1st time builder here! Its exciting but I need help :(

After debating a month whether to upgrade now or wait for Windows vista/DX10. I finally decided to after weeks of reading these boards to buy a new box (thanks to all the people here who posted countless pages of invaluable information on system/parts/compatibility issues etc, coming from a noob you guys helped out A LOT!) I've never built a computer before from scratch so I'm hoping you guys could lend me some of your time and helpful advice on the $1200 gaming system I think I have in mind. (I"ll play WoW for now, Vanguard and Warhammer in the future. Prolly try out Oblivion soon too)

INTEL SYSTEM

Processor:
Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 Conroe 1066MHz FSB 2M shared L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor (193.00)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819115005

Mother Board:
ASUS P5W DHDELUXE/WIFI-AP Socket T (LGA 775) Intel 975X ATX Intel Motherboard?(269.00)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813131025

Memory
CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM Unbuffered DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit System Memory (270.00)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820145034

Hard Drive:
Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 (Perpendicular Recording) ST3250620AS 250GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM (79.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822148144

GPU:
SAPPHIRE 100154 Radeon X1800XT 256MB 256-bit GDDR3 VIVO PCI Express x16 Video Card - OEM (199.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814102007

PSU:
Antec TRUEPOWERII TPII-550 ATX12V 550W Power Supply 115/230 V UL, TUV, CB, FCC CLASS B, CUL (84.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817103931

DVD ROM:
NEC Black 16X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 16X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2M Cache IDE/ATAPI DVD Burner (29.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6827152058

Case:
APEVIA (ASPIRE) X-CRUISER-BK Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case (64.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811144151

Total Cost = $1195

What do you guys think about this system? Is this the best bang I am getting for my $1200? Is there anything I can downgrade a bit so I can save some money and not lose too much performance (i.e switch to AMDX2 X3800+/Mobo/video Card/PSU/Case etc?) I'm not made of money but this system I hope will last me 3-5 years (200-400/year is a good deal on entertainment IMO)

Thanks in advance to all those who reply! I'm really looking forward to hearing some positive feedback and changes if need be. Hopefully when I assemble the finished product, it'll be exciting as it was choosing the parts lol.

Since money seems to be a concern, you'd save some by going to an AM2 3800 cpu and motherboard to match. Then you would have more when it comes ot migrating to to Vista and getting a good graphics card. Other than that, your proposed build looks good.

Sailor - Since money seems to be a concern, you'd save some by going to an AM2 3800 cpu and motherboard to match. Then you would have more when it comes ot migrating to to Vista and getting a good graphics card. Other than that, your proposed build looks good.


I have a few thoughts regarding an AMDX2 3800+ & Mobo. I keep reading that this . . .

Processor - AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ Windsor 2000MHz HT Socket AM2 Dual Core Processor Model ADA3800IAA5CU - (152.00)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819103735

And this Motherboard - ASUS M2N-E Socket AM2 NVIDIA nForce 570 Ultra MCP ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail (93.00)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813131022


. . . come highly recommended. I was just wondering will this Motherboard be DX10 compatible and vista ready aswell? I'd love to save a few bucks and put it towards a DX10 card down the road. The extra $200 would come in handy!


Oops and I meant ~ AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+. Thx for pointing that out Heyyou27

Seems like the Intel System I had laid out is ok but I was just wondering what do you guys think about this system?

Processor:
AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ Windsor 2000MHz HT Socket AM2 Dual Core Processor Model ADA3800IAA5CU - (152.00)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819103735

Mother Board:
ASUS M2N-E Socket AM2 NVIDIA nForce 570 Ultra MCP ATX AMD Motherboard (92.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813131022

Memory:
Patriot 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM Unbuffered DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit System Memory (229.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820220144

GPU:
SAPPHIRE Radeon X1800XT 256MB 256-bit GDDR3 VIVO PCI Express x16 Video Card - OEM (199.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814102007

Hard Drive:
Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 (Perpendicular Recording) ST3250620AS 250GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM (79.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822148144

PSU:
Antec TRUEPOWERII TPII-550 ATX12V 550W Power Supply 115/230 V UL, TUV, CB, FCC CLASS B, CUL (84.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817103931

DVD ROM:
NEC Black 16X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 16X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2M Cache IDE/ATAPI DVD Burner (29.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6827152058

Case:
APEVIA (ASPIRE) X-CRUISER-BK Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case (64.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811144151

Everything is the same other than the CPU/Mobo/RAM & $250.00 Question is, will there a noticeable differance between the Intel system and this AMD system if I were to play Oblivion? And is a system like this Vista and DX10 upgradeable too? Thx for the replies so far

Thx for the encouraging words and advice shadowduck! I'm starting to lean towards this AMD setup rather than the intel one since the money I'll be saving is a free LCD monitor + Cooling Fan. I'll prolly start ordering this set up within a week but does have any suggestion on a cheaper but proven PSU? And how do you guys suggest Overclocking this rig? Should I do CPU or GPU or Both? I'm new to overclocking aswell and people on the overclocking boards have some seriously confusing write ups too. Anyone with some Overclocking expertise help me out?

I wouldnt overclock the GPU right away. Start with the CPU. Its easier and less chance of frying something. You can buy a factory overclocked GPU which will give you warranty support at the higher speed.

AH hell! Newegg doesn't ship to Canada. Anyone know any good Canadian sites?
8O

Gah! That place NCIX has some insane prices! I think this place is a bit cheaper but I'm not sure about the reputation http://www.directcanada.com/ . Anyone purchase components here or anything at all and had any problems with them? Lemme know before I start ripping out chunks of my hair!

Buying in Canada huh...

First off you can have your cake and eat it too. You don't have to settle for AM2 in the price range you want. You can get a Core 2 Duo system (E6300) that will completely outperform that AM2 system for around the same price. The trick is knowing what components to buy.

With an AM2 system you NEED PC2 6400 memory in order to get performance above the older 939 socket configuration. AM2's memory controller is VERY VERY picky with latency and bandwidth available to it. Also worth taking into account that AMD's 65nm CPU's will NOT be faster per clock then current 90nm CPU's. The upside is that they MAY clock faster. As for Quad Core... nobody can claim that the current AM2 board you're buying will work with AMD's Quad Core.. as it hasn't been tested or certified (vs Intel's current boards even shipping with "support for Intel's Next Generation Multi-Core CPU's" as quoted on the box and tested and certified by xtremesystems.org/forums).

Here's what I would do. First of all ditch the Antec Power Supply. For around the same price you can get an Enermax, Seasonic, OCZ or Forton power supply that will perform better (more efficiency and more stable 5v/12v rails). If you want proof.. just ask and I will provide.

Secondly we move from the highest end Intel 975x based motherboard to a mid-range Intel 965P based motherboard. The Gigabyte GA-965P-S3 Socket T (LGA 775) Intel P965 available for $124USD is perfect for your needs. With certified support for Intel's Quad Core CPU (Kentsfield) as well as being based on the best all around platform (Core 2) makes it a winner.

Thirdly we move to the segment about memory. With AM2's you need super duper highend PC2 6400 to get the most out of the system. Whereas Core 2's architecture doesn't get a boost from PC2 6400 but does rather well with PC2 5300 or 5400 and looser timings. So this is the part you save a bundle compared to AM2. We go for the G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5400) Dual Channel Kit System Memory for $169USD.

So on one side you have the slower AM2 rig with the CPU, Motherboard and RAM coming in at ~$474USD on the other you have a newer faster cooler running more future oriented (proven not speculatory) Intel Core 2 Duo platform for a mere ~$486USD.

Really... which one is the better deal here?

Woohoo fellow Canadians! <3
Thx for the replies guys, you're making my decision more fun! (I Think lol)

Anyways, will the proposed system Elmoisevil talked a better buy than my AMD one I listed? I'm worried that conroe is flawed since its so new and really don't want to blow up my computer while trying to put it together. I"m going to start ordering really soon! Help out a Canadian

Btw, sorry for the late repsonse, I just got back from a loooong 19 hour drive to Halifax for holiday weekend, Yarrr! Lobster Ahoy