Just stick to 4gb RAM, it's plenty for gaming.
Get this non-green HDD for improved performance
SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822152185
The WD Caviar Green is a slight performance mis-match for a gaming system. It's the energy savings model - it spins down pretty aggressively.
By next week you'll see Win7 in the listings for the same price.
The WD Caviar Green is a slight performance mis-match for a gaming system. It's the energy savings model - it spins down pretty aggressively.
By next week you'll see Win7 in the listings for the same price.
Thanks for the suggestion of the SSC version.
I have stayed with a nvidia card, but thank you for the suggestion of the 4890!
You sure about the GTX260? I mean, with the HD5xxx series and all...
I agree. The GTX 260 is not the best choice right now unless you're an Nvidia fanboy that can't accept the fact that both the 4870 and 4890 are better cards for less money.
ATI cards don't run PhysX for those who are really picky on graphics.
That means overall, the games will look better with PhysX, but not by much.
I have a system with dual 4870s and another one with dual GTX 260s. I like them both. I would love it if my 4870s can run PhysX. Overall my 4870s perform a tad better and run much cooler and use less power than my GTX 260s.
If you don't plan on overclocking, you won't need a cooler. The Lynnfields run really cool. I get temps in the low 30s (Celsius) with the stock cooler on my i7 860. Otherwise one of the ziggys that WR2 suggested should do you just fine.
Also, if you plan on adding a side fan you'll want an air filter.