How good is this custom PC setup?

I'm building a new gaming PC, with a budget of about $1,200. Tell me what you think of this setup. Its all around 1200, without shipping/tax. I'm not spending $250 more for 2 4870's, I can't shell out a lot more cash. I'm building it btw.

PSU - CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply 100 - 240 V UL, CE, CB, TUV, FCC, CCC - Retail

Processor - Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale 3.16GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor - Retail

Memory - G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1000 (PC2 8000) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail

Motherboard - ASUS P5Q Pro LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

CPU Cooler - XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler - Retail

CPU Cooler Bracket - XIGMATEK ACK-I7753 Retention Bracket For 4 heatpipes model only - Retail

Video Card - 2x SAPPHIRE 100242L Radeon HD 4850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail

Hard Drive - Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD2500AAKS 250GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM

Case - Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

DVD Drive / Burner - Pioneer Black 20X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 10X DVD+R DL 20X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 16X DVD-ROM 40X CD-R 32X CD-RW 40X CD-ROM 2MB Cache IDE 20X DVD±R DVD Burner - OEM

Is this setup good for crossfire?

Are all parts compatible?

Will there be any heat issues? (I know about the 4850 fan hack fix)

How high do you think I can overclock the e8500 with that CPU and case?

Do I need to buy a wireless internet card?

Take a quick look at this article that compares the P45 and X48 in Crossfire, and judge for yourself if the X48 is worth the extra costs.

Yes all the parts are compatible.

Heat issues ? Not with the Antec 900. I have the Antec 300 and my hd4850 idles at 47-48C with 40% fan speed, and under full load with Crysis never above 70C with 55% fan speed, and never above 65C with 60%. Crysis is the game that stresses my hd4850 the most, with Mass Effect my load temps are 5-10C lower than with Crysis.

Thankyou for that article. I will only be playing games at 1440 x 900, so there wouldn't be much of a difference from P45 and X48. Its only noticable in Crysis, and its one of the few games where the x48 out preforms the P45 in a lower res. I would understand if I had some mega monitor, but all I have is a 1440 x 900. Plus, the x48 motherboards are an extra $100 for a good one.

I'll just get a single 4870 now, and another one later down the road. Thanks for the suggestion!

On another subject, what can I OC my processor to with my setup?

Should I switch over to the e8400 for better OCing, or is the e8500 better?Dan415

E8500 is better. A bit more speed, and it has extra multiplier. You're talking about a $10-20 difference, just get the E8500.

Good build but you should also get a case fanbecause it will drop your overall system temp by a good 5-7 degrees Celsius. OH and usually people hit about 3.7 GHZ overclock for the E8500. Just remember to read a few overclocking guides before you do anything though because you dont wana over volt your CPU.

Ok, thanks a lot guys. I'll be sure to look up some OCing tutorials

I'm switching the CPU cooler to thisZALMAN CNPS9700 LED 110mm 2 Ball CPU Cooler - Retail

Hopefully I don't cut myself installing it. Anything need changing or do you think I'm ready to order soon? Also, how many extra fans should I order since I'm gettings the antec 900 case? Are the extra Scythe fans that you mentioned compatable with my PSU?

That fan will be horrible, DO NOT BUY IT. It barely does anything.KingRoyW

Wtf, then why did it get good reviews on newegg? I should get the Zalman fan, right?

IMO dont crossfire two 4850's.

For now get a single 4870 and then Later next year or something you might find a need to buy another and CF them.

Rule of Thumb: If on a budget, Never start off with CF or SLi, get the best singlecard you can, and then you SLI or CF Later on. You have more longevity this way