Trying to build a gaming rig, help needed!

[AdamFaulkner]

Hey, this is my first attempt at trying to make a gaming build. I read a few threads on other builds and decided on some decent parts. I didn't have enough computer know-how to pick out a PSU so I need some help with that. I also need help picking out a case because I don't know what to look for but I want something that's cool and slick but reasonably priced.

Motherboard: ASUS P5K-VM LGA 775 Intel G33 uATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16813131187

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E6750
http://www.newegg.com/product/Product.asp?item=N82E16819115029

HDD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3320620AS (Perpendicular Recording Technology) 320GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16822148140

RAM: Patriot Extreme Performance 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16820220144

Video Card: EVGA 320-P2-N811-AR GeForce 8800GTS 320MB 320-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130082

OS: Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16837116194

Thanks for helping! :)
(The generic new build list helped out alot!)

[Cricket]

I didn't have enough computer know-how to pick out a PSU so I need some help with that.CORSAIR CMPSU-550VX ATX12V V2.2 550W Power Supply (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139004)I also need help picking out a case because I don't know what to look for but I want something that's cool and slick but reasonably priced.You're going to have to pick out the case yourself since case choice is a very personal thing. Just be sure it's a standard ATX case that can hold all the drives and has good cooling and you'll be fine.

:) Cricket

[AdamFaulkner]

Thanks a bunch on the power supply! I picked out a case that I think will work. The only things I missing are CD drives, I know I need a CD/DVD-ROM and a DVD burner but any suggestions?

[flanzig1]

A Lite-On DVD burner in a retail package will let you burn DVDs and CDs and play both. The retail package will come with the DVD burning software. Should go with a SATA connection.

[Jimmy0]

For optical drive people tend to recommend getting retail Lite-On branded drives, as they are renowned for their quality. And also if you get the retail package you also receive burning software.

Note: Make sure you get the SATA version, not IDE. :)

[AdamFaulkner]

I read the advice and picked out a drive. When I get everything and put it all together, I'll let you guys know how it works out. I really appreciate the hardware, you guys are great!

[RazR]

make sure that your ram is comaptible with your motherboard..
sometimes companies are fussy about which ram you can you use

[Freakitchen]

You could always go for this Corsair memory - only $10 more than the Patriot after rebate.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145034

I wouldn't have any worries using Corsair on an ASUS motherboard.

[shadowpr]

just noticed you're picking out a MB that is uATX. Not sure if that's a mistake or not.

plus that MB has onboard video, but it's not needed if you're getting a sepearte video card.

[Cricket]

You might want to post links to the case and optical drive you're thinking of getting...we can tell you if they're good or not.

:) Cricket

[AdamFaulkner]

The case I picked out was Thermaltake SOPRANO VB1000BWS Black 0.8 mm SECC Chassis, Plastic Front Door ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16811133145
and the drive was LITE-ON Black 20X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 20X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA DVD Burner
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16827106057. Does the uATX make much of a difference?

[Alaron]

Switch to this burner, it has software: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106072

[AdamFaulkner]

I switched to that burner Alaron, thanks. I heard that a case with temperature gauges is recommended for gaming. Is that true?

[shadowpr]

The case I picked out was Thermaltake SOPRANO VB1000BWS Black 0.8 mm SECC Chassis, Plastic Front Door ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16811133145
Does the uATX make much of a difference?


The uatx MB will fit. That was my only thing about that.

But like i said before, if you're not going to use the onboard video, you might find another MB without it and might be able to save a few bucks. But that's up to you. Having both onboard video and a video card won't hurt.

[AdamFaulkner]

Is this a good one then?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131189
It's about 7 dollars cheaper, but I guess every little bit counts.

[shadowpr]

that looks good.

[Alaron]

I heard that a case with temperature gauges is recommended for gaming. Is that true?

I don't think so. Hardcore gamers might be extra concerned about temperatures if they have a vey high-end rig. But as long as you have good airflow and a couple of fans, your temps don't need constant monitoring. Enjoy playing the game, not watching a gauge. :)

[AdamFaulkner]

Alright, I'll stick with the case I picked out then. Hopefully everything will work out when I get the parts.