New Gaming Build, $1,000 Budget

Hello,

Long time lurker, 2nd time builder here.

My current PC is around 2 years old and runs pretty well, but id like to push more than 30 FPS out of new games while still on high, so i am building a new rig with a budget of around $1,000. I will be buying all of my parts from newegg as i have always had good experiences with them.

Some of my concerns: Is my PSU gonna have enough juice if i decide to add a 2nd 8800gt. Is this the version of the 8800gt i should get, or is there another card. Please check my RAM to ensure it is correct. The rest of the hardware i think will go nicely toether, however if there are any suggestions on how to improve performance without adding too much to the cost please chime in. Thanks!

Tom

Case: NZXT Alpha Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case with Open Window - Retail

Mobo: ASUS P5N-D LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 750i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

Graphics Card: XFX PVT88PYSF4 GeForce 8800 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail

PSU: OCZ StealthXStream OCZ600SXS 600W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply - Retail

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8400 - Retail

RAM: G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ - Retail

HD: Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD3200AAKS 320GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM

DVD: LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner Black IDE Model DH-20A4P-04 - OEM

Good advice on the PSU and the case.

@tmerriman
Make sure you read the (lower rated)reviews for your motherboard on newegg.com (there are some issues with it).
You could also save some money buy getting a E7200 CPU if you plan to overclock (it has the same reach) and get a better cooler (like the XIGMATEK HDT-S1283) for the price difference to overclock to around ~4.0GHz.

That RAM should be fine for you, especially since you don't plan on overclocking.

For video I'd go for an 8800GTS (G92) 512MB card. It's faster than the 8800GT and has better cooling. This one (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127325) is only $10 more than the 8800GT you selected after rebates.

The PSU should be able to handle 2 8800's but I'd also probably go with the Corsair 650TX for this build. The OCZ one would probably be fine though.

For DVD, I'd go with a SATA model over that IDE one you've listed. If you need the burner/dvd software make sure to get a retail version instead of OEM as well.

i have the same board and memory. i dont like that memory . if you can get OCz reaper. Good luck if you stay the same.

Looks good. .

Few questions which might help cut down costs:
1. What games and at what resolution/settings on what OS?
2. Do you wish to try and OC?
3. Do you plan on going SLI later?

SLI would not be really a good deal unless you play games at high res above 1600.

^I thought the corruption issue was fixed now

I will not be going SLI immediately, but i want to leave that option open. I will also not be OCing.

I will be running at 1650x1080. I will be playing AoC.

My current rig is a x2 4400, 2gigs ram, 8600GTS. I run between 25-45 FPS on high currently.

With that in mind a mobo suggestion other than the asus would be appreciated. I will be buying tomorrow.

What is wrong with that memory?? In my build I was planing on using that same memory due to the high ratings on newegg...

^Add Crucial Ballastix to the RAM mix.

I'd say wait for Monday/Tuesday since the fix should be released by then and recheck the threads to see if it works. If it works go for it. If it doesn't get a P5K-E or GA-EP35-DS3R and be happy.