First Gaming Build

[Hapsaahapsaa]

I am interested in building a computer to be used for exclusively for gaming, my budget rests at about $1200 (price does not include monitor, mouse or keyboard). Performance and longevity/upgradeability are priorities. I have a few tentative components listed below, but such are subject to change if better options are recommended. And if anyone has input on a quality 24'' lcd monitor within the 500-600$ range I would appreciate it. Thank you very much for your help.


Possible components to be included:
Case:
Antec p180- I like the way it looks and the site reviews seem overly positive, though if someone knows of a similarly bare case for cheaper please let me know

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129154

Processor:
Intel Core 2 Duo 8500 Wolfdale- I see this processor used often, is it the best for value for my budget?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115036

RAM:
I would like 4GB if feasible, though I do not know which brand or speed to purchase

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by Hapsaahapsaa I am interested in building a computer to be used for exclusively for gaming, my budget rests at about $1200 (price does not include monitor, mouse or keyboard). Performance and longevity/upgradeability are priorities. I have a few tentative components listed below, but such are subject to change if better options are recommended. And if anyone has input on a quality 24'' lcd monitor within the 500-600$ range I would appreciate it. Thank you very much for your help. Possible components to be included: Case: Antec p180- I like the way it looks and the site reviews seem overly positive, though if someone knows of a similarly bare case for cheaper please let me know http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129154

Since this PC will be for gaming the case you get will be determined by the video card you decide to use. Some gaming video cards are very long and will only fit in certain cases. Do you know which video card you're going to use?

Originally Posted by Hapsaahapsaa Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo 8500 Wolfdale- I see this processor used often, is it the best for value for my budget? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115036

That's the sweet-spot Intel dual core processor now...it's a good choice.

Originally Posted by Hapsaahapsaa RAM: I would like 4GB if feasible, though I do not know which brand or speed to purchase

The RAM you get will be determined by the motherboard you decide to use. Not all RAM will work in all motherboards. Most motherboard manufacturers have a RAM compatibility list for each motherboard model they produce. Do you know which motherboard you're going to use?

Cricket

[shadowpr]

As a quick list:

CPU: e8500
MB: Asus P5Q
Ram: corsair ddr2-800 2x2gb
HD: Seagate 7200.11 1tb sata
DVD: Lite-on dvd burner sata
PSU: Corsair 650
Video: 4870

OS: Vista hp 64 oem

[Hapsaahapsaa]

Thank you both,

Shadowpr, I like your list although, I am not sure as to the best model of each component as there are so many on the newegg website I visit.

Is this P5q Motherboard alright for your projected list?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131345

Similarly, is this the best 4870 for the price, and if so would it be too large to fit in Antec p180 or any comparable enclosure? I did not see physical dimensions on the display page.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102801

Thank you again all

[tomtoon]

Shadowpr means the normal Asus P5Q:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131295

[shadowpr]

I like that video card, and the mb that tomtoon picked.

As for dimensions of the card and if it will fit in your case, I'm not sure.