New C2D E6600

[siegmundvw]

Hi, this is the first system I've put together in awhile so I would like your input. I will be doing mainly programming (big compiles), and some gaming. Going with a Dual monitor setup and dual boot linux/windows xp. I probably won't be doing any overclocking, but I want a system that will last without major upgrades. Would be willing to go up to $1000, but would like to stay in the $800 range. Here's what I'm planning on getting:

Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 Conroe 2.4GHz 4M shared L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor $227
GIGABYTE GA-965P-DS3 LGA 775 Intel P965 Express ATX Intel Motherboard $130
SAPPHIRE 100176L Radeon X1950PRO 256MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Video Card $150
Patriot 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory $95 (Do I want dual chnanel?)
LITE-ON 16X DVD±R DVD Burner with 12X DVD-RAM Write and Replaceable White Front Panel Black SATA Model SH-16A7S-06 - Retail $34
Seagate Barracuda 7200.9 ST3400833AS 400GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive $100

Total = $736 (+tax/shipping). Let me know what you think, I'm a newbie! I'm especially wondering about whether I want Dual Channel memory or not. Thanks!

 

[alcattle]

Nice start. All current systems use DDR2 memory. Since you are not overclocking, go with 667mhz value RAM, all you will ever need, speed wise.
One change on the HD drives, get a small drive to boot from, and then a data drive for your work and data. About 80/160gb and a 250/320 gb works well. Also you got the right brand but you want model 7200.10, make a few changes that are worth the effort to find.

 

[scoot241]

Looks pretty solid. For dual channel to operate, you need a matching pair of memory modules (which is what you will get in that memory set). Otherwise, the motherboard will revert to single channel. Dual channel is faster. So, yes you do want dual channel, but any matching pair (same speed, same size, same latency) of memory modules would give you dual channel.

 

[goldragon_70]

good build + what alcattle said, and what scoot241 said.