New build, first timer

[Starman]

I know there are a lot of these around, so I apologize for adding another. I read the sticky, and did my research before posting my thread, so I hope I didn't screw up too much. I would like to use my rig for gaming mainly, I am an MMO player, mainly WoW and Warhammer. Also a lot of music, but nothing too intense, and then of course basic surfing and use. Here is my build so far:

CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor
Motherboard: ASUS P5K PRO ATX Intel Motherboard
Memory: CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory
Video Card: XFX GeForce 9800 GT PVT98GYDLU Video Card
Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar SE16 640GB 3.5" SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
DVD/CD-Rom: LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black E-IDE/ATAPI Model DH-20A4H-08
Case: Antec Sonata III 500 Black Computer Case


Like I said, this is my first build, but I love building things, know a good bit about computers, am a quick learner, and have wanted to do this for a while. If there is anything I screwed up on, or just something that I could of done better without too much of a price increase, I would greatly appreciate some advice. Also, if there is anywhere that I can save some money without a huge difference in performance, please let me know, because I am on a tight budget. I know I could probably save a few bucks on the processor, but figured the quad core was worth the extra price, and would help me save money down the line by not having to upgrade too soon, if I am wrong please let me know though. Thanks again everyone.

[shadowpr]

Welcome.

Not a bad list, but I do have a few suggestions.

As for quad vs faster dual, if you don't do a lot of multitasking, then a faster quad is usually better for gaming. Not much, but still. If getting a quad, the q6600 is still, imho, the best bang for the buck. If you decide on a faster dual core, the e8500 is the one you want.

I would suggest switching the motherboard to a p5q. or a p5q pro if you like.

Drop the ram down to corsair 2x2gb ddr2-800, unless you plan on overclocking. That will save you a few dollars. Just know that a 32 bit os will only see about 3.2gb of that.

I like seagate drives. Look at the 7200.11 500gb sata drive.

Good choice on the dvd burner, except get the sata version. And retail for the cable and software for only about $3 more.

Not sure what your budget is, bu you might want to look at the 4850 video card instead. Should give you better performance.

[Starman]

I'm trying to look into the p5q and the p5q pro, but both of them look like great board's, and are the same price on Newegg after a mail-in rebate. The pro has more PCI ports, and support for ATI Crossfire X, but besides that I don't really see a difference. If they cost the same, what would you suggest?

And thanks for the response, I really appreciate the help on getting started with this.

[chuck4456]

Well.
You are both forgetting the key element, which would be the power supply.
This one should take care of you:
PC POWER & COOLING S610
Other than offering Xfire and being able to support a handful of the latest CPUs, the P5Q Pro is not much different than the P5K Pro. The P45 chipset is simply a glorified P35 and there is really no performance difference.
All depends on your budget.
I think that you would be better satisfied with the video card SP has mentioned.
If all you are using is 32 bit XP, then all you need is a 2x1gb memory kit.
Q6600s are a deal and a lot of fun to overclock, if you choose to dabble in abit of that. You'll need to keep it cool though.
These are excellent coolers for Q6600:
TRUE
TR HR01 Plus

[Starman]

Is the power supply included with the case not enough? And also, what is the 4850 video card you guys are talking about? Thanks again.

[shadowpr]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102775

[Starman]

So I changed to the P5Q pro mobo, sata optical drive, the 4850 video card, bumped it down to the 800 memory, and the Seagate hdd. Does everything sound good now? Also, is the power supply necessary, or is the one included in the case enough. Almost ready to place the order, thanks.

[shadowpr]

The power supply might be enough to power everything. It's up to you. The safest bet would be to upgrade the power supply.

[chuck4456]

Originally Posted by shadowpr The power supply might be enough to power everything. It's up to you. The safest bet would be to upgrade the power supply.

+1.
It's a double whammy there.
1) It's an Antec.
2) It's an in-case supplied unit, which are normally the cheapest units available, or else they wouldn't be throwing them in.
Why chance it?
Antec makes fantastic cases but their PSUs leave much to be desired.

[Starman]

Good to know, now I get to spend another $100 Nah, it's no big deal, rather keep my system up and running and cool thn screw it all up just to save a few bucks. Thanks again.