First build - please help!

[StJohn]

Hey guys,

This is my first build, so I’m looking for reliable components. I’ll be using the computer for gaming so I want it to be quite powerful, but I realize that the Nehalem range of processors will be coming out in the near future so I’m not looking to go crazy with the build either. Prices are in Australian dollars, I’d probably be prepared to spend an absolute max of Au$1900

At a later stage I will probably be overclocking.

Please critique my build and point out any compatibility problems or other issues that you can see!

CPU
$285
Intel E8500

Motherboard
$185
ASUS PQ5-PRO
Does anyone know anything about the ‘drive xpert’ feature of this board. I’m looking at setting up a raid array so it could be useful.

Graphics
$420
ASUS 1gb AMD 4870

RAM
$50
Kingston ValueRAM 2x1GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820134117&Tpk=KVR800D2N5K2%2f2G

HDD
$186
2x Western Digital Caviar Blue 320GB 7200 RPM SATA 16mb cache operating in RAID 0

PSU
$150
SeaSonic S12 SS-650HT
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151028
Will this PSU fit into my case?

CASE
$100
Gigabyte Triton 180
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811233016

DVD drive
$50
ASUS DRW-2014L1T
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135156

Monitor
$270
BenQ E2200HD 21.5” Monitor
http://www.anandtech.com/displays/showdoc.aspx?i=3449

Total cost of about $1680

 

[Shadow703793]

1. Drop the Kingston Value RAM and get some OCing friendly RAM also try going for 2*2GB.

2. Consider the E8400, esp. if planing to do OCing.

3. Also consider getting a single (or may be two, depending on prices in Australia) WD 640GB AAKS drive.

4. Personal preference here, but consider the Antec 900.

5. Good choice on P5Q-PRO, ATI 4870, PSU and LCD.

 

[StJohn]

Why do you suggest the E8400 over the higher speed 8500? If it's a cooling issue then I can get a 3rd party heatsink.

What is some good ram for this set up?

 

[Shadow703793]

^Imo, paying $25 extra for a half multi and a 160Mhz speed increase is point less. Spend that on the RAM or as you stated, a better heatsink.

 

[jj384]

Wow dude. nice!!! I'm looking into buying the E2200 as well. Did you buy it yet? If you have can you give me some first hand testimonial advise? I'm really looking into buying the monitor, but I recently saw that BenQ has 2 versions. One is BenQ E2200HD and one is BenqQ E2200HDA, what's the difference though? I'm looking to using this for gaminng as well since it has an amazing 2ms response time = )

Dude, btw, I'm pretty sure you can find your monitor for a cheaper price than you've found it online for, you got to ask around though! Prices online tend to usually be more expensive though, ask a friend or something in your area. I don't live in Australia, otherwise I'd personally recommend you to go somewhere.