Need advice on a new build please.

[KilluminatiStyle]

My problem is this... I am an AMD fan by heart... but from what I've read around here and abroad... it would be best for me to go Intel as the Core 2 Duo's are eating everything that AMD has to offer. Ok, well... I know NOTHING about Intel based PC's. I don't know what boards are good, best bang for buck with processors, etc. So I'm turning to you folks here. I know there are some Intel fanatics floating around here that could give me the low down.

My budget is kinda up in the air right now but I'm looking for about 1200-1400 for a complete box EXCEPT optical drives, as long as the motherboard chosen has at least 1 IDE channel. I don't need a montior, mouse, keyboard, or speakers... just the box fully loaded with a GOOD DX10 card... of which I prefer nVidia but will go ATI. Just one more thing, I also want/need 2GB of ram. I don't know what DDR2 is all about either. I kinda lost track of the hardware scene after I built the PC in my sig.

The computers PRIMARY function will be for gaming. I realize that it's kind of a big task to assemble a PC for someone without any input from the person other then the fact that they know nothing... but please do your best and I wouldn't mind a quick tut about the benifets of the Intel vs. AMD and a link to some info on DDR2.


FYI, I was leaning towards an nVidia 8800GTS graphics card but if someone has a better suggestion then by all means LET ME HAVE IT.

Thanks in advance guys/gals!



**EDIT**

I'm not too concerned with an audio card as I already have one (system in my sig) and I would be fine with onboard I think. But if the budget allows then an upgrade would be nice.

[KilluminatiStyle]

CPU - Intel Core2 Duo E6600

Mobo - Asus P5N-E SLI

GFX - PNY 8800GTS

PSU - XION Supernova XON-600F14R-201 600 Watt

RAM - G. Skill DDR2 800 2x1GB

HD - Seagate 120GB Sata

This is what I've come up with. I may add another 8800GTS if I can get the wife to sign off on it

I don't need a case as I like the one my current system is in. I should have mentioned that before... sorry folks.

Any input would be great.

[glc]

Lose that Xion PSU. It's rubbish. If you are even *thinking* about dual 8800's, you must get a PSU that's on the certified list at slizone.com. You should also get the Asus 680i-based board if you must have a SLI board.

[KilluminatiStyle]

Thanks for the advice.

One more question though... is adding another 8800GTS worth the additional cash? Will I be aw struck at the difference between a single 8800 vs. SLI?

[Mr.Ferrari]

If you have a 24'' monitor or above and play games at crazy maximum settings, then yeah, you will notice a pretty decent difference.

Otherwise, stick to one card and save your self some $$.

[Cricket]

I think most people here believe SLi to be more of a marketing tool than anything else. Gives the owner more bragging rights since he has two powerful video cards instead of just one. In real world performance the actual difference may not be very impressive and certainly not worth the price of the additional video card.

Cricket

[LeftyAce]

Just to add to that, one next generation card will beat a pair of old cards in SLI (in other words, 1 8800 will beat two 7900s that are set up in sli). So the prevailing advice is, save your money, and plan to upgrade to the next generation after it comes out.

[glc]

This will also allow you to get a single slot motherboard with an Intel chipset that will be a lot less hassles than an Nvidia chipset. The Asus P5B series is rock solid, and you can get something like a Corsair 520HX power supply which will power any single card on the planet. I'd still advise you to wait till the DX10 dust clears or just get a placeholder card for now - something like a $90 7600GS. I'd advise Corsair ram with a P5B - value select 667 if you won't be overclocking, XMS2 800 CAS5 if you will be. Upgrading to a Seagate 7200.10 is a good move - those are very fast and a 250gb is only 80 bucks.

[KilluminatiStyle]

Woohoo, this is just the kind of info I've come to expect from this forum. Thanks a bunch folks. It looks like my very first Intel build is coming along nicely.

I just want to clarify some things then before I get my mind set here.

I'm assuming that the Processor I chose is a good one since no one commented on it... no news is good news right? The processor and motherboard are my 2 biggest concerns since as I've said before... I'm not an Intel guy but they seem to have the "good stuff" right now so that's the way I'm leaning.

The PSU will be replaced... I have to be honest... I just picked the first one that I saw on NewEgg that had the little nVidia SLI logo on the pic

Overclocking..... I always tell myself I'm not going to do it... but it always happens. However... I'm not one of those hardcore OCers out there trying to break records and what not. I take my time... work gradual and eventually just get sick of tinkering and leave it. Overclocking was SOOOOO much more simple back in the days with my AXP 2600+ and NF7... I really miss that. In anycase... thanks for the advice on this GLC.. I'll definately keep this in mind when it comes time to make the purchase.

Lastly, the actual purchase isn't going to take place for about another month or so, TAX SEASON YAY!!

Is there anything on the horizon that I may want to hold out for, like price cuts or new hardware?

[glc]

There's nothing better on the horizon that's going to replace the E6600 or the P965 chipset. If you were looking at a E6400 or E6300, that's a different story, they are going to double the cache at the same price. There may be more solid info on DX10 by then too.

[KilluminatiStyle]

Excellent. Thank you everyone for all your suggestions and info. It is GREATLY appreciated. Since I have some time before I plan to do that actual build I'll do my homework on DX10 and compatible cards, which from what I've read are currently only the GeForce 88XX series.

[glc]

Correct - which is why we recommend a placeholder card for people building right now.