build advice

[idlewild]

Hello everyone,

You have a great forum here.

I've finally decided to put a computer together and would appreciate your well informed advice and opinions.

I want a system capable of running Vista and play Company of Heroes at it's highest settings if possible.

My budget is approx. $2500

I already have a cooler max case - Glite - which requires 2 120 fans I believe.

I do not plan on buying a moniter at this time but need everything else.

I'm partial to Nvidia graphics cards and the core 2 duos but my knowledge of computer hardware and it's use is limited at best. Does it make sense to get a DX10 card now?

I would be interested in mild overclocking.

All suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks from Tennessee

The following components seem to be highly recommended here :

Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 Conroe 2.4GHz 4M shared L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor – Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115003

ASUS P5B LGA 775 Intel P965 Express ATX Intel Motherboard

CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 675 (PC2 5400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory

[glc]

I'd wait on DX10 and get a decent "placeholder" card for now - such as a 7900GS - it's under $200. Overspec the power supply now so you are ready.

I don't think you need to spend all the $2500, you can get a heck of a fast machine for less and spending more will not give you THAT much speed.

Short version - with approximate prices:

Corsair HX520 PSU - $120
Asus P5B-E motherboard - $150
E6600 CPU - $320
2gb DDR2-800 Corsair XMS2 - $250
Seagate 320gb 7200.10 SATA - $100
Lite-On retail DVD burner - $40
7900GS? - $180
XP Home with Vista upgrade coupon - $90
Keyboard/mouse - whatever - 50 bucks or so

That's 1300 bucks - when you decide to upgrade to Vista, do the DX10 card and another 2 gigs of ram at that time. Also you can add a sound card if the onboard sound isn't good enough for you.

[idlewild]

Thanks glc,

You just saved me around a $1000.

I'm liking this forum more.

Maybe I will spring for a good flat screen before my wife and kids spend the money.

[hitchface]

Man I wish I came here to sort out my system beforehand...

But why waste time wishing, and make it better!