First time builder.. long :)

shooler

Solid State Member
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16
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 :D

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.
 
I haven't looked at everything, but...
It looks like an okay build from what I've seen, considering the budget. However, I can't vouch for a number of the companies you chose because mine is, well, not budget I guess. To address a few of your questions/concerns:
That Drive will burn just about anything you can throw at it.
Raidmax cases are okay, my brother has one, but the PSU died on him and had a crappy 12V rail amperage. Trash it and get something serious, the case will probably work.
Corsair RAM is good stuff, that should suit you well.
Good choice on the GPU. But I can't vouch for XFX. I guess they're good looking at reviews.
 
I have read alot about that XFX card, its a very nice card. Reviews praise it, i heard it was a little bit louder than other 7600GTs due to the fan trying to cool the overclocked temps, but thats only if your Really picky. I would love to own a card like that because noise dosent really bother me.

good luck :D
 
That would be a good PC. I just bought that exact graphics card from Newegg about a week ago and it runs Battlefield 2 and FEAR on the highest settings without a problem (assuming the rest of your PC is fast enough, and that one is). As previously stated, the fan is a little noisy, but I wouldn't say it's annoying.

I also have had that exact processor for about a year, and BOY is it quick. I've also heard it's a great overclocker if you're into that.

That's some nice RAM, although I'd buy 2 sticks of it for dual channel and I'd say 2 gigs is a nice upgrade

Overall, that's a nice computer. The only thing you may want to consider is using Core 2 Duo, I've heard that it's a lot faster than the current Athlons.
 
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