First time gaming build suggestions?

[Dave21]

Hey guys,

I'm new to the forum and was hoping you can help me out.
I plan on building a new pc for gaming as well as everyday tasks.

Specs:
- Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Quad Core Processor LGA775 Kentsfield 2.40GHZ 1066FSB 8MB Retail Box

- LIAN-LI PC-65B USB Black Aluminum Mid Tower Case 4X5.25 3X3.5 3X3.5INT No PS Window Front USB

- Corsair XMS2 TWIN2X2048-6400C4 2GB 2X1GB PC2-6400 DDR2-800 CL 4-4-4-12 240PIN Dual Channel Memory
OR
- Crucial Ballistix PC2-6400 2GB 2X1GB DDR2-800 CL4-4-4-12 240PIN Dual Channel Memory Kit

- ASUS Maximus Formula LGA775 X38 ATX DDR2 2PCI-E16 3PCI-E1 2PCI 2GBLAN SATA RAID 1394 Motherboard
OR
- ASUS P5K-E/WIFI-AP ATX LGA775 P35 DDR2 1333FSB 2PCI-E16 3PCI 2PCI-E1 SATA2 Sound WLAN Motherboard


- EVGA E-GEFORCE 8800GTS Crysis Edition 670MHZ 512MB 1.94GHZ DDR3 PCI-E DVI-I HDTV Out Video Card

- Western Digital Caviar 750GB SATA2 7200RPM 16MB 8.9MS Hard Drive 3 Year MFR Warranty

- Corsair CMPSU-620HX 620W ATX Triple 12V 50A 24PIN ATX Modular Power Supply 120MM Fan 2X PCI-E


I will be overclocking the processor and video card and was wondering if the powersupply and airflow of the case is okay? I am sitll not sure of what case to get. I think the lian-li pc65 is a good choice but I'm not sure about the airflow throughout the case. Has anyone had experience with the case? Can anyone recommend a sleek case with no crazy led lights like the antec 900?

I also have a few questions:
- What's the difference between the WD caviar and SE16 models?
- Is the GPU selected the best one for the GTS line right now?
- For the mobo, they have a 192 bit onboard soundcard which I believe is equivalent to Sound Blaster X-FI Xtreme Gamer, so should I even bother with getting the external sound card?
- I'm still stumped on which mobo to get. I don't need wi-fi, I need a board that can support future upgrades with a good onboard network card.

Your input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Dave

[Alaron]

Welcome to PCMech Dave. Good list of parts. I'd go with the XMS2 RAM instead of Ballistix. I'd also choose the P5K instead of the Maximus.

That is the right video card to go with. Its the new 8800GTS model that performs very well.
As for the harddrive, I believe the full model name is the Caviar SE16, so they are the same drive. Looks like a fine choice.

I'm personally a fan of onboard sound. But others will tell you that soundcards are the only way to listen to sound on a PC. Do you have a nice speaker setup already? If not, the soundcard improvement won't be noticeable anyway.

[Dave21]

Hey I just want any final thoughts before I start buying parts.

- Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Quad Core Processor LGA775 Kentsfield 2.40GHZ 1066FSB 8MB Retail Box

- Vista 32 bit

- Corsair CMPSU-620HX 620W ATX Triple 12V 50A 24PIN ATX Modular Power Supply 120MM Fan 2X PCI-E

- LIAN-LI PC-65B USB Black Aluminum Mid Tower Case 4X5.25 3X3.5 3X3.5INT No PS Window Front USB

- ASUS P5K-E/WIFI-AP ATX LGA775 P35 DDR2 1333FSB 2PCI-E16 3PCI 2PCI-E1 SATA2 Sound WLAN Motherboard

- Corsair XMS2 TWIN2X2048-6400C4 2GB 2X1GB PC2-6400 DDR2-800 CL 4-4-4-12 240PIN Dual Channel Memory

- EVGA E-GEFORCE 8800GTS Crysis Edition 670MHZ 512MB 1.94GHZ DDR3 PCI-E DVI-I HDTV Out Video Card

- Western Digital Caviar 750GB SATA2 7200RPM 16MB 8.9MS Hard Drive

- SoundBlaster® X-Fi XtremeGamer Fatal1ty™ Professional Series

- Samsung 226BW 22in

Are there any complications with those parts for the motherboard? I will be doing some minor overclocking on the processor. Do you think the P5K will last me 3+ years in terms of upgrades (or should I go with a x38 chipset for future proofing?). I heard that the onboard sound for the P5K is horrible, can someone confirm that? As for the monitor, what do you guys think?

Comments are appreciated. Cheers.

[freakitchen]

Dave, I merged your most recent post into your original thread, please keep everything to do with this build in here!

Thanks,