Need some advice

[kris77]

Ive read the threads about the Super PC with the i7 processor and the Budget build with the dual core.

But i dont need a powerhouse but yet I want more than the budget build.

I really like the Intel Q9500 for some strange reason and would like to build a system around that. There is a Q9550 as well, Im not sure of the difference. The GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard sounds like a pretty good board. But would there be a better board for this processor? And once I get this, does this board accept higher speed processors if I wanted to upgrade in a year or so?

I think i can figure out the PS, Video, HD, CD/DVD, and pretty much the rest of the system. But, if anyone has any recommendations, im open to suggestions.

Antec Sonata III with 500-Watt power supply
Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 LGA775 with Fan
Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P
4 Gigs RAM (Can someone recommend a brand?)
Western Digital Caviar SE16 640GB 7200rpm SATA 300 MB/s
Samsung 22x SATA DVD RW/CDRW (Black)
Logitech Cordless LX 710 Laser
(Keyboard and Mouse)

All this comes to 678.99, with only 2 gigs of RAM from the "What I would suggest today" thread. I could probably skimp out on the keyboard and mouse.

If someone could recommend a better Case for me, I would appreciate it.

Im looking to spend about $750-$800 for this system, Including a monitor.
If this isnt reasonable, please let me know.

Hope im not completely off base with my part list.

[RickyTick]

At the current price of $220, the Q9550 can't be beat. There are a couple of processors that are slightly faster that you could upgrade to later, but it wouldn't make sense from a "Return on Investment" standpoint. Besides, the Q9550 is very very fast. That motherboard is also a terrific choice.

This is a great monitor for the price.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236049

If that's too much, look at this.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009145

This case is worth looking at. Price is really good, and it has great cooling.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119137

It doesn't come with a power supply, so you might consider this one.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139005

That's just a few suggestions. The Antec Sonata III is a great bargain too. As far as ram goes, stick with a major supplier like Crucial, Corsair, G.Skill, Mushkin, A-Data, or OCZ.
Something like this would be good.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211188

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148212

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145184

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231122

[kris77]

Ok...

Thanks for all the info...

Case you suggested - 69$
PS you suggested - 99$
Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 LGA775 with Fan - 220$
Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P - 115$
4 Gigs RAM - 54$
Western Digital Caviar SE16 640GB 7200rpm SATA 300 MB/s - 70$
2 - Samsung 22x SATA DVD RW/CDRW (Black) - 60$

22" Acer - 159$

Total - 847$

I have a radeon 9700 Pro from a few years ago i think im gonna use. I have keyboard and mouse, speakers. I have WIN XP Pro and plan on trying to dual boot with WIN 7 when I get my copy.

I would love to get that down close to 750$. I could knock out one DVD drive and save 30$. Not sure where to save any more, Or do you recommend going any cheaper on parts. What Im saying is, is it worth the 50 bucks or so to keep it the way I have it? Or could I go a little cheaper on some things without giving up too much quality.

I would love to try and overclock this bad boy in a few months to get a little more speed and power.

Thanks again RickyTick for the help


Was doing some more research and found this....
AMD Phenom II X4 940 Deneb 3.0GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM2+ 125W Quad-Core Black Edition Processor - Retail for 189$

Would this be a better processor to build a system around than the intel?

[kris77]

Decided on the 9550 with the gigabyte MB and the Cooler Master Case.

Looking at getting a different PS though...Looking at about 50 bucks...I found a few on new egg, but i have no idea what is a good brand and what is junk.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182032