first time build, feedback please

[rosellem]

I've decided to take the leap, and build for the first time. I'm trying to put together a budget gaming pc, under $1000. Heres what I have and I'd love some feedback.


Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3R LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard

Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 Conroe 2.66GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80557E6750

Case/psu: Rosewill R604TBLK-N 120mm Fan ATX Mid Tower Computer Case+450W Power Supply

Video card: MSI NX8600GTS-T2D256E-OC GeForce 8600GTS 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card

Ram: OCZ 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Desktop Memory Model OCZ2P800LP1G

Hard drive: Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD3200AAKS 320GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive

optical drive will be lifted from an old computer, as are peripherals (mouse/keyboard), monitor will be picked out later.

I'm not worried about the ram and hard drive, as they seem straightforward (i.e. hard to screw up), but a few questions on the rest:

1. How the heck do choose the motherboard? There are so many options, I chose one based on a comparison article, but I really don't know what makes one better than another, just know that it needs to fit your processor.

2. I like the processor for the money (I am on a budget). I have considered the quad 6600, but that would blow any remaining budget.

3. Am I crazy to get a psu/case combo? Its just so much cheaper. As with motherboards, there are so many options, I'm a little lost.

4. I know the geoforce 8800 is top of line, but i don't think I can afford it. the 8600 seems to be more bang for buck, still does 3D, and will run any game out right now (will it?). once i decide on 8600 v. 8800 what next? gt, gts? again lots of options.

Thanks for the feedback.

P.S. I might consider overclocking at some point.

 

[emp]

1.) You chose a great motherboard, the best P35 in my opinion.

2.) Don't worry so much, gaming is a lot more stressful on the video card (This is where you need to put serious money), and on top the quad is overkill for the time being, so if you can't afford it don't sweat it.

3.) Yep you are, PSUs are the single most important component in your system you'll need a decent unit... Rosewills are horrible choices.

4.) The 8600 doesn't run games all that well (Besides having a horrible bang/buck ratio), and with your budget there's absolutely no reason why to get it.

GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3R LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail [$130]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128050

Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 Conroe 2.66GHz 4M shared L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor - Retail [$195]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115029

CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail [$100 with $40 rebate]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145034

Western Digital Caviar SE WD3200AAJS 320GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM [$75]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136098

Antec NeoHE 500 ATX12V 500W Power Supply 100Vac to 240Vac +/- 10% UL, CUL, TUV, CE, FCC, CCC, CB, C-tick - Retail [$100]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817103940&Tpk=Antec%2bNeoHE%2b500

COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-UW Black Aluminum Bezel , SECC Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail [$50]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119068

And Either:

SAPPHIRE 100212SR Radeon HD 2900PRO 512MB 512-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - [$265]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102706

OR

EVGA 320-P2-N811-AR GeForce 8800GTS 320MB 320-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail [$290]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130082

Total is either $915 or $940, depending on which graphics card you choose.

 

[cory1234]

I would definitely go for the Radeon HD 2900PRO. Its better than then 8800gts. Best price/performance for any serious gaming imo.

 

[Guest]

I recently built a new system with the Q6600 on a Gigabyte P35-DS3R. That's a good mobo. It's working fine for me.

I had a problem with the 2x1GB of Patriot PC-6400 RAM I got. I updated the mobo bios to the latest version and have not been able to recreate the problem. Keep that in mind if you have any problem. Gigabyte has a good utility for updating the bios.

The Q6600 would probably be better for you but if cost is an issue the E6750 should be a good choice. You can always pick up a quad in a year or 2, probably for a better price.

Good luck.