[jwall2004]

Hello to everyone, this is my first post, been lurking for awhile. Anyways i am about to start my first computer build and i have a list of things that i think might work well. My budget is about 1500. This is just a starting point for this computer to get it up and running with more upgrades to come. Will have a 32" lcd screen hooked up to it. Anyways here it is, let me know what you think and if i need to change/add anything.
Thank you.

RAIDMAX SMILODON ATX-612WBP Black SECC STEEL ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 500W Power Supply

EVGA 132-CK-NF78-A1 LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 780i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor Model BX80562Q6600

ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler

CORSAIR XMS2 DOMINATOR 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X2048-6400C4D

XFX PVT88PYDD4 GeForce 8800GT XXX 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card

Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer 7.1 Channels PCI Interface Sound Card

Western Digital Caviar SE WD2500AAJS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive

LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model LH-20A1L-06

Microsoft Windows Vista 64-Bit Ultimate


Let me know what you think,
i will be using this computer for gaming, internet downloads
alot of multitasking when working, many programs open.

Also, currently have a WD 750GB external Hard Drive storage.

[Macmac508]

Yeah, its a nice build. Are you intending to use SLI, if not, the board maybe uneccessary.

Why not look at something thats DDR3 compatatble as well as DDR2, in the future it might save you upgrading your board. The 500W Power Supply is a bit of a minimum as well, might be worth getting a slightly higher rated one?

[jwall2004]

When i get some extra money i will get more ram and another video card for it,
What recommendations do you have for the power supply and ddr3 compatable?

[Carbon]

Dump the quad for a 8400, get a P35 single-slot board, the 8800GT will be enough. Now that the price has gone down a little on the new 8800GTS, you may look at that as well.

You will not need SLI or extra RAM.

Vista Ultimate has both versions of itself on the disk - go with the 32 bit, not 64 bit.

Case is okay but never use case-supplied PSUs. Go for anything name-brand over 600W for this system.

HDD's a little small, but that's subjective.

[jwall2004]

Ok, going with the same case w/o power supply, found this one which may be alittle better

Rosewill RX750-D-B ATX12V v2.2 & EPS12V v2.91 750W Power Supply 100 - 240 V UL,FCC,CSA,CB,CE,TUV,ROHS
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817182069

Also, why not get the quad processor? What P35 board do you rec.?

[jwall2004]

One game that i am currently playing on my current computer is Mideval 2 total war, and all the settings are set on low and it still bogs down. What would i need with the system i am building to run this smoothly on the best settings.

[Macmac508]

The 8800GT would run that game full-steam ahead and as smooth as you can imagine. That system is capable of running just about every game with high settings handling it fine.

The E8400 is a 45nm processor, new technology, incredible overclocking potential as well as running on low power and low temperature. There is a great P35 Board HERE this is also DDR3 compatable which maybe a nice upgrade oppertunity for the future.

[Carbon]

Don't get Rosewill, it's the "Western Family" of PSUs (see: crap)

[jwall2004]

Ok, been doing a little researching and have mod. my original config., Here it is let me know what you guys think


GIGABYTE GA-EP35C-DS3R LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Dynamic Energy Saver Ultra Durable II Intel Motherboard

Intel core 2 E8400

ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler

Crucial Ballistix 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model BL2KIT12864AA1065


COOLER MASTER Real Power Pro RS-750-ACAA-A1 ATX12V / EPS12V 750W Power Supply

EVGA 512-P3-N802-AR GeForce 8800GT Superclocked 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card

Western Digital Caviar SE WD2500AAJS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM

LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model LH-20A1L-06 - Retail

Microsoft Windows Vista 32-Bit Ultimate for System Builders Single Pack DVD

RAIDMAX SMILODON case wo psu



What do i need to change now?

[jwall2004]

Ok, i went back through all my stuff and have changed it around. Let me know what you guys think.


GIGABYTE GA-EP35C-DS3R LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Dynamic Energy Saver Ultra Durable II Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16813128082

Intel core 2 E8400
(where ever i can find it at a good price)

Crucial Ballistix 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model BL2KIT12864AA1065
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16820148069

COOLER MASTER Real Power Pro RS-750-ACAA-A1 ATX12V / EPS12V 750W Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16817171024

EVGA 512-P3-N802-AR GeForce 8800GT Superclocked 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16814130319

Western Digital Caviar SE WD2500AAJS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM

LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model LH-20A1L-06 - Retail

Microsoft Windows Vista 32-Bit Ultimate for System Builders Single Pack DVD

ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler

RAIDMAX SMILODON case with out psu

Let me know what to change.

[Macmac508]

Great build. Looks good to me. PSU is fine. Someone else's opinion?

[Carbon]

We have a winner.