My first build

[hacheema]

I am interested in building a gaming pc. My budget is around $ 2000 and I want to use the latest technologies. I want it to be upgradable. What parts should I use? I was wondering if these parts are compatible (I just chose them at random. I have no particular liking for them). How do you people get your information about whether a certain part is compatible with another? Is there any way I could learn for myself whether one part goes with another? Thanks is advance.

CASE: something water cooled with digital external temperature display. something like a water cooled case
but less expensive if possible. I don't know where to look for it.
PSU: antec
MoBO: asus
CPU: dual core processor
HDD: western digital
RAM: crosair 2X1GB
OPTICAL 01: DVD Burner
SOUND CARD:maybe this one
VIDEO CARD: Geforce 7800GT
FDD: I would like one if I need one. maybe this one
MODEM: this one?
LAN: ?
OS: windows xp

1) Is there any way I can watch cable on computer? Is that called a tv tuner? I would like to be able to watch cable tv on my computer.

2) Do I need dual core processors and dual video cards?

[doctorgonzo]

1) Yes, you can watch TV on your computer with a TV tuner card.

2) What are you planning on doing with it? You don't "need" dual-core or dual graphics cards. It's all about how much you want to spend.

Your list doesn't look bad. I would go with a Lite-On DVD burner instead of NEC. Also, unless you really want that sound card, wait until you see if the onboard sound is good enough. You don't need a separate NIC.

[pc-gamer]

yes a tv tuner allows you to watch tv..and no you dont need dual core processors. At the moment there isnt a need for dual core because alot of games dont even support that technology id go with the 4000+AMD. And im not sure if the motherboard is compatible with dual core..but i know it is with the 4000+ the same motherboard i want with the 4000+. Nice sound card and graphic card. im thinking everything should work but im not sure...you might wanna stick with 4000+tho

[Strider]

That motherboard is dual core capable, I know I have it. If the price is right go with dual core, but if you don't you can in the future with that motherboard. I'm not going to get into a debate single -vs- dual core, I'm just pointint out that you can do dual core.

[Spearball]

Nice start hackeema! Its a nice good build but i just gotta say a few things.
If ur gonna be doing a lot of gaming i really dont think your going to need dual core cpu. You can always upgrade in the future to your needs. The AMD 3700+ or 4000+ like pc - gamer said looks fine. If ever you do want dual core you could go with the asus a8n32 sli instead for your mobo( the asus mobo u took doesn't seem to supports dual core). I got it and it rocks. I got nooo problems with it. Everything runs cool and it supports dual core cpu's. Its socket 939. BTW that power supply is awsome.

[Spearball]

Hey sry i guess i took to long to sumbit my tread because someone had already replyed that the mobo does support dual core. Anyway good luck on your build...

[hacheema]

I just thought that I might need a dual core processor and/or dual graphics cards because the games are a lot nicer with them. How do I know if one thing is compatible with another?

[hacheema]

In addition, am I going overboard with anything? Are there any parts that you think probably cost too much and there are better deals out there? Just to reiterate, the purpose of this pc is going to be to look good and run better. I don't want it to freeze while playing any games.

[pc-gamer]

well i dont think you need a dual core processor becuz games dont support it at the moment. And i dont know but i dont think u need water cooling..but its a personal preference

[hacheema]

so far the specs end up being:

CASE: water cooled case
PSU: antec
MoBO: asus
CPU: processor
HDD: western digital
RAM: crosair 2X1GB
OPTICAL 01: Lite-on DVD Burner
SOUND CARD:maybe this one if on board one does not suffice. (I will buy it after I hear the on board one)
VIDEO CARD: Geforce 7800GT
FDD: mitsumi
MODEM: U.S. Robotics
OS: windows xp
Misc: Leadtek tv tuner card


1) doctorgonzo what do you mean by "You don't need a separate NIC"? what is NIC?
2) Note that the processor does not come with a heat sink. Will the water cooling system cool the processor?
3) What does it mean when the checklist for newbies says LAN?

[hacheema]

sry forgot to post the link for the sound card. It's the creative sound blaster audigy 2 ZS Platinum

[pc-gamer]

looks good dude kinda looks like the comp im gonna build but i dont need watercooling. Thats a cheap tv tuner i didnt know they were that cheap

[pc-gamer]

what i would do is same some money and get a nice lcd monitor

[hacheema]

that's what i want too, a nice lcd monitor but I don't know which one to get and how big it should be. I heard that 24 inch is too big. I also heard that 24 inch is fine if it is high resolution. I would like advice on what type of lcd monitor to get. Is it past everyone elses bed time or are they simply not interested in helping me out? jk

[hacheema]

Just out of curiousity, what are the specs of the one you are building pc-gamer? And why won't anyone tell me where they get all the information about compatibility between different components of a pc? Thanks in advance.

[pc-gamer]

hey if you have msn messenger talk to me there its easier danielhoyal@hotmail.com

[jayb1234]

LAN and Nic are the same thing with that board. local area network, network interface card. You do not need a separate card, it is builtin.

Also, you only need a modem if you are using a phone line connection to the internet.

For the CPU cooling, you have to select the appropriate waterblock at the bottom of the page in the link you posted.