new build i am considering, a few questions

[passn_thru2]

this is what i am considering https://secure.newegg.com/NewVersion/Wishlist/PublicWishDetail.asp?WishListNumber=5695911&WishListTitle=Black%5FRains+AMD+64

my first question is.. is an AMD 64bit x2 6400 over kill from a 64 bit x2 6000 build, i want to build a machine to play the new games.. i dont compete but enjoy multiplayers, do some searching etc. is it worth the extra money.. that is what i started with, but.. it always gets outa hand

i dont know much about mother boards, the one on my newegg list sounds pretty good..except for the 10%+ DOA rate. the nVidia 8800gts video card seems a good compromise, its rating is out of almost 800 sales.. sounds popular

a Big question is should i just get the 64 bit XP till the bugs are out of Home VISTA? or just get vista

as soon as i figure out what to get i plan to get a DVD/book here to put it together

i have some hardware from my present computer, a new DVD/CD reader/writer.. bought it with this transfer in mind, its downstairs, i just got out of the hospital, cant get down there

[Drunner611]

Don't get that 8800GTS. It's the old one and will get beat by even a 9600gt.
If you are looking at a GTS, you have to get teh 512mb version (G92).
If you are on a budget look at a 9600gt or an 8800gt.

Also, what is your budget? You could probably build a faster 45nm Intel build for about $300 between the mobo and cpu.

If you want to stay AMD, that's cool, but is there any reason you need an sli board? You could save some money there by getting a regular board.

These are all just suggestions, but the rest of your build looks good.

[Katreat]

I agree with Drunner, for a gamer right now intel has the edge, but AMD is still a great processor so if you have a preferance that is fine.

Here is a sample intel build for around your price range:

CPU - C2D E8400
MB - ASUS P5K
PSU – Corsair 550
RAM – Corsair XMS 4GB (2x2GB Kit) DDR2 800MHz
Video Card – GeForce 9600 GT
HD - Seagate 7200.11 500 GB SATA II
Optical Drive - Lite-On DVD Burner SATA Retail (free software with retail)
Sound Card - Try the on-board sound first.
OS – Vista 32 Home Premium or XP
Case - Your choice. Try to get one without a power supply.

If you stay AMD you will need to wait for some more knowledgeable posters regarding MB and CPU.

As for the rest of your list.

Change the 8800 GTS 320 out for the 9800 GT, 8800 GT, or 8800 GT 512. These are all much faster video cards. The older 320 is still a nice card, I am using one myself, but last I looked you can do better for the same money. check out this review:

http://www.tomshardware.com/2008/04/07/the_best_gaming_graphics_cards_for_the_money/page3.html#best_pcie_card_for_200

I would go with a seagate or wd HD instead of the samsung. Lot of problems recently with Samsung HD. The seagate has the best warranty, 5 years, but WD are top quality also. Try to get something with a 32 mb cache (Seagate 7200.11 series)

If your existing burner is IDE consider spending an extra $30 and picking up a new SATA one. IDE on its way out and newer MB no longer support it natively. The 3rd parth IDE controler can be problomatic.

If you go intel or end up changing to a retail AMD (not the black) you can save some money buy using the stock heat sink which comes with a thermal pad and you wont need the artic silver either.

I see you through in an extra fan. The Antec 900 is a wind tunnel of a case, and an extra fan would be necessary only if you where into extream OC'ing.

Your PSU is over kill for a single card set up, you would be fine with 550 w or so. If you chose it because you plan on SLI now or in the future then perhaps it is sized correctly. The price seems a bit high though so you might look around some. Check out this link for SLI PSU requirements:

http://www.slizone.com/object/slizone_build_psu.html

And if you shop for other PSUs make sure they are fromt he good list here:

http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=131195

Right now I recomend people stay with Vista 32 Home Premium. Especially if you are using some older parts or software. Vista 64 only real gain at this proint is that it can access more ram. Since most software is still wirtten for 32 bit and optimized to use less than 2 GB of ram, it is really not needed. There are a few exceptions but I dont think there are any 64 bit games out.

Kat

[Drunner611]

Right now I recomend people stay with Vista 32 Home Premium. Especially if you are using some older parts or software. Vista 64 only real gain at this proint is that it can access more ram. Since most software is still wirtten for 32 bit and optimized to use less than 2 GB of ram, it is really not needed. There are a few exceptions but I dont think there are any 64 bit games out.

Kat
If you are going to get 4gb of ram then you want 64bit like Kat says.
In all reality, I have had 0 problems with my 64bit os. Experiences will vary.