What do you think of this system...$1200

[FnzFzvgu]

I want a quad core with with a fast GPU and lots of ram. I am open to any suggestions on how to make this better. I haven't choosen a motherboard or case yet. I think I'd like a black mid-tower case, but I'd really like one with a metal handle so I can grab it up for lan parties. As for the motherboard, it has to support the CPU and ram and it would be nice to have SLI but that isn't a must. A legacy IDE connector would be good for my old DVD burner.

CPU: AMD AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Deneb 3.2GHz 171.99 NewEgg
Motherboard:
Memory: G.SKILL 8GB (4 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) 199.99 NewEgg
Video: MSI GeForce GTX 260 179.99 NewEgg
Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar Black WD7501AALS 750GB 79.99 NewEgg
OS: Microsoft Win7 Home Premium 104.99 NewEgg
PSU: Corsair CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 109.99 NewEgg
Case:
Monitor: AOC 20" Widescreen LCD 99.99 Frys

Total so far: 946.93

 

[batuchka]

For gaming:

1. Drop to a P2X3 720BE or the cheapest Deneb x4 the 925 if you have to hit a quad. Clock either down the road ^^
2. Gigabyte 770T-UD3P: The legendary OC/Unlock budget board!
http://forums.vr-zone.com/overclocking-bazaar/466518-amd-x2-550-phenom2-black-edition-unlocking-thread.html
3. Corsair VX550 for non CF/SLI gaming rigs would suffice
4. Acer 23" Full HD $170 for the ultimate gaming experience for the $$
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009176
5. Unless you need that much storage: Samsung F3 500 ftw?
6. Marshal all savings to hit a HD 5850

Cheers

 

[dndhatcher]

Look at the Coolermaster storm scout for a solid case with handles.

If you are gaming, you will not gain any performance going over 4GB.

If you have a monitor of 1680x1050 or less resolution, a 5770 is a strong enough graphics card. If you go up to 1920x1080 or more then a 5850 is preferable. I think DX11 is important enough that I only recommend ATI 5000 series. If you dont think it is, then a 4870 will almost always give you the same or better performance as a GT260 for less money. PhysX games are the exception.