Final System Ordered (pray for me)

I have an aging system I want to hand down to the wife so I can get my self a brand new screamer Any way, I used to be a huge Dell fan, but in the years since I bought my first system from them thier Customer Support, Tech Support and just about everything about them has gone hugely downhill. They were great back in the day and when I did not know much more than "upgrade everything".

Now, I know a little bit more about what I want to get and do. I want a gaming rig, but I need it on a budget (I have a wife and three kids now) I can afford probably $1500 for the whole thing including software. I might be able to run a copy XP I have but not sure. I would like to be able to play things like Crysis on near max but I do not need 800FPS while doing it =P I would like it to be at least a little bit future proof. I do not need a lot of HD room. I barely have half of my 120 GB drive filled after 3 years. So, probably around 150GB or so would be fine. Prefer faster rather than huge.

Now, I have never built my own system but I am a pretty smart guy and pretty handy. However, I would like to stay away from having to modify stuff as much as possible and just stick with plug and play

Summary of what I am looking for in the system:

Play games at max-near max
Expandable in the future
Upgradable in the future
Not much customizing

I prefer Intel and Nvidia, but will go with whatever gives the most bang for the buck. I greatly appreciate any help that is offered. Thanks guys!

********************EDIT***************************

Well, after careful consideration from all of the input here on these wonderful boars this is what I wound up with:

33-124-069 WL ADAPTER LINKSYS|WMP300N PCI 11N 1 $79.99 $79.99


35-100-007 CPU THERMPASTE|ARCTIC SILVER5 3.5G% 1 $5.99 $5.99


35-118-019 CPU COOLER ZALMAN|9700 LED RTL 1 $54.99 $54.99


22-136-073 HD 500G|WD 7K 16M SATA2 WD5000AAKS 1 $104.99 $104.99
This item is serviced by the Western Digital. Please call 800 832 4778 for service.

27-106-079 DVD_BURN LITE-ON|DH-20A3P-08 BK R 2 $26.99 $53.98


24-009-094 MNTR ACER|LCD 22" 5MS DVI AL2216WBD 1 $229.99 $229.99


11-129-021 CASE ANTEC|NINE HUNDRED BK RT 1 $119.99 $119.99


19-115-017 CPU INTEL|C2Q Q6600 2.40G 775 8M R 1 $279.99 $279.99
Intel (800)-628-8686 Please Verify Processor matches order Prior to installation. IMPORTANT: Always pack you CPU well for return. We will refuse your RMA if we received it as DAMAGED!

17-139-004 PSU CORSAIR|CMPSU-550VX 550W RT 1 $99.99 $99.99


20-134-193 MEM 2Gx2|KST DII667 KVR667D2N5K2/4G 1 $79.99 $79.99
Kingston Support: 1 (800) 835-6575

13-128-050 MB GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3R 775 1 $126.99 $126.99
Gigabyte (626)-854-9338 option 4 www.giga-byte.com

14-130-312 VGA EVGA 512-P3-N841-A3 8800GTS 512 1 $339.99 $339.99
For Tech Support 888/881-EVGA (3842)

23-126-176 KB&MS LOGITECH|MX5000 LASER DSKTP 1 $119.99 $119.99


For links click here:
Mother Board http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813128050
Wireless Adapter http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6833124069
500GB HDD http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822136073
GPU http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814130312
CPU http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819115017
Thermal Compound http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835100007
PSU http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817139004
Keyboard and Mouse http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6823126176
2 DVD Burners http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6827106079
CPU fan http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835118019
22" WS Monitor http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6824009094
RAM 4GB http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820134193
Case http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811129021
Speakers http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6836121121

I am really hoping I can get all of this stuff put together and up and running. If anything is DOA I might be DOA as I have no idea how to put it together correctly so won't know if it is me or the bad product lol...

Here is what I recommend:
http://www.newegg.com/product/prod [...] 6813128050
http://www.newegg.com/product/prod [...] 6814130318
http://www.newegg.com/product/prod [...] 6817139004
http://www.newegg.com/product/prod [...] 6819115030
http://www.newegg.com/product/prod [...] 6820146565
http://www.newegg.com/product/prod [...] 6822148144
http://www.newegg.com/product/prod [...] 6824009094
http://www.newegg.com/product/prod [...] 6832116204
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811144151
Every thing comes to about $1204, before MIR & shipping.

I forgot to add a DVD drive, which should be about $30 for a SATA.

Ok a few things you should know:
1. You WILL NOT be able to play Crysis on MAX, in fact not even a high end SLI set up can play at the best settings, this shouldn't be a problem unless you are playing in a 30+" monitor with high res. (ie. 1600*1200, etc) and 4+x AA etc.

2. Upgradability pretty much dies for ALL curent Intel motherboards by the end of 2008, because Nehalm will have a new socket, etc. Never the less your PC should serve you fine for the next 2-4 years. You can also drop in a Q6600 or other quad core when the prices comes to about $150.

3. You will not be able to use the Dell XP CD without a hack/crack. It will install but will not activate (with out a hack).

Well, here is what I come up with on NewEgg so far. Though the Hard Drives I selected are out of stock at the moment. I guess I may need to put something else in there if ordering time comes and they are not in stock yet.

The main thing I am looking for here is checking for compatability. Do I have the fastest video card (ie is it the PCIE instead of an older AGP) Do I have enough slots for everything. Is the OS compatabible with the rest of it? Do I need any additinal fans or cooling options if I am not overclocking this? Also, refining any recommendations on what I am selecting so far would be great! Thank you in advance again guys!



Update Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
Model #: Nine Hundred
Item #: N82E16811129021

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

In Stock
$139.99 -$20.00 Instant $119.99

Update GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3R LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Model #: GA-P35-DS3R
Item #: N82E16813128050

Return Policy: Limited 30-Day Return Policy

In Stock
$126.99 $126.99

Update EVGA 640-P2-N829-AR GeForce 8800GTS SSC 640MB 320-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
Model #: 640-P2-N829-AR
Item #: N82E16814130317

Return Policy: Limited 30-Day Return Policy

In Stock
Mail-in Rebate
$309.99 $309.99

Update CORSAIR CMPSU-550VX ATX12V V2.2 550W Power Supply - Retail
Model #: CMPSU-550VX
Item #: N82E16817139004

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

In Stock
Mail-in Rebate
$104.99 -$5.00 Instant $99.99

Update Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 Conroe 2.66GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80557E6750 - Retail
Model #: BX80557E6750
Item #: N82E16819115029

Return Policy: Processors (CPUs) Return Policy

In Stock
$189.99 $189.99

Update Kingston 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model KVR667D2N5K2/4G - Retail
Model #: KVR667D2N5K2/4G
Item #: N82E16820134193

Return Policy: Memory (Modules, USB) Return Policy

In Stock
$119.99 -$40.00 Instant $159.98

Update Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 (Perpendicular Recording) ST3250620AS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
Model #: ST3250620AS
Item #: N82E16822148144

Return Policy: Limited 30-Day Return Policy

Out Of Stock
Auto-Notify
$64.99 $64.99

Update Logitech MX 5000 967558-0403 Black USB Bluetooth Wireless Standard Desktop Mouse Included - Retail
Model #: 967558-0403
Item #: N82E16823126176

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

In Stock
$119.99 $119.99

Update Acer AL2216Wbd Black 22" 5ms DVI Widescreen LCD Monitor with HDCP support - Retail
Model #: ET.2216B.0D0
Item #: N82E16824009094

Return Policy: [LCD] Limited Non-Refundable 30-Day Return Policy

In Stock
$249.99 -$20.00 Instant $229.99

Update LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner With 12X DVD-RAM Write Black SATA Model LH-20A1S OEM BK - OEM
Model #: LH-20A1S OEM BK
Item #: N82E16827106070

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

In Stock
$27.99 $27.99

Update Creative 70SB046A00000 7.1 Channels PCI Interface Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer Fatal1ty Professional Series - Retail
Model #: 70SB046A00000
Item #: N82E16829102005

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

In Stock
$135.99 $135.99

Update Microsoft Windows Vista 64-Bit Home Premium for System Builders Single Pack DVD - OEM
Model #: 66I-00788
Item #: N82E16832116204

Return Policy: Software Return Policy

In Stock
$111.49 $111.49

Update Logitech THX Z-5300e 280 Watts RMS 5.1 Speaker - Retail
Model #: 970102-1403
Item #: N82E16836121121

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

In Stock
$134.99 $134.99
Subtotal: $1,832.36

If you willing to buy from other online e-tailers than you can get some of the parts cheaper. Not sure if this is an option, but just thought I'd throw that out there. The main reason I state this is the PSU's on newegg.com aren't always a good price. The other things that I'd suggest about your build is just a few things.
1) I'd get the newest 8800gts 512mb (g92 version), because it's close to your older GPU (8800gtx 640mb g80 version) and is faster than the one you selected.
$356 shipped - $20 MIR = $336!! You can upgrade within the 90 days of shipment with the eVga "Step Up" program, if you feel that you need to upgrade to the latest/greatest GPU.
EVGA 512-P3-N841-A3 GeForce 8800GTS (G92) 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814130312

2) DVD burner I'd get the "Retail" version, so you don't have to buy the burning software seperately. This will only cost you $2 more for this option!
LITE-ON 20X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 20X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 40X CD-ROM IDE DVD Burner included extra White bezel - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6827106079

3) Not sure if you need an add on Sound card, because onboard sound is quite good these days. That would save you $140. For most people I'd recommend using the onboard sound first and if it doesn't work out for you than go ahead and get the addon card.


Example of PSU being cheaper on other sites:
$94 shipped - $15 MIR = $80!!!
CORSAIR CMPSU-550VX 550W Active Power Supply Retail ***Free Shipping***
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Prod [...] e=10006757
or here for $88 shipped - $15 MIR - $10 Google checkout = $63!!!
http://www.buy.com/prod/corsair-vx [...] 52646.html

Okay just a few final comments, so you can do with it what you will. The onboard sound on the DS3R has these features, which is more than enough for 95% of builds:
Onboard Audio
Audio Chipset Realtek ALC889A
Audio Channels 8 Channels

Rear Panel Ports
PS/2 2
USB 8 x USB 2.0
S/PDIF Out 1x Optical, 1x Coaxial
Audio Ports 6 Ports

* I'm not trying to change your mind, but this onboard audio has 8 channels, IIRC this does support 7.1? Correct me if I'm wrong here, someone?
* I'm not sure how your household is setup, but I play all of my games with a headset, since I have several computers next to each other. I know alot of people use headsets, since you can hear what's going on and also use the mic for talking to your opponents or teamates.

If these 2 items are not critical than you could save the $200 on the audio card and speaker set and use that for the GPU upgrade to 8800gts, which would be better since it's faster and also is a double slot cooling solution, which the 8800gt's are only single slot solutions and tend to run quite warm.

The Antec 900 goes on sale every so often for $60 after MIR's, so I'd pick it up if it approaches this price. There are plenty of other options on the case, but the 900 is pretty good for the $, so I don't blame you for wanting this setup.

If you like the suggestions that I listed above you would be saving about $140 off of your last suggestion ($200 on audio parts - $60 GPU upgrade to 8800gts 512mb (g92)). This would put you under your $1500 starting price and I'm sure the wife would like that. With my suggestions you'd be getting better performance (because of better GPU), but would be cutting back on the audio parts. Like I said before these are only thoughts and suggestions from me. Other people will make their suggestions, but that is where I'm coming from. Good luck with the build and please come back after you build it and let us how it all worked out.

Are you and the wife going to be on the internet at the same time? If so you need to think about setting up a small network. Just throwing this out there, would be < $100 depending on the router and wireless cards.
I got a linksys router, a PCIMA card for the laptop and a PCI wireless card for the desktop for around $85

Yes, we are going to be on the internet at the same time. We already have a wireless and wired network setup. We have two home computers and three laptops in the house running now.

lunyone, what did you mean by the above comment? I did not violate any posting rules or anything did I? If so I am sorry =/

I don't have anything for sale, guess it does sound like that, really should have reread that B4 I posted. My point was that was all I spent on mine. There would be to much hell to pay around here if I took the network out.

Ok, I have made a couple of more changes to the system. I upgraded the processor and now I am thinking about dropping Vista for a version of XP. I cannot find my retail version of XP pro I had so now I have to get a new version of XP. I am dropping Vista because a LOT of people in my guild (WoW) are complaining about Vista and the reviews on N3w3gg are pretty bad.

I am not super computer literate as I have said before. So, what I am asking here is this:

What version of XP do I get? Pro? Media Center? Home? Do I want
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6832116378 Which is Microsoft Windows XP Professional 64Bit SP2C - OEM? Is the system we have been discussing 32 or 64 bit? Told you I am a n00b =P lol Just want to have an OS with as little problems as possible for doing the type of gaming I am doing. Thank you so much for your help!

A link to the build I have is here:

http://secure.newegg.com/NewVersio [...] er=6789291

Yeah, unfortunately the sticker is on the CD case. And I have neither the CD case or the DVD. That is why I have to find another one. =/

I am back in budget with the MIR's. I currently only play Wow because my Video Card blows chunks. I had an 8800gts for about two weeks before it blew and I needed the money back any way. I completed Bioshock during that time. I want to be able to go back to games like Crysis, Bioshock etc and play on pretty decent settings.

I have that same mouse and keyboard set up at work and I love the look, feel, quality and charge time on it. I have a back up mouse/keyboard I keep plugged in and pull them out if something goes dead.

Wireless responce time > my skill so that is not too much of a problem. I am not really a super "twitch gamer" so this should not be a problem.

I am really looking for advice on the OS. Should I keep the Vista or dump it because of problems I hear abound? If I go back to XP which version? Home, Pro, Media center? I am thinking pro. Also, is the system I am building a 32 or 64 bit? Gosh I hate being a n00b!

<3 you guys and your advice. Nice to see a WHOLE group of people that are not smart asses and condescending. You are a great group of people and I truly value and appreciate your input!

About the OS: I think Vista 64-bit is a good choice now, with SP1 almost ready. XP 32-bit will give you somewhat better fps, but TBH with an HD 3850 or better that's no longer an issue. The reason I'd prefer Vista is that you are guaranteed security patches for several years, while with XP they may stop soon.

If you decide to go with XP, probably Home makes most sense. Pro adds some features that most gamers don't need, and costs more. Do some research and then decide, maybe you do need some of those features.
There's a Pro 32-bit and a Pro 64-bit. Avoid the 64-bit, it will complicate your life too much. I know because I use it at work.

Media Center adds support for recording and playing TV movies, but it has some driver issues with nVidia cards. Specifically, nVidia recommends against using Media Center with two monitors and an 8800-series card. That's exactly what I'm doing, and I learned the hard way that I need to switch to single monitor to play games.

That's the best cooler out there. Check out the reviews at www.anandtech.com if you want. You will need to buy a fan for it. I'd pick Scythe S-Flex SFF21F.

Some people buy the Q6600 from ClubIT to be guaranteed G0.

I hope you have it built before then. Good luck, I wanna know how it turns out.

Please post how it turns out! I am about to order very much the same thing, and would love to know what you learned along the way!

Please post any thoughts, musings, and lessons!

How nice of you to wait almost a month after he originally posted his proposed system, wait till after he ordered it, and wait till he received it and was enthusiastically putting it together. before you chime in and attack the system. That shows no class at all.

My congrats too, but also apologies. Damn, he mentioned the best CPU cooler out there, I even told him what fan to buy for it, and I never noticed the DDR2-667.

johnh2005, you don't sound like an anthusiast overclocker. As long as you don't overclock, the DDR2-667 is fine and you don't need to worry about that at all. It's just that, when overclocking, DDR2-800 could do better or at least save you some effort. Personally I think overclocking is more about boasting in forums than about real performance gains, because hard disks will very often limit performance anyway. AFAIK my stock Q6600 has never reached 100% usage in 6 months, and I use it a lot for both work and games.

As for Q6600 vs dual core E8400, it depends on too many factors to say for sure what's best for you. If you buy the CPU for the long term (say, 3 years or more) I still think the quad is better. Maybe I'm too optimistic here, but here's the logic: games are often based on engines, only a few companies make and sell engines, and they have made support for quads a priority a long time ago, especially when Q6600 became the first quad ever under $300 last July.

antec 900 $79 at newegg now. in 3 days it will be $119 again. what are you waiting for?

Well it has been quite a while since I got everything put together. I have not had ONE SINGLE blue screen in the months since I put it all together. It stays DAMN cool (though all of the heat blowing out of the case WILL heat the entire room up) I had a couple of guys at my second job (I am now a Circuit City Firedog) play with the overclocking settings and they just threw fits about how easy it was to over clock and the performance they saw out of it!!!! These guys know a LOT more about this stuff than I do and they were really surprized at how well it works under stress and stuff. All I can say is that everything was a breeze to put together even for a first time builder and it all works flawlessly without ANY modifications.