C2D Build, what do you think?

[Istasi]

Hey guys,
I'll be helping my friend build a rig over the next week or two, and while I'm pretty sure of the parts choices we've made, I've learned it's always better to run things past some of the experts here. He's trying to keep the cost under $2600, but he'd prefer $2500 so he can pick up a game or two as well.

Here are the basics:

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 - $310 (Newegg)
Mobo: Intel 975XBX2KR - $200 (Tigerdirect)
RAM: Buffalo Firestix PC6400 2x1GB (x2 for 4 gigs) - $320 (Newegg)
GPU: EVGA 8800GTX 768MB - $570 (Newegg)
HDD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 320GB SATA II - $85 (Newegg)
PSU: Silverstone OP650 - $127 (EastLuna)
Case: Ultra Aluminus - $100 (Performance-PCs)
Monitor: BenQ FP222WH 22" Widescreen - $280 (Newegg)
Optical Drives: LG 18x DVD Burner - $30 (Newegg) -- LG DVD-ROM Drive - $20 (Newegg)
Keyboard: Logitech G11 - $55 (Newegg)
Mouse: Logitech G5 - $45 (Newegg)
CPU Heatsink: Thermalright Ultra 120 - $45 (HeatSinkFactory)
Thermal Paste: Arctic Silver 5 - $6 (Newegg)
OS: Windows Vista Home Premium 64-Bit - $120 (Newegg)
Fan Controller: Sunbeam Rheobus 5.25" - $22 (Performance-PCs)
Misc. Lighting, Fans, etc.: $45

Total: ~$2450 incl. Shipping

I know many of you will suggest other cases, please do. I am not a big fan of that case, but my friend is, and feels it'll do just fine. I also know that the Sunbeam Rheobus can be found cheaper elsewhere, but everywhere but PPC's seems to be out of stock. Also, please don't tell me to wait till April for price cuts, my friend won't have any of that ;)

Suggestions? Critiques?

[perkam]

At that price I'd be hardpressed to disagree with your friend...I will, however, disagree on the GTX purchase, seeing as it is up for a big price drop this End of April/May and he'd be much better off with a 320mb 8800gts, and if he needs more performance, go SLI (which would still be cheaper than the single GTX).

Which brings us to the motherboard, might I suggest the Asus P5N32-E SLI here: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131153 along with the 8800gts here: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130082

Perkam

[Istasi]

You'd really suggest a GTS 320 over the GTX, Perkam? Are you sure the 320MB is enough for 1650x1080? Also, he doesn't plan on upgrading for a year or two, and I'm skeptical of the GTS's staying power once true DX10 games hit the market (of course, we don't know how the GTX will perform either, but it's still a more powerful card.)

[justin_c]

yeah, gts over gtx. it should be enough, but defintely not for crysis.

ask him if he really needs 4 gigs of ram right now, since you could dump one 2 gig set and the seagate 320 and get two 150gig raptors, which would be more essential if hes a gamer. then again, some games are memory hogs, esp. when your running vista. just a thought.

[perkam]

You'd really suggest a GTS 320 over the GTX, Perkam? Are you sure the 320MB is enough for 1650x1080? Just to emphasize the oversimplicity of your question...yes your friend can run hl2 at those resolutions without a problem :)

If he has a certain game in mind, you need to let us know...but yes, he should be able to run most games at that resolution with little problem, especially if he intends to overclock...

Not to mention as I previously stated, two of those are cheaper and more powerful than a single GTX.

Perkam

[Istasi]

Just to emphasize the oversimplicity of your question...yes your friend can run hl2 at those resolutions without a problem :)

If he has a certain game in mind, you need to let us know...but yes, he should be able to run most games at that resolution with little problem, especially if he intends to overclock...

Not to mention as I previously stated, two of those are cheaper and more powerful than a single GTX.

Perkam

Sorry I wasn't more specific, not too sure what his game collection consists of as he can't play much on his current rig.

I'll be OC'ing for him, and hopefully teach him how to, but the whole PC scene is rather new to him. I'll definitely send him over to this thread and hopefully he'll pick up some knowledge. :)

He will look to play Crysis, Alan Wake, etc. on this PC though, so keep that in mind.

[StealthyFish]

I'd recommend a Thermaltake big typhoon for a heatsink. It's an amazing heatsink, my friend cupholder2.0 (on this forum) has that heatsink, and it's a monster, but cools ridiculously well. Keeps his E6400 from ever hitting 50C full load at 3.4 Ghz. I do have to warn you though, do not screw up the install, as he killed a 955XBXLKR motherboard by raking the socket pins to a point where it couldn't be repaired.

[thunderstruck!]

Get a LG L226WT monitor. BB sells them for $339 and it's got 2ms response, 3000:1 contrast (really 1000:1), 300 cd/m2, hdcp over dvi, etc.

[L'enFer]

I'd recommend a Thermaltake big typhoon for a heatsink
my vote is Tuniq Tower/Enzotech Ultra X.

[Cracker]

The only components I have any real question about is that motherboard and choice of O/S.

Your "friend" might want to consider a mobo like the i680SLI(if he wants to do the whole SLI thing considering how much disposable cash he appears to have) or the ASUS P5WDH instead of that Intel board which I consider to be more desirable than the Intel "bad axe".

And Vista... hmm, I still recommend people use XP Pro until MS takes some of the steam off of that pile. ;)

[Istasi]

On the Badaxe 2: I think I'll go with Perkam's recommendation and suggest the P5N32-E SLI.

On Vista: I've heard of Vista's many quirks and such, but my friend has it on the top of his list, so it's set in stone pretty much. Also, is there any real difference between Vista 64-Bit and 32-Bit editions?