New build, idea from pc gamer mag,?

[lokifalcon]

I found this set up in pc gamer mag Nov. 06, Hard Stuff, Dream system. Appears to be a good starting point, but I'm not sure if it is too extreme. I understand I can cut cost on some items but is any of this overkill for the bucks to get a high end gaming system?

case and ps 600w atx (need ps brand)
cpu intel core 2 extreme x6800 (should I save and go with core duo 6x00)
mb intel d975xbx (recomendations)
ram 2g corsair ddr2-800 (got to be the best)
dvd plextor px-760a (could save)
hd 1 wd raptor x 10,000rpm (seems great for games)
hd 2 maxtor 500g 7,200rpm (is it too many g's)
audio creative labs x-fi xtrememusic
vidieo 2 512mb geforce 7900 gtx (thought about going with 1 evga 8800gtx)

let me know what makes sense, thanks

[newbuilder14]

Everything looks okay except there are some changes to be made:

Power supply: Get a high quality one - at least 550w.

DVD Drive: A retail Lite-On drive will do you just fine.

HDD 2: Seagate 7200.10 drives are really great.

Video Cards: 1. SLI is sort of a gimmick unless you have a 24"+ monitor size. 2. I don't think SLI runs on that motherboard. 3. You are much better off with one 8800GTX - DX9 is slowly fading away.

[glc]

Overkill.

E6600
Asus P5B-E
Lite-On DVD burner
Seagate 7200.10
Sound card only if you don't like the onboard sound
Corsair HX520 PSU
Single 7900GS as a placeholder till the DX10 dust clears

[piXel]

Originally Posted by glc Overkill. E6600 Asus P5B-E Lite-On DVD burner Seagate 7200.10 Sound card only if you don't like the onboard sound Corsair HX520 PSU Single 7900GS as a placeholder till the DX10 dust clears

Yeah i would go with that system, I'm amazed at the 7900 GS pricing especially in the UK where it seems to be a bit less then some 7600 GT models.

[lokifalcon]

Checked out your suggestions with the Asus P5B E MB, Core duo 6600, and Geforce 7900 alone is over $1000 savings. Thats pretty good Corsair PS not way overpriced. I still like the Corsair ram and I also thought myself that I have been using Lite-on dvd/cd with no problem. I have a new Seagate 320g HD just waiting to be used and I think I will instead of getting 500g. I will wait and check out the sound. Any other suggestions on these parts are welcome and any advice on WD Raptor, do they make a real difference in gaming?

[glc]

The Raptor does not make enough of a difference in gaming to make it worth the high price. The 7200.10 is darn near as fast. Go for twice the capacity at half the cost.