How am i doing so far?

[llDarkmindll]

Hi everyone, new to the board looking for some advice. I've been doing a lot of reading and checking boards. This board has a lot of good tips and advice so i figured I would stop by hear.

I'm new to computer building but not new to computers per say. Putting everything together is the easy part, picking out what goes with what is where I'm getting stuck.

I'm looking to build a high end mid level or low end high level computer mostly for gaming. Only thing is the most demanding game I play is Final Fantasy XI but I would like the option to get into other games. I watch a LOT of dvds, listen to tons of music, and do some work with photos.


While building/picking out parts I'm keeping in mind that I want room to improve and upgrade, also I would like to keep from having to upgrade for at least a year.

Hears what I have so far, I'm using newegg just as a guide for now. Prices, shipping, and product quaility will determine where I buy from.

Case
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16811165008
Plenty of room and I would like to try the removable mobo rack myself. I need some fans for this but i'm not sure what to go with. I really could care less about all the flashing lights. I just want something that works and works good.

Mobo
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16813136158
From the reading that i've done and the advice i've seen this mobo looks like a good pick. Whats your thoughts?

CPU
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16819103539
Wanted to keep it around 200 bucks and this is only 20 more.

PSU
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16817104954
I've seen lots of good advice, and people pointing others to Fortron source PSUs. I don't see myself needing more than 450w.

RAM
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16820220079
Looks to be about the best bang for the buck on newegg. I would like to keep it at at least 2GB and try to save money at the same time.

HD #1
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16822148065
I've herd good things about seagate and 250GB will do me just fine.

HD #2
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16822148051
Would like another one just for music and 40 bucks sounds like a good price.

Drives
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16827106995

http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16827131417

I only really need one but I would like two. One just for watching dvds and another for burning cds.

Vid card
I'm not really sure where I should go with this. Not sure what one would be a good shoe-in for my needs and will work well with the parts i have picked out so far.

Sound card
Haven't looked into this yet.

I'm already at about 1k in parts, I would like to keep this around 1500 or less. I still need an OS and i'm sure there are a bunch of other little parts i'm forgetting.

Maybe you guys can point out where I can cut back or need to put more money into.

Thanks for any and all help, ideas, and advice.

 

[morgster]

What games do you want to play, at what settings?

 

[llDarkmindll]

OOO man thats a hard one. I'm so stuck in FFXI right now i'm not even really sure whats out there. I have Doom3 sitting on my shelf just collecting dust. So I know I want to play that. If anything most of what I'll pick up will be newer FPS.

 

[llDarkmindll]

As far as settings I really have no idea. I'm using a dell 20.1 LCD mon if that makes a difference.

 

[thebleakness]

Its not too bad. DFIs require at least a 480W power supply. Check into the OCZ powerstream or modstreams and antec true powers. If you want to game and do it well look into the eVGA 7800GT. That will play any games out at the moment and will for a long time. Since you enjoy music, go with a good sound card like the this one If you have some money left check out the X2 3800. That will future proof your computer alittle more.

 

[llDarkmindll]

Thanks for the good advice thebleakness, thats just what i'm looking for.

I had no idea DFIs required at least 480Ws. I was choosing my PSU off of what i've herd that most good AMDs need no less than 400Ws. Thanks for the tip, just as well up it to 500 just in case.


wow so many different eVGA 7800GTs, most are a little more than i would like to spend. The more i spend the longer it will take for me to get together lol. O well gotta have a good card if i'm going to get anything done. I'll look into the eVGA 7800GTs more, I did a search and a ton of different kinds came up at different prices and i'm not sure what one would do me good.


Sound card looks like a good pick, i'll add it to my list.


Thanks for pointing me out to the X2 3800. Its only 100 more than the one that I have picked out so i'm gonna see what I can do to pick that up.

 

[llDarkmindll]

Can someone please explain the eVGA 7800GTs to me?