Yep, so I've decided that I can't put up with my p.o.s. 4-year-old Dell any longer and am going to use some money I've earned to make a nice mid-range gaming rig. I'll go ahead and list my parts, feel free to offer any advice, words of wisdom, correct any mistakes, or offer encouragement. Keep in mind that I have a budget, and the parts listed just about max it out, but as always I can keep saving. Your time is greatly appreciated
Mobo: Don't need many bells and whistles here, but I also don't want a hunk of garbage. Definitely need onboard audio as my budget (and conscience) doesn't really allow for an expensive sound card. Considering getting a SLI-capable board for future upgrades, know of any solid boards?
Tenatively http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16813138026
CPU: Multi-tasking smoothly is pretty much my dream. Music, AIM, FireFox, Word, and my game of choice running all at once excites me (Heh, yeah I've logged countless hours on games never downsizing because it lags too much)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16819103735
Video Card: I'd like a solid card without breaking my bank. Considering upgrading to SLI for x-Mas.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16814150182
Memory: Decided on 1gb DDR667 and a reputable brand. Not sure if the term 'ValueSelect' means its a chintzy part.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16820146580
HD: Don't need anything huge really. Currently i only have 33/40gb filled on my Dell. I don't video/audio edit.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16822144414
CD/DVD Drive: Didn't read up on these really, so I will likely sound dumb. Can this drive read and burn both CDs and DVDs, or just burn DVDs or what? Its listed as a DVD burner, but has CD write speeds in its item specs, so I'm unsure.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16827151133
PSU: I remember reading that the +12V rail is important. The 2 I'm considering should be beefy enough for my current system, and should support SLI if I decide to upgrade. One has a +12V rail @ 28amp, and the other has 2 +12Vs @ 15 and 16. I assume dual rail is better? Also, if you think I need more wattage for future SLI operations, let me know!
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16817104123 or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16817182044
Case: Figured I'd include this. Besides the aesthetics, what's your opinions on the case? I want something that gets the job done while looking pretty cool (yeah, I'm being a bit self-indulgent in this project haha). And yes, I am probably just going to junk the included PSU.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16811156180
Other components I am shelling out cash for include Windows, a cable modem, an indulgent keyboard/mouse, a nice flash drive, and a set of average speakers.
So... I'll be eagerly awaiting any advice or 'Hey uh x and x aren't compatible together...' Thanks again.
Mobo: Don't need many bells and whistles here, but I also don't want a hunk of garbage. Definitely need onboard audio as my budget (and conscience) doesn't really allow for an expensive sound card. Considering getting a SLI-capable board for future upgrades, know of any solid boards?
Tenatively http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16813138026
CPU: Multi-tasking smoothly is pretty much my dream. Music, AIM, FireFox, Word, and my game of choice running all at once excites me (Heh, yeah I've logged countless hours on games never downsizing because it lags too much)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16819103735
Video Card: I'd like a solid card without breaking my bank. Considering upgrading to SLI for x-Mas.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16814150182
Memory: Decided on 1gb DDR667 and a reputable brand. Not sure if the term 'ValueSelect' means its a chintzy part.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16820146580
HD: Don't need anything huge really. Currently i only have 33/40gb filled on my Dell. I don't video/audio edit.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16822144414
CD/DVD Drive: Didn't read up on these really, so I will likely sound dumb. Can this drive read and burn both CDs and DVDs, or just burn DVDs or what? Its listed as a DVD burner, but has CD write speeds in its item specs, so I'm unsure.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16827151133
PSU: I remember reading that the +12V rail is important. The 2 I'm considering should be beefy enough for my current system, and should support SLI if I decide to upgrade. One has a +12V rail @ 28amp, and the other has 2 +12Vs @ 15 and 16. I assume dual rail is better? Also, if you think I need more wattage for future SLI operations, let me know!
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16817104123 or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16817182044
Case: Figured I'd include this. Besides the aesthetics, what's your opinions on the case? I want something that gets the job done while looking pretty cool (yeah, I'm being a bit self-indulgent in this project haha). And yes, I am probably just going to junk the included PSU.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16811156180
Other components I am shelling out cash for include Windows, a cable modem, an indulgent keyboard/mouse, a nice flash drive, and a set of average speakers.
So... I'll be eagerly awaiting any advice or 'Hey uh x and x aren't compatible together...' Thanks again.