Ok now it's time to decide brands etc. I'm not really up to date so help me out
Processor - 3200 or 3400? I know it is a lot more cash, but I'm pretty sure I saw some reviews showing big performance differences from the 3200 to 3400. Am I remembering this wrong?
RAM - I first planned on OCZ 2x512 pc3200 Enhanced Latency Platinum RAM. I hear this RAM is very good (fast, solid, reliable) but should I go with more than 3200? I doubt I'll overclock very much. If I didn't overclock at all, would it still be wise to get a little higher speed since I want this PC to last a good while?
Video Card - x800 XT or FX6800? I had my heart set on the x800 but now there is something going on making all past reviews useless? Could someone explain this cheating thing to me and whether x800 is still as good as it seemed? If not, which would be my best choice? I have never had a PC that could run new games with great frames at highest settings, which is why I loved the x800. But, if there is something else to consider, speak up.
Case - I am considering the Aspie X-Superalien but I'm unsure about it. I've read some reviews saying it's good but I have some concerns. Is the PS any good in it? It's 500W which is awesome, but how is it for quality, stability, etc? My other choice was either a medium Thermaltake like Lanfire or a Super Tower. These both are without power supplies, so more money, but would they outdo the Apsire?
HD - How important is hard drive speed for gaming? I always wanted a Raptor, but they're so small I'd need at least two...which I don't want to pay for. Would a Seagate 80GB 7200 still be decent for gaming?
Monitor - Ok, delema (sp?) here. I have a 3 year old monitor from NEC (MultiSync 75) which I want to replace. I was to get a sexy black NEC or Viewsonic, but if I don't need them I'll save the cash. This monitor currently can't go over 1280x1024 and I'm wondering if I need a new monitor to make my games run at better quality?
Motherboard - I hear the K8V Deluxe is good and that was my first idea, but then I thought about the new nForce3 250s coming out, etc. I hear these are awesome for OCing, but if I don't plan to OC very much, or at all, would this still be a good board? Would it be a better choice to run with the K8V?
That should be it and then I'm off to buy buy buy! Thanks.
Processor - 3200 or 3400? I know it is a lot more cash, but I'm pretty sure I saw some reviews showing big performance differences from the 3200 to 3400. Am I remembering this wrong?
RAM - I first planned on OCZ 2x512 pc3200 Enhanced Latency Platinum RAM. I hear this RAM is very good (fast, solid, reliable) but should I go with more than 3200? I doubt I'll overclock very much. If I didn't overclock at all, would it still be wise to get a little higher speed since I want this PC to last a good while?
Video Card - x800 XT or FX6800? I had my heart set on the x800 but now there is something going on making all past reviews useless? Could someone explain this cheating thing to me and whether x800 is still as good as it seemed? If not, which would be my best choice? I have never had a PC that could run new games with great frames at highest settings, which is why I loved the x800. But, if there is something else to consider, speak up.
Case - I am considering the Aspie X-Superalien but I'm unsure about it. I've read some reviews saying it's good but I have some concerns. Is the PS any good in it? It's 500W which is awesome, but how is it for quality, stability, etc? My other choice was either a medium Thermaltake like Lanfire or a Super Tower. These both are without power supplies, so more money, but would they outdo the Apsire?
HD - How important is hard drive speed for gaming? I always wanted a Raptor, but they're so small I'd need at least two...which I don't want to pay for. Would a Seagate 80GB 7200 still be decent for gaming?
Monitor - Ok, delema (sp?) here. I have a 3 year old monitor from NEC (MultiSync 75) which I want to replace. I was to get a sexy black NEC or Viewsonic, but if I don't need them I'll save the cash. This monitor currently can't go over 1280x1024 and I'm wondering if I need a new monitor to make my games run at better quality?
Motherboard - I hear the K8V Deluxe is good and that was my first idea, but then I thought about the new nForce3 250s coming out, etc. I hear these are awesome for OCing, but if I don't plan to OC very much, or at all, would this still be a good board? Would it be a better choice to run with the K8V?
That should be it and then I'm off to buy buy buy! Thanks.