Spec check

[fezster]

Seen hundreds of posts like these from others, and now it's my turn

Want to build a future proofed PC which will be used mainly for internet use and programming. I frequently have lots of apps open with a large archive of Outlook mail, and my current PC (2.4Ghz P4) is struggling. Dont play many games, but I used to really be into CSS and would like a gfx card which could let me play at the highest res possible with ease. I figured an average gfx card would cost about £50 anyway (HD 2600 Pro ?) so dont mind spending an extra £80 to get something which would handle the most graphics intensive games.

Looking to overclock the Quad to 3.2Ghz (or more) but don't want to worry too much about overheating or cooling. Not overclocked a system for a long time (did a Celeron 300mhz to 450mhz years back). Also, would like the system to be pretty quiet as it'll sit in my lounge.

Any advice ?

 

[Darryl_1983]

Only thing i'd personally change is the gfx card. I'd go for a 8800GT 512MB version, cheapest one is only an extra £15.

 

[mp260767]

maybe swap the memory to G.Skill 4GB DDR2 PQ PC2-6400C5, voltage runs at 1.8-2.0.

i'd stick with the gfx card you suggested, should be more than enough for what you need.

 

[fezster]

I noticed the timings on the G.Skill are slower - will that make much difference to performance ?

What do I gain from lower voltage ram ? Less heat I presume. Anything else ?

 

[mp260767]

can't say i've ever noticed any difference game/application wise.

less heat, more likely to boot without problems as a fair few motherboards tend to have a default of 1.8v for the memory.