is this a good build for gaming?

[notquitedead]

I haven't decided 100% on the parts yet, but I think this is what I'm going to get:

ASPIRE X-Navigator case (Black and Green)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811144092

DFI LanParty UT nF4 Ultra-D motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813136152

AMD Athlon 64 3700+ San Diego core CPU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103539

eVGA Geforce 6800 256mb video card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130231

I think I'm going to buy the case without the PSU because a bunch of reviews said it was bad, but I don't know which to buy yet. I'm keeping the 1.5GB of RAM that I have already (just cheap stuff, but I got 1GB from a friend for $40 so I'll just use what I have until I get more money to upgrade).


I have a few questions, though:

Which PSU should I get?
Are there any better video cards for around $200? I read that ATI cards don't support sm3 so they aren't as good as nvidia cards.
Would I be better off with the DFI board or getting a cheaper one? Which?

Thanks.

 

[TRDCorolla1]

It looks good for gaming. I feel the stock PSU are ok. I'm using a stock one in mine and working great.

 

[notquitedead]

Thanks. How long have you been using the case and psu?

 

[TRDCorolla1]

SInce February of this year. The PC I'm typing this right now is the one with the stock power supply. Works great. Just make sure it is adequate wattage.

 

[notquitedead]

Okay I might just try the stock psu. Will I need arctic silver 5, or will the heatsink already be attached to that cpu?

 

[TRDCorolla1]

That is a nice CPU for an Athlon 64. That is what I would get too if the X2 wasn't available. You don't need Arctic Silver 5 because the heatsink will already have thermal compound on the bottom of it. It is the retail CPU you are buying so it comes complete with everything. The heatsink and fan are already attached. You will need to install the CPU first on the motherboard, then tear off the paper that seals the thermal compound and mount the heatsink/fan on top of the CPU. Then tighten those retention brackets.

 

[notquitedead]

Alright, thanks for all the help.