First Time Build. Advice Needed

[dpfeifer]

I have been planning to build a new computer for months now. I plan on doing the build next week on my vacation. My budget is around $2500. I plan on using this for gaming/multimedia/all the other basic functions.



Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E6850 I don't want to OC.

CPU Cooler: No idea. Is it necessary to have one if you are not over-clocking?

Motherboard: This is one area where I am totally clueless. I was looking at this one. GIGABYTE GA-P35-DQ6 LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16813128046 I have no desire to OC or run SLI. I am not sure if this MB is overkill or not.

RAM: Crucial Ballistix 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16820146565

Video Card: EVGA 640-P2-N825-AR GeForce 8800GTS 640MB http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16814130080 I plan on using EVGA's step up program to upgrade to a 8900 whenever they are released.

Sound Card: Are these necessary anymore? I was looking at the Soundblaster X-Fi Xtreme Gamer.

HD: 500gb Seagate SATA (already purchased)

Optical Drive: Lite On DVD/CD RW (already purchased)

Case: Antec 900 (already purchased)

Power supply: This is another area where I am totally clueless. I want a modular one to keep the cables organized. Is this a good one? Thermaltake W0106RU 700W Power Supply http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16817153039

Monitors: I want to run 2 widescreen LCD's. Is the videocard good enough to do that? I will probably get something in the 22"-24" range.

OS: I haven't decided between Vista Home Premium and Ultimate. Which would you recommend? I'm confused on the 32 vs 64 bit decison too.



Any thoughts/suggestions? Thank you for all the help.

 

[Maziar]

looks very nice

 

[lunyone]

I have been planning to build a new computer for months now. I plan on doing the build next week on my vacation. My budget is around $2500. I plan on using this for gaming/multimedia/all the other basic functions.



Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E6850 I don't want to OC.

CPU Cooler: No idea. Is it necessary to have one if you are not over-clocking?

Motherboard: This is one area where I am totally clueless. I was looking at this one. GIGABYTE GA-P35-DQ6 LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16813128046 I have no desire to OC or run SLI. I am not sure if this MB is overkill or not.

RAM: Crucial Ballistix 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16820146565

Video Card: EVGA 640-P2-N825-AR GeForce 8800GTS 640MB http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16814130080 I plan on using EVGA's step up program to upgrade to a 8900 whenever they are released.

Sound Card: Are these necessary anymore? I was looking at the Soundblaster X-Fi Xtreme Gamer.

HD: 500gb Seagate SATA (already purchased)

Optical Drive: Lite On DVD/CD RW (already purchased)

Case: Antec 900 (already purchased)

Power supply: This is another area where I am totally clueless. I want a modular one to keep the cables organized. Is this a good one? Thermaltake W0106RU 700W Power Supply http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16817153039

Monitors: I want to run 2 widescreen LCD's. Is the videocard good enough to do that? I will probably get something in the 22"-24" range.

OS: I haven't decided between Vista Home Premium and Ultimate. Which would you recommend? I'm confused on the 32 vs 64 bit decison too.



Any thoughts/suggestions? Thank you for all the help.

Here's what I would do:

CPU: $280 shipped (saves $20) Quad Core, what can I say? Should be pretty future proof for a bit.
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz 2 x 4MB L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/product/Product.asp?item=N82E16819115017

PSU: $105 shipped - $45 MIR (if you trust MIR's) = $60!!! (saves $100) Can't beat it for that price!!
Antec NeoPower NeoHE 550 ATX12V 550W Power Supply 100 - 240 V UL, CUL, TUV, CE, FCC, CCC, CB, C-tick - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16817103941

Mobo: $137 shipped (saves $100) Good stable board will almost everything you would need. OC's too, but I know your not doing that for now.
GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3R LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128050

GPU: $537 - $20 MIR = $517 (add $170) Simply the best you can get right now. You'll still be able to use the "Step Up" program, if you can use it in 90 days from purchase date.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128050
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16814130072

Sound card? Not sure if you need one. Most onboard sound is good, unless you are really an audio buff.

OS: $112 Since this is the way things are going to be going, why not buy it and not have to worry about paying more later. Plus you'll be able to use more memory when the time comes (i.e. 4 gigs or more, without worry about it)
Microsoft Windows Vista 64-Bit Home Premium for System Builders Single Pack DVD - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116204
or get Ulimate for $180 (not sure if you would need though)
Microsoft Windows Vista 64-Bit Ultimate for System Builders Single Pack DVD - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116215

Total savings from your original build ~$50 or so. Not bad and you will still have a Rockin' Rig!!!

 

[Solariscs]

Hey there I agree with lun. But don't get Vista ultimate unless you need all the business stuff they include with it. Most people don't need it and can just get home premium which has all the goodies of Ultimate without the business stuff they will never use.

If you don't OC there is no need for another CPU cooler, the stock on will keep your cpu really cool anyways. The only reason to get one other than stock is if you want a silent system or if you want to OC.

If you have any questions let me know. Msg me anytime I'll be glad to help out . I pmed you too.

 

[akhilles]

Sorry you lost me right there when you said no o/c and picked ballistix which is best for o/cing.

Go with lunyone's suggestions.