Need advice with a new gaming build

[mofish]

Hello everyone,
I am currently pricing out a new machine that I plan to order in a couple weeks or so, and I just need some opinions on my current part selection, and I was also curious if anyone could point me in the direction of a good SLI motherboard and a good RAM choice.

Heres what I have so far:
Case: XCLIO Windtunnel Fully Black Finish 1.0 mm SECC Chassis ATX Full Tower Computer Case http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811103011


Power Supply: CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX ATX12V / EPS12V 750W Power Supply 100 - 240 V UL, CE, CB, TUV, FCC, CCC
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006


Video card (x2): EVGA 640-P2-N829-AR GeForce 8800GTS SSC 640MB 320-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130317

Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037

Hard Drives (x2): Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3320620AS (Perpendicular Recording Technology) 320GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148140

Aftermarket cooling: XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233003



Any insight you guys could give me is much appreciated, and thank you in advance

Edit: Updated fan

 

[bpogdowz]

Cool case [:thegreatgrapeape:6]

I find that the Zalman CNPS 9700 generates awesome internal stirred up air rather than having a fan simply blow onto disssipation surface. Not only does the Zalman CNPS 9700 cool the CPU chip, it keeps the inside of the case flowin' too.

 

[xantech22]

if you don't have a mobo, i would definently recommend the evga 750! SLI FTW for about $180 at newegg.com. This board has everything you need and everything you don't need, So go "For The Win"

 

[mofish]

Are you talking about this one? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813188026&Tpk=evga%2b750i

The main qualm that I had with that board is that with two dual-slot PCIE cards it seems like I wouldnt have room for my wireless PCI card without hindering the cooling of the graphics cards

 

[cottonball]

I would swap the 8800GTS 640 you picked with the 512 ram models. Their offer greater performance and run cooler.

 

[mofish]

I would swap the 8800GTS 640 you picked with the 512 ram models. Their offer greater performance and run cooler.

Are you talking about this one? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814143119

OK so if I use that video card, I could also use this motherboard:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813188026
and this RAM:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145034
then it will have me sit at about 1250 if I only use one video card at this point, and then expand out to another in a couple months or so.

 

[Night-Stalker]

i agree, you should get 750i FTW from evga if you are near your budget. As for video cards, 2x 8800 GTS 512mb is a good choice. As for the cpu cooling, i haven't really heard about that brand but i would recommend a True 120 extreme and a scythe ultra kaze 3000 rpm 120mm fan. the scythe fan can push like 135cfm though it generates about 46dba. If you are going to stick to that cpu heatsink, i still recommend you getting a scythe ultra kaze 3000 rpm to replace the fan that comes with it, will give you better cooling be a few degrees probably.

 

[mofish]

Does anyone else have any suggestions as to my build? I think I'm gonna place the order in a short while so I'd like to have it all finalized

 

[mihirkula]

1) That GPU is a strict no-no! You get the MUCH FASTER 8800GT for $160 ... and the 8800GTS 512MB which is slightly faster than 8800GT for $200. Get one of them instead. Though the very best thing to do would be to wait for the new Radeon 4850/4870. They release later this month.

2) That PSU is overkill, even though its an SLI setup. You're better off with a Corsair 650TX of 550VX.

3) SLI isn't quite worth the money at the moment.... getting a single lightning fast card IMO is a much better option than an expensive SLI setup with underwhelming performance. Though if you do need to go for multi GPU mobo, go for X38 which supports Crossfire.

4)I like the Antec 900 more than that case you've chosen.

 

[mofish]

1) That GPU is a strict no-no! You get the MUCH FASTER 8800GT for $160 ... and the 8800GTS 512MB which is slightly faster than 8800GT for $200. Get one of them instead. Though the very best thing to do would be to wait for the new Radeon 4850/4870. They release later this month.

2) That PSU is overkill, even though its an SLI setup. You're better off with a Corsair 650TX of 550VX.

3) SLI isn't quite worth the money at the moment.... getting a single lightning fast card IMO is a much better option than an expensive SLI setup with underwhelming performance. Though if you do need to go for multi GPU mobo, go for X38 which supports Crossfire.

4)I like the Antec 900 more than that case you've chosen.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130337
I was revising it to use one or two of these, if using the new ATI card would be ideal then I can just use one for the time being and then pick up the fast ATI card later.

 

[mihirkula]

Get the MSI 8800GTS instead

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127325

 

[mofish]

Get the MSI 8800GTS instead

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127325

Is there a performance difference? I've always liked EVGA as a company

 

[mihirkula]

Acording to two different reviewers the MSI runs cooler.... also the other performance difference is on your wallet.

 

[mofish]

Hm...well I already ordered the final specced build, if I have any issues with the cooling on the card I'll just order an aftermarket cooling unit, thanks everyone for the advice