Sounds worth it to me, too.
I think what I might do is wait on the graphics card, to keep the initial cost down. In the meantime, I'll still have a usable PC thanks to the i5's integrated graphics - it just won't be able to run Dolphin right off the bat.
Will
this be sufficient to allow the CPU to reach 4.2 Ghz, or should I look for something else?
More than enough. In fact I wouldn't buy it unless you plan on overclocking above 4.5. I have a COOLERMASTER Hyper 212 Evo, which I got at Microcenter for $20 (though I believe that was a sale and the regular price is $35). It reached 4.2 easily, and I have it at 4.4 currently. It runs games incredibly smoothly.
Make sure you get good thermal paste too (although I was cheap and used the stock COOLERMASTER, which was a horrible idea. I lucked out though and it works well; I should probably change that eventually).
What thermal paste would you recommend?
On a side note, I'm saving quite a bit of money thanks to the fact that I already have a kickass 1920x1080 monitor, as well as a workable keyboard+mouse.
The Arctic Cooling MX-4 is a very good thermal compound
I am giving up on getting a new PC. My financial situation is more dire than I thought, and the funds for a PC that can run Dolphin at full speed simply aren't there...
(08-30-2012, 01:11 PM)AutoFire Wrote: [ -> ]I am giving up on getting a new PC. My financial situation is more dire than I thought, and the funds for a PC that can run Dolphin at full speed simply aren't there...
...
You can get a cheaper desktop and still have games run at full speed.
You know that right?
Or is it too serious for even that?
Okay, here is a list of the parts I intend to purchase some time before the end of the month. I figure the resulting PC should be capable of running Metroid Prime with LLE audio at full speed when OC'ed, as long as IR is kept at 3x native or less:
PSU $54.99
+
CPU $169.99
+
Mobo ($94.99-$50.00)
+
HDD $59.99
+
CD/DVD drive $15.99
+
RAM $34.99
+
Case $39.99
+
CPU cooler $29.99
+
GPU $69.99
+
Thermal paste $6.99
+
Card reader $17.99
+
OS $69.99
=$614.88 subtotal
+ $53.03 NY sales tax (8.625%)
=$667.91
You could install the Windows 8 consumer preview like I did and use that until January so you might have the money for windows then.
Or take advantage of one of microsofts many academic and corporate deals that allow users to get windows for free or dirt cheap. Assuming you are employed at certain companies or enrolled in certain schools.