First I'd like to say that this will be my very first build, as I am due for a new PC (last one being a Dell). I'm not looking for a gaming PC (will probably be doing light gaming), but more in the needs for everyday use while im at school and heavy multimedia. I also want to be able to output HD content to an 1080p 42" (doing a 1920 x 1080 res). Since I do not purchase new computers quite often (Dell purchased 4 years ago), I want to be able to have room to upgrade with this PC as I want this to last me another 4 years. I'm just looking for a super fast computer(dont we all ) to handle everyday jobs with no lag.

My budget is $1500. Here is what I have come up with (no need for any peripherals), I'm looking to run 32bit Vista on it. I also plan on over clocking in the future.

Please let me know what you think and if certain parts will not work together. Thanks for your input!!

Processor $329.99
Intel Core 2 Duo E6850 Conroe 3.0GHz 4M shared L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor

CPU Fan $53.99
ZALMAN CNPS9500 LED 92mm 2 Ball Cooling Fan with Heatsink

Motherboard $219.99
ASUS P5K DELUXE/WIFI-AP LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard

Memory $209.99
CORSAIR Dominator 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500)

Video Card $164.99
MSI RX2600XT Diamond Plus Radeon HD 2600XT 512MB 128-bit GDDR4 PCI Express x16

Hard Drive $194.99
Western Digital Raptor WD1500ADFD 150GB 10,000 RPM 16MB Cache Serial ATA150 Hard Drive

Optical Drive $29.99
Samsung SH-S182D

Power $139.99
OCZ GameXStream OCZ700GXSSLI ATX12V 700W Power Supply

Case $129.99
Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

Total $1472.92

I know I can probably get it cheaper on other sites, but just wanted to use Newegg as a basis.

I'm also considering this motherboard, but it has not come out yet. I would consider this MB as my first option if it fits my needs better or there is no justification on paying more for the other board.

Motherboard 2 $154.99
ASUS P5K-E/WIFI-AP LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard

Thanks again!!

You're wasting money on the ASUS crapboard, the HDD, the ram, and the graphics card. ASUS boards come with their share of issues nowadays, and their rather extreme (and unjustified) price tag. Get a Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3R mobo, best single-card mobo out there.

That ram is a serious waste of money, especially if you're not an intensive user, try getting 2GB Crucial Ballistix DDR2 800 (Which is also overkill for your needs, but allows for overclocking in the future).

The only difference between a Raptor and 7.2k rpm drive like... a 500GB seagate barracuda is that you'll boot maybe 10-15 seconds faster into your OS and open applications maybe 1 or 2 seconds faster. Oh yeah, and you get VERY little space in return. I would only advise someone to get a raptor if they are truly in need of the extra speed (Video/photo editors, professional users, etc...)

That graphics is ok for watching movies, but with a nice CPU like that you won't need it's decoding capabilities, putting that aside, you could get a far more powerful graphics card for less in newegg, such as the X1950 Pro ($137) or 7900GS ($140).

I own a P5K-E Wifi and have not had an issue with it yet. Unless you want the extra LAN port or the extra heat pipe id save a bit and go with the P5K-E.

The RAM is overboard Dominator is expensive stuff id go with an 800mhz module.

The harddrive maybe over kill as well most of the 7200rpm drives arent that much slower than the raptors and you get more space.

Memory $112.99 Patriot PC2 6400
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820220144

HDD $109.99 WD 500Gb
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822136073


$1061.92

With the left over id get a better GPU

XFX8800GTS 320Mb $309.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814150173

Total $1371.91

Still with left over...

Thanks for all your input, I will make the appropriate changes.

Given the Patriot has a $50 rebate, I will probably go with that memory. Also, is it too early to try and get double the memory and go for 4GB?

I have another question regarding the processor. Looking at another thread here it seems that the Q6600 is better suited for my needs (better performance video/audio wise). If I decide to go wit the Q6600, how will this affect my setup? Should I go with the Q660?

Your probably right the Q6600 with more cores should suit your multithreading better than the E6850 it suits gaming more atm

IMO dont get 4Gb on a 32bit OS. It will not utilise it all.

For the coolers, I'm having trouble deciding between the Zalman and the Thermalright 120...as I am having second thoughts on getting the Zalman. I know the Thermalright is suppose to be better, but I am scared that the weight of it will have a long term affect on my board or somewhere in the future something will happen. Should I just stick to the Zalman? Are the differences in performance going to matter for my use? Thanks.

Note: There is a current promo $10 code for that PSU - 10344548271.
You will need to add yourself to neweggs mailing list to make it valid.

That drops the price to $89.99 after rebate.
A really insane price.
I wish I needed a PSU right now :>

ASUS P5K-E is almost identical to P5K DELUXE and its a lot cheaper , also E6850 is very good , u might want to get Q6600 , it depends on your needs :
http://anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/i [...] i=3038&p=8

Multimedia files can be big, so I agree that a bigger, cheaper, almost-as-fast "regular" drive would be the better choice; or, add one to your existing build just for data and maybe get the smaller Raptor for the O/S.
The RAM does look excessive. Others have posted good alternates.
Hard to say on the GPU. The suggested alternates would certainly be better for gaming, but you may have other reasons for your choice.
Nice PSU. Nice case. You might want to get a Retail package for the DVD drive in order to get the software. It adds $5-$10 to the price, but without it you'll need to download a decoder which will probably cost you somewhat more.

CPU: Try getting a q6600 with G0 Stepping. But to be honest that would be way overkill, a E6750 would bring enough power.
Ram: 2X1GB DDR2 pc6400/800 is just as much as you need.
Mobo: Gigabyte GA-P35-DS4(Has 2xEsata) or Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3R
Case: Antec p182 will be less noise and cooler( it has 3 fans and a nice layer to keep sounds out.

The GPU is a bit overkill for HD-DVD and blue ray streaming. I would maybe look at a 2600xt 256MB and GDDR3 to save some money
The PSU you picked is way overkill, try find a PSU 500W that is cheaper

Now whatever money you have left spend it on Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD5000AAKS 16MB 500GB you should have money left for at least 4 of them. Blue ray Movies (1080p) are about 10GB so you would have room for 45 movies/disk

I think I am going to go with the Q6600 and I'll make sure I get the one with G0 stepping.

Where can I get the retail version for that price? I cant seem to find one.

Also, I would like to use the WD Raptor for the OS. So I will probably just get a bigger HD if not now, later in the future.

The PSU right now is $99 according to zenmaster, which I think is a good discount from the original price. But, if this is too much power, can you recommend a good one for a much cheaper price?

The Corsair 450w is now going for about $69.

Do not let the relatively low wattage fool you, its a monster PSU.
Checkout http://www.jonnyguru.com which has a review on it and links to many other praising reviews of this little PSU that could.

The corsair does look like a good PSU, where can I get it for that price...lowest i've seen is $75.

Also, with the OCZ being only $90 after rebates, and the Corsair being $75...should I still go with the Corsair? or should I just pony up the $15 (eventually) and just get the OCZ?

I love you man! You just saved me $10 on my PSU purchase! Thanks!