Critique my build

[ModdKid]

Hey Folks,

I just completed gathering my components for my build and am now in the process of assembly. I would appreciate your thoughts on this build. It is my first build, and would like to use it as a template as my friend is also considering building his own, and would like to see where this build lands (ie: low end, medium end, high end). The build is concentrated on best bang for the buck purchased from local stores (didnt go the online route), and am aiming for OC'able gaming/HTPC. Please rate it, any and all critizism is appreciated (Cdn prices with instant rebates/mail in rebates & taxes incl.).

Case: ANTEC 900 V2 ($146.99)
CPU: Quad Core Q8200 ($214.99)
PSU: OCZ Modxstream 600w ($60.39)
Motherboard: Gigabyte P45-UD3R ($147.71)
Memory: OCZ Fatal1ty 4gb dual channel ddr2-1066 ($56.83)
Video Card: Asus HD4830 512mb ($112.94)
Hdd: WD640gb 7200rpm/32mb ($90.39)
Card Reader: Samsung internal CF/MMC/SD ($12.42)
DVD Writer: LG 22x DVD-RW ($30.51)
CPU Cooler: Freezer 7 pro ($32.77)
Thermal Paste: Artic Silver 5 ($10.17)

Total cost: $915.70 cdn

Go wild guys, and thanks in advance!

[ModdKid]

lol, 31 views and not one comment? either this build is so bad no ones touching it or its real good and no news is good news?. anyways would appreciate anyone thoughts.

thanks.

[Neolithium_Wpg]

I'd switch the cooler to something like an OCZ Vendetta 2 or Xigmatek S1283, they both perform better than the Freezer for very little extra. Also might check out some sales for a bit of an upgrade on the video card, but that would be subjective for what games you'd be playing of course.

[CroSsFiRe2009]

If you can find a CM 690, their usually cheaper and use the money you save to upgrade that video card to a GTX 260 216. Also, that hard drive isn't worth it for $90.

[Evylldemon]

You can get the WD 640GB HDD for $78 or a Seagate 500GB 7200.12 for $53 (just bought the latter)

Also that DVD drive is on sale at NCIX this week for $23 (just bought it myself)

I second the CM690 idea + a better video card (i love the core 216) as well as either of the two coolers Neolithium suggested. They seem to be the best LGA775 coolers to buy still.

Ultimately it seems like a pretty decent build with competitive pricing for local stores.

[Pansophic]

With the i5 around the corner, I really don't see the point of going LGA775 unless you were upgrading.
The best bang for the buck right now is Phenom II AM3 in DDR2 direction but if you're friend is willing to spend a little more than you he can probably go core i7.

[Silvgearx]

changes
q8200 to q8400
Freezer 7 pro to S1283/vendetta 2
Gigabyte P45-UD3R to Gigabyte p45-ud4p
WD640gb to WD 1tb black

[artistpavel]

512mb GPU is not enough for current games, I'm creating mods with heavily optimized textures and still get constant complaints about stuttering from users.

Arctic Cooling MX-2 is better for thermal compound imo.

[martin_metal_88]

The only ting I would really change if you want good budget gamin is the CPU. Q8200 is a good try but not enough cache memory for today game. Go with a E8400 ( dual core that beat many quad ) or better quad like 9400.
Also see to upgrade videocard, If you dont want to put 20 more on the board and when some budget get in go in Crossfire with a GA-EP45-UD3P.

Ask for more

[clone63]

The video card can be upgraded at a profit to you, as directcanada.com has a gigabyte 4850 for 110$ I believe, and a 1gb version for 125. If you intend to overclock the XFX 4850's would be worth the money for the decent cooling. I also agree that for a couple dollars more you can get a much better cooler. The gigabyte EP45-UD3L is 115$ at newegg if you wanted to save money.