$2k-- Help Build PC

[wyle]

Ok. Well its that time again where I need to upgrade my pc. I just bought the LVM-37w7 Monitor (http://www.westinghousedigital.com/details.aspx?itemnum=56) and want to build a decent system.

I need some opinions on what I need and should have. I know I want a GTX 8800 But not sure what processor I need. First off i'm not a overclocker. I woud like the ability to upgrade to sli 8800 gtx in the future if needed.

I found these parts for around 2400-2500$. Let me know what you think and if I should downgrade anything that is really overkill.

Case - Antec 900 w/ thermal take 700 watt power supply
cpu - QX6700
mobo - asus p5n32
ram - DDR 800 / 2 gig
Video - GTX 8800
HD - 75 gig raptor 10000 rpm

Please give me your suggestions. Would be awesome to get a nice build for about 2k$ cause I went a little overboard on that monitor... about 1200$ after taxes and shipping + 200$ for wall mount... Thanks! Most of the prices were found on pricewatch so the ram is a pretyt generic brand as well.

 

[pmr]

I'd change the mobo for a P965 or 680i

But if u want to spend less, re-think the CPU. Do you need it? Why did you choose it in first place? I know you're not into video apps because of hdd space. I'd go for the E6600 or the E6700 (already saving $500)

74Gb seems too short. Go big instead of faster. Or go big and fast (150Gb raptors in Raid 0 ) Or go bigger and not so faster (some 320 in Raid 0)

 

[wyle]

Mainly went for it because it was the newest greatest thing. So is e6700 one of the latest greatest for gaming ? It will last a while i hope my weakeness is cpu/ram knowledge Also what do you think would be a decent case/psu combo

 

[pmr]

Well, the top notch cpu is the X6800, and totally equal to the E6700 but runs at 2.93Ghz and comes unlocked, it doesn't worth the extra $500. Nor the E6700 IMHO, the E6600 is enough paired with a 8800gtx, although someone may say the opposite. Don´t bother with ram if you are not into OC. Just don´t pay too much for it. $80 per Gb is enough for ddr2 667.

As for the mobo, search for a 680i chipset and let the nforce 4 alone.

For the psu, this is enough for pairing two GTX - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817341001

The case is very personal choice, but beware of hdd bays arrangement, because you'll have to fit a 8800GTX

 

[wyle]

nice I will prob take your advice. atleast this way it will end up costing me just around 1600-1800$ I was thinking bout spending the extra and maybe getting 4 gigs of ram.

now regarding sound.. I have a sound blaster audigy plat card in my current computer. I was thinking of just switching that over to the new computer. Is there that much of a difference between the one i have now and the new current sound cards with the on board memory ? .... main problem I have with upgrading my card is that I use a fiber optic cable from my current plat card to my stereo system and I would have to pay an arm and leg for one of the more advanced cards to do that

 

[pmr]

The sound card is up to you. Integrated audio is very good nowadays, maybe you won't note the difference. But for now save your money. Later you decide if you need a sound card.

About the 4Gb...you like to spend money, don't you?
2Gb will do just fine for gaming, you won´t gain anything with more ram and tests proved it. At least for now.

 

[wyle]

I will just change out my old sound card then. Any specific cpu cooling options... like a particular fan ?

 

[pmr]

No, if not OCing the stock will do just fine. Be careful when installing the heatsink, because it's a little tricky. If it it for noise matters, don´t worry, it's very silent in a good case. I'd be concerned with the noise of the two 8800gtx if you like silent computing. But you can't do anything about it. (installing watercooling gives headaches )

 

[wyle]

Thanks for the info.

 

[wyle]

I'm sorry. in your earlier post you stated let the nforce 4 alone. do you mean dont get a nforce motherboard?

anyone know a decent motherboard for e6600 chip that would allow sli ?

 

[pmr]

Yes don´t go nforce 4.
For more ten bucks go 680i