Parts for a new computer, feedback appreciated!
 

Hey guys,

I'm planning on building a barebone for myself and a mid-sized tower for my friend. Both these machines will be intended for general gaming purposes. We have an operating budget of about 1k-1.3k USD roughly to spend on just the machine. I put this list together and would just like some secondary feedback on potential part changes and what not. Neither of these 2 will be overclocked.

Barebone Setup:
Intel Core 2 Duo E6850 Conroe 3.0GHz 4M shared L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor
Leadtek PX8600GTS 256MB GeForce 8600GTS 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP
Western Digital 320gb 7200 rpm
Kingston HyperX (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit
ASUS 18X DVD±R Burner w 14X DVD-RAM Write and LightScribe Black PATA Model DRW-1814BL
Coolmaster Real Power RS450ACLY ATX12V 450W Power Supply 115/230 V Nemko, TUV, cUL, CE, CNS
Shuttle SG33G5B Intel Socket T(LGA775) Includes 250W PWS (wont be using this pws)

Tower Setup:
Intel Core 2 Duo E6850 Conroe 3.0GHz 4M shared L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor
ASUS P5K SE LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Leadtek WinFast PX8800 GTS TDH 640MB 320-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI
Western Digital 320gb 7200 rpm
Kingston HyperX (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit
ASUS 18X DVD±R Burner w 14X DVD-RAM Write and LightScribe Black PATA Model DRW-1814BL
Comes with Trinity Case 400W
NZXT TRINITY BLK SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 400 WATT PS2 ATX12V Power Supply

I showed the above lists to another friend and it was recommended that I get a 500W pws instead of the 400/450's. That's not too big a problem. I'm wondering if there are any issues or potential things that I might have overlocked which would better fit our budget/set up.

Thanks a lot!

I don't agree with your build. I know you don't OC, but just upping the FSB by 50 isn't that bad really, and it will save you about $200. Why not? It makes no difference on stability or lifetime.

You will be spending roughly $320 on a processor that is only worth $150.

You should invest in an E4300 Core2, or an E6320 if you must have the 4M cache(really no perf impact). These parts do very well by upping the FSB. You will get these parts to 3.0Ghz easy. There is no need to waste $200 on a 6850 which has no performance advantage to the 4300 or 6320. Use that money on something besides that crappy 8600GTS. An X1950XT is a much better card thatn the 8600GTS BTW. The 8600GTS is way to slow for any DX10 gaming anyway, so don't waste your money.

For the Mobo get a Gigabyte DS3. Supports 1333Mhz FSB for your future Quad upgrade. It is a proven overclocker.

Don't bother with the 8800GTS 640MB unless you will be gaming at greater than 1600X1200 or 1680X1050. It makes no performance difference than the 320MB.

I built a computer for $750 that I gaurantee will outbenchmark the second one, and will kill the first you listed.

You are also spending too much on RAM, less expensive will do. I recommend at least 550W PSU.

Post this on Tom's Hardware, and listen to the comments.