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New PC Build, thoughts?

Discussion in 'Other Hardware' started by mrtruesdale, Dec 1, 2009.

  1. mrtruesdale Newcomer, in training Posts: 24

    Thinking of this set up from pcspecialist.co.uk

    I'm interested in a quiet running, solid bit of kit. I'm going to run XP and use it for gaming, little bit of photoshopping etc.

    Haven't bought a new computer for about 5 years, is this processor sound? Is it worth getting any more RAM?


    Processor (CPU) - Intel® Core™2 Duo E8600 (3.33GHz) 1333MHz FSB/6MB L2 Cache

    Memory (RAM) - 2GB CORSAIR XMS2 DUAL-DDR2 800MHz - LIFETIME WARRANTY

    Motherboard - ASUS® P5QL/EPU: DDR2, SATAII, PCI-e x16, 3 PCI, 2 x PCI-e x1

    Memory - 1st Hard Disk - 250GB SERIAL ATA 3-Gb/s HARD DRIVE WITH 8MB CACHE (7,200rpm)

    DVD/BLU-RAY Drive - 22x DUAL LAYER DVD WRITER ±R/±RW/RAM

    Graphics Card - 1GB NVIDIA GEFORCE 9800GT PCI EXPRESS

    Case - COOLERMASTER SILEO 500 QUIET MID TOWER CASE

    Power Supply & Case Cooling - 450W Quiet Dual Rail PSU + 120mm Case Fan

    Processor Cooling - SUPER QUIET 22dBA TRIPLE COPPER HEATPIPE CPU COOLER

    Thanks in advance.

    Mark
  2. Ritwik7 TechSpot Chancellor Posts: 2,281   +6

    How much is that build costing you?

    I suggest that you build one yourself. Some of the components look a little dated.
  3. Route44 TechSpot Ambassador Posts: 12,022   +18

    To add to what Rit has said, what is the reason you are going XP?
  4. mrtruesdale Newcomer, in training Posts: 24

    I have my own copy of XP SP3 and hated Vista when I tried it.

    I'm looking to spend £550 to £650, which components are outdated?
  5. Ritwik7 TechSpot Chancellor Posts: 2,281   +6

    You'll be able to build yourself a better rig with that money. Only 2 Gigs of memory and the 9800GT for a video card are not the best choices now. Also that PSU may be weak.

    Consider putting together an AMD system.

    AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition 3.2GHz - £124.94
    Asus M4A79XTD EVO - £76.01
    G.SKILL DDR3 4GB (2GB x 2) - £72.74
    Corsair 650W TX Series PSU - £77.69
    Sapphire HD5770 1GB - £129.89
    Cooler Master CM-690 Dominator - £59.51

    Total - £540.78 (excluding HDD and optical drive)

    If you're willing to spend a little more, get yourself the Radeon HD 5850 graphics card or add another HD 5770 in CrossFire later.
  6. mrtruesdale Newcomer, in training Posts: 24

    Thanks Ritwik7, much appreciated.

    I'm definitely leaning toward building my own. I've never installed a PSU before, is it easy enough to do? I already have an ATX case with a Silent 400W PSU + 80mm internal Fan, will I need to upgrade these do you think?