Ok, it’s been several years since I built my last PC and I don’t much have time to follow new technology anymore, so I’m now desperately out of touch with current components… That being said, I’m planning to build a new system to handle some light gaming (eq2, Fallout3, etc) and video editing (home movies of the kids), as well as general computing (photo/music storage, MS Office work, etc). I think it would forever and a day to educate myself enough to make an intelligent purchasing decision, so I leave myself in your capable hands to help recommend a build…
I'm hoping to make a purchase in the next month, and would like to keep pricing as close to $600 as I can.
I've typically purchased from Newegg but I'm open to other vendors if they have a good track record.
Case: Would like to reuse my Antec Sonata II http://www.antec.com/Believe_it/product.php?Type=Mg==&id=NjYy if possible.
CPU: Core @ Duo E8400 ($167) / E8500 ($189) or Core 2 Quad Q8400 ($185). Which makes the most sense for me? Or is there an altogether better product at this price point?
Heatsink/Cooling System: Need a suggestion given the case and CPU.
Mobo: P45, Crossfire would be nice, legacy ports (PATA), onboard audio with optical output. I’m probably not terribly concerned with overclockability unless it can be done very easily.
Memory: 4GB if I stick with XP Professional, 6GB if I move to Vista. Open to suggestions as to brand and timing.
PSU: I appear to be right on the cusp, but I presume my 450W PSU will not be sufficient, and definitely will not be when I decide to add a second graphics card. I’m thinking of purchasing an Antec EA 750 PSU http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371026, assuming I can swap it into my case.
Hard Drive: WD Caviar Black 1TB http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136284
DVD: Will reuse my existing internal DVD drive (PATA) and external USB DVD drive
OS: I own XP Professional free and clear. It is worth buying Vista 64? Should I run Windows 7 release candidate and then buy when it releases? Reliable performance with minimal tweaking is desired.
Keyboard/Mouse/Monitor: Reusing my current components.
Did I miss anything?
I appreciate all your suggestions to help me avoid mistakes when putting together this new system!
edited: to add required information
I'm hoping to make a purchase in the next month, and would like to keep pricing as close to $600 as I can.
I've typically purchased from Newegg but I'm open to other vendors if they have a good track record.
Case: Would like to reuse my Antec Sonata II http://www.antec.com/Believe_it/product.php?Type=Mg==&id=NjYy if possible.
CPU: Core @ Duo E8400 ($167) / E8500 ($189) or Core 2 Quad Q8400 ($185). Which makes the most sense for me? Or is there an altogether better product at this price point?
Heatsink/Cooling System: Need a suggestion given the case and CPU.
Mobo: P45, Crossfire would be nice, legacy ports (PATA), onboard audio with optical output. I’m probably not terribly concerned with overclockability unless it can be done very easily.
Memory: 4GB if I stick with XP Professional, 6GB if I move to Vista. Open to suggestions as to brand and timing.
PSU: I appear to be right on the cusp, but I presume my 450W PSU will not be sufficient, and definitely will not be when I decide to add a second graphics card. I’m thinking of purchasing an Antec EA 750 PSU http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371026, assuming I can swap it into my case.
Hard Drive: WD Caviar Black 1TB http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136284
DVD: Will reuse my existing internal DVD drive (PATA) and external USB DVD drive
OS: I own XP Professional free and clear. It is worth buying Vista 64? Should I run Windows 7 release candidate and then buy when it releases? Reliable performance with minimal tweaking is desired.
Keyboard/Mouse/Monitor: Reusing my current components.
Did I miss anything?
I appreciate all your suggestions to help me avoid mistakes when putting together this new system!
edited: to add required information
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