New Build -- so I don't end up buying a Dell 9200 / E520

[jooonyer]

Hi - Time for me to build a new PC -- for my folks and I wanted to buy them something I could use when I visit to play games on also.

Initially I was thinking about getting them a Dell 9200 or E520 using a C2D CPU with 2 GB RAM -- but I realized a few issues -- I wanted a decent good video card so I when I go over so I can play games like BF2, DOD:S and wasn't so sure I was getting the best deal from Dell and getting the most out of the C2D chip using their BIOS which I can't OC with. I can get a 9200 configured with the general specs below with a 7900 GS Video card and 1907 Monitor for ~ $ 1240

Wondering what you'd recommend for a full system build for the following items == and am looking to keep costs as low as possible reasonably.

CPU - ?
* Intel Core 2 Duo 6300 (Will want to OC this)

RAM - ?
* 2 GB RAM

CPU Cooler - ?
* What do you recommend (don't need anything to hit MAX OC -- but would like to get as much as reasonably possible out of CPU on AIR)

Mobo - ?
* Do not need SLI -- but do want decent on board sound if possible with good OC potential

Monitor - ?
* 19" monitor @ 1280 x 1024 resolution (want something that is good for text clarity and also speed for gaming) - do not want higher resolution as their eyes won't handle it.

Video Card - ?
* Something that I can have real good frame rates in BF2 and DOD:S @ 1280 x 1024 with everything set to MAX

Case - ?
* Nothing flashy or fancy needed here -- i.e. -- no neon lights, etc. Just something that will cool well and is relatively quiet if possible.

Powersupply - ?
* Something that will be of good quality and can stay on 24 hours or longer and handle being left on the 3rd floor of a house that heats up quite a bit in the summer. Thus should be reliable. I've used Enermax PS'es in the past with no issues.

Hard Disk - ?
* 250 GB would be good

DVD - ?
* DVD Burner - Dual Layer support

Floppy Drive / Memory Reader - ?
* Anything cheap would be fine

Mouse / Keyboard / Speakers - Already have.


If it makes it easier to cut and paste your suggustions -- I've provided a template below for items I need:

CPU - ?
RAM - ?
CPU Cooler - ?
Mobo - ?
Monitor - ?
Video Card - ?
Case - ?
Powersupply - ?
Hard Disk - ?
DVD - ?
Floppy Drive / Memory Reader - ?

Thanks again.

 

[intelconvert6079]

My 2 tips are......

1. Get a large power supply. 650 watts or so.

2. Pay up for a good mobo if you want to get a good OC. The $250+ motherboards tend to run at a lower temp and not to be as fussy with your parts.

 

[jooonyer]

BUMP

 

[jooonyer]

What about the config below -- any improvements for better items for same or lower price (Pricing taken from NewEgg)

$160 - Viewsonic Q19WB-2 Black 19" 5ms Widescreen LCD ($200 - $40MIR)
$190 - Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 Conroe 1.86GHz
$210 - G.SKILL 2GB (2x1GB) DDR2-800 F2-6400CL5D-2GBNQ
$109 - GIGABYTE GA-965P-S3 Socket T (LGA 775) Intel P965 Express
$156 - eVGA 256-P2-N624-AR GeForce 7900GS 256MB ($176 - $20MIR)
$48 - ZALMAN CNPS9500 AT 2 Ball CPU HSF (Quiet)
$80 - Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250620AS 250GB 7200RPM SATA300 16MB Cache
$33 - Samsung 18X DVD±R w/LightScribe SH-S182M/BEBN
$40 - Cooler Master Centurion 5 CAC-T05-UB Black /Blue ATX Case ($50 - $10MIR)
$106 - Corsair HX Series CMPSU-520HX 520W
$19 - MITSUMI Black 1.44MB 3.5 FDD + Internal USB 2.0 digital card reader
=========
~$1155 + tax and shipping (after rebates)