Need Advice For My New Build!

[kobebryant]

Hi all.

I'm a first time CPU Builder and I am trying to upgrade from my outdated P4 3.0Ghz.

So here is what I have so far.. Any advice, tips, or suggestions would be highly appreciated!


Case: Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021


PSU: PC Power & Cooling S610EPS 610W Continuous @ 40°C EPS12V Power Supply

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703005


MOBO: GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX All Solid Capacitor Intel Motherboard

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128059R



HDD: Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD5000AAKS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136073


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

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037


GPU: EVGA 512-P3-N841-AR GeForce 8800GTS (G92) 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130325


OS: Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit English 1pk DSP OEI DVD - OEM

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116488


RAM: OCZ Reaper HPC Edition 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ2RPR800C44GK

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227267


Cooling: XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233003

+ Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound


Total is approx $1100 w/ shipping not including rebates

Questions:

1) Do I need Arctic Silver ACN-60ML (2-PC-SET) Thermal material Remover & Surface Purifier?

2) Is it easy to install the Xigmatek? I've never actually built a cpu from scratch, but I have some experience taking apart and installing a lot of things in my current rig.

3) Should I wait to buy the 8800GTS until a price drop or newer cards?

Thank You!

 

[WR2]

(1) Only if you are very unlucky and dont manange to install the CPU and HSF right the first time. I'd say leave it off your buy list.
(2) It's no harder than most other Socket 775 push pin models - thats not to say its easy. See the "How to Install" instructions. Read the manual.
Using the "bolt through kit" helps make it easier to install.
(3) The Evga "StepUp program" has you covered pretty good. You'll have 90 days to think about upgrading and be able to apply the purchase cost of your GTS to the newer models due out soon.

Already have an DVD burner?
Your hardware list looks good.

 

[kobebryant]

oh ya.

what is the difference between vista home premium and ultimate?

 

[kobebryant]

thanks for the reply

do you think i should go with the xigmatek?

and I will also be looking at DVD burners. any recommendations?

thanks man