Looking for input on finishing build

[litlrabi]

I'm nearly complete with the process of creating my new build, but I'm looking for some advice on where to finish it out.
I will be using the primarily for gaming, resolution 1280x1024 or lower. I play mostly RPG types of games, including Oblivion, but I'm not really a twitch FPS gamer (although being able to play those as well would be nice). I plan on continuing to upgrade this machine over time, but not right away or quickly.

I am going to try my hand at OC'ing this box, thus the extra cooling.

My current selections are as follows:

Antec P182
[strike]PC P&C Silencer 750W[/strike]Corsair 550VX
Gigabyte P35-DS3L
MSI GeForce 8600GTS 512MB DDR3
E2160
2Gig (2 x 1) Crucial Ballistix PC6400
WD Caviar 640GB 7200RPM HDD
1 Extra Scythe S-Flex SFF21F
Xigamatek HDT-S1283 HSF

I have some wiggle room in my budget, and I'd like to know where to put it - processor, video card or ram.
Specifically, I'm thinking of getting one or two of the following to replace their corresponding parts in the build.

MSI GeForce 8800GTS (G92) 512MB
E6750
4GIG (2 x 2) A-Data PC6400

I'm also considering the EP35C-DS3R mother board instead, to allow some more options in future upgrading (DDR3, RAID).

Finally, will the Corsair 550VX PSU handle a non-Crossfire/SLI system, or should I stick with the bigger PC P&C PSU (since it's on sale right now)?

Any comments on particular brands chosen would be appreciated as well, because the only basis I have are the reviews on Newegg.

EDIT: Assuming I can find one, would switching the processor to an E8400 (or E3110) make a difference in the choice in which component to upgrade?

Thanks

 

[oushi]

The Corsair 550VX will work fine. No need to get 750W unless you're planning to SLI/Crossfire.

I wouldn't bother with the DDR3 board. If you want raid, get the EP35-DS3R instead. By the time you would need to upgrade to DDR3 and it's affordable, you would probably be looking at getting a new system altogether.

I'm going to get a E2160 myself and then upgrade later when the prices drop. If you upgrade to a E8400 now, you probably won't upgrade your processor again since the socket 775 is headed for a dead end. The next time you upgrade, you'll have to buy a new mobo that will support the new Nehalems.

The first video card you linked goes to a 8600GTS but you referred to it as a 8800GTS. If you can afford it, I would upgrade it to the 8800GTS or at least a 8800GT/9600GT since that will get you the greatest performance increase compared to upgrading anything else on your system.

 

[litlrabi]

The card currently chosen is the 8600GTS, thanks and I'll fix that.

I noticed the A-Data 4Gig and the Crucial 2Gig are nearly the same price right now on Newegg. How is the quality of A-Data, or should I aim for different high end ram?

 

[oushi]

The A-data is good quality and has good reviews. However, take note that the A-data ram has 5-5-5-18 timing, while the Crucial Ballistix are 4-4-4-12. At the same price, I would go for the Crucial.

The rebate for the Ballistix ram expires 4/6, so make your decision on the ram soon.

 

[litlrabi]

I should note that the A-Data was 4 (2x2)gig, while the Crucial is 2 (2x1).

However, I noticed the mail in rebate puts 4 (4x1) gig Crucial at a better price than the A-Data. Will going 4x1 impact OC'ing potential and other performance (outside of synthetic benchmarks)?

 

[oushi]

I'm not too familiar with overclocking ram, so I'll let someone else give you better advice. Only thing I can tell you is that going 2x2GB will give you room to add in more sticks in the future, while going with 4x1GB will be maxing out all the slots.

 

[litlrabi]

Ok, today is the day I order. Any last thoughts or comments on my build? Input is appreciated.

My current selections are as follows:

Antec P182
PC P&C Silencer Crossfire Edition 750W
Gigabyte P35-DS3L
E2160
MSI GeForce 8800GTS (G92) 512MB
Crucial Ballistix 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2 800
WD Caviar 640GB 7200RPM HDD
1 Extra Scythe S-Flex SFF21F
Xigamatek HDT-S1283 HSF
Samsung SATA DVD Burner w/ Lightscribe
Arctic Silver 5 TIM

I chose to go back to the bigger PSU (and Crossifre edition as opposed to the regular 750W Silencer or Silverstone Zeus) because it was in price range, and has 2 8-pin PCIE connectors, for more flexibility for later upgrades (including to a X-Fire or SLI complete re-build). I also tossed in the burner because it was cheap.

 

[uguv]

Looks solid. Do you need an OS?

A few months down the road the E8400/Xeon E3110 should be less scarce so you could probably pick one up for a pretty painless upgrade.

 

[litlrabi]

That is what I was thinking. I plan on upgrading/adding different for a while, because I love to tinker with my machine.

For OS, I will be installing WinXP Pro 32 and 64 bit, and possibly Vista 32 bit. Family members with educational discounts are my friends.