new build need suggestions

[danmer]

Want to build my own comp. need some advise. Would like c2d system with a nvida graphics card. I would like this to be upgradable for future. I mostly do piture work and dvd work on my present comp but i would like it to be able to play games, cant really do to much on my present comp. I might get more into gaming if i had the capability. i would like to stay low priced right now ($1200.)for just the computer but will take suggestion for a 22 in moinitor. I have a external hard drive for my movies so i wont be using the internal for that.
just some more qustions

do i need sli for future upgrades

should i get the 8800 gpu(which i know will up my budget)

what brand psu & how big(should i go big now or wait)

what mobo & ram combo(might oc in future)

should i get retail version of hard drive( thinking seagate 7200.10 but did not see retail version on newegg)

My budget is some what flexable between 1000 & 2000.. thank for advise and help i know you will steer me in the right direction

[Alaron]

Our standard list is around $1000. This is a starting point.

Motherboard: Asus P5B
CPU: Core 2 Duo e6300 or e6600
RAM: 1 or 2GB DDR2-667 Corsair
Video card: eVGA Geforce 7600GT
Case: Anything you like
PSU: http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=131195 Our list of good brands. The wattage depends on the video card you choose.
Hard drive: Seagate 7200.10 SATA 250-320GB.
Optical: LiteOn DVDRW
OS: Windows XP Home

As for your questions:
1. No, its up to you. I'd stick with one card, they are plenty powerful.
2. The 8800 is very powerful, but I'd stick with a less expensive card and upgrade down the road.
3. Depends on video card. Refer to my list above.
4. Refer to above list.
5. Retail is not necessary. The motherboard comes with a cable. OEM still has the long warranty.

[danmer]

thanks Alaron. why not ddr2-800 for ram?

[Alaron]

You can use DDR2-800 but 667 works just as well. I listed it for budget considerations.

[danmer]

thats what i was thinking..thanks again. one other question will that setup you listed be able to upgade to vista or should i not worry about vista.

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by danmer one other question will that setup you listed be able to upgade to vista or should i not worry about vista.

Don't worry about using Vista yet...when a new OS comes out it's usually a little buggy. Wait for the first Service Pack to come out and then consider moving up to Vista. You might want to drop by this forum to see what the other forum members think of it before you buy.

Cricket

[danmer]

here is a list of my selected part let me know what you think

case :COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-WW Black/Silver Aluminum Bezel, SECC Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail


motherboard: ASUS P5B Deluxe Socket T (LGA 775) Intel P965 Express ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

graphics card: eVGA 256-P2-N615-TX GeForce 7600GT 256MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail

power supply: FSP Group (Fortron Source) FSP600-80GLC ATX12V/ EPS12V 600W Power Supply - OEM

cpu: Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 Conroe 1.86GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80557E6300 - Retail

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

hard drive: Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3320620AS (Perpendicular Recording Technology) 320GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM


disk drives: LITE-ON 16X DVD±R DVD Burner W/ LightScribe and 5X DVD-RAM Write Black ATAPI/E-IDE Model SHM-165H6S - OEM
LITE-ON Combo Drive Black SATA Model SHC-52S7K-05 - OEM


let me know if these will all work together. Also anyone know a good program for transfering programs from old computer to ney one..thank for the help


went with a cheaper mid tower case and added 2 gig of memory for about same price

[newbuilder14]

You don't need a 600w power supply, the 500w Fortron unit would be better for your setup. Everything else looks just fine.

[danmer]

I was thinkig that but i might upgade the graphics card later and thought it would save me from buying to power supplies

[newbuilder14]

If that is the case then by all means get the 600w one. Also, what is your budget? You could upgrade to an e6600, 2gb of DDR2 800 RAM, etc.

[danmer]

I would like to stay around 1500 with monitor..i will have to see how much more that would add to it

changed some parts see list above give replies please