I have decided to build myself a computer for the first time and although I'm a relative noob at this, I think I can figure it out and get some help along the way to do things right. I am putting together a rather high-end setup since I do not change machines too often and would like to be able to use it for 5-6 years before it becomes useless.
This machine will be mainly for gaming and photo and video editing. I was all set on the SLI route but have read quite a bit about the new ATI chipsets and cross-fire so it has me all confused as to which is the best route. I also hope to overclock things after I learn how to do it. Here is my current list.
Already purchased:
Lian-Li PC-V1200A Mid Tower Aluminum Extended ATX Case, USB 2.0, Firewire (Silver)
3.5†Lian-Li Aluminum Multi-Function Fan Controller with LCD Thermometer, Alarm, Time Display
2 GB (2 pcs 1GB) DDR (400) PC-3200 OCZ Dual Channel Platinum
OCZ PowerStream ATX 2.01/EPS SLI Ready w/Adjustable Power Rails & LED 520W PS
2xWestern Digital Raptor WD740GD 74GB 10,000 RPM 8MB Cache Serial ATA150 Hard Drive (to be used in Raid 0)
Western Digital Caviar SE WD2500JD 250GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache Serial ATA150 Hard Drive
Asus DVD-E616P3 16X DVD-ROM / 48X CD-ROM Drive with Quietrack and Asus DVD Software
To be purchased:
AMD Athlon 64 X2 4800+ Toledo 1GHz FSB 2 x 1MB L2 Cache Socket 939 Dual Core Processor
Plextor PX-716SA 16X Internal Serial ATA Dual Layer DVD±R/RW CD-R/RW Drive
Creative Labs Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeMusic sound card
Logitech Z-2300 Speaker System
Logitech MX518 Gaming-Grade Optical Mouse
Microsoft Pro Media keyboard
ASUS A8N32-SLI DELUXE NF4 SLIX16 S939 HT2000 DDR AUDIO GBLAN PCIEX16 (Waiting for release in mid November)
Asus N7800 GTX TOP
As far as I could determine there is only one cross-fire board out right now so I'm unsure if the ASUS I listed could be used with a ATI card and later used with cross-fire. I will also add at least a CPU heatsink and fan and will see how hot things run before adding anymore cooling devices but since I'm a noob I don't fell comfortable with water cooling at this time.
Any help or comments are highly appreciated.
Edit: Changed video card
This machine will be mainly for gaming and photo and video editing. I was all set on the SLI route but have read quite a bit about the new ATI chipsets and cross-fire so it has me all confused as to which is the best route. I also hope to overclock things after I learn how to do it. Here is my current list.
Already purchased:
Lian-Li PC-V1200A Mid Tower Aluminum Extended ATX Case, USB 2.0, Firewire (Silver)
3.5†Lian-Li Aluminum Multi-Function Fan Controller with LCD Thermometer, Alarm, Time Display
2 GB (2 pcs 1GB) DDR (400) PC-3200 OCZ Dual Channel Platinum
OCZ PowerStream ATX 2.01/EPS SLI Ready w/Adjustable Power Rails & LED 520W PS
2xWestern Digital Raptor WD740GD 74GB 10,000 RPM 8MB Cache Serial ATA150 Hard Drive (to be used in Raid 0)
Western Digital Caviar SE WD2500JD 250GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache Serial ATA150 Hard Drive
Asus DVD-E616P3 16X DVD-ROM / 48X CD-ROM Drive with Quietrack and Asus DVD Software
To be purchased:
AMD Athlon 64 X2 4800+ Toledo 1GHz FSB 2 x 1MB L2 Cache Socket 939 Dual Core Processor
Plextor PX-716SA 16X Internal Serial ATA Dual Layer DVD±R/RW CD-R/RW Drive
Creative Labs Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeMusic sound card
Logitech Z-2300 Speaker System
Logitech MX518 Gaming-Grade Optical Mouse
Microsoft Pro Media keyboard
ASUS A8N32-SLI DELUXE NF4 SLIX16 S939 HT2000 DDR AUDIO GBLAN PCIEX16 (Waiting for release in mid November)
Asus N7800 GTX TOP
As far as I could determine there is only one cross-fire board out right now so I'm unsure if the ASUS I listed could be used with a ATI card and later used with cross-fire. I will also add at least a CPU heatsink and fan and will see how hot things run before adding anymore cooling devices but since I'm a noob I don't fell comfortable with water cooling at this time.
Any help or comments are highly appreciated.
Edit: Changed video card