$1000 CAD budget [need some advice]

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Oct 27, 2008
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18,510
Hey there. I'm building my own computer for the first time, and want a gaming machine, do you guys think the parts i've chosen are a decent choice and if they are compatible with one another?
I want a DDR2 motherboard that will be compatible with future top-end video cards, although i'm most likely going to start out with the 4870.
Many thanks! My budget is about 1000$ canadian; oh and I have a 24 inch monitor with 1920 x 1200 display.

DVD: SAMSUNG Black 22X DVD+R 22X DVD-R 16X DVD-ROM 2MB

Cache SATA 22X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151173

RAM: 2 sticks of : OCZ NVIDIA SLI Ready XTC PC2-8500 2GB 2X1GB DDR2-1066 CL5-5-5-15 240PIN DIMM Dual Channel Memory Kit
http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=13220BD8954&vpn=OCZ2N1066SR2GK&manufacture=OCZ


CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Dual Core Processor LGA775

3.0GHZ Wolfdale 1333FSB 6MB Retail
http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=12200BD0467


POWER SUPPLY:
Corsair TX750W 750W Atx 12V 60A 24PIN Atx Power Supply Active Pfc 120MM Fan
http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=11180AC8887&vpn=CMPSU-750TX&manufacture=CORSAIR

HARDDRIVE:
Western Digital Caviar Black 640GB 7200RPM 32MB Dual Proc 3.5IN SATA Hard Drive OEM 5YR Mfg Warranty
http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=25350DR4749&vpn=WD6401AALS&manufacture=Western%

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MOTHER BOARD:
Gigabyte GA-EP45C-DS3R ATX LGA775 P45 DDR2/DDR3 2PCI-E16 CrossFire SATA RAID Sound 2GLAN Motherboard
http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=11830BD0529&vpn=GA-EP45C-DS3R&manufacture=GIGABYTE
 
You've put together a nice build. Here are my suggestions:

You'll want to stick to a 2x2GB setup instead of 4x1GB. Four sticks is harder on the motherboard. That RAM you linked to is $90 before rebates for 2GB. This Mushkin RAM has fast timings, low voltage, and is cheaper for 4GB:

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146731 $87.49 - $20 MIR

I would just stick with the DDR2 only version of that motherboard. I've heard the DDR2/DDR3 boards aren't as stable.

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128344 $161.99

I would recommend the 1GB version of the 4870 for your 24" monitor. This one is kind of expensive, but the cooler is awesome!

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102801

Are you planning on getting a 64-bit OS to fully use all 4GB of RAM? I highly recommend 64-bit Vista Home Premium.

http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=15800SW5866&vpn=66I-00788&manufacture=MICROSOFT
 

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Oct 27, 2008
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18,510
wow thanks a lot, all the posts really helped me. now i'm just sorting through the sites now to find the best prices.
thanks again