Please critique my build

[logiclxm]

Hi,
I decided to build a mid-range Core Duo rig. This will be my first build, but I have read a lot of info about hardware installation and pretty much know what to do (at least I hope ).
Initially, I have decided to wait till July 22nd and purchase a Quadcore CPU (Q6600).
However, since I will not be using my comp for heavy apps or games (i.e. Photoshop, Oblivion, Crysis), I decided that going w/ a Core Duo CPU would be the logical/financialy smart decision. I
might upgrade to a new rig in a 2-3 yrs time; when Penryn/Nehalem and DDR3 will be the
standard in the market or when I see a drop in performance when using common applications.

In any case, here are the selected parts for my midrange Core Duo system:

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E4300 Socket LGA775 ($137 CAN)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-965P-DS3 ($135 CAN)
Case: Antec SOLO ($90 CAN)
Memory: Corsair XMS2 TWIN2X2048-6400 Matched Pairs 2GB Kit (2x1GB) PC6400 DDR2-800
CL 5-5-5-12 240-pin Dual Channel Memory ($120 CAN)
HDD: Western Digital 500GB SATAII 7200RPM 16MB Buffer ($115 CAN)
PSU: Corsair HX-520 ($100 CAN)
Video Card: EVGA E-GEFORCE 7900GS KO 500MHZ 256MB ($165 CAN)

Total: $862 OR: $950-1000 (after taxes and shipping charges)

P.S.
I am not planning to OC at the moment, maybe at the end of the year. So it is stock for
now.

Feedback is welcomed.
Thnx.

[staffsMike]

That seems ok to me. Some people here won't be fans of that motherboard but i'm sure it ok. Perhaps consider an asus p5b though..or if you think you may want to upgrade any time soon then an asus p5k (or gigabyte alternative may suit you)

If you aren't overclocking you may as well get pc5300 RAM with tighter latencies. You can get crucial ballistix pc5300 with 3-3-3-12 timings.

The graphics card is great for midrange dx9 graphics but you wont have dx10 support so if you want dx10 support maybe consider the geforce 8600GT / GTS but it may be better to get the 7900 for now and then get a dx10 card later when they have actually been tested on dx10 lol

[NightshadowUK]

Good choices.

If you're thinking of going DDR3 and overclocking in the future have a look at the Gigabyte GA P35-S3 as it'll allow you to do both.

Graphics card wise it's a toss up between your 7900GS and the X1950Pro so that's down to personal preference - I'd go ATi though. Have a search for an X1950XT too cos they wipe the floor with both and if you can get one at the right price you're laughing.

PSU maybe a little overkill so look into 480W models by Tagan / Seasonic / Antec and maybe use the money saved to up the CPU to an E4400.

[EarlGrey]

A good balanced system methinks

However, if you have no intention of overclocking, you will probably get more out an AMD AM2 system for the same money.

If you want to overclock in the future, then stick with what you have

Also, if you are going to play games, then you should seriously think about spending more getting a 8800GTS 320MB, it will give you a much better experience, and not be obsolete in 6 months...

[MSIC]

I'd say go for it. Looks like a good, well balanced system. In general, avoid this generation of DX10 cards - games are too new, and when good DX10-only games actually get released, that generation of cards will be faster & cheaper than the current.
The 7900GS is a great value card

[NightshadowUK]

I know it's not the most reliable source in the world but the X1950Pro seems to beat the 7900GS in most cases, have a looksie:

http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/graphi...=712&chart=278

[logiclxm]

Appreciate the replies.

The Corsair XMS2 ram comes with a $40 MIR right now, so I guess I'll stick to a PC6400.
The HX520 PSU is only $15 more expensive than -500 WATT PSUs. Additionally, I read great reviews about the Corsair HX-x20 PSUs, so I will stick to that.

However, I did decide to modify my video card (thnx NightshadowUk). The X1950 PRO 256mb has dropped in price, and it will be actually $14 cheaper than the GeForce 7900GS.

The only thing I'm not sure about is if I should stick to a P965 mobo or spend another $75 and get a
P35 mobo (i.e. Gigabyte GA P35-S3 ). But I'm pretty sure I will not upgrade my current build to a Quadcore CPU, so I guess sticking to a P965 mobo (Gigabyte GA-965P-DS3 ) is the right choice.
I just hope I will not change my mind. Would be suck noticing my system becoming slow in like one year...

anyways,
thnx guys.

[Queelis]

P35 chipset mobos are not really any more expensive than P965 chipsets, so why not? Just don't get the S3, take the DS* boards, those have more reliable components (capacitors, etc.)

[logiclxm]

I made the decision of sticking to the cheaper P965 Gigabyte mobo. Not spending too much on a system right now will give me the chance to build a new rig in 2-3 yrs time when Nehalem will be the standard and when mobos w/ DDR3 support will not be a novelty.
I guess I'm leaning towards the way of thinking that its better to have a midrange system which u will upgrade every 2 yrs, rather than having a high-end system which u will upgrade every 3-4 yrs.
New technology and architecture comes out really often in the PC market. Makes it very hard to buy a system which will keep u satisfied for a long time...

[campbells]

P35 chipset mobos are not really any more expensive than P965 chipsets, so why not? Just don't get the S3, take the DS* boards, those have more reliable components (capacitors, etc.)

can you elaborate on the 'etc' please. i've been tryign to pin the difference beyond the capacitors, and i cant see any. Are there any differences in BIOS implementations, voltage regulator, etc? The p35 -S3 even has the same solid caps as the p965-DS3...the p35-DS3 just seems to have even solider ones?

anythign beyond the capacitors?

cheers

[campbells]

P35 chipset mobos are not really any more expensive than P965 chipsets, so why not? Just don't get the S3, take the DS* boards, those have more reliable components (capacitors, etc.)

can you elaborate on the 'etc' please. i've been tryign to pin the difference beyond the capacitors, and i cant see any. Are there any differences in BIOS implementations, voltage regulator, etc? The p35 -S3 even has the same solid caps as the p965-DS3...the p35-DS3 just seems to have even solider ones?

anythign beyond the capacitors?

cheers

[Queelis]

can you elaborate on the 'etc' please. i've been tryign to pin the difference beyond the capacitors, and i cant see any. Are there any differences in BIOS implementations, voltage regulator, etc? The p35 -S3 even has the same solid caps as the p965-DS3...the p35-DS3 just seems to have even solider ones?

anythign beyond the capacitors?

cheers

Seems that I was wrong about the P35-S3, as it has all the good things of the 965P-DS* series (solid caps, low rds mosfets and ferrite core chokes; although I don't know about the mosfets and chokes, at least the caps have longer life, don't really know whether other two have any impact ).

[campbells]

Righto, nice to know i'm not missing a difference that is blatantly obvious!

thanks.

[Pob255]

PSU maybe a little overkill so look into 480W models by Tagan / Seasonic / Antec and maybe use the money saved to up the CPU to an E4400.

The HX520 PSU is only $15 more expensive than -500 WATT PSUs. Additionally, I read great reviews about the Corsair HX-x20 PSUs, so I will stick to that.

Well I agree with Nightshadow here, that PSU is rather overpowered for your specs.
I'd say you could get away with a 400w if it's a good one.

I'm running a simular spec on a 470w Thermaltake TR2 (which is not that good a psu) and my Pentium D is more power hungery than a core2

However that corsair will buy you peace of mind and mean you can later upgrade with out much fear for your PSU