First system build. Advice thougts?

[rustywood]

I am attempting my first ever build. Exciting!! After doing some research on the web I have decided on the major components I will use. Was hoping to have peoples opinions off here if I am on the right track. Basically I want the machine to be able to play most games at a high level also want to use it for graphic design.

Here are the components I plan to use.

Motherboard:
- Asus M2N-SLI Deluxe

CPU:
- AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core 3800+ Socket AM2 CPU

GPU
- 8800GTS 640MB

Ram
-2G DDR

HDD
- 200GB Sata

PSU
-450W

 

[emp]

You need a decent PSU for every build, the worst two places to skimp on a gaming build are the PSU and GPU. You're already skimping on one, don't.

Get either An Antec NeoHE 500, Antec NeoHE 550, Corsair 520HX, or Seasonic M12 500W. All are high quality units hovering around $100 that should provide way more than enough juice even for single GTX builds.

For ram you need DDR2 800 for amd based systems, otherwise they'll take a performance hit. Get something like Crucial Ballistix 2 x 1GB DDR2 800 ram. And also try to get a faster dual core if you can (if not it's fine).

My last thought is to change that ASUS board for another one, this in particular:

EVGA 122-M2-NF59-TR Socket AM2 NVIDIA nForce 590 SLI MCP ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813188016&Tpk=evga %2b590

 

[rustywood]

Why do you think I should change the motherboard? Anything in particular or the EVGA just better?

 

[emp]

I don't feel like ASUS has been living up to everyone standards now with overpriced motherboards and an infinite of problems with them (compatibility with Ram and PSUs to mention something). On the other hand eVGA is pretty much great on GPU and mobo.

 

[rustywood]

What about this motherboard as a replacement?

DFI LANPARTY UT NF4 SLI-DR EXPERT 939

 

[emp]

That sounds like a socket 939... I don't think your CPU will even fit there.