1st Time builder

[ideophobia]

I decided on getting a new computer for Christmas and figured it would be more fun to build it with what i want rather than just buy something as is. I've been working through different builds for a while the past few weeks, and feel fairly comfortable with this one. But considering i have never done this before i wanted to have it looked over by the wise and experienced. I plan on using it for gaming, photoshop, video editing, college stuff, etc. Somewhat of an all-around build. I am upgrading from a laptop so i need everything. Here's what i got:

Rosewill R6AS5-BK 0.8mm SECC 120mm Fan ATX Mid Tower Computer Case $39.99

RAIDMAX RX-630A ATX12V/ EPS12V 630W Power Supply $98.99

ASUS P5B Deluxe/WiFi-AP Socket T (LGA 775) Intel P965 Express ATX Intel Motherboard $209.99


Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 Conroe 2.13GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80557E6400 #218.50

eVGA 640-P2-N821-AR GeForce 8800GTS 640MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Video Card $469.99

CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X2048-6400 $280.00

Western Digital Caviar SE WD2500JS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive OEM $69.99

Acer AL2016W Silver & Black 20" 8ms Widescreen LCD Monitor $264.99

LITE-ON 16X DVD±R DVD Burner W/5X DVD-RAM Write Black ATAPI/E-IDE Model SHM-165P6S - OEM $29.99

SIIG IC-510012 5.1 Channels PCI Interface SoundWave 5.1 PCI Surround Sound Card - OEM $17.99

Microsoft Windows XP Pro SP2b 1pk w/Upgrade Coupon for Vista - OEM $139.99

Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - OEM $5.99

Sunbeam Blue Eye MS-BLE-BK Blue 3 Buttons 1x Wheel USB Optical Mouse - Retail $6.99


Targus AKB04US Silver/Black USB Standard Keyboard - Retail $21.99

Antec 77095 120mm Blue LED Light Case Cooling Fan - Retail $13.99

Total: $1,889.37 before shipping.

Notes to consider: I rely on wireless internet, thats why i chose that mobo; the 120mm fan is to put in the front for intake; i need advice on a good heatsink for the cpu; i also need a speaker recomendation(something low profile, i have a small college desk); i am trying to stay around $2000, but i wouldn't mind being a little higher or lower.

I am open to any changes or suggestions on any of the components.

[Alaron]

Pretty solid start. My two big recommendations are to change the power supply and the sound card. Raidmax power supplies are junk, look for something from Antec, Sparkle, FSP, PC Power and Cooling. Here is our list : http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=131195

Second, an $18 sound card is not going to be any better then the onboard sound. Stick with it for now and add a card later if you need to.

For speakers, I like Logitech.

[flanzig1]

For the CPU, start off using the Intel HSU that comes with the CPU. The C2Ds don't run that hot and won't void the warranty on the CPU.

[DarkPacMan77]

aftermarket cooling solutions are nice and dandy and great for bragging rights... but the core 2 duo line does not need aftermarket cooling.

nobody looks cooler than when they are crying b/c their processor dies out and their warranty is no longer applicable...

just teasing, but yes, there is no need for the aftermarket cooling

[chuck4456]

Unless it's done by an act of sheer stupidity, the likelihood of a C2D burning out is slim to none. I've tortured this E6300 on 3 different boards. INTEL Coolers do a good job.