plz help with my 1st build

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Can I plz get some guidance from you wise guys out there

I am looking at building my 1st computer soon, around the 22nd when the prices drop, and have come up with the below spec. Basically just use it for some gaming, mainly Age of Empires, FM07 and maybe some MMORPG soon. Trying to keep the price around 600, can go upto about 850 if needs be and worth it. already have monitor, keyboard and mouse.

I would look to OC the cpu to around 3 ghz and maybe play around with OCing the ram or GPU

Looking for sumat that'll last about 3 years so need DX10 e.t.c.

CPU: C2D E2160
COOLER: AC FREEZER PRO 7
GPU: EVGA 8800GTS 320MB
RAM: CORSAIR XMS2-6400 C5 (2x1GB)
HDD: SEAGATE BARRACUDA 250GB 7200.10
DVD-R/W: SAMSUNG SH183LBEBN
CASE/PSU: ANTEC SONATA 3 WITH EARTHWATTS 500W PSU
OS: VIST 64BIT OEM

This all comes to 540 without mobo, which i am hopign someone could help with as I am not too sure on. Also would that case and psu combo be ok.
 
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Mobo - P35 DS3R or Asus P5K. These new P35 motherboards clock pretty well.

I'd drop the RAM for something a bit cheaper - PC 6400 Geil for example.

If you have spare cash in the kitty, I would go for 640MB GTS, and maybe change the case for the Akasa Zen, and Corsair 520W PSU.
 
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adelburn said:
Cheers for that Melbourne,

mobo choice would be the GA-P35C-DSR3 for 94squid then

Or do you reckon the below mobo would be much of a performance drop. Im tryin t save as much without drastical performance differnece.
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-011-AK&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=205

Im no expert but that board is more backwards compatable rather than future proof. Only seems to have 1 PCI slot which you would use for he GFX card. Go for the other board if you've got the money.

S ;)
 
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Big performance drop, you'll max out at 300FSB with the ASrock, whereas the DS3 goes up to 500+ with the right tuning. If you're looking to save money, then the following might be worth considering:-

Asus P5B
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-151-AS&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=565

GB DS3
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-061-GI&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=565

Not as good as the P35 DS3, but still good clockers for the money.

ChemicalKicks said:
Im no expert but that board is more backwards compatable rather than future proof. Only seems to have 1 PCI slot which you would use for he GFX card. Go for the other board if you've got the money.

S ;)

Spot on :)
 
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Cheers guys,

the 640mb GTS is a bit too much for me, so ill prob stick with just 320mb GTS for now and maybe upgrade later.

Also I have checked the ampage on the 12v rails for the Eartwatts 500w PSU and it comes in at 34A would this be enough to reliably power this rig.(Im not too keen on the akasa case) and maybe power a quad core and GTX in the future.

If not id have to go with the Antec 900 and corsair 520W.

I checked the 12v rails from the below link.
http://www.antec.com/specs/EA500_spe.html
 
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Could be a good option as I would be looking at playing around with the ram timings.

What do you think about the ampage on the PSU would it be sufficient for my needs?
 
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