First Time Mid-Range Computer Build

[OrBiTal-DeaTh]

Intro: Hello all this is not only my first Forum post but also relating to my first Computer Build Project. I have been playing games for the PC and every other counsel for the past 15 years, yet somehow I have never built my own rig. Come to find out that its not as hard as I have always come to think. The past few weeks have been hell though LEARNING and researching about all the hardware out there I feel like I’ve stepped into a new world seeing it with semi-virgin eyes.

The Project: To build the best gaming rig I can for around $1,500. The result to have a computer that doesn’t chock up when running multiple programs, and to have a very good gaming experience were I’ll be able to for the first time MAX out the video states for the game. ( I don’t play crysis and I don’t expect $1,500 to max that out). Also to have upgrade potential for the next 1-2 years.

My preferences: Nvidia GPU, 22" LCD screen, Intel Core 2 Quad, At least 4gb of RAM, a Gaming Case with neon lights and side window. (if any of my preferences don’t match my desired results I’m open for suggestions)
Based on all previous recommendations I decided not to go SLI, this is What I have so far and I still need help deciding between Case, PSU, HSF, and Board: (Please check for overall compatibility, quality, OC capability, and relation to the overall "project")
Case:
Thermaltake Armor Series VA8003BWS Black Full Tower Case w/ 25CM Fan - Retail
Model #: VA8003BWS or
Thermaltake SHARK VA7000BWA Black Aluminum ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Retail Model #: VA7000BWA or
Thermaltake Armor Series VA8000BWS Black Aluminum / Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Retail Model #: VA8000BWS or
SILVERSTONE KUBLAI Series KL03B-W Black 2.5mm aluminum front door, 0.8mm SECC body ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail Model #: KL03B-W
CPU:
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor Model BX80562Q6600 - Retail Model #- BX80562Q6600
GPU:
EVGA 512-P3-N841-AR GeForce 8800GTS (G92) 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail Model #- BFGE88512GTSE
Monitor:
SAMSUNG 2253BW Black 22" 2ms(GTG) DVI Widescreen LCD Monitor - Retail (8000:1)Model #- 2253BW
Memory:
CORSAIR XMS2 DHX 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model Model #- TWIN2X4096-6400C4DHX (later will add another 2gb-4gb)
Hard Drive:
Western Digital Caviar SE WD5000AAJS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM Model #- WD5000AAJS (later will add another 500gb or 750gb)
HSF:
ZEROtherm Nirvana NV120 120mm 2-ball UFO Bearing / Transparent CPU Cooler - Retail Model #: Nirvana NV120 or
Thermalright Ultra-120 CPU Cooling Heatsink - Retail Model #: Ultra-120
PSU:
CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX ATX12V / EPS12V 650W Power Supply - Retail
Model #: CMPSU-650TX or
SeaSonic S12 Energy Plus SS-650HT ATX12V / EPS12V 650W Power Supply - Retail Model #: SS-650HT or
ABS Tagan ITZ Series ITZ700 ATX12V / EPS12V 700W Power Supply - Retail Model #: ITZ700
Board:
ABIT IP35 Pro LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail Model #: IP35 Pro or
GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS4 LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Dynamic Energy Saver Ultra Durable II Intel Motherboard - Retail Model #: GA-EP35-DS4 or
ASUS P5E LGA 775 Intel X38 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail Model #: P5E or
DFI LP UT P35 T2R LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail Model #: LP UT P35 T2R.
Audio: I will not be using 5.1 surround sound or anything close to that so I think any AGU that comes with board should suffice.

Im leaning towards ASUS P5E LGA board cause it does have PCI 2.0x16 capability for my GPU which may give me little boost. But out of all my board choces Newegg has rated the ASUS one the worst, does anyone have experiance with that board?
Probably going with the Corsair CMPSU-650 just cause i know the brand and its well rated.

Can anyone please give me an idea of what I can expect with this set up, so I can re-evaluate my expectations. Will I be able to play games like COD4, BFME2, WOW, BF2142 at max stats? And I've always wanted to be able to run 5-10 applications at once, including video software without my computer turning into molasis will this rig be the difference ive always wanted?

SO what would you all go for? Any Compatibility issues? Am I missing anything?

 

[portal]

What about the new 45nm chips?

 

[random1283]

Ok Orbital death that seems pretty good
The CPU, GPU, HSF, Monitor, Memory and HDD are all good selections and are good quality. Nice work.
For the PSU get the Corsair or the Seasonic which everones cheaper, as they are infact the same PSU by Seasonic but rebranded. But they are very good quality and reliable.
The Case Should be the Armour as its very good quality and is larger than the others (Full Atx). And its fans have lots of pretty lights.
You are right about the board the ASUS one is the best choice no matter the newegg reviews. It comes with the most features and is and X38 chipset which gives a small performance boost.
Once again good work and good luck with your new build

 

[chuckm]

This is the best deal on the Corsair power supply that I know of;
http://www.buy.com/prod/corsair-tx-650w-atx12v-power-supply/q/loc/101/206178324.html

If you're doing a 500 Gb hard drive, go with this one;
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148288

As far as the cooler, read this;
http://www.tomshardware.com/2008/02/20/cpu_cooler_charts_2008/page15.html
Then get this one, again the best deal I've found;
http://www.mwave.com/mwave/skusearch.hmx?SCriteria=BA24691

 

[oushi]

I believe the TX series is actually OEM by Channelwell not Seasonic. Nonetheless, it's a fine choice. I personally think going with the X38 without planning to Crossfire is a waste of money right now. I would pick either the Gigabyte or Abit board. Considering your needs, I might even get one of their cheaper models...

 

[OrBiTal-DeaTh]

Thanks all, this build version is the 3rd one, so I take a lot of pride in what I've learned and the choices I've made so far. Its come along way let me tell you.

talking to a noob here, what do you mean 45nm chips?

-Can anyone please give me an idea of what I can expect with this set up, so I can re-evaluate my expectations. Will I be able to play games like COD4, BFME2, WOW, BF2142 at max stats? And I've always wanted to be able to run 5-10 applications at once, including video software without my computer turning into molasis will this rig be the difference ive always wanted?

-SO Any Compatibility issues? Am I missing anything?

 

[chuckm]

talking to a noob here, what do you mean 45nm chips?

The newest chips from Intel based on a new manufacturing process, the E8400 being the most popular. The problem is, they are sold out at the moment, at least until the end of the week. Newegg says ETA is 3/28.

Why run 5-10 apps at once? Maybe it's just me but that's some hard core multitasking.