Hello All!

After 2 years I've ordered the parts for a new system! The TH enthusiasts obviously have the experience to give me some advice on this new system configuration. Following is the hardware:

Intel E6600 Core 2 Duo
Abit IX38 Quad GT Mobo
GeCube HD3870x2-F3 Radeon HD graphics card
Thermaltake Toughpower QFan 650W SLI/Crossfire Ready PSU
Hanns G HW-223DPB 22" Widescreen LCD Flatpanel Monitor
Mushkin Redline 4GB (2x2GB) XP2-8000 Redline 5-5-5-15 2.1V
Thermaltake Tai Chi Chassis
Tuniq Tower 120 CPU Cooler
Vista Home Premium Edition x32

I think that covers it. I have been building my own systems for about 8 years, but this was a hard year for selecting hardware. Technology and innovation is moving so rapidly - I can't keep up with it. My concern was building a system that had longevity, but at this point I have resigned myself to making big changes about the same time in another year (Intel introducing a new cpu socket?). The honest truth is; I just couldn't wait and wanted something to work on right now!

I do a little video editing with Pinnacle Studio 11 Ultimate and after this build will start doing a little PC gaming (Half Life 2 episode 1 & 2). I expect a lot of troubleshooting due to drivers still maturing - but for me that's where most of the fun in building your own rig comes in, and when I learn the most when I have to troubleshoot.

Let me know what you think, any advice before the build, potential problems I might run into would be welcome. Will this rig have the chops to perform with my video editing or gaming (still debating core 2 vs quad-core)? Thanks in advance for taking time to look, I know you guys and gals get this all the time!

You've done a good choice of choosing nice high quality parts. I can't see any reason why any of that wouldn't work together. You are right about Intel coming out with the Nehalem range towards the end of 2008 but that shouldn't hold you back. I say this because its pretty impossible to have a 'new' pc part for more than 8 months in the modern world. If you wait for Nehalem, something else will be horizon and you could keep on waiting forever. If I was you, I would get a 45nm CPU now for this system. The price isn't that different if you get a Core 2 Duo.

As for core 2 duo vs core 2 quad, in your situation I would say quad due to your video editing. The Q9450 should be widely available soonish but if the price is too much for you, a Q6600 is still a very powerful chip for video editing.
If you don't want to spend on the quad cores then at least consider a 45nm C2D - probably the E8400. Theres no reason why, especially with that motherboard, you should get the E6600 when it supports 45nm so well.

Any more questions just ask.

Thanks for the compliment nzxtlexa! I must admit the processor was a real headache for me. I have just enough cash to upgrade to either a 45nm processor or quad-core, but I have been very pleased with my E6600 - it is an amazing cpu, I guess I just hate to see it go.

I'm researching the quad-core right now - just trying to educate myself, but your input is invaluable. I knew I couldn't go wrong posting on TH. Thanks again for the input!

No problem. Let me know if you have any more questions and what you decide to do.

lol, the Q6600 is our e6600, times 2! . well, it should be pretty good for ya ^^

Thanks for the input guys! I'm about $1300 out of pocket - but excited about upgrading and building a new system! I've opted to buy a quad-core processor (gonna miss my E6600!).

I plan to start working on this beast this Wednesday - as this is when all of my parts are due to arrive. I will keep you posted on the successes or failures if your interested - maybe even post a few pics? Thanks again.

good luck, and enjoy the build; any questions, we'll be glad to help out