Another newbie build question

[wsm01]

So my son and I are trying to put together a mid-range game system, budget of $1500 (already have mouse, keyboard and monitor, so don't have to include those). Here is what we are looking at:

• ASUS P5K LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
• Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.4GHz LGA 775 Processor
• EVGA GeForce 8800GTS 320-P2-N811-AR Video Card
• 2x - Patriot 2GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Desktop Memory
• Microsoft Windows Vista 64-Bit Home Premium for System Builders Single Pack DVD
• Thermaltake Armor Series VA8003BWS Black Full Tower Case
• COOLER MASTER Real Power Pro RS-750-ACAA-A1 750W Power Supply
• Western Digital Raptor 150GB 3.5" Serial ATA150 Hard Drive
• LITE-ON Black 20X DVD±R DVD Burner W/ 12X DVD-RAM write and LightScribe - OEM

At neweggs current prices that comes in under budget. The main thing we aren't sure about is the graphics card. We keep seeing recommendations here for the 8800 GT over the 8800 GTS, but that appears to be a pretty big jump up in price. All the recommendations say it is cheaper, but we aren't seeing that.

So, will the above combo work for us (mainly for Crysis)? Will it be a decent performer? Any recommendations for improvement (without breaking the bank)?

Thanks...

[Masaki 7-11]

The 8800GTS you've picked out is the older version and is outperformed by the 8800GT. The 320MB and 640MB versions of the 8800GTS are the older versions whereas the 512MB version is the new version which is faster than the 8800GT.

Regarding the operating system, I would stay away from the 64-bit version, it's quite a bit slower than the 32-bit version and is meant mostly for servers and high end workstations.

You should also take a look at buying a CPU heatsink/fan since the stock intel fans are more noisy and run hotter than an aftermarket heatsink like the Zalman CNPS 7000 series (9000 series are better).

[wsm01]

Ok, we'll change to OS to:

• Microsoft Windows Vista 32-Bit Home Premium for System Builders Single Pack DVD - OEM

And maybe change the video card to:

• ASUS EN8800GT/G/HTDP/512M GeForce 8800GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail

Question about the video card though - we haven't been able to find a clear answer - will a PCI Express 2.0 graphics card work in a PCI Express x16 slot?

Also, if we're not planning on overclocking, how necessary is the aftermarket cooler?

Thanks...

[flanzig1]

To save a few bucks, could go with a Corsair 520HX PSU, which would still power your system with enough power.
Express 2.0 should still be compatable with X16 slots.

[Masaki 7-11]

PCI Express 2.0 cards are backwards compatible with PCI Express x16. An aftermarket fan is a good idea since it reduces the temperature of the CPU and reduces noise, however the stock fan will work fine. Normally when building a computer with a budget over $1000 it's a good idea to get a better cooler since you are working with a bigger budget and better parts.

[wsm01]

I think for now we'll stick with the 750W since the current rebates make the price difference only $10, but we're probably a week or so away from ordering and who knows what the rebates will be after the first of the year.

We'll go for the 8800GT since that should work on the x16 slots.

And we'll look into aftermarket coolers. They appear to be a little confusing, which ones fit with which combination of motherboard and processor...

Thanks!

[Alaron]

Using a 32bit operating system will prevent you from using all 4GB of RAM. It will only recognize around 3-3.2GB. A 64bit version would see all 4GB.

[wsm01]

Well we went ahead and took the plunge to beat the rebate expiration. Ordered everything except the OS and the cooler. Not totally decided on those yet, but think we're going to get the 32 bit version, and skip the cooler for now (but may add it later). There were about $150 in rebates we didn't want to miss out on...