I feel like blowing $3,000us. Let me know if I missed something.

[The_Baron_64]

Hi all!

Long time reader first time poster.

I have an old junker machine that I've been too lazy to replace until now. It's a P4 2.4ghz with 512mb of ram and an old ati 9600. I plan on still using after I get my new rig so this build must include everything. I also have a PS3 collecting dust(compulsive buy because they didn't have a Wii) that needs to be connected to a 1080p tv. I'd love to play Bioshock and Spore at 1920x1080 with 40-60fps. So this is what I've come up with...

47" Lcd 1080p Monitor - $1,599.98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16889234003

Evga 8800GTX - $514.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130072

Intel Q6600 - $289.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130072

Evga/Nvidia 680i Mobo - $199.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813188013

*Crucial Ballistix (4GB) - $139.98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146565

[strike]A-Data DDR2 800 (4GB) - $60.99 ($121.98)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211174[/strike]

Silverstone 750W PSU - $159.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817256006

Western Digital 320gb HD (x2) - $74.99 ($149.98)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136098

Xclio Case (Will the 8800 fit?)- $49.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811103009

Samsung DVD Burner - $33.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151141

*Tuniq Tower 120 CPU - $64.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835154001

[strike]Zalman 9700 (Will it fit?)- $59.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118019[/strike]

Logitech G5 - $45.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826104191

Logitech G11 - $53.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823126009

Total: $3,280.85

I have a feeling I've missed something... But thanks for taking the time to read this and any input is appreciated.

*update or new addition

 

[AdamJ]

Operating system. Vista Ultimate, XP Pro. Might want to consider a full tower case. If you arent going to do SLi then you might want to consider getting a P35 mobo.

 

[The_Baron_64]

64bit xp? Vista still having problems keeping up gaming wise? If not then maybe Vista.

 

[Seraphic]

You might want to take a look at this for a CPU cooler over the Zalman. I hear it's better. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835109140

Also, how is that A-DATA Extreme Edition ram? I was looking at this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146565

 

[AdamJ]

Ive been using vista ultimate 32 bit for a very long time and I havent came across a problem with gaming. BIOSHOCK demo runs smooth for me. Source games are good and so is Quake 4 and others. I wouldnt know about 64bit though. If you stay with 32 bit you still will be able to use like 3.5 gigs with that system.

 

[The_Baron_64]

You might want to take a look at this for a CPU cooler over the Zalman. I hear it's better. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835109140

Also, how is that A-DATA Extreme Edition ram? I was looking at this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146565

Having no fan on my cooler scares me. And I have no idea the quality of the A-data ram. But it is $20 cheaper with the same timings and less voltage required. If you have any bad reviews about a-data please let me know.

AdamJ

Looking at Full tower cases it seems that most are almost the same dimension as the one I picked. 17.8 x 7.3 x 16.3

If the new Nvidia card comes out within the next 3 months I'll do their trade up program. If not, the SLI option will be nice to have just in case.

Thanks for all the advice guys and gals, keep it coming!

 

[chookman]

Id get the Ballistix the Seraphic suggests...

Id also look at a Gigabyte or Asus board with P35 if you arent going SLI

The screen looks good, it would still concern me that its a westinghouse though.

I would also got the G15 over the G11 simply cause i have one and the LCD is good novelty value.

 

[randomizer]

You missed the part where you are meant to spend the money on me
If I can find $100 australian, I'm happy.

 

[Seraphic]

Having no fan on my cooler scares me.

It comes with pins (from what I understand) to allow you hook up a 120mm fan onto it.

 

[AdamJ]

Im pretty sure the 120 ultra extreme would still be better than the zalman 9700 even w/o a fan. go with the ultra extreme

 

[The_Baron_64]

Id get the Ballistix the Seraphic suggests...

Id also look at a Gigabyte or Asus board with P35 if you arent going SLI

The screen looks good, it would still concern me that its a westinghouse though.

I would also got the G15 over the G11 simply cause i have one and the LCD is good novelty value.

Money is not an issue but is an issue, if you know what I mean. I like trying for the minimalist/performance build with potential room for future upgrades. This will be a stay at home pc so no need for additional case leds and other lan party bling.

So far Ballistx:2, A-Data:0
Looks like I'm getting the Ballistx.

Will I be taking a big performance hit if I used the 680i over the P35? If so I'll switch over. But I do like the idea of potential SLI in the future. and I really don't want to overclock a lot if at all.

Thanks!


Randomizer, checks in the mail

 

[airblazer]

If you fancy going SLI in the future then definitely stick with the EVGA board. I'd recommend a Tuniq Tower 120 as a cpu cooler as previous versions of the Q6600 can run hot unless you're getting the latest G0 release.
If you're getting 4 gigs of ram get a 2 x 2gig kit as this leaves you open to upgrading to 8gb in the future if you fancy it or it's required. No point in wasting money on 4 x 1 gig and deciding a year later to expand to more memory.
I'd definitely change the case. It makes no sense to splash on all the other components and then skimp on the case.
You want a nice big case with plenty of airflow to cool those expensive components you plan to put inside of it.
I'd hate for you to screw up your pc by putting it in a $50 case with crap ventilation. Sure it's probably good for a standard config but when you're putting in quad-cores and GTX's there's a lot of heat being generated. I guarantee you that if you put your listed components into that chassis you are going to run into heat issues and thus instability and possible damage to those parts.
You'd be looking at approx $120 + for a good case. Try and get one with room for plenty of fans.
My one is the Silverstone Temjin TJ09 and has slots for 5 x 120mm fans. Nice and cool inside. It's expensive though.
Coolermaster also have a nice looking gamers case just out.
For the PSU I'd also change it. It's not a modular one and you're limited to a certain number of cables.
With a modular model the cables can be removed and added to it as you please. This allows for better cable management and thus better airflow and less heat. I'd go for Corsair's 620w model. This is SLI certified and can easily run SLI + quad-core. I was using it in my previous system (Q6700+ GTX) and would have no qualms about buying another one. You can order get more cables from Corsair who'll quite happily send them out to you.
Hope this helps.

 

[GenericName]

I'm running Vista 64 bit and haven't had 1 problem with anything. I just installed all Adobe products last night and they run fine as well.

btw - that monitor is too small - you should consider something larger 8^)