OK guys, I am not new at building my own rig, but in the past I just bought components based on price and performance. I never looked at the picture as a whole, like will I be over-clocking or SLI or system cooling.
Basically I am a mid-level gamer. I play Half-life 2 and some other shooters and strategy games like the Total War series. I don't buy every game that comes out.
Right now I am not sure about over-clocking. I have always been afraid I'd burn up my system. But, from what I read its a lot easier now. So, I'd like my system to have some over-clocking capability should I so be inclined.
As far as SLI and Crossfire. I need to read up more on it. Is it a gimmic? Is it necessary for a mid-level system?
I'd like to keep the price below $1000. I don't need a monitor now, so that will save me some cash.
Here's some components I picked from the recommended build thread. I need help on choosing a motherboard, but also let me know what you all think. Did I make any errors in choosing the components? I tried to use customer satisfaction as my guide. Any compatibility issues? I appreciate your MoBo suggestions and any other ideas you may have.
Graphics Card
EVGA 512-P3-N801-AR GeForce 8800 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
CPU
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor Model BX80562Q6600 - Retail
PSU
Antec NeoPower 550 550W ATX12V Power Supply 100 - 240 V UL, CUL, TUV, CE, FCC, CCC, CB, C-tick - Retail
HD
SAMSUNG SpinPoint T Series HD501LJ 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
CPU COOLER
ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler - Retail
Case
COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
Basically I am a mid-level gamer. I play Half-life 2 and some other shooters and strategy games like the Total War series. I don't buy every game that comes out.
Right now I am not sure about over-clocking. I have always been afraid I'd burn up my system. But, from what I read its a lot easier now. So, I'd like my system to have some over-clocking capability should I so be inclined.
As far as SLI and Crossfire. I need to read up more on it. Is it a gimmic? Is it necessary for a mid-level system?
I'd like to keep the price below $1000. I don't need a monitor now, so that will save me some cash.
Here's some components I picked from the recommended build thread. I need help on choosing a motherboard, but also let me know what you all think. Did I make any errors in choosing the components? I tried to use customer satisfaction as my guide. Any compatibility issues? I appreciate your MoBo suggestions and any other ideas you may have.
Graphics Card
EVGA 512-P3-N801-AR GeForce 8800 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
CPU
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor Model BX80562Q6600 - Retail
PSU
Antec NeoPower 550 550W ATX12V Power Supply 100 - 240 V UL, CUL, TUV, CE, FCC, CCC, CB, C-tick - Retail
HD
SAMSUNG SpinPoint T Series HD501LJ 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
CPU COOLER
ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler - Retail
Case
COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail