New build by a first timer

[OnTheSchneid]

I've been researching this forum for a while now to determine what parts I should get for a new build. This will be my first one but I have some roomates whom have done it before. I use my computer to surf the web, play online poker, and the occasional online FPS. My budget is around $1000. I have a DELL 2001FP flat panel but might be looking to upgrade to a 24in. widescreen sometime soon. Will the video card i selected be good enough? Like I said, I've been doing alot of research and just want to run my list by you guys to make sure I won't have any problems now or down the road.
Well here's my list:


Mobo: ASUS P5K LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Item #: N82E16813131180

Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 Conroe 2.4GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80557E6600 - Retail Item #: N82E16819115003

RAM: CORSAIR ValueSelect 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Desktop Memory Model VS2GBKIT667D2 - Retail
Item #: N82E16820145098

PSU: CORSAIR CMPSU-520HX ATX12V v2.2 and EPS12V 2.91 520W Power Supply - Retail
Item #: N82E16817139001

Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3320620AS (Perpendicular Recording Technology) 320GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
Item #: N82E16822148140

DVD Burner: LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model LH-20A1L-06 - Retail
Item #: N82E16827106072

Video Card: EVGA 256-P2-N624-AR GeForce 7900GS 256MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 KO Video Card - Retail
Item #: N82E16814130056

Case: Antec Performance One P180B Black 0.8mm cold rolled steel for durability through the majority of chassis 1.0mm cold rolled steel around the 4 x HDD area ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
Item #: N82E16811129017


The total build comes out to $969.83, are there any recomendations for upgrading any components? I want to build something that is going to last me for a while and is going to be dependable. Also, I've read some bad things about vista, should I stay away from that and just stick with running XP Pro?

Thanks for the help guys.

[blue60007]

Looks like you've done your homework here. The list looks fine to me. The 7900GS performs pretty well and should be more than enough for occasional FPS's.

As for Vista vs XP...either one. I've been running Vista on a new laptop for a few days now and have no complaints.

[noneoftheabove]

you wont be able to run dx10 with that video card if you decide on vista. but it will work for vista. Nvidia 8---'s have dx10 support

[perkster]

yeah for a bit more you can get a 8600 EVGA model even if only 256mb on it will be better and should be more future proof, but since you arent a big gamer may not be worth it for you

[MovinUp]

Consider this Memory:

Crucial Ballistix 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model BL2KIT12864AA804 - Retail

It's faster and of higher quality (not value RAM) It currently has free shipping and a good rebate making it about the same price as your selection, perhaps a few cents cheaper. There is compatibility with the ASUS motherboard which I checked at:

http://dlsvr03.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/socket775/P5K/P5K_QVL.pdf

Have you made some tradeoffs with the EVGA motherboard:

EVGA 122-CK-NF63-TR LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 680i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Item #: N82E16813188019

also about the same price as the ASUS. I'd be interested in why you chose the ASUS because I'm planning to buy the EVGA motherboard.

I just got the Antec Nine Hundred delivered today. Looks sturdy enough, has good reviews and I can't think of any other case with more airflow. It has a 200mm fan on top and it is $109 delivered from CircuitCity.com.

I hope I am some help and not just adding confusion. Perhaps you could tell me what you think of my suggestions and that would help me.

MovinUp

[OnTheSchneid]

Thanks for the responses guys. To answer your question MovinUp about the mother board, i choose the ASUS because it seems like they are highly recommended by everyone one here, so it seemed standard to pick that one. Also, I think I'm actually going to go with the antec 900, it was my other choice for a case. What nvidia card would you guys recommend as well?

[Mr.Ferrari]

We dont usually suggest such high voltage ram due to the past where it has not been compatible with older 965p motherboards due to them not reconizing SPD and going directly to the 1.8-1.9v pre-set. This is not always the case, but if it happens, be prepared to purchase a stick of cheap ddr2 to get the machine to boot. It might be a different case with the new P35 series.

The Evga board has been shown to cause many problems and has been seen to come DOA many times. Thats why we suggest the Asus boards, for SLI especially.

As long as you dont plan on ramping the resolutions to your 24'' monitor's native res, the 7900GS should be fine. The 8600GT is under the 7900GS in terms of performance, but it has DX10 ability.

[whubbard]

Corsair value RAM is great.

Normal corsair is even better.

Also while eVGA makes nice graphics cards, its mobos are less reliable. Asus just has the most amazing quality!

[OnTheSchneid]

Ok, so I think I'm going to go with this video card so somewhat "future proof" myself:
EVGA 256-P2-N761-AR GeForce 8600GTS 256MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Video Card - Retail
Item #: N82E16814130084

I'm going to start ordering this stuff over the next two weeks, I'll let you guys know when it's up and running, thanks for the help.