Need advice on a rig

Hey guys, I found this place while searching the web looking for budget PC builds.

I am looking for advice on what components to get for a some what budget PC. I would like to keep the build around $700 or less if possible.

Right now Newegg is running some good deals on AMD, and Intel combos so I figure it is time to dump the P4.

I will be using this to play CoD4, and Warhammer etc. I am not big into OC'ing, and want something I can update easily in a few years.

So far my list looks like this:

MOBO - ASUS P5Q Pro LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131299

CPU - Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037

Combo price $274.98

MEMORY- CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145184

PSU- CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139005

CASE- NZXT Apollo Black SECC Steel Chassis ATX Mid Tower
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146025

HD- Seagate Barracuda ES ST3250620NS 250GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148155

CD ROM- ASUS lightscribe
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135156

Total $658.94

I still need a vid card, CPU/fan coolers, and cables etc. Which will put me $200+ over my intended budget.

What would you recommend I change out to bring my total down a little? Since I don't plan on OC'ing should I go with an AMD combo and save some there?

I plan on getting a HD4850 vid card, and adding another HD down the road.

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!

Well youre going to need a 64-bit operating system (you didn't mention having one). Also, the apollo isn't a great case (I have one). I recommend the Antec 300, its very nice and a bit cheaper I think. Other than that I really cant personally take off that much money, as it would require going in another direction. I'm sure someone on here has better suggestions than I do though. All I can think of is salvaging your old drives if you can use them....That's what I did to shave off about $120 on my last build

Could go with a 2GB kit of memory instead of 4GB; maybe a different motherboard (like the Biostar TP45HP- $99.99 at newegg)....other than that, think you pretty much have the price as low as it can get without sacrificing some performance.

No need for the TX650 PSU, you can save maybe $35 by going to a VX450 which will run that system including single 4850 just fine. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139003

You don't need a 64 bit OS, XP and Vista 32 bit run just fine with 4GB. So what if you only 'see' 3GB and change. I run XP 32 bit with 4GB installed, 3.2 (IIRC) showing and never see it even get close to using swap.

You can also find a cheaper case than $60, or better yet, just reuse an old one till ya get more cash.

If it was my money, I'd spend the extra $5 to bump up to the WD 640GB drive, no reason to spend $80 for a 250GB HD these days http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136218 and would also consider the extra few bucks for faster memory, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231148 is very nice.

On newegg the 64 bit and 32 bit OS's are the same price, so it really doesn't matter what he chooses.

jamesman32 said:

On newegg the 64 bit and 32 bit OS's are the same price, so it really doesn't matter what he chooses.

Click to expand...

I only mentioned that because someone earlier on said he 'needed' a 64 bit OS. Personally I'd run 32 bit XP or 64 bit if Vista.

dont get that ES drive, get the one the 410AS drive... the firmware for the ES is different then the regular HD.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148262

EvilSizer - Great catch! You saved me some hassle there!

Ratbuddy - Gotchya on the PSU, HD, and definitely the memory. The one I chose was part of a 'package deal' so I will have to price them out and check the difference.

Jamesman- I looked at that case and it looks good to me, sign me up.

This is why I came to the pro's

Now onto the OS. I am undecided yet between Vista, and 32 bit XP. I am kinda weary about Vista at the moment, but that is a whole new subject.

I also have looked into an alternate CPU while keeping the same MOBO, or going with the one flynismo suggested.

CPU - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115132
MOBO - http://www.newegg.com/Produ/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138123

Total together is $249

So many options.

yea get the E7300 nothing wrong with it... the E7300's are getting the better binned dies atm then E7200's. 3.8ghz-4ghz should be no problem on that setup.

Vouch the E7300. 4ghz on my buddy's rig no problem!