Need Help With Computer Build

[shadowpoet888]

I am looking into building my first ever computer and i just wanted to make sure everything that i am buying goes together and is of quality. I would hate to spend hundreds of dollars only to realize one part doesn't go with another part.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.


Hardware:

CPU- Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200- Newegg.ca - Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 2.33GHz 4MB L2 Cache LGA 775 95W Quad-Core Processor - Processors - Desktops

Case- Raidmax Smilodon Extreme Black ATX with 500W psu- Newegg.ca - RAIDMAX SMILODON Extreme Black ATX-612WEBP 1.0mm SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Foldout MB Computer Case With 500W Power Supply - Computer Cases

Motherboard- GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3L LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel - Newegg.ca - GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3L LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Intel Motherboards

Memory- G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Newegg.ca - G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-8500CL6D-4GBNQ - Desktop Memory

Hard drive- Western Digital Caviar Blue 320 GB 7200 RPM SATA- Newegg.ca - Western Digital Caviar Blue WD3200AAKS 320GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - Internal Hard Drives


Video Card- SAPPHIRE 100236-1GVGAL Radeon HD 3650 1GB 128-bit GDDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card- Newegg.ca - SAPPHIRE 100236-1GVGAL Radeon HD 3650 1GB 128-bit GDDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards

And again any help at all would be greatly appreciated.

[Aaron_8015]

Hi and welcome.

What are you planning to use this computer for?

What is your budget?

Either way I would recommend you pick a different case preferably one that does'nt have a PSU with it. Some say Raidmax is okay but I don't like them so I would suggest mabye a 400W OCZ PSU (even though 400W is overkill for that system).

If you are planning on using this for games I would suggest to pick up a WD caviar black and a better gpu (9600, 4670 etc).

[JLK03F150]

Hi and Welcome to TechIMO

Let me be the first (ok, second ) to say Raidmax makes crappy power supplies. Here's an alternative though, an Antec Sonata. I'm still using my Sonata series I case (with an upgraded PSU) that I bought in 2003. It's not flashy, but very functional & cools well.
Newegg.ca - Antec Sonata III 500 Black 0.8mm cold rolled steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 500W Power Supply - Computer Cases

For 50 cents more 5-5-5 RAM is better (faster) than 6-6-6.
Newegg.ca - G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-8500CL5D-4GBPK - Desktop Memory

[thephilosophizer]

First off I generally agree with what's been said above, I personally tend away from comboed case/psus, but if you like the case the psu should be fine.
Second, what's your budget, and what do you plan on using the computer for? I think the common assumption includes some gaming, which would lend to getting a better graphics card.
Lastly, one thing to think about is that the intel i5 chips just came out. The cpu and ram are going to be a bit more expensive (only takes ddr3), but you'll have a system that will last you a good while longer, and have far superior upgrade potential later on. I'd say the price premium for the i5 setup would probably be an extra $100.

[JLK03F150]

You're right philosophizer, i5 would provide a much better upgrade path. But, as you said, there would be added costs. I was only commenting on improving the build as listed.

Also as both of you guys stated, if the build is for gaming then a budget increase is needed for better video.