Help with first computer build

[VagDriver]

I would really appreciate any advice on my first build. Budget is around $1700. A quiet machine would be great but it is not as important to me as keeping everything cool.

I originally had chosen Corsair XMS2 RAM but it specifies 1.9v, while the Asus motherboard only supports JEDEC approved 1.8v operation.

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E6300
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16819115005

Motherboard: ASUS P5B Deluxe Socket T
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16813131045

RAM: mushkin 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820146599

Video Card: eVGA 256-P2-N615-TX GeForce 7600GT 256MB
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16814130062

Power Supply: Antec True Power Trio 650W Power Supply with Three 12V Rails
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16817371001

Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda 320GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16822148140

DVD: LITE-ON Black E-IDE/ATAPI DVD Burner
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16827106055

Case: NZXT Apollo BLACK NP Black SECC Steel Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16811146025

Monitor: CHIMEI 221D-NBC Black 22" 5ms DVI Widescreen LCD Monitor
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16824252008

CPU cooler: ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro CPU Cooler
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16835186134

Since this is my first time, I would especially like everything to go well. Thanks again for any help and advice.

[newbuilder14]

Use the Corsair XMS2 memory - it is almost always guaranteed to work in a setup like yours, if you want to be extra sure, you can use the Corsair ValueSelect DDR2 667 memory like I did.

All of your other parts look awesome. Do you really need 650w? It is always good for future upgrades I guess.

The superclocked edition of the eVGA 7600gt (KO edition) would be better.

If you're looking for quiet, may want to get some ultra quiet fans - the ones in that case may or may not be quiet.

[VagDriver]

Thanks for your help. The power supply is for a future DX10 card. I will look into some quieter 120mm fans as you suggested.

[jfk]

For a few $$$ less, I much prefer this PSU:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817104025

It is a rock solid PSU. No slam on the Antec unit, I just have a preference for this.

[newbuilder14]

I agree with JFK, while that power supply is good it isn't the best for the money (not at all to say it is bad). I'd also recommend a Corsair HX520 as I believe Mr. Ferrari said it could handle DX10. I really don't know the requirements so I'd wait for Mr. Ferrari to zoom along and recommend a power supply .

I haven't heard much about Chimei - with a budget like $1,700 you should be able to fit in a high quality monitor such as a Samsung or ViewSonic.

See if you can afford an E6600 as well with that budget, if not, the E6300 is still a PLENTY fast and capable processor.

[VagDriver]

I will look at the suggestions for a different PSU.

Found this BenQ monitor for the same price: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824014131

The ViewSonic is $40 more. That isn't a dealbreaker but I am real close to $1700 total. The total $$ also rules out a faster CPU (might be able to squeeze in a E6400 if you think it is worth it).

Thanks again.

[glc]

E6300 to E6400 isn't really worth it - if you are on a tight budget I'd put the money into something else. BenQ monitors are excellent budget monitors and their warranty/customer service is decent.

You can save with the 667 Value Select ram - at stock speeds and overclocks to 333 FSB. If you are planning on pushing it harder than that, then you need the 800.

[VagDriver]

With the Corsair 520HX PSU and ViewSonic monitor (keeping the E6300 CPU) I am at $1704. That is with the 800 ram in case I want to push the speed up. Thanks for all the advice.

[VagDriver]

Just figured out that Newegg charges sales tax in TN which will cost me over $150. Is there anybody else that would be as highly recommended?

[glc]

Zipzoomfly
Mwave
Directron

[newbuilder14]

The Corsair HX520 may be okay but I don't know too much about DX10 requirements so I'd let someone else criticize that selection. I'd say look at 600+w units.