Building my first gaming computer!

[Methane]

Okay guys Iv been doing a lot of research this past month and have decided to start building my new gaming computer. This will be the first computer system I have ever put together so I dont know to much about it and im a complete noob, however I have found many sites with step by step guildlines to build one. Heres what I have decided to get so far and stuff I need reommendations to get.

MoboASUS K8T800 Chipset Motherboard for AMD Socket 754 CPU, Model "K8V SE Deluxe" -RETAIL
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProdu...ufactory=BROWSE

CPU-AMD Athlon 64 3200+, 1MB L2 Cache, The Only 64-bit Windows Compatible Processor - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProdu...ufactory=BROWSE

Video card- not yet decided but I want to go with an ATi. Something around $200-$250

Sound card- Need help deciding

RAM- I want at least 1GB PC3200(DDR400). Help deciding which brand.

OS-Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition with Service Pack SP1a - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProdu...ufactory=BROWSE

CD Drive-SONY Beige 52x32x52 IDE Internal CD-RW Drive, Model CRX230E, OEM
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProdu...ufactory=BROWSE

Hard drive- Not sure what to get yet. Shoul I get 2 drives or just 1 big drive?

Case- I want a ATX case with at least 420W powersupply included. Someone recommend one for me.

I guess thats it. I was planning on waiting for the new 939 socket but I here it will be really expensive for a while and the difference compared to the 754 will be minimal. Any recommendations will be appreciated. I am still a complete noob at this computer building thing but Im a quick learner. Thanks

 

[Zipp080]

I just built that system actually about 3 weeks ago.

I would reccomend the 9800 PRO as it about 220 including tax on newegg and it is about the 3rd best video card out right now below the 5950 and 9800 XT.

The asus board also reccomends kingston or samsung memory, however I went ahead and bought corsair select and it has ran just fine for me.

The asus board comes with an onboard network card, so I dont know why you need or want to buy one?

 

[Monster00]

i hate nvidia. If you want a really good card, get a 9800 pro like he said or if u wanna get a really really good card for cheap, get the 9600XT. For the sound card... i would get a audigy 2. (spelling is not right i dont think) Its a very good card. There are different models. price ranges from 40-200 dollars. All depending if ur into video editing or somthing. My friend has the best audigy 2 becuase hes into all the video editing and sutff. As for the HD, i would get 1 big one. Unless if ur plaining to run 2 Operating systems... or if ur going to be doing somthing else other then games that takes up a lot of space then get 2 HD's. I have 2 HD's becuase when i got my new HD, i decided to just use my old one i dunno why.

 

[Methane]

Is there really a big difference between the 9600xt and 9800pro. If not ill just get the 9600xt and save a few bucks and maybe pick up the newer ATi cards at the end of the year.

 

[Monster00]

hmm well im not sure about the specs but the 9600XT is a really top notch card for its price. Its better then nvidias 5600. But they said the ATI x880XT is gonna be starting production on june 14th (im not sure if its gonna be OUT or gonna start production). But if i were u and if you were going to get a good card, i would just get a cheap card now and just save up for the x880XT.