A New Build??

[unholy]

Okay I have no idea where to really start with this. I read the stickies above and I don't understand some of this.

I'm looking to build myself a decent computer with a max budget of around $1000-1400 for a whole new rig. I am an avid online gamer of America's Army and Call of Duty 2. I'm not a computer genius in any way shape or form, but I do know some basic stuff.

I'm currently running a Pentium 4 2.8 Ghz, 1.25 GB RAM, ATI RADEON 9250(PCI), Creative SoundBlaster XtremeGamer(brand new for $55), 80 GB HDD, don't know the rest.

I wish to switch over to AMD X2 maybe 2.6 Ghz at the most, some PCIe slots(perhaps for SLI), PCI slots(for sound card and maybe another fan if needed), 4 slots for RAM, only really need like a 150 GB HDD, looking for a relatively nice 21" monitor or 20". That's about it.

I'd like to be able to keep the Soundblaster card in my new system. Other than that, I'm open to any suggestions about what parts to consider for a new "gamer" rig.

Thanks for any help that you can provide.

[SuprchargdMazda]

Well $1000-1400 should be enough money to build yourself a nice system.

First, not being a Intel fanboy but right now I wouldn't advise going with AMD. The Core 2 Duo chips just give you so much bang for the buck.

One option you might want to look at is the Fry's combo deal consisting of a Intel E4300 with a ECS PT-890T-A. With a 1066FSB pin mod you can get 300FSB out of the mobo giving you 2.7ghz from the E4300. Just thought I would throw it in because I personally just bought that combo for my father to replace his Sempron 3100+.

If you are looking at something better with future potential I'd suggest taking a look at the Asus P5B, P5B-E, P5B Deluxe, Gigabyte DS3, Intel's Bad Axe 2, nVidia's 650i and 680i mobos. All of these are popular choices.

I'd wait until April 22 when the prices drop on CPU's and pick up a E6600 for $225 at that point. You'll probably want 2 gigabytes of DDR2-800 RAM, depending on which you choose you can spend anywhere from 160-300+ on two 1gb sticks. However, if you don't plan on overclocking you'll see no benefit from RAM this fast and you could go with some DDR2-667 sticks.

As far as video cards, it seems like ATI doesn't have much going on with the RD600, rumors and fanboys are claiming whenever the new ATI cards do come out nVidia will be ready with their second gen of DX10 cards. Heres what seems to be a popular monitor, I don't have one personally but my friend does and it seemed nice from what little time I was able to view it: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824014105

If your going to run the latest games at the native resolution of 1680x1050 with AA, I'd suggest trying to get a 640mb version of the 8800GTS over the 320mb version, if finances allow it.http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130071

Monitor: 20.1" BenQ = $220
Motherboard: Asus P5B (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131030) = $130
CPU: Intel E6600 = $225 as of mid-April
VGA: eVGA 640mb 8800GTS (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130071) = $389
RAM: 2gb Corsair VS DDR2-667 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145098) = $145
Hard Drive: 250gb Seagate 7200.10 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148144) = $75

Total = $1184

You didn't mention anything about a case, keyboard, mouse, so I guess you already have all that. Hope my post helps if nothing else to start you on the path of research. Your post was a bit broad so my post might be a little all-over-the-place so if you have any more questions just reply back and I'm sure we could try and help out.

EDIT: I completely forgot about power supplies since I was looking at what you posted you needed when I was replying. Whatever PSU you have right now probably won't be strong enough to run the new system. I'll try to get you a couple links as to which brands are considered high quality and which aren't, but for now here's a few PSU's on newegg that should suit you just fine:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817128003
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139001
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817104014
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817341001
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817151027

[Wolverdick]

Well since you said you were looking at AMD.
heres some ideas:

MOBO: ASUS M2N4-SLI Socket AM2 - $89.99
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16813131068
Good Mobo with room to expand more RAM and Quad SLI capabilities.

CPU: AMD Athlon 64 X2 5200+ Windsor 2.6GHz Socket AM2 - $225.00
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16819103759

MEMORY: CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) SDRAM DDR2 800 - $195.00 (-$40 w/rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16820145590

VIDEO: EVGA 640-P2-N821-AR GeForce 8800GTS 640MB - $389 (-$30 w/rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16814130071

HDD: Seagate Barracuda 16MB 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s - $74.99
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16822148144

CD/DVD: LITE-ON 16X DVD±R DVD Burner with 12X DVD-RAM - $44.99
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16827106046

CASE: COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-UW - $49.99
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16811119068

PSU: Antec SmartPower 2.0 SP-500 ATX12V 500W - $69.99
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16817103937

MONITOR: HP L2045w Black-Silver 20.1" 5ms DVI Widescreen LCD Monitor with Height & Pivot Adjustments - $279.99 (-$40 w/rebate)
This is a great Monitor at a great price!
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16824176073

TOTAL COST: $1419.93 (-$110 w/rebates = $1309.93)

[chuck4456]

You guys are doing nothing but confusing that kid. All you need is a good straightforward build. Forget SLI. Here's one that will give you all that you need:
ASUS P5B motherboard
INTEL C2D E6600
CORSAIR VALUE SELECT PC5300 (2x1gb)
EVGA 8800GTS 320mb video card
SEAGATE 7200.10 PRT 250 GB Hard Drive
The POWER SUPPLIES in the PSRT#2 highlited in bold blue are all worth looking at. Find a model, get back to us, and we can tell you yay or nay. You can use your sound card. The 320 mb EVGA will give you more than you need for graphix, and won't break the bank. Your case needs to be able to provide adequate ventilation and allow room for good cable management.
Call us if you need us.

[SuprchargdMazda]

Originally Posted by chuck4456 You guys are doing nothing but confusing that kid. All you need is a good straightforward build. Forget SLI. Here's one that will give you all that you need: ASUS P5B motherboard INTEL C2D E6600 CORSAIR VALUE SELECT PC5300 (2x1gb) EVGA 8800GTS 320mb video card SEAGATE 7200.10 PRT 250 GB Hard Drive The POWER SUPPLIES in the PSRT#2 highlited in bold blue are all worth looking at. Find a model, get back to us, and we can tell you yay or nay. You can use your sound card. The 320 mb EVGA will give you more than you need for graphix, and won't break the bank. Your case needs to be able to provide adequate ventilation and allow room for good cable management. Call us if you need us.

I never mentioned SLI in my post, and personally I think its more of a marketing gimmick in terms of the whole "buy one card now and another down the road", because by the time you want to get a second card more than likely your better off getting one newer card that would be faster than the original two in SLI.

I'm not so sure about the 320mb 8800. I was actually looking to buy one next month when all the mainstream 8 series cards come out and the price is supposed to drop to $250. It just seems like every post I see, people are claiming that 320mb isn't enough for 1680x1050+ resolutions with anti-aliasing on for all the newer games like STALKER and Crysis. I don't upgrade video cards very often so I was trying to 'plan ahead', and I figured if I get a HD LCD in a little while to replace my 1368x768 32" Olevia the 320mb 8800 might not be enough. If you have any links of comparative tests at higher resolutions send them my way if you can, I'd be very interested to see them.

[unholy]

Well, I don't have the case or power supply or anything like that. This is going to be a completely new build. Thanks for all the suggestions though. I know it was a broad topic since it's my first attempt at building ever.

I have no idea how to overclock my system in the first place, but I'd be more than willing to try it.

What is better right now? AMD or Intel?? That's my main problem is not knowing which motherboards to even start at.

[SuprchargdMazda]

Originally Posted by $partan Well, I don't have the case or power supply or anything like that. This is going to be a completely new build. Thanks for all the suggestions though. I know it was a broad topic since it's my first attempt at building ever. I have no idea how to overclock my system in the first place, but I'd be more than willing to try it. What is better right now? AMD or Intel?? That's my main problem is not knowing which motherboards to even start at.

Originally Posted by SuprchargdMazda First, not being a Intel fanboy but right now I wouldn't advise going with AMD. The Core 2 Duo chips just give you so much bang for the buck. If you are looking at something better with future potential I'd suggest taking a look at the Asus P5B, P5B-E, P5B Deluxe, Gigabyte DS3, Intel's Bad Axe 2, nVidia's 650i and 680i mobos. All of these are popular choices.

I think generally you're going to see most people agree that the C2D chips are the way to go right now except for the die-hard AMD junkies.

What motherboards to start with: well if your not going to run your hard drives in any RAID array then it doesn't really matter whether you go with a P965, 975X, or 680i. From the sounds of it, I think you won't be limited at all going with a 'regular' Asus P5B for $130. It has good overclocking ability and the ICH8R southbridge in case you do decide to set up a RAID array eventually, and according to what most people say, and a recent Toms Hardware backs this up, the ICH8R seems to be the 'best' between the three.

If your willing to try overclocking there are plenty of people on the board that can help. Also in that case I'd skip going with value RAM because you'll probably get bit by the OC'ing bug so you might as well get some good RAM right off the bat. I'm running Corsair XMS2 DDR2-800 CL4 ram on my P5B Deluxe but there are lots of other options. Your in luck because RAM prices have come down lately after the insane gouging late last year, I paid 270 for my 2gb kit, and its like 199 now.

Have you looked at any of the PSU's I listed in my first post? Have you looked at any cases yet? I think Fry's is still selling the Antec 900 for $99.99, you might want to check it out, supposed to be an excellent air cooling case.

Post back when you have any more questions and when you check out some components.

[Alaron]

Don't worry about overclocking. A system at stock speeds is plenty, and ocing is just asking for troubles, especially for a new builder.

When it comes to AMD/Intel, the best bang for the buck right now is Intel Core 2 Duo CPUs. AMD chips right now cannot compete with them. We recommend Asus motherboards, they are very high quality. And for the C2D, we recommend the Asus P5B.

Chuck's list of parts is very solid. I would start with that and we can tweak it depending on your needs/budget.

[Disgrace]

Hi, $partan. I myself am a, in comparison, a noob so i'll say what I know and learnt myself in easy 'noobish' language.

Intel is currently the better of the 2 CPU makers. AMD aren't terrible in any way it seems but Intel's dual-core line-up is recommended. I have a E6600 myself but there other Intel dual-cores which cost less such as the E6400 and E6300. They still do the job and i'll let the experts guide you there.

As for the motherboard, Asus is a recommended brand and you'll have to do some research on compatibility. Intel chipsets, AMD chipsets etc.

A very useful Power Supply thread is here: http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=131195 I suppose you can feel free to choose one of the blue bold ones in the good list! For a gaming rig go for 450W or more.

Corsair is a good brand from RAM and 2GB of Value Select is recommended unless you want to overclock then it would be wise to move up a notch in their line-up.

Seagate is the most preferred HDD maker here... particually their 'Barracuda 7200.10' line-up. They come in all sorts of storage sizes so pick the one you'll find most suitable.

Not sure about monitors but i'm using a Acer 17" and it does me good. There's other good brands such as BenQ, HP and Samsung as well.

For a DVD drive, try avoiding Samsung due to reliability issues. Lite-On is recommended here due to free burning software that comes with their DVD-RWs.

Keyboard, mouse and speakers in this household are taken care of by Logitech. They serve me well. For a gaming mouse, people use Razers Copperheads or Diamondbacks (I think) so you could go for one of those. Personally, i'm using a gaming keyboard, the Logitech G15 and it's awesome.

Anyway, that's that and there's apparently going to be a big price drop in CPUs in April sometime due to the release of newer stuff so if you can wait, it seems you should.

[Wolverdick]

Keep in mind that P5B has the intel 965 chipset which no longer supports IDE, so youll be forced to go SATA. This is not a bad thing.
see thread http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=174257

And to be clear, I was not advocating SLI, only trying to point out that the Mobo I offered had dual PCIx16 ports as opposed to just one. Room to expand is always a factor when I build. I never should have mentioned SLI, you dont need it.

I actually think the Nvidia 8800 640mb is the best bang for the buck out there. Especially with the current rebates. Saving only a $100 bucks for the 320Mb doesnt seem worth it.
But of course, wait a month and they'll all be even cheaper.

AMD vs. Intel. I guess I should speak up for AMD here, they are good chips that perform at a near equal level to the intel C2D's. the AMD 5200 is only slightly slower than the E6600.
My Athalon 64-FX62 blows the 2CD's away, but its also much more expensive.

For a good site to compare chips check this out:
http://www23.tomshardware.com/cpu.html
you'll see that on Call of Duty 2 the AMD 5600+ outperforms the E6600, if only slightly.

Anyway the chip you choose is your choice, just dont get the wrong idea about AMD because everyone here has the Intel chips. Both are excellent.

For AMD, I reccommend Asus mobos with Nvidia chipsets. For Intel, go with the Intel chipsets, but forget IDE support.

And the Corsair XMS memory...No matter what chip you go with, 2 x 1Gb DDR 800 chips with heat spreaders for only $145 is a good deal.

[blue60007]

Here's two builds that should offer comparable performance.

Intel (expanding on Chuck's list...)
ASUS P5B motherboard - $125
INTEL C2D E6600 - $315
CORSAIR VALUE SELECT PC5300 (2x1gb) - $140
EVGA 8800GTS 320mb video card - $280
SEAGATE 7200.10 PRT 250 GB Hard Drive - $75
LITE-ON DVD-RW *SATA* - $40
Corsair 520HX - $120
Windows XP Home OEM (w/Vista coupon) - $90
Case of your choice - $50 (or more if it fits inthe budget)
Creative sound card - already have
Total - $ 1235

AMD (tweaking Wolver's)
ASUS M2N-E - $95
AMD 5600+ X2 - $330
CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) SDRAM DDR2 800 - $195.00
EVGA 8800GTS 320mb video card - $280
SEAGATE 7200.10 PRT 250 GB Hard Drive - $75
LITE-ON DVD-RW *SATA* - $40
Corsair 520HX - $120
Windows XP Home OEM (w/Vista coupon) - $90
Case of your choice - $50 (or more if it fits inthe budget)
Creative sound card - already have
Total - $ 1275 ($1235 after rebate)

Using Tom's charts the E6600 and 5600+ X2 were pratically tied with the E6600 have a slight lead in most comparisons. Wolver, I'm not sure what two processors you are comparing...the E6600 outperforms the AMD 5600+ X2 by 15% (over the AMD). Watch your math...the Corsair DDR2-800 chips are $155 not $145...small amount but still...

With both systems having equal prices it's a bit of a toss up. However, the Intel system does have an edge on most of those comparison...also it really is a superior design, it runs cooler (uses less power), is more efficient, etc...so I'd would lean towards the Intel. Also the AM2 platform is set to be phased out soon (or so I've heard). The Intel system will support current quad core processors and supposedly (key word, not set in stone) will support future quad core processors.

Another thing to consider...you may want to go with a "place holder" video card (something like an nVidia 7600 series card) until more DirectX10 cards become available and the platform matures. The 8800 is a first-gen DX10 card so it runs its risks of bugs, quirks, etc. like any first-gen product. Later on you could upgrade to a Dx10 card and Vista as well. Both products are a little new for me to recommend rushing into...

[Wolverdick]

Originally Posted by blue60007 Wolver, I'm not sure what two processors you are comparing...the E6600 outperforms the AMD 5600+ X2 by 15% (over the AMD).

I think you mean 5200, and you are right. I am not saying that the 2CD's aren't great chips, they are. Considering they cost less, they are an even better value. I was only trying to point out that there are some comparable AMD chips out there. And performance is always relative to what you'll do with the machine. I only looked at the Call of Duty comparisons, because he mentioned thats one of the things he uses his computer for.

Originally Posted by blue60007 Another thing to consider...you may want to go with a "place holder" video card (something like an nVidia 7600 series card) until more DirectX10 cards become available and the platform matures. The 8800 is a first-gen DX10 card so it runs its risks of bugs, quirks, etc. like any first-gen product. Later on you could upgrade to a Dx10 card and Vista as well. Both products are a little new for me to recommend rushing into...

This is great advice. The 7600GS or even something as low as the 7300 is a good inexpensive placeholder, until the new DX10 cards are proven.

[blue60007]

The 5200+ X2 isn't even on Tom's charts. I agree - looks like AMD prices have come down since the last time I looked and are giving the Core 2 Duo's a run for their money.
http://www23.tomshardware.com/cpu.ht...=432&chart=165

If you wait till the April 22 price cut the E6600 will be a HECK of a value, supposed to be $230 or so I believe.

Yeah...even a 7600 would blow away the 9250 you have now, so you definitely won't be dissapointed.

[unholy]

After looking at the power supplies...

I've decided upon this one. http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16817341001

Cases, I'm about 90% sure on this one.... http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129021

Monitor- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824009100

I still need vid card, HDD, RAM, mobo, CPU, other peripherals(mouse, keyboard etc)

Thanks again!

[chuck4456]

You'd probably be happier with a monitor that isn't Widescreen. Newegg normally has some good deals on 19 inchers that include FREE SHIPPING. Look for one that includes both DVI and VGA cables. 8ms or less (response time) is very good. 5ms or less is ideal.

[SuprchargdMazda]

Originally Posted by $partan After looking at the power supplies... I've decided upon this one. http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16817341001 Cases, I'm about 90% sure on this one.... http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129021 Monitor- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824009100 I still need vid card, HDD, RAM, mobo, CPU, other peripherals(mouse, keyboard etc) Thanks again!

I have the 700w version of the GameXstream, I doubt you'll be disappointed by it. It ran quieter than I thought thanks to that 12cm fan.

I know its a minor difference but if you saw my post the Antec 900 is only $108 shipped from Fry's compared to the Newegg price ($136 shipped).

As far as the monitor I haven't seen that Acer in person but I've heard fairly good things about Acer LCD's in general.

Most people will recommend the Seagate 7200.10 on here for your HDD. I recently bought a WD Caviar SE and its comparable to the Seagate but it seems like lately they've had a quality issue and some people have gotten them DOA.

As far as the vid card if your looking to game immediately then go with a 8800GTS, it'll depend on you whether you think you can afford the extra $100 for the 640mb version. If you can wait I'd suggest a 7600GT or Radeon X1650 Pro, both can be found for $110 and both have 256mb of ram and GDDR3, and are excellent placeholders if you want to wait for the second-gen DX10 cards arrive.

I haven't looked at any AM2 boards lately so I can't give out any advice on that, but if you go with an Intel chip I feel the P5B will do you well.

[unholy]

What are the VGA and DVI cables??

After the previous post... I'm looking at this monitor http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824116065

probably going to actually buy this HDD in the next week http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148142


This is the same case I believe right?? http://shop3.outpost.com/product/499...H:MAIN_RSLT_PG

Motherboards??
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131013
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131095
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131022


As for the CPU.. You guys say wait until April for the prices to come down?? But I have decided on AMD for sure for a CPU.

Thanks for the help everyone.


By the way... what are the IDE ports? SATA??? RAID???

[blue60007]

Originally Posted by $partan What are the VGA and DVI cables??

Those are two types of cables to connect your monitor to the computer...VGA is an analog cable and DVI is digital. For an LCD monitor a DVI cable is preferable, but VGA will work too. It's always nice when the monitor includes one for you.

Originally Posted by $partan Motherboards?? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131013 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131095 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131022

I would take the M2N-E. First its based on an nVidia chipset - I would pass on an ATi chipset based board, and it's cheaper than the SLI board.

Originally Posted by $partan As for the CPU.. You guys say wait until April for the prices to come down?? But I have decided on AMD for sure for a CPU.

It's certainly your choice...your money. If you do wait until April (22) you're going to want to reconsider unless AMD counters with price cuts of their own...

Originally Posted by $partan By the way... what are the IDE ports? SATA??? RAID???

IDE, a type of interface for hard and optical drives. Same for SATA. SATA is preferable - especially with hard drives. IDE uses the big bulky ribbon cables while SATA is a nice thin cable - much easier to work with. If you do go with an Intel 965 board (ie, P5B series) you'll want to go with all SATA (including SATA optical drive). The 965 chipset drops support for IDE but the boards to have a 3rd party IDE controller, but it's not ideal.

RAID: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redunda...ependent_disks
It's not going to be very economical for the average user...

[Disgrace]

Originally Posted by $partan Monitor- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824009100

That's effectively the model above mine and I see no reason why it shouldn't work flawlessly like mine has.

[SuprchargdMazda]

Just a heads up on some DDR2-800 G.Skill ram at newegg for $170 shipped no rebate: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231087

[unholy]

Okay. So as to not even confuse myself, I'm going to list parts that I think would be good for my build. I've decided on an AMD CPU which is listed below.

CPU-- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103759

MOBO-- I have no idea about this. I don't know if things will be compatible such as cables to connect not socket wise. http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16813131068

RAM-- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145590

HDD-- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148142

CASE-- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129021

PSU-- http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16817103937
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16817341001

MONITOR-- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824116065

CD-RW-- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106997

I need now... Video Card, Keyboard, Mouse, ???? Am I missing anything else??

[Disgrace]

Speakers? Have you got some already? I suppose to go with the Creative Soundcard, some Creative speakers would do.

[Alaron]

Your list is pretty good. I wouldn't bother with the SLI board, SLI is not worth the money. Stick with the M2N-E.

I'd step up the hard drive to one with a 16mb cache. Stick with Seagate.

For a video card, we have been recommending the eVGA Geforce 7600GT. It will play your games for now and you can ugprade later on when DirectX 10 games and cards are more popular.

[unholy]

I use my Logitech Precision Headset all the time instead of speakers. Though I may be looking into a new pair of those while I'm at it with the new build.


http://secure.newegg.com/NewVersion/...mit=ChangeItem

I don't know if that link will save what I'm looking at to buy so far, but if it does... I know I need a monitor, PSU, Keyboard, Mouse. I think I'm right about into my target goal for spending of $1100-1400 once I add all that.

Add this Keyboard-- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16823126009
I just saw this one now... http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16823200007


Add this Mouse--http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826104191

I think that is it then. I'm looking at a combo deal with PSU and my case already. Just a monitor

[unholy]

Okay... I can't seem to find my old thread about my new build.

So I'm looking at purchasing this when my next paycheck comes.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103759
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131013

Those two are a combo from Newegg, and I'm also looking to at purchasing these with them.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129021
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371001

Those are also comboed at Newegg as well.

Should I buy these first or look into RAM/Vid Card/Monitor/ etc...

I don't need speakers, OS, sound card.

This system is going to be used by me to play the game America's Army and the Call of Duty series.

As for vid card... I am looking into this. Maybe even going into SLI with it.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130021

This RAM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145034

Will take more time with monitors but looking for a LCD with DVI and VGA connections.

[freakitchen]

$partan, I merged your new thread into your old one, please keep anything on the subject of this build in here. For the record, if you go to your own user profile, there's links to both threads you participated in, and threads you started.

http://forum.pcmech.com/member.php?u=44865

[flanzig1]

Looks like a good setup. Wouldn't spend the money to Sli a pair of 7600GS cards. A single 7950 card would be better than the 7600GS in Sli and without the headaches Sli can produce.

[freakitchen]

I'd certainly say don't bother with SLI. The 7600GS is a decent card - not the best, of course - but it makes little sense to throw money at a DX9 video card when DX10 is just around the corner. Suggest you use it until you want more graphical power, then replace it with a strong DX10 card, when the full range is available. This would easily outperform two 7600GS cards in SLI; for this reason, I recommend ditching the SLI board altogether for the standard M2N-E.

FK

[unholy]

Okay. So you guys recommend staying away from the SLI? Since this is my first build... I'll take that advice. This is the standard M2N-E right?? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131022

One question about the MOBO though. What is the nForce 570-590 etc.?? I'm guessing it's the vid card chipset, but does that limit what vid cards I can put into my system in the future??

What I need to know now is which parts to purchase next. I've already got the money aside for the MOBO/CPU/PSU/CASE

Should I purchase the RAM or HDD or Vid Card or whatever else?


Thanks for finding the old thread and combining it Freakitchen.

[Alaron]

Right, no need for SLI. That is the correct motherboard that we recommend.

The nForce 570 is the name of the motherboard chipset. It is made by Nvidia, but it has nothing to do with the video card. You can use a Geforce or Radeon, no problem.

The best thing to do is buy all the parts at one time. No sense in collecting parts you can't use yet.