Another Need Advice Thread

[Kobe008]

I built my first computer about 4 years ago and since then I've put a new processor and video card. I feel it's time to upgrade the entire machine since I play games. Other reason is my wife's video card burned out so I want to give her my old one

I have most of my parts picked out but I cannot decide on a few pieces like video card, motherboard, and monitor. First let me post what I have picked out for sure.

Processor – AMD Athlon 64 3700+ San Diego - $233
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103539

Memory – Corsair ValueSelect 1GB DDR 400 (PC 3200) x2 - $164
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145505

Harddrive – Seagate Barracude 7200 Sata 3/GB/s 160GB 8MB Cache - $87
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822148105#Combo

Power Supply – Enermax Noisetaker EG495P 485W - $76
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817103457


Ok, now for the stuff I'm not sure about.

Video card I'm trying to decide between the following:
eVGA 6800GS
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130267
or
MSI 6800GS
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814127200

I don't know much about either company but they seem to be very similar. Is one company preferred over the other? Or are there any other cards in about the same price range that you would recommend?

Motherboard is next and I thought I was set on ECS but now I see an ASUS board that looks promising.

ECS KN1 SLI Extreme - $119 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813135203
or
ASUS A8N-SLI - $118
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131524

I currently have an Asus board in my computer and an ECS one in the wifes and both work fine. Which of these would you say is better or is there another that you would recommend?

Finally is an LCD monitor. I have 2 picked out but don't know much about them.

Rosewill R912E 19” 8ms LCD Monitor - $269.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824021019
or
Viewsonic VA902B
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824116363

I've never heard of Rosewill before. The Rosewill has DVI while the Viewsonic has a little better contrast ratio. Should I be looking at another brand for around the same price? I appreciate any help someone could give me to pick out my remaining pieces of my new computer.

 

[Maxiius]

Video card I'm trying to decide between the following:
eVGA 6800GS
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130267
or
MSI 6800GS
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814127200

eVGA Step-up Program

I think its a good program.

 

[Kobe008]

Ok that is a good enough reason for me to go with the eVGA. Comparing it to the MSI card they seem almost the same so the tradein thing works for me.

Anyone have any comments on the motherboard and lcd monitor? I'd really appreciate any suggestions.

 

[luminaris]

Don't know much about Rosewill so I'd say Viewsonic is the way to go. They're good products. As far as the mother board, ASUS seems to be a winning ticket for me. I've used ASUS boards and have had no problems with them although i'm sure there are ones that do. Good luck