[cidcoruins]

Well, I've always wanted to build a PC of my own but never had the money. I do now (well not a massive amount) a plan on building my own for the first time. I'm not trying to build a Crysis playing PC tho, something like CoD4, GoW, and Oblivion or such would be good if I can keep it under $1000. I'll list my specs here, and please tell me what to replace for something better. Again trying to stay under $1000. Thank you!

Specs:
Case -69.99- NZXT Apollo BLUE NP blue SECC Steel Chassis ATX Mid Tower

Mobo -104.99- MSI P6N SLI-FI LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 650i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard

CPU -189.99- Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 Conroe 2.66GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor

Video Card -109.99- XFX PVT84JUDF3 GeForce 8600GT 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 SLI Supported Video Card

RAM -59.99- Kingston ValueRAM 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 533 (PC2 4200) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory

HDD -79.99- Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD3200AAKS 320GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive

DVD -35.99- LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA

Fan for CPU -NEED HELP HERE-

Sound Card -29.99- Creative Sound Blaster SB0570 Audigy SE 7.1 Channels PCI Interface Sound Card

Power Supply -64.99- Rosewill RP550V2-S-SL 550W SLI Ready-ATX12V V2.01 Power Supply

TOTAL = 721.91 (before tax)

Help would be appreciated, any advice, any thing that is not compatible or any upgrade that isn't to costly. Like I stated, under $1000 but if I can get a solid build for $800-$900 that'd be even better.

*Note- All this is from NewEgg (of course) with instant savings but NO mail in rebate added. Not sure whether I'll use XP or Visa. My current PC is VISA so opinions are welcome. (Dual-boot?)

[cidcoruins]

Sorry, I don't see an edit but. Changing RAM

Kingston HyperX 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit which is $66.99
Making new total $747.91

[Carbon]

http://www.computer-juice.com/forums...s-guide-13603/

[Macmac508]

The motherboard chipset isnt the best. It maybe capable of handling SLI but i've heard its best to stay away from the 650i chipset.

Have a look at going for the 680i if you want some good SLI-ing. If SLI is not important consider something with a slightly better chipset (p35?)

[Cew27]

680i for sli but if you aren't building this for the next few weeks wait for the 780i unless you are strapped for cash

[katana]

unless you will be using the computer for playing a lot of music or putting a massive speaker system on it, i would ditch the sound card, but i'm a cheapskate
and unless you will be overclocking the standard fan should be fine
and if it isnt then ypu could demand a refund and a free CPU

[cidcoruins]

Yea, I ended up ditching the sound card, doubt I'll over clock any. Upgraded to a 680I...780i is still way too much hah. Went down on the HDD to save some money too. I got a 500 external anyway, went cheaper on the DVD burner too since I don't need lightscribe and I also have an external one of those. Went up to a 512mb video card too. Think I'm at like $800 or more now. Still under a $1000 tho so that's good. With my next check and income tax I should be just fine.

[Carbon]

Dump the motherboard for a single-card chipset like P35. Graphics and CPU aren't great..

Or just try the build in my thread, it's slightly more but you will see a huge difference.

[craiig]

yeah dont get sli, if u wont use it, abit pro35? good board!!! sorry its not on new egg i dont use them as im in the UK
ram upgrade say pc2 6400 (800MHz)
Fan would hav to be artic cooling freezer 7 pro second best on the market, tuniw tower 1st =) but if u dont hav the money thats fine <<<<

[cidcoruins]

Okay, removed that MB and also decided to go ahead and get the wolfdale since I found it cheaper somewhere else than neweggs price.
I decided to go ahead also and get the board that you recommended, getting a 8800 card too. Any information on this card http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814125088

I just might get the one from your recommended list. Heh, I guess my choices are basically no different from that except for a few.

[Carbon]

That 8800 looks a little hot, I'd go for EVGA's version, but either way you're looking good! (much better than the first post).

[Eltocliousus]

Try get the E8200 CPU's or the E8400.

I never looked back, unless theres money behind me.

[cidcoruins]

What about going for this MB http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128082
over the one you recommended Carbon?
With this RAM http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16820220284


Or is it not worth it as far as differences?

[Carbon]

Yeah, that's a great mobo. The high speed of the RAM isn't really needed but it's a good price with the rebate so I'd go for it.

[cidcoruins]

Cool, thanks for all the help everyone. I'm now 100% sure on everything I'm ordering.