Help With Gaming Build

[Chameleoki]

I'm upgrading my game computer and have been out of the hardware world for a few years. After some research below is my build I need help with some feedback.

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My Needs
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- I am NOT an overclocker. I like speed/stability at stock. I don't have time to tweak.
- This computer will be ONLY for gaming. So I don't need a lot of extras such as firewire, etc.
- I want this computer to last for 1 1/2 - 2 years.
- I am building this around an ATI 4870X2
- I will not be doing crossfire but might upgrade to another single-card in a generation or two.
- I already have a 24" Dell monitor I will be using.
- I don't care about looks so I'm just getting a basic case.
- I have am targeting ~ $1000 (not including the video). I have some flexibility around this price so I could go a little bit over but I want the best bang for the buck where it makes sense.


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My Build
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Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale 3.16GHz LGA 775 65W - $189.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115036


GIGABYTE GA-EP45T-DS3R LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - $159.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128348


OCZ Platinum 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ3P16004GK - $289.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227297


Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD5000AAKS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM - $159.98 (for two into a raid 0)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136073


Thermaltake W0106RU 700W - $149.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817153039


Antec Three Hundred Black ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - $69.95
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042



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My Questions
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- Is this a good motherboard for speed verses a X38/X48? Keep in mind I don't overclock.
- Is this enough PSU for my setup + 4870X2 and maybe a next-gen card?
- Am I spending money where I shouldn't be for little or no speed?
- Could I spend a little money somewhere else for better performance?


Thanks!

 

[gwai lo]

Yes the P45s are fine, they generally overclock similarly to the more expensive boards as well.

The PSU appears to only have 12v rails...which is going to be a problem. It doesn't even have an ATX power connector, sooo...get a real PSU. Something like the TX750, those VGA PSUs are designed to complement the normal ATX PSUs, not replace them. They're also generally unnecessary.

You're spending too much for DDR3. It does not provide significant gains over DDR2 on our current platform and considering it's price premium...definitely not worth it. Any old kit of 2×2GB of DDR2-800 or DDR2-667 will get you what you want in terms of performance. If you swap out for DDR2, then you can get a regular P45 board. Should be similar in price.

I would spend money on the 640GB versions of the AAKS as they have dual 320GB platters, which are denser which helps in overall performance. Considering how little more they cost, I would spend more for it.

As for the chip, I would personally step down to the E8400, but that's your call.

 

[Chameleoki]

PSU fixed. Grabbed the wrong link!!

Thanks for your input on the DDR3. That's one of the things I was wondering about, too. What motherboard would you recommend for my needs in DDR2?

 

[gwai lo]

I'd still pick up the TX750, fairly certain they're both based on the same platform (CWT PSH). It's cheaper.

As for a board, I'm going to steal Danny Bui's list, I'll have to get around to adding the links, but you're a big boy you can find them yourself.

Gigabyte GA-EP43-DS3L Intel P43 Motherboard - $95
MSI P45 Neo3-FR Intel P45 Motherboard - $120
Gigabyte GA-EP45-DS3R Intel P45 Motherboard - $145
Asus P5Q Pro Intel P45 Motherboard - $150
DFI Lanparty DK X38-T2R Intel X38 Motherboard - $185
Gigabyte GA-X48-DS4 Intel X48 Motherboard - $225

Just to help you out: All of these motherboards have PCI-E 2.0 which may be useful for future GPU upgrades. If you don't need RAID, more than 6 SATA ports and only need semi-decent overclocking, check out the DS3L. If you need 8 SATA ports, RAID, 4 PCI slots, and legacy ports, then get the Neo3-Fr. If you don't need more than 6 SATA ports but want RAID, firewire, a second PCI-E x16 port, a second gigabit port, support for 16GB of RAM, optional eSATA, and high overclocks, then get the DS3R. If you like the DS3R but need 8 SATA ports, want an onboard pre-installed fast booting Linux setup or don't need a second gigabit port, get the Asus P5Q Pro. If you want Crossfire with full x16/x16 bandwidth, get the Lanparty DK X38.

edit: PSU comparison:
http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story&reid=7
http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story&reid=73

 

[engiNURD]

FYI, to OC takes literally a few minutes now -- its so damn easy, even a caveman can do it. Yes... a caveman. The only thing that may take a while is stability testing, which you can simply do overnight anyhow.

Oh, and I agree with everything gwai lo said. Roll all his suggestions into your build, and you're set.

 

[soundguy]

definately go for a WD 640GB drive instead of that 500GB drive, you get a little more space, and a lot more speed, unless you already have 1 500GB drive, definately go for the 640GB

go for the TX750 instead of the TT, it'll be a lot better.

hope the 4870X2 serves you well, and isn't too loud...