So this is basically my first time doing something this. If anyone has some advice, feel free to step forward. Here're the components I'm looking at:
Processor: Core 2 Duo E6600
Video Card: Geforce 8800GTS 640MB
Motherboard: Gigabyte Intel P965 Express ATX Intel Motherboard
Memory: Crucial Ballistix 2x1 gig 800mhz
Cooler: Arctic Cooling Freezer 7
Case: Antec Sonata II
I'm waiting on the price drop for the 6600, and I will be overclocking. I'm mainly unsure about motherboards, so advice in that area would be particularly useful. Also, do I need a sound card? I'll be going with Vista and I hear there have been driver problems in that regard.
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As far as overclocking goes, I wouldn't bother until you find out if you actually need to or not. I picked up the E6800 when it first came out and overclocked it, but I didn't really need the extra power for anything, so I thought I would save myself the power and heat cost and just run it standard, and there is no appreciable difference (not because the power isn't there, but because it's not necessary due to other bottlenecks).
That being said, the Core 2 Duos make great overclockers if you ever do need it.
The best advice I can throw in is don't skimp on the power supply, it's the backbone of the computer. Also, a modular one can go a long way towards promoting good air-flow by minimizing the number of cables.
Meet Barack Obama
A socket AM2 3.0 GHz proc
620 Watt power supply, modular from corsair-Very stable railings and very effeicent!
2x1gig DDR2 corsair ram 800mhz
ASUS 590a SLI ready mobo- most modern mobo's come with decent onboard sound or like mine an actual sound card.
EVGA 8800 GTS 320mb, i should be getting a second one soon so i can dual em.
then the case and 19"monitor and a G5 mouse and a decent logitech keyboard, ect..........
all for less than $1400 on Newegg.com, look for sales they have decent parts at rediculasly low rates some times. With an editionall 8800 it would still be an awsome computer under 2k!
World of Warcraft IS a drug, if you are playing it seek rehab immediately.
Agreed. Too many folks build great rigs and throw in some cheap no name power supply and then wonder why they're having random lock ups and stability problems. Go with something big, beefy and a good reputation behind it and you can just put it in and forget about it.