After years of upgrading store-bought systems with new HDs, RAM, video cards, etc., I've finally decided to take the plunge on building my own from scratch, largely due to dropping prices on RAM, C2Duos, and HDs. Plus, I can pick my own components. If you can please offer any suggestions about my planned build, I would greatly appreciate it!
Total budget is approx $1,000
Already purchased:
Ultra Wizard ATX case (got free after rebate)
Corsair 520W PSU
Seagate 320GB SATAII 7200.10 HD
Currently eyeing for rest:
Windows XP Home (going to wait 6-8 months until most Vista issues worked out)
Mobo: Gigabyte GA-965P-DS3 rev 3.3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128012
Memory: G.Skill 2x1GB DDR2-800
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231098
CPU: Intel C2Duo E6600 (probably buy after Q2 price drop)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115003
DVD1: Lite-On LH-20A1s
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106057
DVD2: Pioneer DVR-112D
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827129007
VIDEO: Undecided, but can budget in $200-250 range. Would a 320MB 8800GTS be too little memory? Should I wait to get one of the soon to be released 8600 series? I would like something DX10 for when I go to Vista, but right now ATI doesn't have anything out.
I plan to overclock the CPU moderately, but nothing bleeding edge. I'm more concerned with stability than with cutting edge performance. Thanks in advance for any suggestions or compatibility warnings you can give.
Total budget is approx $1,000
Already purchased:
Ultra Wizard ATX case (got free after rebate)
Corsair 520W PSU
Seagate 320GB SATAII 7200.10 HD
Currently eyeing for rest:
Windows XP Home (going to wait 6-8 months until most Vista issues worked out)
Mobo: Gigabyte GA-965P-DS3 rev 3.3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128012
Memory: G.Skill 2x1GB DDR2-800
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231098
CPU: Intel C2Duo E6600 (probably buy after Q2 price drop)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115003
DVD1: Lite-On LH-20A1s
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106057
DVD2: Pioneer DVR-112D
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827129007
VIDEO: Undecided, but can budget in $200-250 range. Would a 320MB 8800GTS be too little memory? Should I wait to get one of the soon to be released 8600 series? I would like something DX10 for when I go to Vista, but right now ATI doesn't have anything out.
I plan to overclock the CPU moderately, but nothing bleeding edge. I'm more concerned with stability than with cutting edge performance. Thanks in advance for any suggestions or compatibility warnings you can give.