first time build

[alpha33385]

Ok...so my budget is around $3500, but I'd prefer to spend roughly $3300 (so I have money for extras...better keyboard, mouse, etc.).

Here's the current build:

Processor: Intel E6850, 3.0GHz Dual Core - $285.90 at ZipZoomfly
Link

RAM: 2 x Patriot eXtreme Performance 2GB (a total of 4GB) - $122.98 for both, after 2 $50 rebates at Newegg
Link

I do want 4GB of ram since I'll be doing photo editing with Huge panorama picures

Motherboard: Asus Striker Extreme - $299.99 at Newegg
Link

CD Drives 1 and 2: Lite-On 20x SATA DVD Burner w/ Lightscribe (1 retail, 1 OEM) - $75.88 for both at Newegg
Link for the retail, OEM is the same

Memory Card Reader/Floppy: SIIG JU-91RW12-S4 9-in-1 USB 2.0 Card Reader/Write + Floppy - $39.99 at Newegg
Link

Monitor # 1: HP w2408 24" 1920x1200 Monitor - $599.99 at Fry's
Link

Monitor # 2: HP w2207 22" 1680x1050 Monitor - $359.99 at Fry's
Fry's has the monitor's resolution wrong, by the way...I checked HP's website
Link

Power Supply: Ultra X3 1000w - $255.99 at ZipZoomfly
Link

Sound Card: Creative Labs X-Fi Platinum Fatal1ty Champion - $114.99 after $50 rebate at ZipZoomfly
Link

Speakers: Logitech Z-5300e 5.1 Surround - $84.99 after $40 rebate at Newegg
Link

CPU Cooler: Zalman CNPS9700 NT (110mm fan w/ Green LED's) - $59.99 at Newegg
Link

So here's where I'm not so sure about things... I've got a couple of options. I'll just say what the options are, then list the info for the stuff below.

Option 1: Case = Raptor X special edition by ClearComptuerCase, 150 GB Raptor X Hard Drive, Additional 500GB WD5000AAKS

Option 2: Mid-Tower by ClearPC, 500GB WD5000AAKS

The first case only has 3 fans, all 120mm; front, back, top. The second case would have 5 fans, 2 120mm in the front and back, 2 80mm on the side, and an 80mm on the top. I'm wondering if those 3 120mm fans would be enough cooling.

ClearPC MidTower Case - $157.95
Link

Raptor X Case - $129.95
Link

RaptorX Hard Drive - $169.99 after $30 Rebate at Newegg
Link

WD 500GB WD5000AAKS Hard Drive - $107.90 at ZipZoomfly
Link

As for the GPU, I'm going to start off with a single 8800GTS 640MB card, try some games out, then if I need to, add a second one in SLI.

GPU: XFX 8800GTS 640MB Factory Oc'ed to 580MHz core and 1800Mhz Memory - $369.99 after $40 rebate at newegg
Link



I might/will probably dual/tri boot with xp pro and ubuntu(linux)

Let me know what you think...any help is appreciated!

[rjfvillarosa]

One thread per subject please, I am closing this one.