Hi

I'm currently putting together a build for a new PC which I'll be ordering tomorrow though I'd like to run it past you guys first to make sure I've got everything I need - I've been reading the forums and it seems you lot know your $hit!

Here goes...

Motherboard
Gigabyte GA-EX38-DS4 iX38 Socket 775 8 channel audio ATX Motherboard
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/143229

CPU
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6700 2.66GHz 1066MHz FSB Socket 775 8MB L2 Cache (2 x 4MB (4MB per core pair)) Retail Boxed Processor
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/130475

GPU
Undecided. See below.

RAM
OCZ 4GB Kit (2x2GB) 800MHz/PC2-6400 Memory Platinum Performance CL5 (5-4-4-18)
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/132904

Harddrive
Samsung HD753LJ 750GB Hard Drive SATAII 7200rpm *32MB Cache* - OEM
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/139739

CD/DVD Drive
Sony DRU-190S 20X DVD±RW DL & DVD-RAM Serial ATA - Retail Multi Bezel & Nero
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/142274

Case
Antec Nine Hundred - Gaming Case with 200mm Top Fan - No PSU
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/118268

PSU
Undecided. See Below.

OS
Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate 64bit

There's a few things I'm not sure on. Firstly, the PC is being built with Xfire in mind (I'll throw in two ATI 4*** series GPUs in about 4 months time when I have more cash) so I'm wondering whats a good card to use in the meantime? As I understand it, Xfire only works with two cards of the same chipset, is that right? I.e. a 3*** and a 4*** series wont work in conjunction with one another, or am I mistaken? If this is the case, am I better going for a 8800 GT to tide me over till later this year? I know I can wait till next month to pick up a 4*** series but Age of Conan kicks off at the weekend and my current setup just about covers the minimum spec required to run the game.

Also, I'm not sure what PSU to use. From reading the threads, it seems that a solid PSU is probably the most important part of the build and I need one with enough power to acommodate the aforementioned Xfire setup. Any recommendations? I'm not familiar with overclocking but it is something I'll look into once I've familiarised myself with the build, so are there any other accessories I might need? Such as coolers, fans, etc? Are the parts listed above good for overclocking? Although I've listed the Q6700 CPU as I'd assumed its faster than the Q6600, I hardly see it mentioned in the forums - its always the Q6600. Why is that?

Anyways, thanks for reading my post. Any help/advice/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I'm not a complete idiot when it comes to computers, I've replaced RAM and my GPU before, but I've never build one from stratch so I'd like to ensure that everything I purchase is compatible and I have everything I need in front of me before I get to work.

Thanks again,
S

The q6600 is cheaper than the q6700, and is a better buy unless you do a high overclock, where the q6700's higher multiplier helps it clock higher. For psu i'd recommend the corsair tx 750w. A pc power & cooling psu is better but I couldn't find it on the website your buying from.

Thanks for replying. No worries about the PSU, I'll have a scout around for the one you mentioned and get it from some place else. What about the GPU situation? And will everything work fine once built?

Cheers,
S

what about two 8800gt's. they are pretty cheap now and you could possibly get two for 150 each. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817371012

thats a nice psu kinda over kill but not to expensive for over kill.