First time building

[jas83]

Hey guys I'm pretty new to this but have been trying to put together a computer in the $1000 range. Mostly will be used for gaming, play a lot of WoW, also watching movies and such, let me know what you think or anything you would change...thanks again

Processor: AMD Athlon 64 X2 5200+ Windsor 2.6GHz 2 x 1MB L2 Cache Socket M2 Processor

Motherboard: ECS KA3 MVP (V1.0A) Socket AM2 AMD 580X CrossFire ATX AMD Motherboard

Video Card: GeForce8800 GTS 320Mb

RAM: CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory

Case: RAIDMAX SMILODON ATX-612WBP Black SECC STEEL ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 500W Power Supply

Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 (Perpendicular Recording) ST3250820AS 250GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s

Burner: SAMSUNG Black 18X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 18X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2M Cache IDE DVD Burner With LightScribe Technology

Ok well I think that pretty much covers everything, I have monitor and mouse and keyboard obviously and I'm pretty sure these come with a sound card, hopefully...Also will be purchasing Vista, hopefully the few bugs will be worked out soon...let me know what you think. Any help is greatly appreciated

 

[lostandwandering]

All in all it's a good build (this should really be in the general homebuilt, but it doesn't matter). People will tell you that if you want the best performance right now, you should get a Core2, but the X2 5200+ will be fine. I don't have much experience with AMD mobos so get more opinions on that. Maybe consider a raptor drive for faster load times, only if you are willing to spend the cah though, it's not necessary. You may be able to find cheaper RAM, some people tend to think that Corsair is overpriced. As far as the GPU, what res does your monitor display? You may want to consider the 640mb if you play at high res (1600x1200 or higher).

akhilles makes a good point. I failed to notice the stock case PSU. Avoid PSUs that come with cases, they are usually low quality. Something like the Corsair HX520 should do nicely.

 

[akhilles]

The part I'd swap out immediately is the psu. For a fully built single 8800gts pc, get a psu with 400w 26a or more:

http://forumz.tomshardware.com/hardware/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&p=1491365#1491365

 

[chedrz]

Personally, I'd look at a different motherboard. There's no point to getting a Crossfire-capable motherboard with an Nvidia graphics card. If you're looking at eventually doing a dual video card setup, look for an Nforce 570 SLI or Nforce 590 SLI chipset. If you're thinking single card for the longrun, you can get a motherboard for $90 (or less if you look hard enough).

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128014
Dual card motherboard

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131022
Single Card motherboard

Also, I agree with changing out the power supply. I'd also recommend the Corsair HX520. I've used it in a build with an 8800GTS for a friend, and he couldn't be happier. Plus, it's modular. Less cables=better airflow.