well it's been 6 years since I build my last system, figured now is the perfect time to build a new one
my budget is around $4.000 and my goal is to create the best gaming and a/v platform 4000 dollar can buy
my current build is something like this:
cpu = quadcore probably 6700
motherboard = asus striker II formula?
ram = 512 x 4 ddr2 / ddr3?
graphic card = 8800 gtx / ultra? not sure yet... (i prefer nvidia)
sound card = soundblaster xfi xtreme gamer
psu = haven't decided yet
cooling system = haven't decided yet
For processor, consider Q9450. It performs better than Q6700 and cost less at the same time. X38/48 chipset motherboard if you don't need sli, 780i/790i if you do. Keep in mind x38/48 has much higher fsb/overclock ceiling. Get at least a 700w powersupply, 2-4 12 volts rails, 30+amps each for 2, 20+amps each for 4.
Since you have money to burn, consider Dual Harpertown 45nm quad cores on Skulltrail server board for octo core solution.
I've heard the collors on nVidias 8 series aren't all that great. The 9 series is supose to be better.
why on earth are you looking at 2mb for a $4k computer??
get 8gb. there is a article on Tom's about setting up your computer for 8gigs. also remember, with memory prices dropping like they have been, 64 bit OS will become more and more prevalent and better suported. you can also dual boot 64 and 32 Vista. DDR3 isn't worth it yet, and I figure DDR2 is at or near its pinicle in performance, and probably as cheap as will ever get in the near future. If your stuck on a 32 bit OS get 4 gigs, that way you see 3.whatever. its not like its that much more. also get it in 2x 2 mb so you can upgrade easily in the future.
sound card come in 2 flavors.
1. gaming
2. music quality so you need to decide whats more important to you.
do you already have a monitor? if not put a good chunk of your budgetr there.
