New System Build - Trying to Decide

[Neutron1998]

I am currently running an Athlon 64 2800+ Socket 754 CPU, 2.5GB of DDR-400, and a GeForce 6800 GT AGP video card.

I'm looking to build a new PC. I am leaning towards the Core2Duo E6650. I will get at least 2GB of DDR2-800 if not 4GB. I've been looking at the GeForce 8600 GS for the video card. I will probably keep XP though I've been thinking about Vista even though I don't like it, mainly for DX10.

My budget is $700 but I will be keeping my DVD-RW, keyboard, mouse, 19" widescreen flat panel, and speakers.

What would yall suggest to be a good build? I would consider AMD again but dont like that they are ditching AM2 next year (this is what screwed me on Socket 754). I really like the Core2Duo. This will be for gaming/every day use. I want it to perform well for the newer games and ones coming out like StarCraft 2.

 

[aevm]

E6650? Where did you find that one?

How about this:
Keep XP
GA-P35-S3L
2 GB DDR2-800 (there's a Crucial package at newegg for $70)
E6750 (or E6550, depending on budget)
8800 GTS 320 (or X1950XT or X1950Pro, again depending on budget)
Corsair 520HX
Centurion 534 (if you get the 8800 GTS and it's too big for your old case)

I'm assuming you can keep your old hard disk(s) too. If not, get a Samsung SpinPoint or a WD 320GB or something like that.

 

[Solariscs]

Hey there, for gaming, you'll want something better than 8600GS. The cheapest high end card would be the X1950Pro, but it wont run DX10 games. The best, cheap DX10 would probably be a 8600GTS. It's a little more expensive though.

Cooler Master Centurion 534
FSP BLUE STORM II 500 500W
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor E6550 2.33GHz
GIGABYTE MB GA-P35-DS3L
Super Talent DDR2-800 2GB (2x1GB)
Seagate ST3250620AS 250GB
MSI nVidia GeForce 8600GTS 256MB

~$700

That should do you pretty well and that motherboard will let you upgrade to the new 45nm Intel cpus that are coming in next year.

If you have any questions let me know, message me on aim or yahoo, Maximus9102

 

[Neutron1998]

Sorry. I meant the E6750.

I've been looking at that motherboard. I definately want P35 for the chipset unless nVidia has a comparable chipset.

I'm concerned more about the video card, as I can't afford the 8800, but want something that will last at least for the next 2-3 years for most games coming out soon.

 

[aevm]

Don't worry about DX10 support. Most games to be released until 2010 or so will work on DX9 cards, because that's what most people have and game makers know it.

I read a review of Bioshock recently, it had lots of screenshots. It turned out that the DX9 and DX10 modes looked exactly the same, except that the DX10 mode had 10 fps less.

I would go with Solariscs' recommendations, but with the x1950xt if possible. Between these two I would very much prefer the xt:

eVGA 8600GTS $145
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130084

Sapphire x1950xt, $168
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102067

http://www23.tomshardware.com/graphics_2007.html?modelx=33&model1=724&model2=854&chart=297

 

[zenmaster]

Trade the E6750 for the E2160 and then you can afford the 8800GTS.

Here is a sample build that will come in under $700 after rebates.

https://secure.newegg.com/NewVersion/Wishlist/PublicWishDetail.asp?WishListNumber=4787014&WishListTitle=600

My least favorite part is the PSU, but it gets decent reviews at JonnyGuru. Searching sites besides NewEgg will find good deals. In General NewEggs PSU prices are high compared to their pricing for other products.

 

[KyleSTL]

I agree, the E2160 has a higher multiplier and low FSB (i.e. awesome overclocking) and the 8800GTS 320 would be powerful enough depending on your resolution (which is 1280x1024 right now). Sacrifice some processor housepower (which you can mostly get back by OCing) and get yourself a big ol' 8800.

 

[aevm]

So, there we go again, Thermalright Ultra 120 Extreme etc etc...

Here's a nice deal for RAM:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220144