Game/Video/Music 1st Computer Build Questions

[davebee123]

I am preparing to build my 1st computer and wondered if I could get some input. I haven't purchased all the parts but have some and are as follows:
purchased a
*Intel P4 3.2Ghz CPU 1MB L2 HT 540 series Socket 775 Land Package processor
*Plextor PX-716SA SATA 8MB 16X DVD±R 6X DVD-DL Burner
*Creative Labs Sound Blaster Audigy 2 THX Sound Card
*INTEL P4 LGA775 CPU Heatsink & Fan
*ATI Remote Wonder II PC Remote Control

Not purchase but am considering are:
*Two- Seagate Barracuda SATA 200GB 8MB HARD DRIVES 7200 RPM
*6600 GT Video Card
*Case w/450w+ PS
*1GB DDR or DDR2 (depending on mobo)
I realize I probably skipped a crucial step in choosing my soundcard before a mobo because I think I might be changing my mind. The original mombo I had in mind was:
*ASUS P5GD1 Socket T (LGA 775) Intel 915P ATX http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131503

Due to the Raid Matrix option and 1066 FSB for potential upgrade I am now considering the:
*ASUS P5LD2 Socket T (LGA 775) Intel 945P BOARD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131538
Or
*ASUS P5AD2-E PREMIUM 925XE 755 Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131516R (not refurbished though)

I want this computer to perform well with games, movies and music videos. Does this look to be a good setup? Are there better options I am overlooking (especially the mobo)?
Any comments or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

davebee123

 

[aspire]

maybe up the vid card

i would go for a 6800gt

and the cpu isnt the best for games
but will do well with multitasking

get some decent pc3200
try latencies of 2-3-3-6
but dont spend more than 150 bucks for a gig

 

[Nukem]

Don't forget a decent PSU... forget the one that comes with the case. I made the mistake of using a POWMAX (450w) a friend had given me.l.. Let's just say... it SUUUUUUUUUUCKS!!!!!!!!! get a decent one... I have a thermaltake 480W righ now... works just fine. Your soundcard isn't that big a deal unless your going to get into some serious music / video editing... Most mobo's now have pretty decent built-in audio... in my humble opinion... video / ram / cooling. In that order.

Nuke(m)

 

[timmer]

i would go with the second mobo and a gig of ddr2 667 its like 150$

 

[davebee123]

Thanks for the replies. Can U tell me what makes this CPU not so good for games? I thought a P4 3.2 w 800Mhz FSB of any sort would be good. So should I ditch the sound card and use the onboard? Why would U pick the second mobo? Just tryin to pick up pointers here and make this as good as I can.
Thanks again for all your help!

davebee123

 

[Ankush09]

an Intel P4 3.2GHz is a good CPU, but AMD'S are better for games, and intels for programs and applications (such as photoshop)

 

[neocamp22]

If you want a gaming rig, try dfi lanparty and san diego or venice core, either fx55 and up or 3500+ and up. And i you do go amd don't get dual core, at this point not enough programs and games take advantage of it, and it costs a ton. I think that the video card is fine, but if you want to be future ready, get the dfi lanparty with sli, or something like the asus a8n-sli, and get the 6600gt w/ sli.

 

[idiotec]

Bah, dude, don't worry about the processor. It is true that AMD chips perform slightly better at games, but it is not that big of a deal. Video card is way more important, and the Intel will perform slightly better at the music and video stuff so its a wash.

I have the P5AD2-E PREMIUM mobo and it is great, havn't had one problem with it. You will need DDR2 RAM with this board. I would just get some DDR2 533 value RAM if you are not OC'ing.

I do agree that you should definately get a seperate power supply, the one's that come with the cases suck. Pick up a good one for about $70 or so.

One other thing you might want to consider is getting an aftermarket HSF. Some of the new Intel's will run really hot with the stock HSF, but others are fine.

 

[davebee123]

Thanks for the feedback.
So if I have only 1 PCI E x16 slot and link another card in the future will the second card perform the same in a PCI E x1 slot? Is that how it works? Is there a difference in slots? Is this (SLI) a highly important feature for future upgradability?


davebee123

 

[neocamp22]

SLI is basically the ability to put 2 videa cards in one rig. You then bridge them, and they dual process the data, alternating lines, making the graphics more than twice as good as one card.