Hello! About a month ago I thought I was ready to purchase all of components necessary for a new build. But then I got cold feet. Now I think I have it all figured out and my procrastination has put the new Intel processors within reach.

I have already purchased the hard drive, case and power supply. The power supply is a Antec TP3-550 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817371002

That is my first question - is that a decent power supply?

I still have a few other big questions outstanding.
My big question is about memory. I am planning on overclocking a little - maybe to 2.4 or 2.66GHz. Will this memory be ok? Should I go for faster memory? Something like DDR2 900?
Is it possible to purchase a FSB 1333 motherboard and upgrade the processor in a year or so with that memory?
Do I need a CPU fan?


Below are the remaining components...

Motherboard
GIGABYTE GA-965P-DS3 (maybe get a FSB: 1333 board???)
http://www.newegg.com/product/prod [...] 6813128012

CPU
Intel Core 2 Duo E6420 (2.13GHz) or Core 2 Duo E6600
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819115003

GPU
Foxconn FV-N88SMBD2-ONOC GeForce 8800GTS
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814186016

RAM
SUPER TALENT 2GB (2 x 1GB)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820609026

DVD
Sony NEC Optiarc Black 18X
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6827152079

Thanks a TON!

Good mobo and cpu.

I'd recommend an EVGA 8800GTS over a Foxconn. EVGA offers a lifetime warranty that allows overclocking.

From what I understand (I'm new to overclocking), DDR2-800 RAM is fine up to 400 FSB (which would be a 3.6GHz overclock on the E6600) so you should be fine.

If you are overclocking, you should definitely get a good cpu cooler. With the DS3, I'd also recommend a north bridge chipset cooler (~$15-20) as I've read the north bridge tends to run hot (no idea on other mobos).

DS3 is a 1333fsb board, as of the new revision 3.3.

Sigh. I don't suppose NewEgg has Rev 3.3 in stock yet or will exchange a Rev 2.0 for a 3.3 without charging the restocking fee? I just ordered a DS3.

Edit: Never mind. Looks like NewEgg has had Rev 3.3 since early March so it shouldn't be a problem.

The antec psu has 550w & 42a combined +12v that exceeds the 400w 26a requirements of the 8800 gts. Not bad a psu.

Must get rev. 3.3 ds3 or nothing if you want fsb 1333.

The default e6600 clock speed is 2.4 so there'll be no need for overclocking to 2.4/6. Unless you want to go higher like 3.0ghz+. 6600 is my fave chip that I have oc'ed to 3.5 on air.

If you're o/cing the 6420 to 2.4/6-ish, you could get by with stock cooling, but the intel fan is loud at full load. An aftermarket fan is not only for overclocking, but also quiet computing.

As to ram, I'd get any micron d9 chips. Brands & speed ratings don't matter as much. If you have no idea, how about buffalo firestix or g.skill HZ.

Foxconn has no or soon will have no support at the U.S. and many people have been complaining because they have their Foxconn/Leadtek cards dying on them within a few months, if I were you i'd go for eVGA, BFG, or XFX.