Building a computer for cousin

[Sell224]

I have built a few computers now and my recently my Aunt asked me to set one up for my cousin for Christmas. I am not really completely caught up over what has happened in the computer world over the last half a year or so but tell me what you think of this build. I wanna build him something similar to my computer because its been a great computer. She didn't really give me a price range but I figure I could go somewhere around 1000-1500.

Intel Core 2 Duo E8500
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115036
wow I bought my E8400 when it first came out for like 230. Prices have definitely gone down. Are there any better processors around other than the e8000 series? I love the e8400.. its been great

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835185125
to cool it.

EVGA 512-P3-N975-AR GeForce 9800 GT
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130380
I am baffled at how little this thing costs.. I bought my 8800 GT, which I felt like was a GREAT buy at the time, for like 250. How does the 9800 hold up? Like I said I don't really know the newer video cards or anything so any other suggestions?

GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3R LGA 775
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128359
(just chose the highest rated gigabyte mobo around 100 dollars on newegg.)

Antec 900
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021&Tpk=antec 900
Figure I would get him the same case I have because I love it.

CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145184
(good cheap ram)

CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139005


Don't think I am missing anything. Anyways, could you all tell me what you think of the build? Not sure if he needs a monitor or keyboard or mouse or os but thats not hard to figure out. Not sure what the total price is on this thing but it looks pretty damn low.

Thanks!

 

[drdallon]

well for 1k you can build a decent quadcore(although nothing is wrong with dualcores), closer to 1500 you could look into a core i7.

That heatsink is not compatible with your processor. You need to find one for the LAG 775 socket type. I recommended
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186134

The 9800 is a great card, and EVGA is an awesome brand! Thats the only brand i have bought Nvidias from but i have yet to have a bad experience with their cards.

The reason its so cheap is because of the Nvidia 260(220$) and the 280(399$), those are Nvidias newest cards.

RAM i recomend is
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227352
its 10$ cheaper, and clocked faster. Perfect 5egg rating. Yes it has alot less ratings but every one who has bought it seems to love it. And like Corsair OCZ is a very reliable brand.

The Antec 900 is a phenomenal case!

Well thats my 2cents hope it helped you a little.