New Gaming PC

[CHayes1126]

My friend wants me to build him a PC. Building it isnt the problem, ive just been out of the loop as far as technology in the past 3 years. I hardly know whats out there anymore. I was reading some of the other boards on new parts and stuff. But thet me tell you what he wants and see if someone can come up with a sweet computer. He basically will do internet and gaming with this PC.

Must be quiet
Wants it to look cool
Be able to play most games flawlessly
Money is not really a concern but I dont want to go overboard

[LeftyAce]

CPU: Intel Core2Duo e6750
Mobo: Asus P5K. Pick the one with the features he wants (there's one with wifi, there's a firewire version, etc)

RAM: 2GB Corsair XMS2 DDR2 800 ram.
VideoCard: eVGA 8800GTX
Harddrive: Seagate 7200.10 320GB. Bigger if he wants, but the 320 is the sweet spot for $/GB
Optical: LiteOn Retail SATA dvd burner.
Corsair HX 520 PSU. Get the 620 Watt version if he anticipates upgrading the video card in the not too distant future.

I'd still get WinXP, and wait a little longer for Vista. XP is only $90 on newegg, so it's not a huge waste if he upgrades soon.

Pick a case he likes. Cases are entirely personal preference. Just get something relatively large, 'cause that video card is very long.

That should put you in the $1200-$1500 range.

[CHayes1126]

Hey thanks, yea he doesnt like vista anyway. I had to reinstall XP for him. He had a store built computer that he hates and wants to throw through a window everytime he turns it on. I think he will be happy with this.

[flanzig1]

If the XP install on the old PC is from one of the big boys(Dell,HP,etc) and is on a restore CD, then more than likely it won't install due to the OS is tied to the BIOS of the original PC. Will need to get a fresh XP CD.

[CHayes1126]

Oh yea I totally forgot about that, guess we will be buying another XP since his old computer is from dell.

[Krazeee]

Wouldn't hurt to look at the ABIT IP35 Pro Mobo as an allternative to the Asus board. It's gotten great reviews and is a bit less than the Asus'.

I know that cases are a big preference thing, but there is a lot that goes into a decent case. If noise is a major factor like you said, I'd be prepared to spend at least $100 on a good case. Antec is well known for solid quiet cases. The P180, P182, P190 series cases are all liked for their dual layer panels and sound dampening materials. If he wants some "bling" this model has a mirror finish, but will cost you $200

Antec P182SE Silver
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129026

I personally like (and plan on getting) the Antec Performance P180 for about $130
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129154