Need help tweaking my midrange build

[nemesisrobot]

Hey guys, I'm trying to build the best midrange PC possible for under $950 for the cost of hardware. Please keep in mind the total must include the cost of shipping as I live in Hawaii and don't qualify for Neweggs free shipping. Anyway, here's what I got so far:

Note: BTW the FAQ is from Hardforum, where I've made a similar post. Just trying to get a wide range of opinions.

Intel E8400 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037) ($165)
Antec P182 w/ Quattro 850 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129025) ($200) I know I don't need all that wattage, but w/ $220 savings, it's an incredible deal, and cheaper than buying a different good modular PSU
Samsung 22x SATA dvd writer (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151171) $26
Western Digital 640GB (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136218) $75
OCZ Reaper DDR2-6400 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227267) $73
Gigabyte UD3P (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128358) $137
MSI 9600 GT (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127382) $95

Please help me revise this build to maximize my limited budget. I'm not sure about the E8400, as I don't do very much CPU-intensive stuff, but this computer will probably stay un-upgraded (I know, i made that word up) for a few years, so I want it to remain speedy even as software requirements increase over the next few years.

Also, does anyone foresee any substantial price drops? I will probably order the case + PSU soon as the deals ends on 10/26, but I don't really need the machine right away.

Also as far as OS goes, does anyone know if Windows Server 2008 is suitable to run until I buy Vista? Better yet, will I even need to buy Vista if I have Server 2008? The reason I'm asking is I have access to a free license through Microsoft's Dreamspark Program.

Filled out the FAQ:

1) What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming? Photoshop? Web browsing? etc
I will be using this for software development, Mathematics programs (Maple), light gaming (all the Steam games, maybe WoW if I feel like wasting my life again =P), and the rest of the basic computer stuff.
2) What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included?
$950 including shipping
3) Where do you live?
Hawaii, so no free shipping from the Egg =(
4) What exact parts do you need for that budget? CPU, RAM, case, etc. Please be very specific.
I want a speedy processor, fast hard drive, and good sturdy case w/ good cable management features.
5) If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. List make and model.
No parts being reused, I will be giving my current PC to a friend.
6) Will you be overclocking?
Mildly at the most, will probably just up the FSB a bit
7) What size monitor do you have or plan to have?
a 24" at 1920x1200
8) When do you plan on building/buying the PC?
Not in a hurry, but probably within a month or two

[DildePer]

You should be aware that with PC-6400 you will be overclocking your RAM if you go over 400FSB. Get some better memory from a good brand.

[cobra_kai]

If you browse around on some deal sites you can get a much better graphics cards than the 9600 for ~$100. The 9800 GT is often around 100, and ati is coming out with a new card, the HD4830, that should be found for ~100 if you hunt.

[nemesisrobot]

You should be aware that with PC-6400 you will be overclocking your RAM if you go over 400FSB. Get some better memory from a good brand.

Thanks for the suggestion. However, I'm not sure if I'll be pushing past 400 MHz anyway. Like I said, just a small OC at best.


If you browse around on some deal sites you can get a much better graphics cards than the 9600 for ~$100. The 9800 GT is often around 100, and ati is coming out with a new card, the HD4830, that should be found for ~100 if you hunt.

Thanks, I'll keep looking.