99.9% these will be my new computer, but that other .1%, oh boy

[boogey]

Keep in mind I'm a computer noob & I got the case and the psu for x-mas (gifts).

PSU - Ultra X2 550 Watts
Ultra X2 ULT31851 550-Watt Power Supply - ATX, 120mm Fan, SLI Ready, SATA-Ready, 2024-Pin, Modular at TigerDirect.com

Case - Cooler Master 690
Newegg.com - COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

MOBO - Asus Maximus Formula - $250
Newegg.com - ASUS MAXIMUS FORMULA LGA 775 Intel X38 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

Processor - Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 - $220
Newegg.com - Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor - Retail

Memory - OCZ Gold 2GB - $225
Newegg.com - OCZ Gold 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1066 (PC3 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail

Storage - WD Cavier's 160GB - $130
Newegg.com - Western Digital Caviar RE WD1600YS 160GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM

CD/DVD Burner - Samsung - $34
Newegg.com - SAMSUNG Black 20X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 16X DVD+R DL 20X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe - OEM

Video Card - Evga 8800GT - $276
Newegg.com - EVGA 512-P3-N802-AR GeForce 8800GT Superclocked 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail

CPU/Processor Heatsink/Fan - ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro - $28
Newegg.com - ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler - Retail

Total = $1163.

If I need any after market heatsinks/fans will you guystell me?

Before you guys tell me stuff.

I have no idea how you overclock. Will this stuff fit in the case I got? With what I do, those 2 HDD's will probably be fine for me. I want a pretty advanced mobo. Is that memory even considered good? Don't tell me about Quad this n that. I'm going to upgrade to 45nm quad next x-mas (2008). Also will this run most vista programs good, bad, what? Also I can care less about crossfire or sli I'm a one card type of dude.

 

[aetherh4cker]

The 3870 uses 129 watts while idle, 265 under load. The 8800GT will use 142 idle, 227 under load.

The 8800GT is also a better card.

 

[boogey]

The 3870 uses 129 watts while idle, 265 under load. The 8800GT will use 142 idle, 227 under load.

The 8800GT is also a better card.

Thanks, now I know which card to get.

 

[gurusan]

Go for the DDR2 motherboard and 4gb of quality DDR2 ram. Not only will it be cheaper, but it will be faster than the DDR3 you spec'd above

As for an aftermarket fan, the Arctic Freezer 7 Pro should be plenty for you if you are on a budget, since those new 45nm processors run so darned cool.

 

[veedubfreak]

Drop down to the maximus formula and get 2gb of ddr2. Crucial ballistix are about the best around, and can be had for around 50-60 without rebates, or around 40 if you find a rebate deal. DDR3 right now doesnt offer enough performance benefit to justify the cost. When the new intel chips with onboard memory controllers come out, thats when DDR3 will come into the mainstream.

 

[boogey]

And what you recommend for that ddr3 mobo I linked. Because I would like a computer that won't be out classed by your classic dell budget brand for the next 5 years hopefully (remember I'm a noob).

edit - veedubfreak. When do you think ddr3 will become mainstream? Based on computer trends.

And I can't find crucial ballistix on newegg ddr2 800.

 

[Redmo0n]

Double post~

 

[Redmo0n]

The hardrive you linked is $59.99

 

[boogey]

The hardrive you linked is $59.99

I put Cavier's, as in plural, cause I'm buying 2 of them.

 

[veedubfreak]

The maximus formula is the DDR2 equivalent of the board you linked. And like i said, ddr3 will become mainstream when its price/performance ratio is greater than that of ddr2.