New Conroe Build

[Turbo_Supra]

My budget is around $1300 and i'm using the computer primarily for RTS/FPS gaming. Tell me what you guys think and give me suggestions please :). I still don't know if i should stick with the p5b, which i used in my last build, or go ahead and grab a p5k.

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 Conroe http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16819115003
Motherboard: ASUS P5B Deluxe/WiFi-AP http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16813131028
PSU: CORSAIR CMPSU-620HX http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16817139002
RAM: CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16820145590
GPU: EVGA 320-P2-N811-AR GeForce 8800GTS 320MB http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16814130082
Hardrive: Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3320620AS 320GB 7200 RPM SATA http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16822148140
Optical drives: LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16827106057
Case: NZXT Zero Black/Silver Aluminum ATX Full Tower Computer Case http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16811146029
OS: Microsoft Windows XP Home Upgrade with SP2 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16837116194

[Mr.Ferrari]

The P5K is up to you. Although, its more of an update rather then a overhaul of the 965P chipset. So you won't be risking much if you do choose it.

The Corsair 520w is more then enough..

Everything else looks great otherwise..

[Turbo_Supra]

what advantages does the p5k have over the p5b other than future proofing my system?

[whubbard]

P35 chipset was made for conroe.

firewire.

[Mr.Ferrari]

what advantages does the p5k have over the p5b other than future proofing my system?
P35 as I said is an update to the original 965, basically it allows for enhanced memory performance and bandwith, native support for ddr3 and 1333FSB procs (P5K uses DDR2), 8x8 crossfire, and to introduce ICH9/R.

You will see a small performance increase (memory), but its mostly to future proof the system. Also has better overclockability (for Quad cores especially) if thats something you might get into.

[Turbo_Supra]

*bump* :)

Thanks for all the help so far -- i really appreciate all the help i've received on my past 3 builds :D.

So, I've decided to get the p5k, but i don't know if i should just get the p5k or go with the p5k deluxe. The deluxe has dual raid (useless for me), It comes with T1 already enabled (the standard will eventually have a bios update enabling it), "Stack Cool 2" and "Genuine 8-Phase Power Design" (along with wifi/dual lan, and some other features that i have no use for as far as i know). Does stack cool 2 and the 8-phase power design have any impact whatsoever? I just don't know if the few extra features justify a 80 dollar price jump.

[Turbo_Supra]

Since i'm going with the p5k should i also just go ahead and get ddr2 1066 RAM? It's hardly more expensive and it has EPP.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16820145033

[Mr.Ferrari]

No, if your overclocking DDR2 800 should be more then enough, you would get a bigger performance from spending that money on a better processor then you would on faster memory.

DDR2 667 will be fine if you don't plan on overclocking to ambitiously.

[Turbo_Supra]

i plan on overclocking. I'm building this computer for the sole purpose of overclocking it.