please criticize my hardware choices for my new computer

C

chopficaro

New Member
Hi, I need some real knowledgeable people to tell me if I’m making any mistakes building my first gaming machine. I know I’m being a real pain in the ass asking you to check all these links but I really need help! This is my first build and I’m a total n00b. I will be eternally grateful for anything you can point out.

Am I making any huge mistakes with these choices?

$500 approx circuit city bought tn panel 24"+ monitor (I gotta watch it perform before I pick)

$320 e3110 processor + dp35dpm mother board bundle 12" x 9.6"
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0281869

$190 8800gt 512mb 9” x 4”
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150253

$40 2 x (1gb DDR2 800)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211066

$75 internal 320gb hard drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148140

$90 esata 320gb hard drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822216039

$25 dvd burner
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136142

$21 cpu fan and heat sink
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835150082

$50 Case + 2fans + 450w psu
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811156070

$5 Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...ing=1&PurchaseMark=&VideoOnlyMark=False&Page=

$73 500w seasonic psu to replace case psu
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151040


$60 shipping


$1443 total
 
How about a "slam dunk" approach? :P

I'll start with the last first pointing out the "smart move" at dumping any supply included with a case since those are usually the garbage tossed in.:eek: Try seeing a supply quit in under two weeks from making that mistake some time back on an older build. "never again" is the simple lesson! The 80mm on the side and rear 120 doesn't offer much for cooling either.

Artic Silver 5 has had a long standing while some now prefer MX-2. It's still one of the top pastes. The case is always personal preference but listen to lesson #1 on ordering one with a supply included. :eek: "not that!" Pass on the cpu cooler while MassCool has a good name but not quite like an Artic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro or Zalman 9700 for the higher price there.

The external drive is an offname for a brand there while being an eSata over a usb type. That sees an extension cable to a sata port on the board itself while the make is unfamiliar. eVGA, BFG, MSI, and a few others are preferred over XFX here.
 
imsati said:
The last HSF you'll ever buy: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835150083

Don't let the price fool you.

What are you planning to use the system for? You can't accept PMs yet, but feel free to email me at [email protected] for specific advice.
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Please tell me that was sarcasm for the heatsink...:eek:

@chopficaro: The only thing I'd change is the CPU/motherboard bundle. The CPU is great, but the motherboard is a bit iffy. You'd probably be better off getting the GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L board.
 
Please tell me that was sarcasm for the heatsink...
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No, it wasn't. It outperforms other HSFs that are 2 or 3 times the price. It's my preferred HSF for every family/Client build because it's proven itself time and time again. As I mentioned, don't let the price fool you. Unless you've used it, don't judge it.

You'd probably be better off getting the GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L board.
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Agreed. Intel makes great CPUs, but from my experience crappy MoBo's. Gigabyte or Abit may be worth looking into. I've limited experience with them, but many folks love Asus, too.

I have to wonder on the "advice" as well.
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And the pot turned to the kettle and shrieked from the top of it's lungs 'BLACK!":rolleyes:

I could post several Threads where you were completely owned and made a complete fool out of PC for giving piss-poor recommendations and screwing up other's systems.

chopficaro, please do yourself a favor and search for Posts made by PC and read up on his track record. Post Count does not equal experience. You could save yourself a LOT of hassle and confusion down the road, not to mention have solid answers the first time you ask them, not drawn out over 5 pages worth of Posts and still have nothing definite.

Jesus, this is why I don't Public Post anymore...
 
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imsati said:
No, it wasn't. It outperforms other HSFs that are 2 or 3 times the price. It's my preferred HSF for every family/Client build because it's proven itself time and time again. As I mentioned, don't let the price fool you. Unless you've used it, don't judge it.
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I can see how it can be good for the price, but does it really outperform the tower heatsinks? Also, if it does, is it also very loud?
 
diduknowthat said:
I can see how it can be good for the price, but does it really outperform the tower heatsinks? Also, if it does, is it also very loud?
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So far, it's maintained lower temps on my family's/Client's systems than other HSFs made by CM, Thermaltake, Ultra, Rosewill, and even other Masscool products. Granted, I wouldn't drop it on a Quadcore OC'd to 3.6Ghz, but for moderate-to-above average usage (really 85% of folks who use computers when you get down to it), it's almost pristine in it's effectiveness. It's a real shame folks judge products based on the price; low='why bother, it must be crap' and high='it's expensive, it must be great!.

Edit: Just saw the noise question. No, it's whisper quiet. I have 4 fans total in my case right now. It's about 3 feet from me at the moment and can barely hear it.
 
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