Need some tips for first build

[johnlaw03]

Heres my list, I have about $1,000.00 to spend. This computer will be used for mostly gaming. I am staying with windows xp. If I am missing something or this setup wouldn't work, please let me know. One thing i was wondering if the 500w power supply is going to be enough or maybe its to much. Any tips or advise would be helpful.

Case=Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
link= http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16811129021

Motherboard= ASUS P5K-E LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard
Link= http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16813131225

CPU= Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 Conroe 1.86GHz 2M shared L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor
Link= http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115005

PSU= Antec earthwatts EA500 ATX12V v2.0 500W Power Supply
Link=http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16817371007

Memory= CORSAIR ValueSelect 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Desktop Memory x 3
Link= http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16820146580

Hard Drive= Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250410AS 250GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
Link= http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16822148262

CD Rom= ASUS Black 20X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 20X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 14X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe
Link= http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16827135156

Sound= Integraded

Video Card= ASUS EAH3850/G/HTDI/512M Radeon HD 3850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card
Link= http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16814121219

Operating system= Microsoft Windows XP Home Upgrade with SP2
Link= http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16837116194

[shadowpr]

For a few dollars more look at this processor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...15029&Tpk=6750

And look at this memory: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145590 Double the amount, and it's faster. Only $10 more after rebate, and free shipping.

Other then that, it looks good.

[Cricket]

That E6300 C2D is kinda old now, for that particular motherboard you really should be using a 1333MHz FSB C2D like the E6550 or E6750.

If you do decide to go with a 1333MHz FSB C2D then you'll need faster RAM like this.

That power supply is okay...but make sure it meets the wattage requirements for that video card (information should be on the ATi or ASUS web site).

Cricket

[Katreat]

Agree with shadow and cricket, move up to a new CPU, either the 6550 or 6750, both will show a significant speed boost. And even if you are not running Vista you should build a gamer with 2 GB of memeory right now. It is very cheep and using 2 x 1 BG sticks leaves a couple of slots open for more ram if it becomes necessary. Rest of the build looks good.

Kat

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by johnlaw03 Memory= CORSAIR ValueSelect 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Desktop Memory x 3 Link= http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16820146580

I think johnlaw03 intends to get 3GB for this computer.

Cricket

[BcB]

Hey Johnlaw03
Im running a similar set-up (see my sig), I do wish i would have went with the Asus MB, but the Gigabyte is doing great. The E6750 rocks and I have mine OC'ed to 3.0 Gigs without breaking a sweat! I also am very pleased with the HD3850 512mb, Im using a Sapphire so Im sure the Asus card is excellent. I play BF2, BF2142, QWars and other FPS's and Im running at high settings very pleased with the results. Im also real happy with the Merc Stealth keyboard and Logitec G5 mouse. I waas using and old compaq w/celeron and a weak card so this is gaming paradise for sure.

Good luck and have fun with the build.

BCB

[pearljam.]

get a radeon hd 3870 ---- much better than 3850