New System Build - Questions, Concerns, and Help

Hey everyone,

This is my first post here and I would like to thank everyone for the help that these forums have given me in the research phase of building a new system. This will be my second time building a computer from scratch, but I was very young the first time I built a system with my dad helping out tremendously.

I would say my budget for this system is around $2,000, give or take. I'd rather it be lower (of course) but over it is also adequate for me at this time. My main reason for building the computer is gaming, but I would like it to be an all-purpose type machine.

This is a run-down of the components I have looked at for this system (a lot of these parts were found using suggestions from this forum).

Motherboard - ASUS Rampage Formula:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813131284

I am aware there is probably a cheaper option at motherboard, but given my limited knowledge with motherboards and how some have stability issues, I picked out this one. I also would like the option to crossfire in the future.

Video Card - Radeon HD 4870 X2:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814102768

CPU - Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 Yorkfield:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819115041

Probably not the best option for CPU, definitely open to suggestions.

RAM - mushkin 4GB (2 x 2GB):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820146731

My initial want is to get four of these sticks to make 8GB, would that be a wise choice? I'll be using Vista, of course.

Hard Drive - Western Digital Caviar Black:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822136319

CPU Fan - Arctic Cool Freezer:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835186134

Case - Antec 1200:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811129043

PSU - Antec TruePower Quattro TPQ-1000 1000W:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817371012

This case and power supply are probably way overkill, but I like the combo deal newegg has right now and I like to be safe rather than sorry. Suggestions are definitely needed though.

Monitor - ASUS Black 22":
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6824236028

Optical Drive - Open to anything.


Thank you very much for any help and/or suggestions that you respond with.

seol1231

Very nice build, but it can be made more cost-effective.

1. The P5E Deluxe is just like the Rampage, with fewer frills, and $69 less.
2. Crossfiring HD 4870 X2 cards is not very cost-effective because games don't scale that well with 4 GPUs.

I'd recommend this:

Silencer 750W $93
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] cer%20750W

NZXT Tempest, $90
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] %20Tempest

P5Q Pro $105
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813131299

Total $183+$105 instead of the $295 combo Antec 1200/Antec 1000W + $289 Rampage MB. You lose the ability to add a second HD 4870 X2 but save almost $300.

The Q9550 is the best choice for CPU, no worries. I'd just replace the Freezer with a Xigmatek HDT-S1283.

The Samsung SH-S223Q is a decent burner, for example.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] k=SH-S223Q

Use the savings to get a 24" monitor. That will last a long time, and it will let the HD 4870 X2 show what it really can do.