Sub $1K System + Monitor and a few side questions!

[Velathawen]

Hey again guys! I recently built a new system for myself with your advice/input and it worked out quite well so thanks again! I'm currently trying to put together a relatively cheap computer for my friend to play games with. He will need to get a monitor as well as the computer, and we're thinking of spending 700-800 on the computer and about 200 on a monitor. Of course, the less we spend the better, he's short on cash at the moment

As an added side note, I want to try to keep things simple. As such, we will probably be running at stock speeds and air cooling. Also, there is no immediate rush to get the parts asap as was the case with me, so input on upcoming alternatives would also be appreciated. As stated above, this computer will be for general purpose gaming. We will not be doing any graphics/video editing on it whatsoever. Here goes!

CPU - Intel Core 2 Duo E6550 Conroe 2.33GHz LGA 775 Processor $169.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115030
- For the processor, I'm wondering if I should spring the extra $20 and get the 6750 instead or whether I should even drop down a bit to save money.

Motherboard - ASUS P5K-V LGA 775 Intel G33 ATX Intel Motherboard $139.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131184

Memory - Crucial Ballistix 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory $74.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146565

Graphics Card - EVGA 256-P2-N751-TR GeForce 8600GT 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 SLI Supported Video Card $109.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130085

Hard Disk - Western Digital Caviar RE WD3200YS 320GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive $89.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136053

Optical Drive - ASUS 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA $30.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135157

Power Supply - OCZ GameXStream OCZ600GXSSLI ATX12V 600W Power Supply $114.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341001

Case - NZXT Apollo Black SECC Steel Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case $69.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146025
I've been building SSF most of the time, so I haven't really looked into this area. If there are better alternatives please let me hear them!

Total Cost without Monitor - $800.92

Monitor - I'm actually completely clueless in this part. I've looked around and read a few reviews but I still can't seem to find something that I like.

A few questions about this build:
1. About the video card, I'm a bit torn as to what to do. I have an EVGA 8800 GT KO sitting in my case and it's running everything great. But the card is still relatively expensive especially since we are on a slightly stricter budget. At the same time, the current most graphics intensive game that he plays is wow, and I'm sure the 8600GT would have no problem keeping up with it. The problem is whether it will last, though EVGA does have the step up program to keep in mind.

2. Should I opt for an SLI ready motherboard instead?

3. He's thinking of putting in a TV tuner as well, but I'm wondering if it will be worth it given the $200 monitor we will be getting.

Side question -

I am currently using a Lanbox Lite, and I've read around and seen that motherboard temps around 40C and 8800GT temp around 70 on load are normal, but I'm wondering if there are any additional cooling methods that I can add to lower the temp. I live in the dorms, and we have automatic heating so sometimes the ambient temp can get a bit hot.

Thanks a lot as always!

 

[akhilles]

You can build an 8800 PC for 500 bucks. Tom's has an article. Look it up.

 

[g-paw]

It doesn't sound like he would likely want to go with SLI so you could save getting something like a P35 Gigabyte or ASUS mobo without SLI, they're less than $100. You could save on a case, the Centurion is nice and good get something like an 550w FSP PSU. With the save, upgrade the video card. Of the 2 CPUs, the 6750 would be the $20.
For gaming the video card is more important than the CPU if you need anymore tradeoffs.