First time buildings computer

[hgf132]

As you already know, this is going to be my very first time putting a computer together. I would really appreciate any help I get.

Am I missing anything? Is all of this compatible?

Here is the hardware I plan on getting:

Processor - Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6700
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115011

Motherboard - Asus Striker Extreme
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131074

RAM - CORSAIR XMS2 4GB (4 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145038

HDD - 2x Western Digital Raptor's 150GB 10,000RPM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136012

Video Card - 2x EVGA 8800GTX's in SLI
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130072

NIC - Killer M1
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833342001

Sound Card - Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer 7.1 Channels PCI Interface Sound Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16829102006

Water Cooling - Swiftech H20-220-APEX-GT CPU Liquid Cooling Kits
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835108076

Optical Drive #1 - EZQUEST Internal 18X DVD±R DVD Burner Model K18111
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822711051

Optical Drive #2 - ASUS Black SATA DVD-ROM Drive Model DVD-E616A3T
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827135143

OS - Windows Vista Home Premium
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116142

Power Supply - Need help on this one, not sure if there is a difference in different brands. Would be helpful if someone could tell me a reliable brand and the amount of watts I should aim for.

I have a question on water cooling.. It's only purpose is to cool down the system right? Would I have to buy more fans on top of having a water cooling system or would the water cooling be enough? Do fans come in the box's of my CPU/Graphics card?

Also, I know I didn't include a case, and that's because i'm not sure exactly how big it would need to be, since I will have a lot of things to put in. If anyone could link a case that would fit all of these things fine, that would be great. Price is not too big of a problem.

If anyone could answer all/most of my questions, I would greatly appreciate it.

One thing I forgot to add. I'm interested in overclocking, but I have absolutely no idea where to start. I can find out sometime after I get my PC, but my question is if water cooling is needed for overclocking? Anything else I would need? Thanks a lot.

[whubbard]

For starters...sweet setup:

1) Your really don't need the killer...but then again, it looks like money isn't part of the equation...so go for it! (JUST A WARNING: I looked at the mobo pictures, and if I remember correctly how the 8800s connect you will only have 1 usable PCI slot, which I think you want for the X-fi)

2) If you really don't care about money..here is your case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119126
....If you care somewhat about money...here is your case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119103 (Black is Out of Stock)
....I have this case and I love it: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811133152 (Dunno why its $40 cheaper than the white version)

3) For your PSU this will do an AMAZING job: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817703007
....This will also work, but its not quite as sweet: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817256020

4) Go to dangerden.com and pick out all the parts you need for your system. Post them here and I'll take a peek at them and give you my novice Water Cooling advice. Don't get the kit!

p.s. If you could include links, it makes our life a lot easier. Thanks

[chuck4456]

It's entyrely up to you, as far as what you want to spend, but you have some serious overkill listed there. A P5B Deluxe will be a friendlier motherboard, and still give you the option of a second video card. You don't need dual 8800s. One will be more than enough. An E6600 is a good place to start, CPU-wise. Stay away from H20 cooling until you have achieved some considerable expertise in the black art of overclocking. A ZALMAN CNPS 9700 is a good CPU cooler to use. Those hard drives are going to cook. SEAGATE 7200s will be more than adequate. 4gb XMS is up to you as well, but 2 will be more than enough for a start. I would use XP/XP Pro for an OS, but get a coupon for a VISTA upgrade. LITE-ON Optical Drives - no question about it. 1000w is overkill PSU-wise. There are plenty of stable options listed in the PSU reference thread, hilited in blue. Check out the SIGMA LUNA. Looks like a cool case. Your case needs to be able to provide adequate ventilation and room for good cable management. Slow down just a little bit.

[whubbard]

Yes but if you are going to do that build...1000w is NOT overkill.

[Alaron]

You need a PSU from Nvidia's certified list. That PC Power and Cooling Unit is on it, the Silverstone is not. http://www.slizone.com/object/slizone_build_psu.html The PCP&C unit is great, but you can get by fine with some of the other choices.

[goosedude]

Make sure you download all the updated VISTA compatiblye Drivers / Software Updates / Bios....etc. It will save you TONS of time in advance.....