Need advice on a new build

[wmchad99]

I have been reading the forums for a while and am taking a crack at a new build. My last attempt at a build was 4 years ago, and went well with the help of a friend who has since moved away. I am looking for a computer that will multitask well as well as handle large dicomm files. I do enjoy gaming...focusing mostly on mmorpgs over fps and the like.

As far as a budget, Im looking to stay around $1500, but am flexible within reason. I will be running Vista 64 with this build. If something should be upgraded or looks to be overkill, I would greatly appreciate your opinion.

CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply - Retail 159.99 -50 instant = 109.99
-30 rebate = 79.99
Antec P182 Gun Metal Black 0.8mm cold rolled steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail = 159.99
(I like the simple look without the LED's -- trying to have an unobtrusive machine)

ASUS P5Q Deluxe LGA 775 Intel P45 Intel Motherboard - Retail = 209.99

ASUS EAH4870/HTDI/512M Radeon HD 4870 512MB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail = 284.99
- 30 rebate = 254.99

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor Model BX80562Q6600 - Retail
= 199.99

CORSAIR DOMINATOR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail = 149.99
- 40 rebate = 109.99

Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM = 89.99

SAMSUNG 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model SH-S203N - OEM = 26.99

XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler - Retail = 36.99
- 10 rebate = 26.99

XIGMATEK ACK-I7751 Retention Bracket - Retail = 6.99

Total price = 1276
Assuming I get my rebates = 1166

Im slow to upgrade my components. I would probably not Crossfire (so I chose p45) ... by the time I decided I needed to I would probably just upgrade the card and rebuild.

Is the quad6600 enough or should I get a more powerful processor? I will moderately overclock.. not looking to set a record.

I would like fast access times from the hard drive. I probably should get a second drive.. should I get a faster drive to load windows and other program files on or should I get a larger one and run it in RAID? I have to admit I hate the thought of losing my data even though I backup frequently.

I am not attached to any of the components listed.. just looking for a solid build that wont become obsolete too quickly.

Thank you all for your advice in advance

 

[thepowerofdonuts]

Samsung makes a slightly faster burner, 22X, for a dollar more. Look for it on NewEgg. If you're not upgrading to Crossfire, go with the regular P5Q, since you only need one PCIe X 16 slot. Other than that, everything looks great. I never liked that case though. It's design is really cool but it doesn't have enough features to justify that cost in my opinion. Anyway, great build.