is everything in my build compatable? Is this build ok for gaming?

[nudgedoink]

hi guys, this is my build so far :

processor:
ASUS M2 N 32 SLI PREMIUM + AMD athlon 64 6000+

Graphics card:
ASUS EN8600GTS 256mb DDR3 HDCP (is this an alright card for gaming?)

Memory:
Kingston DDR2 667Mhz PC5300 1GB x 2

HDD:
Seagate 400mb 16mb SATA

DVD writer:
samsung 20x SH-S202/SH-S202

Power supply:
SILVERSTONE ZEUS EPS-12V 650W ATX Power Supply

OS:
Windows Vista Home Premium (err, im not sure if i should get this. Any other recommendations? i'll be gaming)

monitor:
unsure (how does this affect power supply?)

Casing:
unsure (is this vital?)

 

[ibleet]

I would go for the 8800GT if you plan on playing the newest games. You won't be happy with the 8600 as it doesn't even come close.

Your monitor does not plug into your PSU, it plugs either directly into a wall socket or your UPS.

The most vital thing about casing is airflow and cooling.

 

[terror112]

I would use Windows XP instead of Vista. Just because of the gaming performace difference. Unless you intend to use dx10. For the video card go with the 8800GT or even the new AMD 3870. Both would be a good deal. otherwise everything in the build looks fine.

 

[San Pedro]

Agree with 3870 or 8800GT comments.
I like Cooler Master cases, they are cheap and keep cool, plus I don't like flashy cases. You should probably get PC6400 ram instead of 5300 for that AMD build.

 

[nudgedoink]

thanks all for the comments! hm.. i'm just afraid windows xp will be outdated for games in the near future and it'll be a waste of my money getting it =(

 

[SiriusStarr]

I'd definitely go for the 8800GT, as it trashes the 8600 in benchmarks. I'd also recommend 800 Mhz (6400) RAM.

 

[Blackra1n]

depends on your budget, if you want full 800Mhz out of your RAM you'll need to get either a 5600 or 6400, and I think you mean 400GB for your HDD which isn't bad (I got WD3200AAJS and I've got dozens of games on it) depending on how much you can spend you spend, a 3850 costs about the same as 8600GTS and will destroy it in any game or a 3870,
or if you got plenty of money, can find one, don't mind pumping heat back into your case and don't mind losing visual quality for frames you should go for an 8800GT

 

[nudgedoink]

all very appreciated comments! hm, another question, is it necessary for me to install additional cooling fans?

 

[ibleet]

You only need additional cooling if either A. Case sucks and does not have good cooling. B. You are overclocking. Otherwise you should be fine with stock cooling.

 

[nudgedoink]

icic. besides all that is there anything i have missed out? do i have too much power supply?

 

[evongugg]

For your PSU, you only need about 25-26 amps on the 12v rails, based on your original post.
Look at the labels on the PSUs or pictures of them.
Top Tier PSU:

http://www.tomswiki.com/page/Tiered+PSU+Listings?t=anon

 

[evongugg]

This would work with your build:

FSP Group (Fortron Source) AX400-PN ATX12V 400W Power Supply 120/220 - 240v NEMKO, TUV, CSA, IEC, UL, CE - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817104953

 

[bc4]

Get the 64 bit version of Vista, it does fine and should only improve when SP1 comes out

 

[mimart7]

Get the 5000 + Blackbox, great OC potential, and get the 8800 GT, whether or not you go with Vista or XP, or Vista 64, the parts you are choosing in all probability have drivers of Vista 64 bit. Good choices for parts. The 5000 + will use less power than the 6000 +, the 5000 + is rated @ 65 watts. Get an after market heatsink and fan, just make sure they willl fit in the case. People like Ultra 120 Extreme, and the Zalman 9700, both are excellent choices for air cooling. Newegg has lots of great wide screen monitors for all budgets. I bought a Sceptre 20" wide screen for well under $200, not top of the line but good enogh for gaming, and no dead pixels.

 

[nudgedoink]

ok. so i've modified my build to

processor:
gigabyte GA-M59 SLI S4 + AMD athlon 64 6000+

Graphics card:
8800GT 512mb DDR3

Memory:
Kingston DDR2 800Mhz PC6400 1GB x 2

HDD:
Seagate 400mb 16mb SATA

DVD writer:
samsung 20x SH-S202/SH-S202

Power supply:
ANTEC TruePower Trio 650W ATX Power Supply

OS:
Windows XP Pro
monitor:
unsure

Casing:
NZXT Lexa Blackline

does everything look fine and compatible to you guys? as this casing has good stock cooling, i was thinking of just getting a fan for the graphics card as it would get rather hot. They do sell fans solely for graphics cards, dont they? i was wondering if any of you may have sugguestions on what fans to buy =) another question, how would i know if everything fits the case?