Buying a new computer

Doogibo

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Hey, folks. I'm currently in the process of putting together a mid-range gaming computer on the website of my local computer shop. The reason I am posting this is I want to know whether or not I should upgrade the tower case and the power supply from the default ones.

Here are the specs without the upgraded power supply:

* Core 2 Duo E6550 LGA775 2.33GHz 64BIT, 1333 FSB, 4MB Cache
* 3GB DDR2 Memory (3 x 1024MB)
* 500GB 7200RPM Hard Drive, 16MB Cache, SATA II
* DVD-RW Drive, Double Layer, 20X, Lightscribe, Black
* 1.44 MB Floppy Drive
* Asus GeForce 9600GT 512MB PCI-E Video Card, Dual DVI, HDTV Out
* Soundblaster Audigy SE 7.1 24 BIT Sound Card, OEM
* SuperCase 115 Black Mid Tower ATX Case
* Acer 19 Inch X193WB LCD Flat Panel, 2000:1 5ms, Black
* Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, OEM

The price is around $1,600. The upgradeable power supply that they offer is this one:

SPI 650 Watt 24 PIN Power Supply, 8CM Fan (Extra $120)

Now as far as the case goes, I realize this is a very cheap bottom line case ($50) but I'm not sure how much more I should spend on it, or if I should even get another.

Thanks in advance for any help you can offer. I really want to replace this piece of trash I've had for the last 5 years.
 
Looks good. I would reccomend this case http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811208022 , maybe this mobo http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128059.

Also I would look into getting this 8800GT, it will outperform that 9600 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814143118, and maybe Vista Home Premium if you can depart from xp. You can take out the Sound Card if you don't mind using the sound on the mobo, it's still great sound, and you'll save a little money.

These 2 psu's are very good quality psus http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139001 or http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139002

If you can fork out just a few more bucks, this a wonderful CPU http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115038&Tpk=E8200

If you have any other question ask us on the forums, one of us will gladly help you
 
Looks good for a mid-range gaming computer.

I am also curious as to the standard power supply that is being offered with that setup. Truthfully, anything over 500W would be overkill for that system and an unnecessary expense.
 
Personnally I think wattage is a poor value to judge a PSU by. I like to know the 12V rail amperage.
 
That's true for the most part when talking about cheap power supplies. But if it's anything like the optional Sparkle Power 650 watt power supply, it should be fine.
 
Also I would look into getting this 8800GT, it will outperform that 9600
true. However the difference is very little, something that will probably be hard to notice. From the tests that I've seen the difference is usually a few frames per second. In my opinion the 9600GT is a better choise since it's almost as good and costs a lot less.


As for the psu, don't get the one they are offering. I'd recommend this ocz psu
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341010
I'm getting that exact same one for my next build.
also the corsair ones that Jason posted are very good quality.

And the case, usually anything that has room for two 120mm fans is good enough. one 120mm on the front and one on the back should create a pretty good airflow without too much noise. (obviously depends on the fans too, but 120mm is the way to go)
 
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