Advice - First Time Build

[Daniel09]

Howdy Everyone,

I'd like to ask if someone would please look over the components list I've assembled and let me know if you think I'll have any problems with integrating the parts, or if there might be any better choices I could make in order to better achieve my goals.

I plan to make this a "time-waster" game-only PC. I also wanted to keep this project at or under $1000. I already have a monitor (It's actually a 32" HDTV which is already doubling as an extra monitor for my laptop), so I don't need to worry about that.

Here's what I wanted to put in the bowels of my machine:

CPU
Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale 3.16GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115036

Since I don't plan to multitask (Either playing a game or the computer is off), I figured that I wouldn't need a quad core CPU.



MoBo
ASUS P5Q Pro LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131299



Memory
CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145184



Hard Drive
Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD5000AAKS 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136073



Video Card
MSI N260GTX-T2D896 OC GeForce GTX 260 896MB 448-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814127361

I tried to put a good chunk of my budget into a good video card (I think this one's ok). I don't intend on ever using more than one video card, so I tried to pick one which would maximize performance while fitting within the budget constraints of this project.



Power Supply
PC Power & Cooling S75CF 750W EPS12V
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817341011



DVD
LG Black 22X 2MB Cache SATA 22X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827136153

I had heard something about LiteOn DVD burners having issues with multi-disk games, which is why I chose an LG.



Case
Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...pk=Antec%20300

It looked like this case might be able to fit everything. It is compatible with my motherboard, at least. And since aesthetic appeal doesn't matter to me, I thought this was a good choice for the price.



Sound Card
Creative Sound Blaster Audigy SE SB0570LPVP 5.1 Channels 24-bit 96KHz PCI Interface Low-Profile Sound Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16829102010

I have a 5.1 speaker system already in place, so I thought "If I end up having enough money left over, why not?"


Total (Pre-Rebate) Cost: $1007

I'd appreciate it if you'd let me know if you think that I picked "ok" components, and if you'd point me in the right direction if I didn't. Thanks!

[Masaki 7-11]

Looks like a pretty good parts list, I would take a look at the newer GTX260 video cards with 216 shaders instead of the 192 shaders in the video card you linked to. The newer GTX260 are noticeably faster than the older GTX260s and cost about as much as the older ones. Here is a link to a GTX260 with 216 shaders: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130434

For gaming I highly recommend creative (or ADI integrated) sound cards, the one you linked to is low profile and will not fit properly in your case, take a look at this one instead (almost identical except it will fit in your case and comes with a manual, cd and better packaging): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16829102002

[not important]

Looks like a nice solid build. Enjoy!
I would give the onboard sound a try before I purchased a sound card. The onboard sound is quite impressive.
Do you really need a lightscirbe DVDRW? Lightscribe is slow and the results aren't that impressive.

[glc]

Lightscribe really doesn't cost anything extra - and I understand color is on its way.

The onboard Intel HD Audio is very nice - try it before buying a sound card. You can add a card at any time.

I'd consider one of the new WD Black drives - 32mb cache.

[Daniel09]

Thanks for your help, everyone!

I'm definitely going to go with the newer, better video card suggested by Masaki, and I thought I'd switch my DVD Burner to a Sony (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827118023). I had no idea about what Lightcribe was before y'all brought this up, and quite frankly I hadn't noticed that the model I picked out had that feature, which I don't need.

I've also decided, based on the advice on "Not Important" and "glc" to give the onboard audio card a try, though I'll definitely keep the sound card that masaki suggested in mind for a later date if I decide to change that (Which allows me to still keep my project close to the original budget goal of $1000!).

I couldn't find a WD 32mb cache drive that was in stock from newegg, so I guess I'll check TigerDirect.

Once again, my deepest and most sincere thanks to all of you who helped a newbie out

[glc]

I'd rather have a LG than a Sony.

Go for the 750: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136283

Or get the 500 from Mwave: http://www.mwave.com/mwave/viewspec....iteria=AA74756

[not important]

By all means go with LG or Lite-On for the DVDRW instead of the Sony.

[Daniel09]

what do you think about this burner?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106050

[shadowpr]

That burner is deactivated, meaning they don't have it anymore.

Look for a newer version: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106264

[jdeb]

Originally Posted by Daniel09 what do you think about this burner? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106050

that burner is fine but an LG would be as good if not better.