Wanted: Expert input on newbie $2000+ build

[macmd]

This place is definitely heaven sent-glad I found it before forging ahead on my own!

I'm a newbie on his first build (finally retiring my ailing HP pavilion with its stuttering PII 800). I'd like the experience and satisfaction of building my own rig but the array of available configurations is mind numbing! I'm starting from scratch but have some components already chosen based on preference and the research I've done so far.

I'm a fairly "well-rounded" user-I enjoy gaming a lot but would not consider myself a hardcore, up till 3:00AM LAN party-type gamer. I also do a fair amount of video editing and minor graphics/digital photo work in addition to using internet and MS Office/Adobe acrobat extensively. Toss in some statistics as well but nothing major.

I've decided to get the Dell 2007WFP monitor ($340) and have chosen a KB/mouse, floppy/card reader, and speakers/sound card ($225 total). Would like to limit remaining components to $1500-1600 range.

CPU-Intel C2D E6600.
Mobo-no idea, confused about the Crossfire vs. SLI and possiblity of dual GPUs in future
RAM-2GB but unsure which brand/speed.
GPU-no preference, GeForce 7900GT 256MB is a possibility-not doing dual GPUs now but possibly in future
HD-around 500GB, possibly RAID 5 config. (Raid 1 seems like a waste of space but Raid 0 seems risky-isn't Raid 5 a sort of hybrid of the two)
Opticals-DVD R/RW + CD R/RW drive and DVD-ROM+CD-RW combo drive
LAN-Gb LAN
OS-Win XP Home SP2
Productivity-MS Office 2003 SB edition
Case-too many to comprehend, I don't need the side windows or neon lights though.
PSU-not sure of reputable brand or what wattage
Misc-Firewire port

Hope this is enough information-I'm not married to any of the selections as I am a novice at this. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Glad to know such a collection of expertise exists.

[newbuilder14]

CPU: Good
Mobo: Asus P5W DH
RAM: 2gb Corsair XMS2 PC6400
GPU: ATI Radeon x1900xt
HD: Seagate 7200.10
Opticals: Liteon Drives
LAN: No need, on board
Case: Antec Sonata II - GRAB THIS - BEST PRICE NOW
PSU: Included in case however I would purchase a 500 or more watt one from Seasonic, Silverstone, Antec, FSP, etc.
Firewire: Onboard

[jer888]

good choice on the CD2

Originally Posted by macmd Mobo-no idea, confused about the Crossfire vs. SLI and possiblity of dual GPUs in future

crossfire= dual ATi Video Cards
Sli= dual Nvidia Video Cards

Originally Posted by macmd RAM-2GB but unsure which brand/speed.

I would reccomend Corsair

Originally Posted by macmd HD-around 500GB, possibly RAID 5 config. (Raid 1 seems like a waste of space but Raid 0 seems risky-isn't Raid 5 a sort of hybrid of the two)

Guide to RAID

Originally Posted by macmd PSU-not sure of reputable brand or what wattage

List of Reputable/ Non reputable

[blue60007]

I'd get a case of your choice (I'd get something semi-small and light, especially if you're going to LAN parties). Antec has a Lanboy case that's very light and not overly huge...

For the PSU, I'd get something like:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817104934
or if you might run Crossfire in the future,
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817104014
(it's on ATi's Crossfire Certified list, so it should be fine).

RAID 5'll cost you 4 drives (plus you'll probably want to get a hardware controller). The 4 drives alone will eat up half your budget...so I think you ought to just go with one large drive. If you're concerned about data saftey, get an external drive to back up to.

If you can squeeze it into the budget, here's a nice video card:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102045

[macmd]

Originally Posted by newbuilder14 CPU: Good Mobo: Asus P5W DH RAM: 2gb Corsair XMS2 PC6400 GPU: ATI Radeon x1900xt HD: Seagate 7200.10 Opticals: Liteon Drives LAN: No need, on board Case: Antec Sonata II - GRAB THIS - BEST PRICE NOW PSU: Included in case however I would purchase a 500 or more watt one from Seasonic, Silverstone, Antec, FSP, etc. Firewire: Onboard

Is the Asus board compatible with Crossfire? or SLI?

Is the Radeon x1900xt (256MB) better than the GeForce 7900GT (256MB)?

[newbuilder14]

Crossfire

Yes

[glc]

If you are not a total hardcore gamer, you don't need either SLI or Crossfire. Save some bucks and get one of the Asus P5B boards and a single video card of your choice. I favor ATI for video editing and graphics use. The PSU in the Sonata II case will power any single card on the planet except maybe one of the new super monster $500+ cards. Get a single Seagate 7200.10 SATA drive, keep it simple.