Help with my first build?

[attybo]

I am considering building my first computer, to be used for gaming almost exclusively. I do not want to spend a ton, and think I can keep it around $900.

The components I'm looking at are:

CASE CoolerMaster Centurion 5 CACT05WW Mwave $49.00

PSU CoolerMaster Real Power 550W Mwave 89.00

MOBO MSI MS-7185-020 Socket 939
nForce4 SLI PCI Express SATA2 ATX AMD ClubIt 99.97

CPU AMD 64 3700+ San Diego Mwave 233.00

HDD Seagate Barricuda 120 GB, 7200 RPM SATA AscendTech 64.99

RAM Crucial 2 x 512 MB, PC 3200 DDR Mwave 86.00

Video eVGA e-GeForce 7800GT, 256 MB New Egg 250.00


I think I'll be able to use my DVD/CD-RW, DVD and FDD from my old computer.

Please give me any suggestions, changes or comments. Thanks everyone.

[MakeYourslf2012]

It look like a great build. Remeber you have to fit a $100 copy of Windows in there somewhere.

Unless that CoolerMaster PSU comes in your case, it may be best to go with one of the more established names for a unit. CoolerMaster is not a bad brand but Antecs, Enermaxes, and Sparkles are untouchable

[attybo]

Appreciate that. And I do have a copy of Windows XP Home. Thanks. Anyone else?

[FireByyrd]

Seems to me that the power supply is a bit pricey, and your build doesn't look like it needs that much power.

Thermaltake 430watt should do it, it worked for mine, and I have two SATA drives 250GB, and AMD 4000+, 2 gbs of ram, 5 case fans. 7800GT.

It is only 30 dollars and really realiable.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817153023

[glc]

It may be working for you, but it's not designed for PCI-Express, especially a SLI board. It only has a single +12v rail.

[MakeYourslf2012]

Yeah, I didnt see that, your going to need an ATX 2.0 SLI-Approved (not "SLI-Ready") PSU. A List of them can be found at www.slizone.com. I would personally suggest you buy one of the brands I listed above

[glc]

Coolermaster does have a SLI-certified power supply now, but that one isn't. You can get a different brand unit that's certified for the same price. The Antec TPII-550 would be a good choice.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817103932

[attybo]

You got me nervous guys, as I got excited and started ordering. I double checked the power supply through the link provided by Makeyourslf, and it lists the one I ordered as SLI certified, whew!

Thanks to all you guys who help out here.

[glc]

No.......there are 2 versions of that PSU, and the one at Mwave is not certified unless they haven't updated their description. I checked that carefully before posting what I did at Coolermaster's site. It should work fine with a single card but if you add the second card later, you may have an issue.

[attybo]

As usual you're right glc. My bad. It was deceiving as both the SLI and non-SLI carry exactly the same model number. Oh well, current plans are one vid card only. If I try to add a second later, I'll deal with the issue then. Thanks again.