A poor noob's build ($400) (almost done)

[lurker53]

http://i41.tinypic.com/5wmn3c.jpg

I generally just tried putting together a computer for ~$400, going with the idea that if all those parts are put together it would work one way or another. Any suggestions that would keep me within my budget and perhaps improve on things?

If relevant, the monitor I have is http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4312740&Sku=H94-2500

 

[xthekidx]

Ram: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145184
I think you will be getting more with your money getting this CPU/MB: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.181196
That CPU OC's better than the X2 7750 BE and you should count on OC'ing if you want to play games.

That link world PSU is bad news, I would not use it. You need to get a different PSU, like this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139008

Maybe go with a cheaper case too to offset the costs: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147110

 

[lurker53]

Ram: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145184
I think you will be getting more with your money getting this CPU/MB: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.181196
That CPU OC's better than the X2 7750 BE and you should count on OC'ing if you want to play games.

That link world PSU is bad news, I would not use it. You need to get a different PSU, like this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139008

Maybe go with a cheaper case too to offset the costs: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147110

Alright, with the above changes the total goes to $407.92, and it ends up being a bit cheaper due to less s&h. I've never oc'd any of my hardware before, so I suppose it will be a new experience. Should I buy a different fan or is the one the processor comes with good enough?

Any other suggestions? I'm aiming to order this relatively soon

 

[xthekidx]

On the stock cooler you can do a light OC to like 3ghz, but it would be advisable to get an aftermarket cooler to really get your money's worth out of the CPU. Something like this will do well: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118003
with that cooler you can probably get to around 3.6ghz or so, which will be a nice boost.

 

[lurker53]

Alright, so far I'm sitting at:

Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-G31M-ES2L LGA 775 Intel G31 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
CPU: Intel Pentium E5200 Wolfdale 2.5GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80571E5200 - Retail
Video Card: SAPPHIRE 100265HDMI Radeon HD 4830 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail
RAM: CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X4096-6400C5 - Retail
Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD3200AAKS 320GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
Case: Rosewill R226-P-BK 120mm Fan ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
PSU: CORSAIR CMPSU-400CX 400W ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Retail
Fan/Heatsink: ZALMAN CNPS9500 AT 2 Ball CPU Cooling Fan/Heatsink - Retail

Total:
$440.91
+$16.39 S&H
-$45 MIR
-----------------------
412.30 (I can live with that)

Anything that needs changing?

 

[irkjab]

Well, you can save $3 with
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106287

 

[eagles453809]

go with less ram, you will be fine with 2gb ddr2 800...take the 20 or so saved from that and get a 4850. you will be better off.

 

[Helloworld_98]

make sure it's a single 2gb though so you can add extra after.

 

[eagles453809]

+1 ^

 

[lurker53]

go with less ram, you will be fine with 2gb ddr2 800...take the 20 or so saved from that and get a 4850. you will be better off.

The 4 gb I have on there is $19.99 after rebate with free shipping, whereas the cheapest 2 gb they have is $17 without free shipping.

Edit: alright, went with http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121272

Any last words before I order everything?

 

[irkjab]

I was going to suggest the same radeon 4850, but according to the revievs people have recently had problems with the rebate and overheating. Then again, everything could be just fine with it.