New Computer Any Mistakes,Advice???

[amerbgd]

CPU: Intel e8500
Motherboard:Around $100
GPU:Ati 3870
RAM:Around $50
PSU:Around $100

-Plan to clock at least a bit.
-Play NFS & GTA
-Maybe some crossfire later on in life
-Plan to replace cpu cooler later on to

if i missed anything tell me im pretty sleepy at the moment
thanks to all who help!!!

 

[shortstuff_mt]

The E8500 is a good choice. You really need to upgrade the GPU, though. Maybe you could go to the E8400 and use the money saved to upgrade the GPU.

I highly recommend this motherboard:

GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128358&cm_sp=DailyDeal-_-13-128-358-_-Homepage&guid=28e23a828ae049b990b0a9ec48cbc426 $136.99 -$20.00 MIR

Don't get that old 3870 GPU. Pick up at least a 4850. Pick whichever one you like:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=40000048%201068310557&Description=4850&bop=And&Order=PRICE

Here's some great RAM:

G.SKILL PI Black 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231209 $49.99

This PSU will easily power crossfire 4850's:

PC Power & Cooling S61EPS 610W Continuous @ 40°C EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703005 $94.99 -$35.00 MIR

What resolution will you be gaming at?

 

[Shadow703793]

^+1. Well said! If on a budget get the 9800GT ($90-110 after MIRs)

 

[geofelt]

^+1. Well said! If on a budget get the 9800GT ($90-110 after MIRs)

The Nvidia cards will not do SLI on that intel board.

I would not plan on multiple vga cards any way, though.

SLI has been a poor upgrade path in the past. It should be used only by
those who will not currently be satisfied by the fastest available single vga card
which is currently the 4870X2. The 4870, GTX260, or 9800GX2
offer very good performance for the money now.
To get SLI. you have to spend more up front for a SLI capable mobo,a
more powerful SLI capable PSU, and better case cooling. Upgrading a single card later with a
second equal card does not get you 2x increase, it is more like 1.3x to 1.8x depending on the game.
At that time, you will still be paying top dollar for a card that is closer to
being obsolete.
It would be better to sell the old card and use the proceeds
towards a better new generation single card.

Good advice from shortstuff.
Here is a good deal on 4gb of corsair ram for $25 a/r:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145184

Consider getting a cpu cooler up front. The only good way to mount one is with the mobo outside of the case. I hate to take a running system apart to do that.
The Xigmatek S1283 is a reasonably priced good unit for $19 a/r:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233003
I also suggest getting the optional back plate mount kit.

 

[amerbgd]

What resolution will you be gaming at?

Dont know i always take it to the highest it can go!

 

[shortstuff_mt]

What resolution will you be gaming at?

Dont know i always take it to the highest it can go!

That doesn't help at all. Let me re-phrase the question. What size monitor do you have? Almost everyone runs their monitor at it's max resolution. I was just wondering what resolution that would be in your case.

 

[amerbgd]

i have a 19inch crt 1280x1024

 

[shortstuff_mt]

At that resolution a 4850 is plenty. The CPU is just as important as the GPU at low resolutions like yours. You won't ever need crossfire unless you upgrade to something like a 22" - 24" monitor.

 

[amerbgd]

At that resolution a 4850 is plenty. The CPU is just as important as the GPU at low resolutions like yours. You won't ever need crossfire unless you upgrade to something like a 22" - 24" monitor.

what about a dual monitor like 2x19 wide?
where can i find a place that can explane everthing about GPU(what shader is, when is a card more for gaming or for video editing)?

 

[Shadow703793]

The Nvidia cards will not do SLI on that intel board.

I would not plan on multiple vga cards any way, though.

True, but I sid "if on a budget". SLI is pointless unless doing over 1900*1600.