New Gaming Build

[PJB3589]

Looking to replace my gaming rig as its getting pretty old (computer 1 in my sig) and make the jump to Vista since I have to start supporting it for people pretty soon and I don't really want to run it on my current computer as RC1 pretty much killed it performance wise. I'm trying to keep the total cost at about $1500-$1800. Here's what I've got:

Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 (http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16819115003)
EVGA NVIDIA nForce 680i SLI ATX Motherboard (http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16813188013)
Crucial Ballistix 2GB (2 x 1GB) DDR2 1066 Memory
(http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16820148069)
EVGA GeForce 8800GTS 640MB SUPERCLOCKED Video Card (http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16814130080)
2 Western Digital 250GB 7200RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drives (http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16822144701)
LITE-ON Black SATA DVD-ROM (http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16827106039)
SAMSUNG 18X DVD+/-RW SATA DVD Burner with LightScribe (http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16827151141)
ENERMAX INFINITI 650W PSU (http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16817194022)
COOLER MASTER Centurion 534 ATX Mid Tower (http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16811119106)
Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit OEM (http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16832116213)

I'm looking for advice specifically on the video card, the power supply (maybe one that's a little bit cheaper?), and the RAM (is there any real performance increase between 800 and 1066 DDR2?)

Thanks

[HarshWinter]

mobo: asus p5b $125 (this is a good one, but if your a big OCer go for the deluxe.)
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16813131030

RAM: CORSAIR ValueSelect 2GB (2 x 1GB) DDR2 667 $105 (DDR2 800+ is only good 4 big OCers)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145098

PSU: CORSAIR 540W $125 (I would suggest this one, its nice and cost less $)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139001

I don't suggest Samsung people have been having problems with them i suggest this one
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106046


Visa is not worth while currently, I'm waiting for the first service pack.
PS: SLI is pointless!

[jer888]

yeah Sli is a marketing gimmick. Dont bother getting an Sli board.

You may want to go with a pair of 320GB seagates, 5 year warranty and best gig per dollar

you may want to go with a corsair 620 watt psu. excellent qualit and works well with the 8800's plus leaves room for upgradeing

stick with lite-on retail's for opticals

if you really want to go vista now then do it but be prepared for some headaches and deep feelings of regret

you dont need anything more then ddr2 667 unless your overclocking

[glc]

Why 2 hard drives? RAID is pointless on a consumer build too.

[jer888]

Originally Posted by glc Why 2 hard drives? RAID is pointless on a consumer build too.

wasn't suggesting RAID, just suggesting to get 2 if he needed the extra storage

[blue60007]

A 500GB is a bit cheaper than two 250's:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148136

I'd rather have one large drive to cut down on noise, heat, cables, etc...

[jer888]

i recommended it because its the best value in that line of hard drives

320GB/80 dollars = 4 gigs per dollar http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148140

250GB/70 dollars = 3.57 gigs per dollar http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148144

500GB/135 dollars = 3.70 gigs per dollar http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148136

you may only need one though