Can someone review this PC build and tell me what they think?

[dkobeb24]

CPU Intel E8400 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037  $167.99

CPU Cooler Zalman CNPS 9700 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118019 $48.98 (IS A COOLER NEEDED?)

Motherboard Gigabyte http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128358 $114.99

RAM Corsair 4GB (2x2GB) http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4631346&Sku=C13-6084  $34.99

GPU Raedon 4870 512MB http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4431359&csid=ITD&body=MAIN#detailspecs  $129.99

HDD WD 640GB http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319 $69.99

Case NZXT http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146025 $49.99

Power Supply Diablo Tek 650W http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4252528&Sku=D15-1203  $59.96

Optical Drive LG Black http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136167 $25.99


Do the math-         
        $167.99
        $48.98 <------- (SUBTRACT IF COOLER ISNT NEEDED)
   $114.99
   $34.99
   $129.99
+   $69.99
   $49.99
   $59.96
   $25.99
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total              $702.87  (w/rebates)




thank you for your input

[BC_Programmer]

CPUs always come with a Heatsink and some thermal compound, as far as I know, so a cooler wouldn't be strictly necessary.


do you already have a monitor/keyboard/mouse?

[dkobeb24]

CPUs always come with a Heatsink and some thermal compound, as far as I know, so a cooler wouldn't be strictly necessary.


do you already have a monitor/keyboard/mouse?

yeah i thought so about the cooler, and about the mouse, keyboard, and speakers... yeah i have - including a HD monitor
are the items ok, or would you recommend other hardware?

[BC_Programmer]

dunno, not an expert really.

Looks good to me.

Here's my build: http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php/topic,87311.0.html


a little more expensive, though. I'm sure, Calum will be able to improve your build.

[dkobeb24]

Calum? is he a user here, if so can u link me his profile

also ill take a look at your build here in a sec, also about case cooler in  the back.. they always pull the air from the inside towards the outside correct?

[BC_Programmer]

you'll find he posted in my thread, you can get to his profile that way

[Aardobard]

Are you planning on overclocking?  If not, then the cooler will likely not be necessary.  If you drop that cooler (not one of my favorites anyway) you can swap out your PSU for this one http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139005 (Corsair 650W 89.99) and be getting a great PSU at a great price. Or you could get this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703015 (PCP&C 500W $74.99) as an in between.  I'm not familiar with the Diablotech brand, but it's price/watt and low amp rating leaves me feeling uneasy about the parts quality.

If you plan to overclock and need a cooler, the AC7, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186134R , is listed as open box here for $14 and usually runs at twice the price.  Really great budget cooler.  Also the Mugen2 @ $37 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835185093 does a good job on a budget.

My first suggestion would be to swap out the PSU and then worry about a cooler later if you have to for budgetary reasons.  The other components look really good and I think you'll be happy  with them.

[dkobeb24]

thank you Aardobard, nice review there and i like the input and your reasons. i was also wondering if the drivers on my current computer can be re-used instead of purchasing new ones?

[Calum]

I agree with Aardobard's suggestions there.  You won't need an aftermarket cooler unless you're overclocking quite a bit, the E8 series chips run pretty cool especially with decent case cooling even on the stock cooler.  Definitely don't bother with the Zalman, it's overpriced.

i was also wondering if the drivers on my current computer can be re-used instead of purchasing new ones?

Do you mean drives, or drivers?

[dkobeb24]

thank you calum,
and i am talking about the actual drives, the cd-rom and the and the burner.

[Calum]

You should be able to reuse them then, yes.
That motherboard does have an IDE port as well as SATA ports, so whatever interface they are you'll be able to use them.

[dkobeb24]

You should be able to reuse them then, yes.
That motherboard does have an IDE port as well as SATA ports, so whatever interface they are you'll be able to use them.

ok, thank you for the help

[ThomasTheXPUser]

That's better than mine, alright

[Aegis]

they always pull the air from the inside towards the outside correct?

It depends on how they're installed...

[lectrocrew]

also about case cooler in  the back.. they always pull the air from the inside towards the outside correct?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It depends on how they're installed...

They should be installed according to what case configuration you have. Common ATX, ATX micro arraingements similar to my Xclio A380 (in my specs) generally have intakes low on front and exhaust high in back. A side fan should be mounted low and set as intake. (or if mounted high = exhaust)
The idea is to draw cool / clean air from the front -(into the case low where the HD's are) and exhaust it high (because heat rises via thermal dynamic rules).
Basically, front  + low = cool incoming / high or rear = exhaust.
Have fun!