Criticism Requested

[Andarist]

If anybody can point out any problems, or complications with my soon to be gaming rig, any/all criticism is much appreciated.
That being said, here it goes:

Case: Antec 900
PSU: Mushkin 650W
GPU: Galaxy 8800GT 600Mhz 512mb 2.0Ghz
HDD1: Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 160gb sata2 8mb cache
HDD2: Seagate Baracuda 7200.11 500gb sata2 32mb cache
CPU: E6750 2.66Ghz 1333FSB
MB: Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L P35 1333FSB
RAM: Crucial Ballistix PC2-8500 DDR2 2X1GB DDR2-1066 CL5-5-5-15 240PIN
ODD1: LG GSA-H62N
ODD2: Mitsumi 7in1 floppy drive

If possible, would anybody be able to advise an aftermarket cooler for the cpu, as I planned on attempting to oc up to 3.2-3.5. I was also wondering if somebody could let me know if I really need the 1066 ram, or if the 800 will do just fine.
Thank You!

[oralpain]

PSU is overkill unless you plan on multiple GPUs.

I recommend replacing the 160GB 7200.10 with the 250GB 7200.10 (the one with a 410AS in the part number). This specific drive is essentially a 250GB 7200.11 and has a greater areal density on the platter, making it faster. It also has a 16MB cache and should not cost much more.

The difference in cost between the PC8500 and the PC6400 ballistix is quite large, the difference in performance/overclockability is not.

Intel's 45nm wolfdale should be available by the end of the month. You might want to wait for them, or at least the price cuts that are likely to follow their release.

[Blitzen]

PSU is overkill unless you plan on multiple GPUs.

I recommend replacing the 160GB 7200.10 with the 250GB 7200.10 (the one with a 410AS in the part number). This specific drive is essentially a 250GB 7200.11 and has a greater areal density on the platter, making it faster. It also has a 16MB cache and should not cost much more.

The difference in cost between the PC8500 and the PC6400 ballistix is quite large, the difference in performance/overclockability is not.

Intel's 45nm wolfdale should be available by the end of the month. You might want to wait for them, or at least the price cuts that are likely to follow their release.

Great advice.
Especially the RAM. Just get PC6400. It will OC over that anyway if you need it too (which if you only going to 3.2 you wont and you can save yourself a fair wedge of cash.

Also...what monitor are you using? If you can stretch to it, bin the 8800GT and go for the new 8800GTS G92. Faster, quieter and cooler.

[Hunain]

Pretty much everything covered by oralpain, the key would be the ram and waiting for the new processors, even if you dont plan to get them, you will get the lower pricing on the one you want now.

[Thorsson]

Who makes Mushkin's PSU? Without knowing that stick to something like the Corsair HX520 which should have more than enough power for your rig.

[mosherben]

No after market cooler if you are OC'ing?

[Andarist]

Thank you all of you for all of the advice, especially oralpain. I am making a few changes based upon you opinions, please, if possible, let me know your opinions about the new decisions.

RAM: Mushkin HP PC2-6400 2GB 2X1GB DDR2-800 CL4-5-4-11
Monitor: BenQ G900 19IN LCD Monitor Black 5MS 1280X1024 800:1 300CD/M2 VGA DVI

Thorsson - The mushkin PSU is made by topower, and I plan on getting another 8800gt sometime, so just wanted to cover any possible increases without buying a new psu.

Mosherben - I did plan on getting an aftermarket cooler, I was not sure which would be the best bang for the buck (approx $40-50CDN)

Again, any responses will be much appreciated.

[Thorsson]

Topower make a range of PSUs. Some good, some middling and some bad. With no way of knowing what the Mushkin one is, I would advise getting a Corsair HX520, which is a great PSU and more than enough for your rig. Get a 620 if you really must, but I am running a similar system on the 520.

Getting another 8800GT would do you no good with that motherboard, it's not SLI capable. In any case by that time there will probably be a new card that is better than 2x8800GTs.

[Krumm]

Personally i have a Zalman superflower cooler, which is nice. It has really good reviews and looks pretty. Currently regarded to be the best cooler is the Thermalright Ultra-120 eXtreme, but the actual difference between that and other good ones will only be a few degrees.

[Thorsson]

Better than the Ultra120 extreme in terms of cost, size and weight is the Ultima90, and is only just worse in operformance. Many of us have found that one of the Scythe S-Flex fans makes a good partner.

[cabooseUK]

I just bought a thermalright ultra 120 extreme, so im obviously going be biased and tell you to buy one!! you should easily be able to reach 3.2 with the ultra 120. If you intend to do a lot of gaming i would recommend a aftermarket cooler for the 8800GT, as in many benches they get very hot >80C i would recommend the HR-03 GT (by thermaltake) and again i have just bought one so i may be biased or the DuOrb and i really wouldnt bother with Sli as nvidia are releasing some new cards in the near future, and Sli does sound good but it neverseems to forfille its expectations

hope you have a good time building your rig all the best