E8500 GTX260 Build Games focused

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Thank you for all the great advice.

One last question... Is there any specific component that a swap should be considered to reduce noise levels?

I will post my final build, price, etc... for reference at the close of this thread.

 

[ausch30]

If you are really concerned about noise levels then check out this site
http://www.silentpcreview.com/
Lots of great ideas on quieting a system and reviews of products.

As far as noise goes, it's really up to the individual to determine if a system is too loud. It's a very subjective thing and not all noise is created equal. I've heard some fans, for instance, that weren't loud but just had a barely audible whine that drove me nuts. You chose a good case with good cooling I would suggest some fairly slow moving fans (~1200 RPM) that would keep the air moving but would keep the noise down.

These are expensive but worth the money
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835185005

These are even more expensive but wildly considered among the best
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835608009

These are much cheaper than either and are the fans of choice for many enthusiasts
http://www.frozencpu.com/cat/l3/g/c15/s60/list/p1/b119/Yate_Loon-12_Volt_Fans-120mm_x_25mm_Fans-Page1.html?id=sR3T9cYy

If I were you though I would consider getting a few of these.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835185065
Cheaper than the 1200RPM model and will allow you the flexibility, either using the motherboard speed control or an additional fan controller, to tune the noise levels and cooling to the optimal level for you and your system.

 

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I would suggest changing the memory to this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146731
Slightly better timings, slightly better voltages

I would change the video to this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102810
same performance as the GTX 260, less money

Hard drive is fine but you might consider this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148445
Extra 90gb for an extra $4

The PSU you chose is very good but for less money you could get this
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=10006382
Also very good. More powerful to allow for any future upgrades you may want, it can handle almost anything you might ever want to throw at it.

I would also consider getting an aftermarket cooler simply because it will lower temps as well as noise from your system. Even at stock speeds it's a good idea to upgrade from the stock HSF. It doesn't have to be expensive, $20-$30 would do it.
Something like this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186134&Tpk=freezer%207%20pro

Great case, great price, Free Shipping (saves about another $25) very good choice.

ausch30
Thank you for your great advice and taking the time to get specific on my needs… truly appreciate your time and effort.

I took your advice on Memory, Cooler and PSU. I will call New Egg and ask if they can offer the MIR to keep the entire order with them.

On the HDD, I actually think 640GB is too much for me! I download no music or videos. I almost considered a Velocity Raptor 150GB for +$100. Only reason I decided not to, after research for the games I play the improvement appears to be on the margin in real game situations. Not saying it is not better as it clearly is, rather that its benefit is situational and for this interim build (caught between chip cycles), I am going to err on the side of financial prudence for a change 

I did a lot of research on the GPU and CPU for this build, 3dguru, Tom’s, Tech, anadtech, game specific forums as well, and felt that the GTX260 “appeared” to provide better real life performance for the types of games I play. That said paying a more for this specific card makes sense to me as my box is more GPU reliant… I could be dead wrong on this issue, time will tell.

 

[ausch30]

ausch30
I did a lot of research on the GPU and CPU for this build, 3dguru, Tom’s, Tech, anadtech, game specific forums as well, and felt that the GTX260 “appeared” to provide better real life performance for the types of games I play. That said paying a more for this specific card makes sense to me as my box is more GPU reliant… I could be dead wrong on this issue, time will tell.

Certain cards do perform better or worse depending on the game but you should also look at the date of the review and the drivers use since over time as drivers mature performance changes.