New Computer 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


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

[xraycatj]

well if you've got that much to spend you might as well go for a quad core CPU and the 8800GTX

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115027
or:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115017

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130072

EDIT: unless were talkin' YEN

[Krazeee]

I would suggest a different brand PSU, preferably one from the list found here:
http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=131195

I'd take any one of these for the system you're making.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...e=2947%3A18603

Regarding the case issue, sometimes more fans doesn't equal better cooling. You want to make sure the case has good air FLOW. that means moving cool air in, and hot air out and hopefully not letting it swirl around inside the case for too long before that hot air does exit.

If you want the acrylic thing, those look like decent cases to me, but if you're looking for function, I'd suggest an Antec or Lian-Li case.

And you'll need Vista 64bit (maybe XP64 too?) to see all 4gb Ram, 32bit version will only register about 3gb or something.

[Katreat]

Not a fan of SLI but if you want it you should go with top end vid cards. Right now that would be the GTX. Using anything but the top cards available kinda defeats the purpose because a single top end card will probably out perform your lower end SLI cards for less money.

Cant remember where I read it, but there was some discussion about running 8800s in an inverted case, something about heating problems because the cards are above the CPU and heat rises. So you might want to do a search on that before ordering your second case choice because it uses an inverted board with the CPU at the bottom.

Another thing about cases, since you chose a couple that are a bit different. The new larger PSU do not fit in all cases so you might contact the companies with measurements and make sure that monster PSU you are getting to run SLI will fit.

As someone else pointed out, you will need vista 64 to take advantage of that 4 g of ram.

Kat