 8000) Dual Channel RAM
• EVGA GeForce 8800GT Superclocked 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card
• Seagate Barracuda 250GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - thanks x2s3w4

Pulling out of an existing computer (hey, trying to save some money here too ):

• Sound Blaster Audigy SE (PCI)
• Cheapo HP Speakers
• Cheapo HP Keyboard
• Cheapo HP Mouse
• HP DVD480 DVD Burner
• Hanns-G JW199D 19" Widescreen LCD

Total cost: ~$900
Total cost after rebates: ~$810

Now this computer will be used as a family computer, but mostly for gaming and a little school work. Photoshopping every once in a while, using Microsoft Office, and playing games mainly.

Games looking to play:

• Half-Life 2
• Battlefield 2
• America's Army
• Battlefield 2142 (Possibly)
• Team Fortress 2(Possibly)
• Any other Battlefield games (Possibly)

So, hows the system look for the games/uses listed? Are all of the components compatible?

After reading some reviews on the Q6600, some people were complaining about Intel's stock cooler. I don't plan on overclocking it any time soon, so will I be fine using the stock cooler?

Also, does the Q6600 come with thermal paste, or do I need to order some Arctic Silver or something? I've also never applied thermal paste to a CPU or even installed a CPU for that matter, so any help is appreciated.

PS: It seems like a lot of people upgrade/replace parts quickly on here... do these components tend to have short life-spans? I would like this PC to go for at least 3 or 4 years without having to replace something.

Thanks for reading and helping!

Kingdavid216

looks great man, it will def play all those games in a great setting,

shin-etsu is the best thermal paste you can get, and there is a certain way to put on the thermal paste, since your getting a quad you need to put it on horizontal

look to get a good cpu heatsink, Thermalright ultra-120 or OCZ vendetta 2

good job

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ocZcc

go for an ati 4850 or 4870 much better than the 8800gt and also look into a 780i board instead of the 680i, the 680i is old tech.

actually unless you plan on going sli go for either a p35 or p45 board

reezin14

I would go 750i FTW(few $$ cheaper & better) and with the 320GB WD HDD instead of the 160.
You'll have to purchase AS5 or what ever TIM you use the q66 doesn't come with it,and there isn't a short life span of these parts per say just people wanting new better things.And take a look at this psu cheaper and better IMO.
http://www.buy.com/prod/corsair-tx-6...206178324.html
and this memory.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231174

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Q6600@3.9
http://valid.x86-secret.com/show_oc.php?id=383427

linskingdom

Looks good. It is ok to use stock HS if you won't OC quad soon but should get a better cooler such Tuniq or OCZ vendetta 2 if you wan to OC more. 8800GT is a good one but the price seems a bit high. For extra $20, you can have 9800GTX or 4850. Either get a standard 8800GT and OC it. Picking the 680i board is assuming you will stick with Q6600 for a while and won't upgrade to 45nm Quad because 680i won't support 45nm quad.

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Push to the limit one more time..

x2s3w4

Looks good, but I'd get this HDD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148262
instead. It has 16mb cache instead of 8 and the one you posted has $8.55 shipping and this one is free so it's only $7.50 more.
Second, are you going to SLI at all? If not I'd get a different board. I'd get either a P35 or P45. You could get one for between $130-200.
If you are going SLI then get that one.
I'd get some AS5. If you have a Radio Shack close by you could get some for $5 or get some from the Egg.
Good luck.

RapidFireGT

For now I'm going to go with the stock HSF then, since I am trying to save money and I don't plan on overclocking the Q6600 for a long time. Although, I guess I'll check out Radio Shack for some AS5.

Can anyone confirm that the Q6600 does NOT come with thermal paste as reezin14 said.

I'm not sure if I will want to go SLI in the future or not, so I think I will go with the 750i and stick with EVGA. Lifetime warranty (can't beat that), faster memory, SLI ready. I also like the idea of keeping same-brand products in my rig.

reezin14

I just took a look at my cooler that came with the cpu,and there is what looks like 3 lines of thermal paste underneath the stock cooler.(sorry)I was thinking about a tube of it.BTW did you look a the psu i suggest $30+ cheaper.

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Q6600@3.9
http://valid.x86-secret.com/show_oc.php?id=383427

chessmyantidrug

With gaming as your primary use, I suggest the E8400. Same price range as the Q6600, but better processor for gaming.

Let me know how that case works out for you. I might end up buying it myself if you love it.

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There is no such thing as "future-proof."

eBay

Robilar

the stock intel cooler has pre-applied thermal paste.

Otherwise nice build.

The ati cards are faster singly (And more expensive) but 2 8800GT's in SLI are faster than almost any single card and they are dirt cheap.


What OS are you planning? If not a 64 bit, then 4 gb of ram is a waste.