My goal is basically a build capable of running the upcoming Grand Theft Auto 4 smoothly (though with my budget that may not be feasible). I'm somewhat new to this stuff so please bear with me 
First, I was wondering if there are any good SLI motherboards on the market. I haven't researched in about half a year but when I did there were a lot of known graphical artifact/lockup issues on the nVidia 700 chipsets which ultimately scared me off from attempting a build. Have these been resolved yet? Would an SLI board even be necessary for what I need it for? If not, what motherboard would be suitable for someone with little OCing experience looking to spend around $100-125?
Next is video card(s). As mentioned earlier it's been about 6 months since I had been planning a build and at the time I was going to go with a GeForce 8800 GTS 512MB. I'm sure much has changed in 6 months so I'm essentially looking for the best bang for about $225 - I'm not too familiar with the new GeForce stuff at all.
For processor, I'd like to go with intel on a budget of about $225-$250. Beyond that /shrugs.
For RAM... um... basically anything compatible with the suggested motherboard/processor Same with power source and OS (not too concerned about budget for these)
I don't need a case, hard drive or anything else. Just what's mentioned above. Any advice I can receive will be very much appreciated. Thanks!
First, I was wondering if there are any good SLI motherboards on the market. I haven't researched in about half a year but when I did there were a lot of known graphical artifact/lockup issues on the nVidia 700 chipsets which ultimately scared me off from attempting a build. Have these been resolved yet? Would an SLI board even be necessary for what I need it for? If not, what motherboard would be suitable for someone with little OCing experience looking to spend around $100-125?
Next is video card(s). As mentioned earlier it's been about 6 months since I had been planning a build and at the time I was going to go with a GeForce 8800 GTS 512MB. I'm sure much has changed in 6 months so I'm essentially looking for the best bang for about $225 - I'm not too familiar with the new GeForce stuff at all.
For processor, I'd like to go with intel on a budget of about $225-$250. Beyond that /shrugs.
For RAM... um... basically anything compatible with the suggested motherboard/processor
Same with power source and OS (not too concerned about budget for these)I don't need a case, hard drive or anything else. Just what's mentioned above. Any advice I can receive will be very much appreciated. Thanks!
