First Build.

The 680i is almost 2 years old and has never been a very good chipset. You would be better off and spend the same or less getting a P45 instead. Vista had problems at first but it is a year and a half old and has become a very solid, stable OS and a lot of people are using the 64bit version and I haven't seen any issues. If you are planning on the 64bit version I would suggest more RAM, 2gb isn't enough.

I'd say 2x2gb ddr2 800 is the best way to go. it gives room for expansion and is pretty cheap.

you might want to downgrade to a cheap dual core if your haveing a hard time getting they system under budget.


I'd say Vista64, and keep your OS with your old system. add in a new HDD and case(w/psu), and your old system can remain intact for someone else to use

Ok I changed a few things
Still same bfg 8800gts card
hec ACE-580UB 580W ATX12V NVIDIA SLI Certified ATI CrossFire Ready Power Supply - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817339006
OCZ Gold 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820227199
Foxconn P45A-S LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813186148
I am not sure if this mobo will work correctly it says its a Crossfire mobo. anyone tell me if it will work with no problems?
And still with the q6600
and same cooler.

Hi Jetracer, some comments:

- You can have a 4850 for the price of that 8800GTS. Newer technology. You'd need to buy a 8800 Ultra to compete.

- You will save money by not going with the combo - it is overpriced for the components on it and isn't a great spec motherboard wise.

- Good choice of RAM, 4Gb + Vista 64bit is a good option.

- There are moves against Foxconn motherboards. There is a general preference towards Gigabyte and Asus. Try a Gigabyte P45 or Asus P5 board. There should be boards at around the same price point. P45 will definitely support Xfire.

- You are going to need a hard disk drive. See what is going on newegg. Try WD, Seagate or Samsung.

- I'm not liking the look of that power supply. You are going to need 500W minimum for a 4850. You will also need more current on the 12V rails probably 20A minimum, the ACE supply only gives 17. Look at a Corsair 550VX. It will be more expensive but your system will start and not cook any of the components.

Edit: http://www.xtremesystems.org/forum [...] p?t=108088 this is a hierarchy chart of PSU manufacturers, try for 2 or 3.

- A Q6600 is a good buy. If the budget gets too tight you could look at Dual cores. Incidentally they are rated as better for gaming and are currently very overclockable - even with the stock cooler.

How's that for a start?
Jeremy

Ok yea i was told by a few people the 4850 is a better buy. What about the proc, which dual core should i get that is good for overclocking/gaming. I would need something that is gonna be current for at least a year untill i get through bootcamp. I did see one Asus P45 board that had many praise on newegg. I will try to find it and post it and see what you guys think thanks for all the help
And what do you guys think of staying with amd? Maybe a 6400 or should i just stay with core 2?

My recommendations:

P45-DS3L
Corsair 650 or PC Power & Cooling 610
ATI 4850
2*2GB DDR2 800
Q6600/E8400/E7200

Thats a solid list....you wont need an aftermarket cooler unless you plan to overclock.... no idea on how good Dynatron's are..... most people are recommending the XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 with the optional bracket or Artic Cooling Freezer 7 pro.

^ I wouldn't trust those newegg reviews. Most of the ppl. don't know WTF they are talking about. Get a XIGMATEK or better.

Good source for HSF reviews/info:
http://www.frostytech.com/top5heat [...] ELHEATSINK

I have made a two changes i am going with the retail version of the q660 and will use stock heatsink/fan combo for now. and i am now going to get the SAPPHIRE 100242TXSR Radeon Toxic HD 4850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail

To keep temps down and its oc'd.

Also chaning the mobo back to GIGABYTE GA-EP45-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

didnt notice the one i chose wasnt a p45