Building a computer...need help

Forgive me if I'm wrong, but I think that a 256-bit interface has twice the memory bandwidth of a 128-bit interface. But the core of the 7600GT is probably high enough to make up for it. Completely your decision, I'm not the greatest out there as far as video cards go, but if it were me building the computer, I'd stick with the 7600GT. I've heard memory amount of video cards doesn't affect performance that much; it's more about the speed of the memory.

You can use this for a reference:

http://www.gpureview.com/show_cards.php?card1=385&card2=354#

Just make sure if you're comparing to set the core and the memory speeds for the 7600GT a little higher to match what you found at newegg (580/750).

My brother is building a computer right now and had pretty much the same issue. He ended up working for a few more days and getting a 7900GT :p
 
you are right thepiguy, it's mostly the speed of the memory on video cards, not the clock speed really. 128-bit is a big bottleneck for a card as powerful as any 7 series, even 6 series really... it seems that 256-bit interface comes with a premium price tag. don't get me wrong, clock speed is very important 2, but memory bandwidth seems 2 be the most critical aspect in todays gaming, although i may be wrong
 
I just now noticed that the 7600GT scored a 5760 on the 3dmark05 benchmark, as opposed to the 6800GS's 5100 (according to the website I posted), but you do have to keep in mind that that's the 256MB 6800GS, not the 512MB version. I'm sure having more memory will make a slight difference, but I don't know if it'll make up 660 points. But I hardly know what those points mean, as I have an X64 version of windows and can't run 3dmark. I just know that people use them to measure the performance of their system. Just use my post(s) as a reference though, don't make a decision on entirely what I say, as I almost messed up my brother's computer with incompatible mobo/cpu. Fortunately, he hadn't ordered the cpu and he was willing to get an x2 4600+ instead of an FX-57 and upgrade other stuff.

btw MooseMan, where did you see a/the 256-bit interface version. I didn't know they made them.
 
So..after reading through everything, I guess this will be everything I need then?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130283
http://www.newegg.com/product/Product.asp?item=N82E16813131013
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103735
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16820227089
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16820145590
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817194002

Not sure which RAM I'll select out of those two choices though. I would like to thank everyone who helped me :) I will be sure to distribute Reputation Points to all who contributed.

Edit: Before, I make a decision on the Power Supply Unit, between the first suggestion, and the second, I would like to know the differences...well..what they mean, since I am trying to learn a little bit from this.
 
id say out of the RAM, get the OCZ, thats the same one i decided on. i think its faster then the corsair xms, and its also cheaper.
 
EDIT: Beat me to it, sorry for the extra post! :p

I honestly don't know if 400W or even 450W is enough to run your system very well. My PSU is 450W with my computer being a very similar configuration to yours and it shuts off a lot while I'm gaming, sometimes even while I'm using the internet. If you're willing to pay a little bit more to get a better quality one, I think the OCZ Powerstream 520W might be good. This one's SLI certified by nVidia, so that's pretty good. I've heard many good things about it and found it on the recommended PSU list at a different site.

Anyways, they have it at newegg for $110 after a mail in rebate of $25 + ~$10 shipping.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817711002
 
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