Looking for build advice :)

Syribo

Syribo

[H]ard|Gawd
Joined
Mar 9, 2008
Messages
1,515
Hi there. I am planning to build my first system.. the one I am using now is very old and I need an upgrade badly! I've been reading a lot about different parts, how they go together, what's compatible with what, etc.. But I'm still not sure if I have this right or not.

This is what I have so far.. My budget is about $2500. I want to be able to play just about any game out there, and be able to multi-task without a problem.

Thermaltake Armor Series VA8000BWS Black Aluminum / Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case - $149.99
GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX All Solid Capacitor Intel Motherboard - $89.99
BFG Tech GeForce 8800GTS (G92) 512MB 256-bit - $269.99
CORSAIR CMPSU-620HX ATX12V v2.2 and EPS12V 2.91 620W Power Supply - $169.99
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz 775 Quad-Core Processor - $254.99
Transcend 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM - $74.99
Western Digital Caviar RE2 WD7500AYYS 750GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s HD - $199.99
LG Blu-ray/HD DVD-ROM & 16X DVD+R DVD Burner Black SATA - $279.99
Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer 7.1 Channels - $90.99
And with a monitor and speakers it comes out to $2498.99

So.. Have I done many things wrong? Have I chosen bad parts? I'm very new to this.. any feedback and tips will be appreciated :)

Also.. What else should I also make sure to get to make sure I have everything to put it together and turn it on? Should I buy Windows XP, or should I go with Vista?
 
The DS3L does not belong in a $2500 build. At least pick up the MSI P35 Neo2-FR, Gigabyte DS3R, DS4, DQ6, Abit IP35-Pro, or DFI LanParty Dark P35-TR2S.

What size and resolution monitor are you planning on?

$170 for the Corsair 620HX is insane. You should be able to get it down to $90-100 AR -- look around for a better deal.

What speed is the Transcend 4GB kit? I'd probably spend ~$5 more for G-Skill DDR2-800 instead.

Why spend $200 on a 750GB drive when 500GB drives can be had for $100-120?

The Quads run hot, so you're probably going to want an aftermarket HSF, especially if you intend to overclock at all. You should look at the Xigmatech RIFLE and the ZeroTherm Nirvana for fairly good price to performance. They'll run $40 or so.

With all new parts like this you should definitely go with Vista -- Home Premium 64bit OEM is probably your best bet.
 
i agree with the above.
your list after a fill modifications is quite impressive imo. but it's a bit expensive the place you're buying from.
 
I think I will choose the G Kill actually.

And you're right about the hard drives.

Thanks for the help :) I'm really excited about this. I've loved computers and everything about them since I was a little kid.. but I've never built one yet since I've had this one since high school (Oh I can't wait for the new computer!), so I'm really looking forward to this. I have about a week to finalize the part choices.. because my check will probably clear then.. So I have enough time to think and get recommendations :)
 
Oh, by the way, I am planning on getting the
SAMSUNG 245T-BLACK Black 24" 6ms HDMI Widescreen HDMI LCD Monitor - $659.99

Good choice? It seems a bit expensive, but I don't mind.
 
silent-circuit said:
The DS3L does not belong in a $2500 build. At least pick up the MSI P35 Neo2-FR, Gigabyte DS3R, DS4, DQ6, Abit IP35-Pro, or DFI LanParty Dark P35-TR2S.
Click to expand...

Which, of the ones you listed, do you think is best?
 
if your sticking with the Q6600, then get it from clubit.com. They guarantee G0 SLACR, which means that the processor will run less power and as a result less heat is produced. This really helps in keeping a cool system and better over clocking capabilities.

i would buy the 8800gts G92 from EVGA, because EVGA has the 90-day step up program. so that means you have 90 days from day of purchase to upgrade to a better video card and will have to pay the difference between the two cards. And since more 9 series cards are coming out soon, the step up program can be helpful if your looking into better gaming.

Look around different websites to find good deals on the parts your buying. newegg, buy, clubit, zipzoomfly, fry, to name a few.
 
Syribo said:
Oh, by the way, I am planning on getting the
SAMSUNG 245T-BLACK Black 24" 6ms HDMI Widescreen HDMI LCD Monitor - $659.99

Good choice? It seems a bit expensive, but I don't mind.
Click to expand...

I believe it's a P-MVA panel, hence the higher than average cost. If you're willing to buy a TN you can save about $200, but the viewing angles won't be as good and there will be some color-shift. I would recommend you go to Staples or Best Buy or something and look at the different screens, then pick the model you like best and try to find a better price on it online.
 
crhscoog said:
if your sticking with the Q6600, then get it from clubit.com. They guarantee G0 SLACR, which means that the processor will run less power and as a result less heat is produced. This really helps in keeping a cool system and better over clocking capabilities.

i would buy the 8800gts G92 from EVGA, because EVGA has the 90-day step up program. so that means you have 90 days from day of purchase to upgrade to a better video card and will have to pay the difference between the two cards. And since more 9 series cards are coming out soon, the step up program can be helpful if your looking into better gaming.
Click to expand...
Ahh thanks for that info :) That is very helpful.
 
Syribo said:
Which, of the ones you listed, do you think is best?
Click to expand...

I'd say the Gigabyte DS3R and Abit IP35-Pro are the most popular P35 boards here at the moment (they're pretty much interchangable so far as featureset -- I personally prefer the Gigabyte of the two) but my favorite P35 board is probably the DFI LanParty Dark P35-TR2S. DFI is known for really great overclocking boards with tons of BIOS options you simply don't see from other vendors. The downside is that there's a lot more to learn and a higher risk of feeling lost if you're new to all that. Gigabyte's DS4 and DQ6 boards have better onboard cooling, so they may overclock better than the DS3R or IP35-Pro.
 
silent-circuit said:
I'd say the Gigabyte DS3R and Abit IP35-Pro are the most popular P35 boards here at the moment (they're pretty much interchangable so far as featureset -- I personally prefer the Gigabyte of the two) but my favorite P35 board is probably the DFI LanParty Dark P35-TR2S. DFI is known for really great overclocking boards with tons of BIOS options you simply don't see from other vendors. The downside is that there's a lot more to learn and a higher risk of feeling lost if you're new to all that. Gigabyte's DS4 and DQ6 boards have better onboard cooling, so they may overclock better than the DS3R or IP35-Pro.
Click to expand...

GIGABYTE GA-EP35C-DS3R LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Dynamic Energy Saver Ultra Durable II Intel Motherboard - $141.99

Is that the correct one?
 
I agree with everything that was mentioned above. On the Case, don't buy that case on NewEgg. That is alot for a case with no PS. Buy that case from Zipzoomfly.com which sells it for $129.99 and a $20 MIR which comes out $109.99. The video card, although the BFG is the same price as the EVGA brand, I would personally get the EVGA one based on its very good warranty and step-up program. the Corsair HX-620 is alot for that price. At that price you might as well get a more powerful PS. But, if you want that PS. it can be purchased at a pretty low price on Buy.com for $115 with free shipping. The memory, personally I would get the 2 x 2gig G. Skills. Don't bother with 1 x 750gig drive especially at that cost. You might as well get 2 x 500gig WD at the same price of $200. Plus, 2 HDD is safer than 1 big drive crapping out on you. On the LG drive, I would just wait on that until it drops lower in price. The rest of the $ get a nice display and speakers. You won't be upgrading this as much as a PC. So.. save some money on the pc parts.
 
Okay so for now it looks like this is the list:

Thermaltake Armor Series VA8000BWS Black Aluminum / Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case - $149.99
GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX All Solid Capacitor Intel Motherboard - $89.99
BFG Tech GeForce 8800GTS (G92) 512MB 256-bit - $269.99
CORSAIR CMPSU-620HX ATX12V v2.2 and EPS12V 2.91 620W Power Supply - $169.99
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz 775 Quad-Core Processor - $254.99 (( Clubit.com ))
G.SKILL 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit - $84.99
Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD5000AAKS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - $99.99
LG Blu-ray/HD DVD-ROM & 16X DVD+R DVD Burner Black SATA - $279.99
Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer 7.1 Channels - $90.99
Logitech Z-5500 505 Watts 5.1 Speakers - $267.99
ZEROtherm Nirvana NV120 120mm 2-ball UFO Bearing / Transparent CPU Cooler - $49.99
SAMSUNG 24ST-BLACK Black 24" 6ms HDMI Widescreen HSMI LCD Monitor - $659.99

And I will probably wait until the new video cards come out until I order all of this :) I have some time before my check clears. Also trying to find a lower price on the PSU.
 
Ditch the C, no need for DDR3 support. Get the standard GA-EP35-DS3R instead.

The LG Combo drive is WAY overpriced at $280. It was recently on sale for $205. In any case, ditch it and wait for the better drives to come out this summer. Prices should also drop at least 50% soon.
 
I hope you don't stick with those prices and order most of the items from NewEgg. You are wasting close to $200 worth. Several of those items should be bougght on Zipzoomfly.com and Mwave.com at a cheaper cost.

Zipzoomfly.com

Case - sells that same case for $109.99 after rebate $129.99 up front
Logitech Z5500 speakers sell for $189.99 after rebate. $229.99 up front
Samsun 24" 245T for $639.99


Mwave.com

Blue Ray/HD drive sells for $229.90
 
Oh! Thanks for that info on those sites! Now it looks like:

Thermaltake Armor Series VA8000BWS Black Aluminum / Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case - $129.99 (( ZipZoomFly.com ))
GIGABYTE GA-EP35C-DS3R LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Dynamic Energy Saver Ultra Durable II Intel Motherboard - $141.99
BFG Tech GeForce 8800GTS (G92) 512MB 256-bit - $269.99
CORSAIR CMPSU-620HX ATX12V v2.2 and EPS12V 2.91 620W Power Supply - $169.99
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz 775 Quad-Core Processor - $254.99 (( Clubit.com ))
G.SKILL 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit - $84.99
Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD5000AAKS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - $99.99
LG Blu-ray/HD DVD-ROM & 16X DVD+R DVD Burner Black SATA - $229.99 (( Mwave.com ))
Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer 7.1 Channels - $90.99
Logitech Z-5500 505 Watts 5.1 Speakers - $229.99 (( ZipZoomFly.com ))
ZEROtherm Nirvana NV120 120mm 2-ball UFO Bearing / Transparent CPU Cooler - $49.99
SAMSUNG 24ST-BLACK Black 24" 6ms HDMI Widescreen HSMI LCD Monitor - $639.99 (( ZipZoomFly.com ))
Microsoft Windows Vista 64-Bit Home Premium for System Builders Single Pack DVD - $109.99

Total Price: $2554.32
 
BTW, the Corsair HX620 PS can be bought on Buy.com with free shipping for only $115. Plus, the Corsair HX 520 for $90. The HX520 should be good enough already for your setup.

http://www.buy.com/prod/corsair-620w-sli-certified-modular-atx-power-supply/q/loc/101/203270718.html

http://www.buy.com/prod/corsair-520w-sli-certified-modular-atx-power-supply/q/loc/101/203270716.html


$25 difference between the two, I would just get the HX520. But, $115 on the HX620 is alot better than NewEggs pricing.
 
Agreed, the 520HX is plenty for a quad and a single card setup. I'd still pick up the 620HX, though, as you might use Step Up to get one of the new 9 series and it might require more power.
 
There are more potential problems with the P35C-DS3R than the P35-DS3R.
 
Good looking build. I do agree with the motherboard suggestions, and I feel that you can get those components for cheaper if you shop around. I recently picked up the LG drive myself for $220 at Newegg. It's often on sale, so check around.
 
Well I actually think I am going to wait until the new video cards come out.. They come out this month, right? I mean.. I have to wait at least 10 days for my check to clear in the bank anyway.. So I have the time ;)

And thanks everyone, I have been finding a lot of things cheaper from other sites! I also decided to go with the
GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS3R LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Dynamic Energy Saver Ultra Durable II Intel Motherboard
Instead of the C, with DDR3 :) So this was a good change?
 
crhscoog said:
if your sticking with the Q6600, then get it from clubit.com. They guarantee G0 SLACR, which means that the processor will run less power and as a result less heat is produced. This really helps in keeping a cool system and better over clocking capabilities.
*snip*
Click to expand...

The OEM Q6600 from NewEgg is G0 SLACR, no reason to order from clubit.com if it's more convenient to order it all from the Egg.

Of course, if you're going to shop around make sure that the price difference of the item justifies paying another small shipping fee.
 
Good point. Another vendor maybe be a few dollars cheaper but, if the shipping cost offsets this then its not a good idea. I notice when I order from Mwave.com, some items are slightly cheaper than NewEgg but, when I add the shipping cost in the end, it comes out about the same or even a little higher due to the shipping.


Optional87 said:
The OEM Q6600 from NewEgg is G0 SLACR, no reason to order from clubit.com if it's more convenient to order it all from the Egg.

Of course, if you're going to shop around make sure that the price difference of the item justifies paying another small shipping fee.
Click to expand...
 
Optional87 said:
The OEM Q6600 from NewEgg is G0 SLACR, no reason to order from clubit.com if it's more convenient to order it all from the Egg.

Of course, if you're going to shop around make sure that the price difference of the item justifies paying another small shipping fee.
Click to expand...

Yeah, the shipping thins is very true. After taking about 8 items off of NewEgg and getting them from other stores, I only save about $50 after shipping.. But I guess that's $50 I could use on something else, so whatever ;)
 
I have one more question, about HDD... I'm getting the 500GB drive because it's pretty cheap.. But if I were to get the 1TB drive, does that make the speed any worse or any better?

I originally was going to get a 120GB Raptor for just gaming ans the OS, then get the 500GB as a second drive.. but was told this was a bad idea. Is it? I really would love to get the 1TB because I can fill up 500GB pretty fast.. My friends think it's impossible, but it's really not. I watch a lot of shows and anime and download a LOT of music and stuff.. and would love to pretty much have 'unlimited' space. 1TB is pretty high, I don't think even I could fill that up too fast ;)

Edit: For instance.. This drive:
Western Digital Raptor WD1500ADFD 150GB 10,000 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 1.5Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM - $169.99
This would be compatible with my system, right? Someone said something in the comments on NewEgg about SATA 2 or something.. I didn't understand. But I would really love a hard drive just for gaming and the OS sooo badly. Then have the other HDD to store all my stuff on.
 
Raptors aren't much faster than modern high end 7200RPM drives, and they're far more expensive. You do not have the kind of budget where getting a Raptor makes sense - it should be the /last/ thing you allocate money for, after everything else is already top end. Some may think differently, but I practice what I preach -- even in my quad core 8800 GTX SLI dual water loop cooled machine I am currently building, there will be no Raptors. I cannot justify the cost for such a minimal gain.

Instead of getting a single large drive I would recommend you get the drives which have the best price per gigabyte -- likely 500GB at this point -- and get two, rather than a single 1TB where you'll be paying more per gigabyte. It's not as if you wouldn't have space in the case for 2. I'd recommend Seagate 7200.10 or 7200.11 drives, due to their reliability, speed, and 5 year warranty.
 
I would not recommend the Raptors as they cost too much for the amount of space and the speed increase is not enough to justify the price. Western Digital has their new 320Gb/platter drives out now and from what I've read the speed nearly matches the Raptor in most cases. Newegg has the 640Gb model for around $130 at the moment.

http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?item=N82E16822136218
 
Okay so how about two of these
Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD5000AAKS 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136073
$99.99 each. Worth the money? Is $200 a good price for 1TB?

Er also... The one I had already chosen is this:
Western Digital Caviar SE WD5000AAJS 500GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136178
It's $5 cheaper... Wouldn't it be worth it to get the 16MB cache one for just $5 more?
 
16MB cache at least. I still say go with the Seagates. Better warranty, and I've had better luck with them than WD so far as reliability.
 
Also.. Should I stick with the 64-bit Windows Vista? Someone told me that I may have some problems.. but then some people told me I should be fine. Now the updated system looks like so:

Thermaltake Armor Series VA8000BWS Black Aluminum / Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case - $129.99 (( ZipZoomFly.com )) -$20 MIR
GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS3R LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Dynamic Energy Saver Ultra Durable II Intel Motherboard - $121.99
BFG Tech GeForce 8800GTS (G92) 512MB 256-bit - $269.99
CORSAIR CMPSU-620HX ATX12V v2.2 and EPS12V 2.91 620W Power Supply - $138.99 (( ZipZoomFly.com )) -$25 MIR
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz 775 Quad-Core Processor - $254.99 (( Clubit.com ))
G.SKILL 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit - $84.99
Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD5000AAKS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - $99.99
LG Blu-ray/HD DVD-ROM & 16X DVD+R DVD Burner Black SATA - $229.99 (( Mwave.com ))
Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer 7.1 Channels - $90.99
Logitech Z-5500 505 Watts 5.1 Speakers - $229.99 (( ZipZoomFly.com )) -$40 MIR
ZEROtherm Nirvana NV120 120mm 2-ball UFO Bearing / Transparent CPU Cooler - $49.99
SAMSUNG 24ST-BLACK Black 24" 6ms HDMI Widescreen HSMI LCD Monitor - $639.99 (( ZipZoomFly.com ))
Microsoft Windows Vista 64-Bit Home Premium for System Builders Single Pack DVD - $109.99

Again, the Video Card will probably change if I get one of the new ones coming out soon, which I plan to do.
Not to mention, the HDDs might change.. I am looking into the Seagates, trying to decide on one/two.
 
My seagates are louder than my WDs, aside from my Raptor. I agree, the current Raptor isn't worth its price. Though, the new raptor is coming out this summer, IIRC. The new single platter WD3200AAKS are probably the fastest drives out right now, but you can't get them guaranteed from any retailer. :(
 
I'm not sure, still, exactly what SLACR is.. But up above someone said I could just buy the NewEgg processor and it's also SLACR like the one from ClubIt.. Which would be good because I would't have to pay shipping for just that one item from ClubIt. It doesn't say anything about SLACR though, is it definitely? And.. yeah.. Still not sure what that even means ;)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115017
 
Vista Home Premium 64bit. Don't listen to the people that say you'll have problems -- all new hardware, no issues. Promise.

"SLACR" is the box marking of "G0" stepping Q6600s, which are a newer revision of the chip that will run cooler and generally overclocks better as well. No, you are not guaranteed any stepping from Newegg. Chances are you'll get a G0, but you may not.
 
silent-circuit said:
Vista Home Premium 64bit. Don't listen to the people that say you'll have problems -- all new hardware, no issues. Promise.

"SLACR" is the box marking of "G0" stepping Q6600s, which are a newer revision of the chip that will run cooler and generally overclocks better as well. No, you are not guaranteed any stepping from Newegg. Chances are you'll get a G0, but you may not.
Click to expand...

In that case.. I will spend the extra $5 shipping to get the one from ClubIt for sure. I have a thing with lists.. I love lists. They help you see everything, obtain total costs, etc. I just finished my entire computer list, at least as it is right now.

Thermaltake Armor Series VA8000BWS Black Aluminum / Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case - $129.99 (( ZipZoomFly.com )) -$20 MIR
GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS3R LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Dynamic Energy Saver Ultra Durable II Intel Motherboard - $121.99
BFG Tech GeForce 8800GTS (G92) 512MB 256-bit - $269.99 -$30 MIR
CORSAIR CMPSU-620HX ATX12V v2.2 and EPS12V 2.91 620W Power Supply - $138.99 (( ZipZoomFly.com )) -$25 MIR
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz 775 Quad-Core Processor - $254.99 (( Clubit.com ))
G.SKILL 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit - $84.99
Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD5000AAKS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - $99.99
LG Blu-ray/HD DVD-ROM & 16X DVD+R DVD Burner Black SATA - $229.99 (( Mwave.com ))
Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer 7.1 Channels - $90.99
Logitech Z-5500 505 Watts 5.1 Speakers - $229.99 (( ZipZoomFly.com )) -$40 MIR
ZEROtherm Nirvana NV120 120mm 2-ball UFO Bearing / Transparent CPU Cooler - $49.99 -$10 MIR
SAMSUNG 24ST-BLACK Black 24" 6ms HDMI Widescreen HSMI LCD Monitor - $639.99 (( ZipZoomFly.com ))
Microsoft Windows Vista 64-Bit Home Premium for System Builders Single Pack DVD - $109.99

Store Totals
NewEgg: $813.93
Mwave: $229.90
ZipZoomFly: $1138.87
Clubit: $254.99
Total: $2451.87

Shipping
NewEgg: $9.68
Mwave: $0.00
ZipZoomFly: $78.54
Clubit: $4.99

Entire Total: $2545.08

Mail-In Rebates Total: $125


I actually ended up being able to only get one HDD since the price is a little over $2500 as it is, but that's okay. As long as it's not TOO much over... Plus, the new video cards will probably be more expensive and make that final cost go up a bit more anyway. But I guess it's looking good for now :) This forum has really given me so much insight.

EDIT: Ahh, is the GeForce 9800 GX2 the new card coming out that everyone is talking about? It says its about $599... does that sound right? That will bring the cost of my system up about $300 at least.. but if it's worth it, I will get it.
 
Ah one more question ;) If I don't go with the LG Blu-ray player thing.. What should I go with? What is your favorite and least expensive CD/DVD burner. Honestly? I will never burn DVDs.. I rarely even burn CDs.. So I really don't need the LG, and I may get rid of that to be able to afford the new video card when it comes out.

Also, do you guys think the new cards are going to be THAT awesome? The day they come out is the day I make my order for all these parts I think... I'm too excited to wait any longer, heh.

Also, do I need to buy that gel kinda stuff.. Arctic Freeze or something? I've been looking at a 'building guide' and the guy used it.. Is it a good decision? I'm not even sure what it's totally for yet ;)
 
Go with a regular Samsung DVDRW drive, so you can install stuff. :p
$30 - Samsung 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model SH-S203N

Yes, pickup some Arctic Silver 5 or Arctic Cooling MX-2... a ~3gram tube is all you need. Its thermal compound, aka Thermal Interface Material (TIM). It helps conduct the heat from the chip to the heatsink. Don't pay $10-$15 like s-c mentions below... should only cost you $6-$7, lol.

I agree with what he said about the vidcards.
 
Arctic Silver MX2 is my thermal paste of choice. Should be $10-15 for a tube that'll last you... pretty well forever, unless you start building for other people.

If you decide not to get the BluRay drive (I'd at least wait on it) you can pick up a Samsung or LiteOn 20X SATA DVDRW for like $30 shipped. Good solid drives.

No one knows enough about the upcoming cards yet to pass judgment either way. Thus far they're looking to be weaker than expected, but faster than the current... and until I see benches and real world performance, I'm not going to say either way. I'd try to wait were I you -- if nothing else it should bring prices down some.
 
silent-circuit said:
Arctic Silver MX2 is my thermal paste of choice. Should be $10-15 for a tube that'll last you... pretty well forever, unless you start building for other people.

If you decide not to get the BluRay drive (I'd at least wait on it) you can pick up a Samsung or LiteOn 20X SATA DVDRW for like $30 shipped. Good solid drives.

No one knows enough about the upcoming cards yet to pass judgment either way. Thus far they're looking to be weaker than expected, but faster than the current... and until I see benches and real world performance, I'm not going to say either way. I'd try to wait were I you -- if nothing else it should bring prices down some.
Click to expand...

Okay, I may just wait then :) But I really want to order something that will let me run games with full settings and decent FPS... So is the:
BFG Tech BFGE88512GTSE GeForce 8800GTS (G92) 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card
:the best card I should go with? I was originally going to get a 768mb card... I don't mind if the price is a little more if I will get improvement. Paying for improvement is good, even if it's just a bit. Paying for BARELY any improvement is pointless though.

I still need some opinions on video cards, I haven't decided what to do yet :(

Also, I will be also picking up the Arctic Silver MX for sure, thanks :)

I also forgot to add in the first place that I do a lot of Graphic Design work, and video editing also. The PC I have been using for the past five years (A Dell Dimension that I had customized with 1GB DDR RAM, 128mb ATI Radeon 9700 Pro video card, etc) will NOT let me do any video editing. It freezes up when ever I try to do too much.

With the specs of this new build, I shouldn't have any problems with that, should I? Photoshop, ImageReady, and any video editing software I use?

I now have a little more money to work with, so.. if I want to upgrade something a bit more, what would I go for?
 
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