Hello everyone, after scouring all the other threads here that have similarly themed/priced gaming build's listed, I am trying to get your feedback on my build before I purchase it.

I will be ordering all the parts from Newegg (I live very close and get stuff quick).

I am hoping to order within the next day or two- so that Newegg will process it next Monday after the Holiday/Weekend right away.

Here is my current build-- Please let me know if I am overlooking any incompatibility issues or any other oversights. I am *NOT* married to this build at all, so I would greatly appreciate any suggestions how to improve or save a few bucks.

RAM: 83.99 :: G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ - Retail

Case/PSU : 124.95 :: Antec Sonata III 500 Black 0.8mm cold rolled steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 500W Power Supply - Retail

Mobo 149.99 :: ASUS P5Q Pro LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

GFX Card 194.99 :: ASUS EAH4850/HTDI/512M Radeon HD 4850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail

CPU 189.99 :: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8400 - Retail

Hard Drive 59.99 (looking for a better/bigger option) :: Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250410AS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM

CPU Cooler 26.99 :: ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler - Retail

The Motherboard and Gfx Card currently have a 30.00 off bundle deal on Newegg, which is why I went with a more expensive mobo and I really wanted a new and blazing fast GFX card!

The Gfx card also has a 30 dollar Mail IN rebate... meaning I am getting the mobo/gfx combo for 60 bucks off!

Before mail in rebates (no tax included yet) The system is right around $850 Give or take a few bucks.

I am willing to go to around 1000 max on this system, and want the best bang for my buck.

What have I done right? Where have I gone wrong?

I look forward to hearing your opinions!

I'd really appreciate any feedback on this build.

I am going to be ordering within the next day or two and want to iron out and kinks asap!

Thanks!

Looks good.

I'm getting pretty much the same build except I'm going going for the P35 Mobo instead. I've got a friend with the same build I'm ordering and it's absolutely fantastic. You could probably go with the same mobo I'm getting for a cheaper price but if you're satisfied with that then stick with it.

You're even getting the same case/PSU combo I'm getting, idea thief!

Anyone with any specific recommendations?

Like I said in my original post- I am looking to possible upgrade the HDD to something with larger storage if it maintains good quality, I would be willing to spend another 20-30 bucks there.

Any other things I am overlooking?

I need to make sure, for example, that this new MOBO has onboard sound... etc.

Really hoping to get some more input before I order!

You should pay 5 more bucks and get the WD 320 HD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822136098

You can also save up , get a less expensive mobo , maybe 2 gigs of ram and go for the 4870 or a gtx 260 which has just right now gone down in price to $299 ...

Ok, I have made a few adjustments which has raised my price total, but only about 50 bucks OVER my budget (AFTER tax and shipping) Once you factor in 50 bucks worth of MI Rebates, I can live with that.

Let me know what you think!

My main concern was the Sonata case and PSU, the motherboard (wanted a cheaper alternative with similar performance) and the hard drive.

Here are my updated parts (NEW Additions bolded):

RAM 83.99 :: G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ - Retail


Case 119.99 :: Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

PSU 119.99 (20 Mail in Rebate):: CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply - Retail


Mobo 83.99 :: GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail


GFX Card 194.99 (30 Mail in Rebate) :: ASUS EAH4850/HTDI/512M Radeon HD 4850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail


CPU 189.99 :: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8400 - Retail


Hard Drive 94.99 :: Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM


CPU Cooler 26.99 :: ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler - Retail


Please let me know if you guys think these are good changes!

GA-EP43-DS3L (PCI-E 2, 6 SATA, 1200 fsb) is better than GA-EP35-DS3L
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] -EP43-DS3L

RC-690 case, maybe - if you want something without lights.

The rest is great.

Thanks for the recommendations.

That rc-690 case is pretty nice looking... AND it has a bundle right now on newegg:


COOLER MASTER Real Power Pro 550 RS-550-ACAA-A1 550W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply - Retail
COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

Original price: $164.98
Discount: -$20.00
Combo Price: $144.98

I could go this route for case/psu and save almost 100 bucks or so!

I really, REALLY like the look of the antec 900-- but this case is slick as well, and has pristine reviews!

I may take make the switch!

Thanks aevm!!!

Anything else? Keep it coming!

I wouldn't get the combo. The 650TX is one of the best PSUs out there. The CoolerMaster PSUs on the other hand have a bad reputation.

Between Antec 900 and RC-690 it's strictly a matter of taste. They're both great cases. It's just that one lets you sleep in the room and one doesn't because it's lit like a Christmas tree. If the PC won't be in the bedroom just flip a coin or something.

Lol!

Ahh, I was not aware of the poor reputation of the other PSU.

Regardless... even if I get the more expensive PSU and the RC690
I still save 50 bucks or so, which sounds good to me!

I'll see what happens to my pricing if i get the rc690 and the 650tx

I actually just thought of another question:

I am 100% set on my choice of GFX card, as I have been reading that as far as bang for you buck the 4850's are simply amazing right now.

I have also been reading that they have EXTREME heat issues...

Anyone have any recommendations of a cooling product for this card?

ThermalTake Duorb.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] A%2bCooler