New Build Help

[Spithead051]

Hey guys,

I'm getting ready to build a new gaming rig and as always I am always double and triple checking compatibility, performance, etc. Following are the parts I chose to purchase for this build. If there are any issues or a bad part was chosen pelase let me know.

3x WD Caviar 500 GB 3.0 GBps drives
Antec 850w PSU http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371009
Intel Q6700 Quad-core. I already own this so this cannot change.
Zalman cooler http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835118036
Note: I've never used an aftermarket cooler before so if you have any advice please let me know.
PNY 280 GTX http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814133228
DDR3 memory http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820220333 (bundled with the GFX card)
ASUS mobo http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131321
2x LG CD/DVD EIDE Optical Drives

I've built about 8 computers in the past so assembly is no big deal. I'm using a full tower case that is in my signature and I plan to run Vista Ultimate 64-bit on this machine. If there ss any advice you can give me I would really appreciatte it.

[Spithead051]

Bump after edit

[shadowpr]

Looks pretty good.

Might want to look at evga brand of video card though.

Would also suggest you not get the aftermarket heatsink unless you plan on overclocking.

[Spithead051]

Ok, I'll take that off. Also, upgraded the PSU to the Antec Quattro 1000 because its a 30 dollar upgrade

[12twelve12]

Are you planning on going SLI? Most people here will recommend not to and just use best single video card you can afford. If you don't do SLI then go for a board with an Intel chipset. ASUS P5Q's is what most here will suggest I believe. I just purchased a P5Q Deluxe for a new build and it's very nice.

I would go for EVGA or XFX brand for the video card. Both have lifetime warranty. EVGA has a Step-Up program which some people find useful and XFX has their Double Lifetime Warranty which allows you to transfer your warranty to second person for when you outgrow that vid card and want to sell it which generally increases the resell value.

I don't know anything about that 1000w psu you but the 850w you originally had picked is a very good unit. Some fantastic reviews out there regarding it.

Also I suggest to do some research on the WD 640GB hard drive (wd6400aaks) and see if it suits your needs. Very nice drives.

[Spithead051]

I'm not going with SLI at the moment but it is a possiblity in the future. Hence why I decided to upgrade to a 1000w, it also seemed to get some better reviews. Switched the GFX card to Evga here's the link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130365. I also prefer the Nvidia chipsets over the Intel ones. One other question is the Q6700 supports up to a 1066 MHz FSB and the motherboard specs say 1600/1333 MHz for the FSB. Is that going to be an issue or will the Mobo just downclock to the processor's max FSB?