First time build

[brybond1989]

Hey Guys, I am planning to build my first computer. It will mainly serve as a gaming computer, as well a school tool. The OS will be Windows XP Pro. Here are my core components, first revision:
• ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe Wireless Edition
• AMD 64 X2 5000+ Windsor
• Geforce 7950GT KO 256MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16
• Segate Barracuda 7200.10 320GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA (x2)
Probably in a RAID 0 configuration
• 512 MB Kingston K4T51083QC (x4)
• NEC DVD+R 3550A
• Samsung 204B
• NeoPower 500W
• Antec P-180B Case
Do you think that all these pieces will function well together? Here is a list of the games that I would like to play on it: Rise of Nations, Rise of Legends, Civilization 4, Command and Conquer: The First Decade, Command and Conquer 3 (when it comes out), and Star Wars: Empire at War. My price window is $2100 – 2400. Thanks for the help.

Bryant

[newbuilder14]

I'd recommend this in your price window, it would be the 'top of the line' system:

Intel Core 2 Duo e6600 - $360 - beats the top of the line AMD for almost $1,000
2x1gb pc6400 ddr2 sdram - $220
x1900xtx video card
I'd get at least a 550w power supply for this build, you may want more
Get a Samsung DVD Burner that includes software
Get an Asus P5W DH motherboard if you can find it.
You will have absolutely no problems playing any game with this.

[jayb1234]

If you want to add a second video card in SLI, that neopower won't be sufficient. You would need one from the Dual 7950 section of the certified list (http://www.slizone.com/object/slizone2_build.html#certified_powersupplies). If not you can switch to a non-SLI board and save some cash. Personally, I would go with a Core 2 Duo build and a single video card on an Intel chipset motherboard without SLI or crossfire.

[blue60007]

Keep in mind the 7950GX2's actually yeild *lower* performance when in dual card (quad SLI) set-ups unless you are gaming at uber-extreme resolutions (2560x1920 or whatever). But, it's not like that "lower" performance is bad...it just doesn't offer any improvements on most games.

[chuck4456]

Conroe.

[Chris_Rootes_Wizard]

"512 MB Kingston K4T51083QC (x4)"

go with X 2 1Gb. ah, already pointed out.

[glc]

Is the 2x1gb ram on the QVL? Remember that AM2 is having a lot of ram compatibility issues.