Build Help

[yinlun]

Hello, I'm looking to build a new computer and I need some help. To give you a general idea, I'm currently using a Dell XPS M170 Laptop as my main desktop.

Intel Pentium M Processor 760 (2GHz/2MB Cache/533MHz)
Memory 1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz 2 Dimm
Hard Drive 60GB 7200rpm Hard Drive
Video Card Special Offer 256MB NVIDIA® GeForce? Go 7800 GTX

I find the system slow. Before going to this, my main was the following (which my brother took from me) but I enjoyed the computer much more, especially the dual core for multi tasking.

ASRock Dual SATA2
AMD X2 3800+
2x1GB Patriot PC3200 Ram
Thermaltake Big Typhoon
Gigabyte 3D Aurora Case
ATI x1900 512mb

I liked the system a lot with the only exception being the Motherboard/Networking was slower (on the same network) than my laptop or other computers.

So I'm looking to build one, not terribly expensive as I don't do a whole lot of video editing or extreme gaming, but I'd like to keep from having to build another one for 2 years or so. I also want to state that I don't overclock, and I'm looking for pretty much a value build. I prefer to stick with Intel processor, Asus motherboard, and Nvidia video card. So here's what I'm thinking so far, any advice on cost cutting, worth it/not worth it, etc would be very helpful.

Intel Core 2 Duo E6550: $168
Asus P4K-E/WiFi-AP: $150
Corsair XMS2 TWIN2x2048-6400C5DHX Twin2X: $38
Seagate Barracude 7200.10 80GB 7200 RPM HD /8MB Buffer: $45
Case: ??
Power Supply: ??
Video Card: GeForce 8800GT 512MB: $260

Thanks in advance.

Oh, and the purpose of the system. I mainly browse the internet, VPN into work through VMWare, play WoW, use ventrillo, and watch movies either through Itunes or Netflix..but I tend to do them all at the same time. I don't store a lot of files/videos/music on the harddrive as I have an external HD for that, and I generally like to isolate the OS onto a seperate drive, which is why the small 80GB drive.

 

[mechBgon]

Since this topic is more routine for the General Hardware section of the Forums, it is being moved from Computer Help to GH to get more response.

AnandTech Moderator
mechBgon

 

[Denithor]

I'm guessing you meant the P5K-E?

If the only gaming you do is WoW, don't waste the money on an 8800GT. WoW is more dependent on CPU/RAM than GPU, especially in the large busy cities. Go with a $175 Radeon HD 3850 and you will be more than fine GPU-wise.

Other stuff:
Seagate 250GB 16MB cache $70 (larger cache for improved general performance)
e6750 (2.66GHz, 4MB cache) $190 (extra $20 for faster CPU is no brainer if you don't OC)
Thermaltake Purepower 500W $25 (after $25MIR)

Cases:
Antec Solo $95
InWin Mid-tower cases are great value with excellent construction (I have used #2/4/5 on the page).

 

[chuckm]

This power supply

http://www.buy.com/prod/Corsai...loc/101/205466485.html

and this case

http://www.newegg.com/product/...p?item=N82E16811147083

Happy Holidays

 

[yinlun]

With my 7800GTX, I'm finding that I'm getting low framerates (20-30fps) Is the 3850 better than my 7800gtx? Is there a nvidia comparison to the 3850? I really prefer nvidia over ati here.

Thanks

 

[DSF]

If you have a strong preference for NVidia, one option would be the 256MB version of the 8800GT.

 

[yinlun]

Thanks. Also, yea I meant the P5k-e. That seems to be kinda pricey ($150) but I've had good experiences with Asus. Any recomendations on changing that? Or am I just overkilling the machine for my needs?

 

[oynaz]

Originally posted by: yinlun
With my 7800GTX, I'm finding that I'm getting low framerates (20-30fps) Is the 3850 better than my 7800gtx? Is there a nvidia comparison to the 3850? I really prefer nvidia over ati here.

Thanks

That is lower framerates than I get with my 6600GT. I suggest would checking for malware, and perhaps upgrading your XPS to 2 gigs of RAM. That might be all you need.

 

[yinlun]

Originally posted by: oynaz

Originally posted by: yinlun
With my 7800GTX, I'm finding that I'm getting low framerates (20-30fps) Is the 3850 better than my 7800gtx? Is there a nvidia comparison to the 3850? I really prefer nvidia over ati here.

Thanks

That is lower framerates than I get with my 6600GT. I suggest would checking for malware, and perhaps upgrading your XPS to 2 gigs of RAM. That might be all you need.

I scan my computer regularly, everything's up to date. I don't open email attachements, and besides Itunes and Netflix, I don't download anything with this comp.

I even tried reformatting it. It turns off when I'm not actually using it. It already has 2GB of RAM. The frame rates weren't always that low, but I'm not quite sure what it is. I use a cooler for the laptop, and it's been used regularly as a desktop for about 2 years now.