Gaming comp build

[Calibur1]

Goal- To build a rig strictly for gaming with a max price tag of $1100. Software is not needed. I am a noob so feel free to change anything, or make a whole new system. The one thing i want is DX 10 compatibility.

CPU http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115017
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz Price $280

GPU I'm split here, i hear good things about the 8800 GT which is what i want to get. But should i get the 512 MB or the 256 MB version. Is there a big enough difference to warrant an extra $100? Price $310 512 MB or $210 256 MB

HDD http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148262
Price $70

RAM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220144
Price $77 ($37 after rebate)

PSU http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341010
Price $90 ($75 after rebate)

MOBO http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128059&Tpk=p35-ds3l
Price $100

DVD http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151151
Price $26

Case http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021&Tpk=antec+900
$119 ($80 after rebate)

Sound Card??? Do i need one, would it help?

total $1071 w/o rebates $977 after rebated. not including shipping.
Would it be cheaper to wait until after Christmas to order?

So rate it, improve it, call me an idiot, or a god. Thanks in advance to all replies.

 

[Computer Head]

On the CPU, I do not recommend spending the extra money for a Quad core. Here is a link to a Core 2 Duo E-6750 2.66 GHz.

The reason I do not recommend Quad core is plainly the lack of quad-core applications, so in essence you would be wasting cores that aren't being utilized.

RAM is good, MOBO is not bad, I like the airflow with the case, and as far as a sound card, I advise you to get a dedicated sound card, especially for a gaming rig. I recommend this soundcard and a decent set of speakers (surround 5.1 speakers if your budget allows). Let me know what you think.

 

[Calibur1]

If you don't mind, can you go a bit more in depth on why a Quad core is not recommended?

In a year will there be a plethora of quad core apps?

I am planning on running the latest games, on the highest settings I can. Will not getting a quad core mean i will have to bump the setting down on lets say crysis?

Lets say i go with the duel core, what if any could i spend the extra $100 to help my comp handle max settings?

Also any help on that GPU question would be appreciated.

 

[DJ-CHRIS1]

I think it's a great build

Go with the Quad, very few things support all 4 cores but a few of the most recent games do, its a much better buy than a dual core processor. I have a Q6600 myself Also the extra cores on a quad really really help if you multitask, as many applications are now written to use two cores at a time.

You could easily spend less on a case if you wanted to, but it's a great case (I have it too )

 

[_-..zKiLLA..-_]

On the CPU, I do not recommend spending the extra money for a Quad core. Here is a link to a Core 2 Duo E-6750 2.66 GHz.

The reason I do not recommend Quad core is plainly the lack of quad-core applications, so in essence you would be wasting cores that aren't being utilized.

RAM is good, MOBO is not bad, I like the airflow with the case, and as far as a sound card, I advise you to get a dedicated sound card, especially for a gaming rig. I recommend this soundcard and a decent set of speakers (surround 5.1 speakers if your budget allows). Let me know what you think.

dont listen to him... when programs start to utilize quad cores then ur gonna want to have it, and ur gonna say, "i should have bought that"... u got plenty of power, great DVD drive... GREAT case... like he said.. great airflow.. i think ur all set... id recommend and Asus board but thats up to u...

DJ-Chris, i think u should put ur specs in ur sig.. u have gotta bEaSt..

 

[esa193]

get the quad!!!! dont think twice

 

[Calibur1]

Thanks for the advice guys. Just one thing i'm split over. Is it worth the extra $100 to upgrade to the 512 MB GPU, or is the better to take the $100 and invest it somewhere else in the comp, if so where?

The only compliant I seem to be getting is the Mobo. I'm a noob when it comes to building comps, can anyone suggest a good mobo to go with this system. Max price ~$140.

 

[_-..zKiLLA..-_]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131142

theres a decent one

 

[TheLastWolf]

It depends. What resolution are you going to be gaming at? What is the size of your monitor?