need advice on my new build, thanks

smallghost · Post by **smallghost** » Sun Apr 22, 2007 10:44 pm

Usage: play game (2D, side-scrolling game) while watching rmvb video or tv through a tv card.

Budget: <$1500, unless there is a very good reason to go over

Reason for upgrade: When I open firefox or other stuff while the game and real player are running, it takes forever to load. I believe the reason is because of the 512mb ram. Also, my current rig was built in 2003, so it's about time,

What I want: A responsive rig to handle multiple stuff open at the same time. I also want it to be quiet enough to leave it on 24/7. Mild overclock, as long as vcore is at stock or lower.

With that in mind, here is what I have so far:

cpu: C2D E6420 $215
mobo: Intel Bad Axe 2 $250
ram: 2GB G.Skill DDR2-800 4-4-4-12 $145
case: Antec P182 $150
video card: Gigabyte 7600GT Passive $145
hard drive: 2x WD 2500KS $150 (both)
psu: Corsair 520W $115
tv card: need a suggestion, prefer hdtv tuner
total $1170

cpu comment: all I want is 3.2ghz or whatever stock vcore allows, 400x8 would be perfect.
mobo comment: stable mobo, should be able to do 400fsb with no problem. 975X should run cooler and I don't need crazy fsb anyway.
ram comment: I pick it for the tight timings and good price, 400x2 is its stock speed, right?
case comment: if I can find one in a p180 box
video card comment: should be enough for a 2D game and some rmvb viewing
hard drive comment: hope it is as quiet as the WD5000KS, get 2x 2500KS for the matrix raid
psu comment: I want modular and quiet. This is overkill for my rig, any suggestion?
tv card comment: as long as I can watch local hdtv channels and analog channels from the comcast cable

Erssa · Post by **Erssa** » Mon Apr 23, 2007 1:44 pm

It's a major overkill for the kind of usage you described, but go ahead.

butters · Post by **butters** » Mon Apr 23, 2007 11:50 pm

You don't have enough memory. Just put 2GB in your current system, and invest some of the money you'll save in a nice, big display. For your purposes, that would seem to be the best value. If you really want the new system, you're likely to get the best deal on Intel CPUs in a few months when Barcelona hits the channel.

It's hard to justify a $1200+ desktop computer anymore unless you're doing content creation, serving, or gaming.

autoboy · Post by **autoboy** » Tue Apr 24, 2007 9:39 am

I agree. I don't know what your system is, but 2003 is not that old. You need at least 1GB of memory now for good performance. 2GB is recomended. A memory upgrade and some new quiet fans would make your system run good again.

smallghost · Post by **smallghost** » Tue Apr 24, 2007 6:50 pm

Thanks for the reply. I will definitely take that into consideration. Looks like I can save some $$ by just upgrading the ram and buy a hdtv tuner card.

Here is the spec of my current rig:

P4 2.6C
Abit IC7
Mushkin 512MB 2-3-2-6 @ 2.8v @200
Radeon 9800np BBA
WD 200GB
NEC ND-2510A

There is not too much choice on good DDR ram nowadays, is that good enough?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6820231047

Thanks again,