New build ---- afew questions

[nicolivolkov]

I am planning my first build. I will be using intel core duo 2 e 6600 most likely. mobo I am thinking asus p5w DH dh deluxe. GPU x1900xt. 250 gb hdd, and G SKILL for RAM.

My main question is this... and I'm sure it's a stupid one but... If I get a dual layer CD/DVD burner, do I still need to get a CD/DVD ROM drive also? If so How can I be sure the case I purchase has enough slots?

Also I am still unsure if the MB and RAM are the best selection for this build. Can anybody offer some advice on this?

And of course any advice on the monitor? As I am still unsure about this

Other than that I"m looking at $150 case or so. Around 600 + watt PSU...

whaddaya guys think?

[Dannyw]

Get the antec p180 case. Brilliant case.

You don't NEED a cd/dvd rom as well, but it helps prolong the life of your writer if you use one for reading discs and one for writing them. That p180 has more than enough 5.25" bays for you.

G Skill make good ram.

That mobo is an excellent choice, coupled with a great cpu. And a nice gpu as well. i'm jealous of this build, it will be very quick.

[blue60007]

Most cases have at least 3 or more bays for CD/DVD/RW drives.

Here's another RAM choice:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145590
Not sure how that compares price wise to the gskill ram you picked out.

Here's a good, powerful PSU:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817104014
Certified for running two high end X1900's in Crossfire.

As for the monitor, what size are you looking at?

[nicolivolkov]

I would like something in the 20 incher +, but I am having a hard time making sense of the resolution issue. I know that I want a lower response time, but what res do I need to make use of the high end graphics card?

[Alaron]

LCD monitors have a native resolution, they cannot be changed without the picture looking fuzzy. 19" LCDs have a 1280x1024 resolution in standard size, and 1440x900 in widescreen. You do not have to run your games at the monitors resolution though, so don't worry about that. You can still play a game at whatever resolution the graphics card can handle for that particular game. Samsung and Viewsonic are solid brands.

[nicolivolkov]

So that being said, what would be the logical choice if I am am spending a large amount of money on a GPU --- ati x1900xt--- which in my understanding is one of the best cards available---

What level of monitor would go well with this card? my understanding is that at leaste one with an NR of 1600 X 1200...

[Alaron]

You don't have to buy a monitor that "matches" the card. The card doesn't care what you attach to it, whether is a 15" CRT or a 42" Plasma TV.

That being said, I would go with either a 19" or 20" LCD. Do you have a budget?

My suggestion: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824001067

[Mr.Ferrari]

Are you planning on a crossfire setup with those X1900XT's ? If so these are the psu's I reccomend:

Corsair HX620W $179.99

Enermax NoiseTaker 600W ($129.99 after $20.00 Mail-In Rebate)

OCZ GameXtreme 700W ($134.99 after $20.00 Mail-In Rebate)

PC Power&Cooling 610W Silencer $169.99

Silverstone ST65ZF 650W $159.99

My personal Choices?
-The silverstone 65ZF and the OCZ GameXtreme 700W.

[nicolivolkov]

Well I was initally looking at one in th $300 range. I found a 20 inch samsung that looked pretty good with 16 X12 NR and 5 m response time. I'm thinking though that maybe it is worth it spend a little more and get something a little nicer and maybe bigger.?

What about widescreen vs. regular? What's your preference?

I like the idea of being able to go crossfire. But my understanding is that one x1900xt will run just about anything... is this true? I would like to have the option though... So I would like a PSU that can handle it.

I've been reading about MOBO's and it does nothing but confuse me... is the one I have listed the best for the CPU nd GPU?

Thanks guys

[Mr.Ferrari]

Your cpu and mobo choices are perfect.

The only thing I have a question on is-
What exact ram model of G.Skill?
What HDD you looking at?
You already have opticals I assume?

Monitor: I always prefer widescreen when possible.
A few awesome widescreen monitor choices would be these:
Viewsonic 20.1''
Samsung 20''
BenQ 20.1''


GFX & PSU: There is no logical reason for crossfire or sli unless you have alot of money to spend and want absolute best. That X1900XT will be able to handle all and any of your games at maxed out settings without a hiccup.

I had assumed though you wanted a crossfire capable psu due to your choice in motherboard and 600W+ psu rating.

Any of the psu's I suggested will be able to handle crossfire. If you want some good bang/buck I would chooce the OCZ GameXtreme 700W. AWESOME unit for the price.

[nicolivolkov]

I think I was looking at this RAM, but I like the one that blu6007 suggested. It's little cheaper so if they are equal qulaity I would go with the XMS. Heres the exact G-skill somebody sadi was the best...

G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail

I think it's $20 or $30 more.. than the XMS.

THe optical is the one thing I"m not sure about. I would like to get dual layer that can do everything. If I should get a ROM drive too I will. What do you guys think?

HDD I'm looking at probably a 320 gb seagate...