Opinion on comonents for budget gaming PC

[727stretch]

Hi all,
I'm in the process of ordering components for a $700 or so budget gaming PC that will run FSX decently. I want to run the components by y'all and get some feedback. Before doing so, of course, budget is #1, I also have a few components already that I'm definitely going to use, and I am definitely going the Intel mobo route.

Mobo: Elite Systems P45T-A Black Series, 2x PCIex16, RAID capable, 45nm capable, $90 less rebate. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813135093 Opinions on this?

CPU: Core 2 Duo E7200, which should OC to at least 3.0. Also considering the Wolfdale Pentium Dual Core E5200 @ 2.53GHz, which I've heard will OC to 3+ GHz nicely too. $85 or $120 depending on choice. Suggestions?

GPU: Galaxy GeForce 9600GT 1GB dual-slot version, $139 less rebate. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814162020
Chose this particular GPU due to 9600GT 1GB version being ranked highly in FSX benchmarks, plus it's cheap.

HDD: 2x Seagate Barracuda 7200.10, 500GB total w/32MB cache each in RAID-0, $120 for both.

PSU: Mushkin 550200 550W modular SLI ready, $75 less rebate.

DVD: LG 20X DVD+/-R Super Multi drive, $25.

Cooling: Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro, $20.

RAM: I have 4x1GB Mushkin DDR2-6400 w/ heatsinks that I plan to use.

Case: I have a Cooler Master Elite 330 that I plan to use.

Sound card: I have an X-Fi Xtreme Music that I plan to use.

OS: Vista Home Premium 64-bit


I guess I'm mostly looking on feedback for the Mobo & CPU, but anything is appreciated. Grand total for this stuff I have to buy is about $600. I have $100US left to spend - would you say these components are good, or should I maybe go with a better mobo or GPU with that money? Or buy 2x2GB sticks of RAM vs. the 4x1GB I have now? Thanks a lot, I appreciate any advice.

727

[baddadnv]

Hi 727,

Get the E8500 processor.

They have it in the link you supplied, of the Mobo, as a 'COMBO deal so the price should be right.

Be sure to utilize the fan(s) slots right behind the front cover (remove to install) of the Cooler Master Elite 330- suck air in and blow toward the rear with those fans.


Randy Burton

[727stretch]

Randy, Appreciate your input but the 8500 is above my budget for this rig, even with a combo deal. I have the 8500 in my current personal gaming system and if I had to do it over, I'd get an 8400. Reason being, speed is similar for less $$ and the 8500 has the weird temp sensor problem where the wrong core temps are reported... Thx for the case fan suggestion; I also plan to use one of the side vents for a 120 or 90mm fan blowing in on the mobo.