Help Building First Rig (Gaming)

looking at benchmarks for the games important to you is good advice

back in november it seemed like i couldn't go wrong with a 4870 until i saw the gtx260(192) even or outperforming in what i was interested in

it was also cheaper...SOLD! to the man who brings b1g1 coupons to restaurants with his girlfriend
 
Sorry I'm kind of all over the place in where I'm going, but here is my current train of though. The few things that I will be able to take from build to build is my monitor, case, and power supply. Realistically I will have to replace the motherboard and processor in 5 years. That being said, I'm kind of leaning towards the build below so I can get the basics and everything I'll need for approximately $1150. I do have a few questions though...

1)I believe everything below works together but a second opinion would be terrific
2)Since I'm looking for my case and power supply to outlast this build are these a good choice (or is this idea foolish and should I be expecting to buy them when I make a new build).
3)Would anyone recommend a good case...I had a hard time finding a case that didn't have its fair share of cons.
4)What are my most limiting factors in this set up.
5)Any improvements you might see...

-CPU (AMD Phenom II X3 720 2.8GHz) $150.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103649
-Motherboard (BIOSTAR TA760G M2+) $80.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138137
-Memory (G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR2 800) $46.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231122
-Hard Drive (Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB) $75.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136218&Tpk=wd 640
-DVD/CD (BurnerLG Black 22X DVD R/RW) $26.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136153
-Graphics Card (EVGA GTX 260) $220.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130434
-Cooling (XIGMATEK HDT-RS1283 Red Scorpion) $33.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233012
-Power Supply (CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W) $100.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139005
-OS (Vista Home 64bit) $100.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116488
-Monitor (Going to pick up one at local store as recommended) ~$150.00-200.00
-Case (Antec Three Hundred) $60.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042&Tpk=antec 300


Total: $890
+ tax = $961
+ monitor ~ $1150
 
As far as the operating system is concerned. I've been reading through some websites about building your first computer and how to go about it and they recommend going with 32 bit XP. I realize I won't be able to take advantage of any RAM upgrades if I do this, but is it worth it to save myself from the headaches of Vista. Or, have things smoothed out with Vista and the problem dissipated?
 
You stated you wanted to future proof so Vista 64 bit is the OS to use.
64 bit will allow for future ram upgrades etc etc.
 
when you get all your parts and are ready to build, maybe a thread with build pics as you go along. I am sure everyone here would really like to see how it goes. Also, props for deciding to build it yourself, you'll realize just how easy it is....hopefully.:D
 
No need for a new thread, you can post them here and simply edit your OP with updates (leave original if possible).

Vista 64-bit works well for most people. If there is any particular software you run, you may want to make sure they have a compatible version for Vista 64-bit, as well as drivers for any older hardware.

If you're on a tight budget, and hate having to buy Vista now that Win7 is almost out, another option to consider is Windows 7 beta. No, its not recommended to use a beta OS as your primary OS, but it is a possibility (its actually more stable that most thought it would be, and runs great). Beta is free until August, and afterwards, you can try Vista for 30-90 days -- hopefully win7 will be released by then. Again, this is only worth considering if you're on a tight budget. If I had to buy an OS right now, it would be Vista 64 bit.
 
Ok then, I think I will go with Vista because all my hardware is new and Vista compatible (at least to the best of my knowledge).
 
Regardless of my build the corsair 650 W will be a good choice right? I'm thinking on ordering it now while it is on sale and there is a $25 mail in rebate even though I'm not going to order my other parts until next week. Should I buy it now????
 
Corsair 650 is a good choice. That new $25 rebate is good until the 2nd so you have time on that. I'm not sure when/if that $60 instant savings will disappear though.
 
Okay I think I have everything finalized. Is there anything else I need to buy with this set up (i.e. do I need to use thermal compound..., do I need any extra cables or will everything come with what it needs...remember I have nothing right now). Also, anyone know of any deals coming out soon on any of this that would warrant me waiting a couple days? Thanks for all your help everyone.

-CPU (AMD Phenom II X3 720 2.8GHz) $150.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103649
-Motherboard (GIGABYTE GA-MA770-UD3) $75.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128376
-Memory (G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR2 800) $46.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231122
-Hard Drive (Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB) $80.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319
-DVD/CD (BurnerLG Black 22X DVD R/RW) $26.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136153
-Graphics Card (EVGA GTX 260) $220.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130434
-Cooling (XIGMATEK HDT-RS1283 Red Scorpion) $33.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233012
-Power Supply (CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W) $100.00 *Purchased yesterday ($75 w/MRI)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139005
-OS (Vista Home 64bit) $100.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116488
-Case (Antec Three Hundred) $60.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042&Tpk=antec 300
-Monitor (Going to pick up one at local store as recommended) ~$150.00-200.00


Total: $890
+ tax = $950
+ monitor ~ $1100

P.S. I do have a mouse, keyboard, headphones, and speaker system (so I don't need any of that).
 
Spend a couple more dollars and get some DDR2 1066 RAM, you don't really need it but it will last longer than the DDR2 800.
 
Master Bob said:
Spend a couple more dollars and get some DDR2 1066 RAM, you don't really need it but it will last longer than the DDR2 800.
Click to expand...

I don't believe the gigabyte board recognizes the DDRD 1066. At least thats what the reviews were saying on newegg...

What do you mean by it will last longer btw?
 
TheEnglishJob said:
I don't believe the gigabyte board recognizes the DDRD 1066. At least thats what the reviews were saying on newegg...

What do you mean by it will last longer btw?
Click to expand...
Well the specifications state it supports DDR2 1066 ...

last longer as in more "future-proof", on the other hand DDR2 is on its last legs. I imagine in the future that any computer you build will be using DDR3.

EDITED: expanded on "future-proof"
 
New Egg may have new deals/combos at the beginning of the month. Fry's is having a new ad out sometime (looking for another i7 920 $220 deal not at MC).
 
TheEnglishJob said:
I don't believe the gigabyte board recognizes the DDRD 1066. At least thats what the reviews were saying on newegg...

What do you mean by it will last longer btw?
Click to expand...

sigh only thing that motherboard has do with memory is how much voltage and timing. Everything else is by the CPU itself.
 
Okay...So then I should definitely look into upgrading the RAM...or will I not see that much change in performance (from DDR2 800 to DDR2 1066)?

What ram have people had good experience with. There is a lot of mixed feeling about ram on newegg and who to go with.

Would something like this be good: OCZ Fatal1ty Edition 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227364

At the price I could afford 2 sets for 8gigs total and take advantage of 64 bit vista
 
How is the memory that newegg is giving a deal on right now??? Only $45.00 (I would buy 2 sets for 8gigs)

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1000
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...AFC-hardOCP&cm_mmc=AFC-hardOCP-_-NA-_-NA-_-NA

Also, here are some other good deals. Any of them reliable:

Kingston 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820134730

A-DATA 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211188

AllComponents 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820159021
 
I don't know on the build quality on the A-Data/AllComponents brands, but all of them look good (even the OZC fatality one you linked to).

In terms of DDR2 1066 vs DDR2 800: in the X-bit labs AMD Phenom II X4 810 review, they compare DDR3 vs DDR2 and include DDR2 1066 and DDR2 800 in the comparison.

I'm not sure exactly how RAM speeds and FSB work on the AMD system, with the whole Hyper transport thing, but if you ever decide to overclock in the future, the faster RAM will help out there.
 
So if I buy everything by tomorrow night I'll $65 in instant rebates. By waiting until the new deals start at the beginning of the month do you think I'll get better deals?
 
It's a toss up of whether they will be better or not. Prices always eventually go down, but as is repeated on this forum, there will always be a next thing to wait for.
 
I think I'm going to pull the trigger tonight and order this build. Any last thoughts....

Build:

-CPU (AMD Phenom II X3 720 2.8GHz) $150.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103649
With $5.00 Promo Code
EMCLPLP24
-Motherboard (GIGABYTE GA-MA78GM-US2H AM2+/AM2) $80.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128379
-Memory 2x (G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR2 800) $80.00 (8 GB Total)
$5 off w/ promo code EMCLNNP29
-Hard Drive (Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB) $80.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319
-DVD/CD (BurnerLG Black 22X DVD R/RW) $26.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136153
-Graphics Card (EVGA GTX 260) $220.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130434
-Fan (Antec Tri-Cool 120mm Case Fan) $10.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835209005
-Heatsink & Fan (XIGMATEK HDT-RS1283 Red Scorpion) $33.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233012
-Power Supply (CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W) $100.00 *Purchased ($75 w/MRI)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139005
-OS (Vista Home 64bit) $100.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116488
-Case (Antec Three Hundred) $60.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042&Tpk=antec 300
-Monitor (Going to pick up one at local store as recommended) ~$150.00-200.00


Total: $860
+ tax & shipping = $950
+ monitor ~ $1100
 
issue with that motherboard... dual slot card will block most of the SATA ports.
 
Graphics cards (at least some of them) will be seeing a price drop within a week according to some sources. If you can't wait any longer though, by all means jump on that trigger.
 
From what I have seen, your probably going to need a full tower case. Not really for the space, but for proper cooling. I dont know if you've thought about that, but I imagine your going to use air. And if so I think a bigger case will help keep things cool.
 
What are you talking about? most full towers use same fan layout as the Antec 300.
 
lt_shiro said:
What are you talking about? most full towers use same fan layout as the Antec 300.
Click to expand...

But more space = less heat. The more room you have, the lower the temps are. I have found this to be true all to many times.
 
The Antec 300 is adequately sized for the build, and airflow is good in that case. Theres no real need to move to a full tower unless he just wants to.
 
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