My First PC Build..

[M5vii]

I currently have a 9 year old Dell Pc, and I am finally going to replace it with a new one. This will be my first custom pc build, so any comments or suggestions will be reatly appreciated.

This is what I have selected so far:

-Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor

-ASUS P5Q Pro LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard

-G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1100 (PC2 8800)

-Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250410AS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Hard Drive

-CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS

-Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

-LG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model GH22NS30

*-SAPPHIRE 100265HDMI Radeon HD 4830 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card

*The only thing I am unsure of is the Video Card. I wont be doing much gaming, this will mostly be a computer for me and the wife for school and internet.

I already have another cd/dvd drive, as well as mouse, monitor and keyboard.

Also, as this will be my first assembly, are there any special tools or a Pc tool kit I should get? I know about the anti-static wrist strap, and will be ordering one along with the parts.

Once again comments and suggestion will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[shadowpr]

Only tool you will probably need is a screw driver.

I would change the ram to ddr2-800. That should save you some money.

Look at the newer wd caviar black drives instead of the seagate.

The rest of the build looks good.

Don't forget the operating system.

[M5vii]

How about these options?

-G.SKILL PI Black 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)

-Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD5000AAKS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Hard Drive

I forgot to put the OS, Ill be running Vista.

So far, the whole system comes out to $776, which is under my budget, maybe I can sneak in a decent monitor in there to replace my 17" Dell.

[shadowpr]

I would get the caviar black sata drive. Especially if you're under budget.

And if you can afford a few more bucks, get the e8500 over the e8400.

[glc]

Caviar Black, please.

No need for premium DDR2-800, all you need is some stock 1.8 or 1.9 volt CAS 5.

[Khalil]

If you are not going to do any major gaming you don't even need that 4830, it is nice but a 4350 will do the job believe it or not and save you $70 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814121310

[M5vii]

ok, how is this?

-Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale 3.16GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core

-ASUS P5Q Pro LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard

-CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)

-Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Hard Drive

-CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS

-Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

-LG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model GH22NS30

-Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit for System Builders

-GIGABYTE GV-R435OC-512I Radeon HD 4350 512MB 64-bit GDDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Low Profile Ready Video Card

One more thing, should I get a cpu cooler? or would I be ok without it?

[Khalil]

No the stock cooler works great, no need for another CPU cooler, if you have the extra money go with a 750GB hard drive instead of the 640 but stick to Black Edition.
Everything on your list looks good, I like Gigabyte products however their customer support can be tedious, Asus has a more consistent customer support and RMA service.

[shadowpr]

You're good.

No need for an aftermarket heatsink unless you're going to overclock.