So, here is my build...

DFI LANPARTY DK P35-T2RS LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - $130
http://www.newegg.com/product/prod [...] 6813136043

Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor - $200
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819115037

XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler - $38
http://www.newegg.com/product/prod [...] 6835233003

EVGA 640-P2-N829-AR GeForce 8800GTS SSC 640MB 320-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 - $220
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814130317

EVGA 512-P3-N841-AR GeForce 8800GTS (G92) 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 - $250
http://www.newegg.com/product/prod [...] 6814130325

Creative Sound Blaster SB0570 Audigy SE 7.1 Channels 24-bit 96KHz PCI Interface Sound Card - $30
http://www.newegg.com/product/prod [...] 6829102002

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - $85
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820231122

CORSAIR CMPSU-550VX 550W ATX12V V2.2 Power Supply 90 - $100
http://www.newegg.com/product/prod [...] 6817139004

I already have this case

COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-WW Black/Silver Aluminum Bezel, SECC Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/product/prod [...] 6811999344


I'm good on my hard drive, monitor, mouse, keyboard, speakers, etc.


I am going to be overclocking the RAM, CPU, and vcard pretty much as far as I can take them so a stable power supply is a must. I was thinking something in the 550-700 W range. I know watts aren't the important spec and it's more how many amps the PSU can deliver, but beyond that I'm totally lost. Also, if you have any suggestions/changes to the build feel free to chime in. I know the gigabyte P35 board will be cheaper, but I really enjoy overclocking and the DFI board will give me the control I'd enjoy.

This computer will be a gaming rig. The current machine I have (AMD 64 3200+, 7600 GT, 1 gig of ram...) is pretty much at it's limit with modern games (Oblivion (with tons of mods), Bioshock, Assassin's Creed, UT3, and others like those). I'm hoping this new rig will be a good sized upgrade.

Thanks in advance

I still think you ought to get the Gigabyte P35 DS3x....it overclocks very well and saves you a lot of $$

That GPU is a strict no-no! You need the G92 8800GTS 512mb. $204

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814121218

The Corsair 550VX is an excellent choice for your PSU. $70

http://www.buy.com/retail/usersear [...] isplay=col

The mobo is an excellent overclocker, but your cooling will be limiting you to what other good P35 boards can do. In short, don't waste your money on DFI unless you have the right cooling for the job - extreme overclocking.

Also, if you read newegg's user commments, you confirmed the hsf wouldn't fit on the mobo, but they said the chipset hsf gets very hot and can't be replaced w/o voiding warranty. That's a big no no for overclockers.

You can pick up a GA-P35-DS3L for $90 and the crap NB sink can be removed in seconds. No voiding warranty. Overclock all the way to chinatown. Or ASUS P5K-E. Removeable hsf.

Had it not been the warranty sticker on the DFI's hsf, I would've bought the same bought. It's like dad gives you a Ferrari, but not let you go over 40mps. No thanks. I'll take a souped-up Civic any way.

The ram isn't up for the job. You want to o/c the fsb to 400-500mhz. The ram is 400mhz (x2 = 800mhz) at stock. It won't go too far above 450mhz. If you're lucky, you get 450. Look for Ballistix ddr2-800mhz that can be o/c'ed to 1100mhz. YMMV. I have done that. Or Firestix, G.Skill HZ.

Why would you want the oldie gpu? Go for the GTS512 & a 550W psu like mentioned above.

Much apologies for the lengthly delay in posting a response.

Definitely took the advice on the GPU and the power supply. I'm still sorta undecided on the mobo and I'm doing a lot of research on the T2RS from an overclocking point of view.

And about RAM, newegg has 4 gb mushkin ddr2 800 RAM for ~95 after rebate. I've heard lots of good things about mushkin so I'm considering those...I update my original post, new items are bold and the old items are slashed through

I'm not saying the board is bad, but the chipset temp will limit your FSB. Unless you replace it (void warranty) or put a large fan on it. You can strap an 80mm fan with 2 zip ties to the hsf. Some do that.

If you really want extreme overclocks with DFI, look at their high-end offerings. The X38/X48 would be the best of their boards. They also have a higher-end P35. LANPARTY UT P35-T2R. The HSF is not even installed due to height. It's pretty decent. Like Thermalright's. I would use that stock hsf.