Building a Gaming System

[SarahKumiko]

Hello, all! I'm fairly new to hardware and the like, although I do understand basic concepts of RAM, Hard Drive space, CPU speed, and similar things.

On to the question! I've recently had a look at prices, parts, etc. I'm trying to build a gaming computer, and I think I've come up with a full set of parts that will suit my needs. I have a monitor, keyboard, and mouse, so no need to worry about that. I plan on playing such games as Kane & Lynch, Age of Conan, and Tabula Rasa. Would a system like this be good for playing those sorts of games, and if so... how well would it run them?


3.0 GHz Intel® Core™2 Duo Desktop Processor E6850 - $198.95

SLI CRUCIAL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM 800 (BL2KIT12864AA804) X2 - $49.98 (After Mail-in rebate)

Western Digital 250GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb Hard Drive X2 - $121.68 ($60.84 each)

EVGA GeForce 8800GT 512MB Video Card - $159.99 (After Mail-in rebate)

SONY 16X DVD-ROM Black - $29.99

Creative Labs Sound Blaster Audigy SE - $29.99

EVGA nVidia nForce 680i SE SLI Motherboard ATX - $205.20

Thermaltake SLI 750W ATX 12V - $173.28

Thermaltake Armor Series Black Aluminum / Steel Full Tower ATX (VA8000BWS) - $119.99 (After Mail-in rebate)

Total (With Taxes): $1252.41

I'd like to not go too high.. and was hopefully shooting for $1300 or less. However, I suppose I might be able to go to $1500, but I'd really rather not have to spend that much. If this helps at all when you guys check specs and stuff, here's the URL's for all the parts!

CPU: Pcvonline.com, Buy Intel Core 2 Duo E6850 3.00 GHz Dual Core Processor (1333 MHz ) Socket 775 (2 X 2 MB L2 Cache) - Box BX80557E6850

RAM: Newegg.com - Crucial Ballistix 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Desktop Memory

Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar SE16 250GB SATA2 7200RPM 16MB 8.9MS Hard Drive 3 Year Mfr Warranty - DirectCanada

Video Card: Newegg.com - EVGA 512-P3-N801-AR GeForce 8800GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards

DVD Drive: OEMExpress.com - Sony 16X DVD ROM Drive Black

Sound Card: Creative Labs Sound Blaster Audigy SE 70SB057000000 at TigerDirect.com

Power Supply: NCIX.com - Buy Thermaltake Toughpower 750W ATX12V 24PIN SLI/CROSSFIRE Ready ATX Power Supply 140MM Fan Active PFC - W0117RU In Canada.

Case: Newegg.com - Thermaltake Armor Series VA8000BWS Black Aluminum / Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Computer Cases

As a final note, are the parts all actually compatible with one another? I'd hate to buy it and have one piece not work with the other, so I figured I'd get Tech Forums experts' opinions. Thanks in advance!

~Sarah

 

[darksideleader]

you'll like the e8400 better for the CPU
Videocard wise 8800GTS ain't much more
Newegg.com - ECS N8800GTS-512MX GeForce 8800GTS (G92) 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards
But if your afriad ECS will crap you out, you'll like a 8800GT with better cooler rather than the crappy single cooler.
Newegg.com - Open Box: MSI NX8800GT 512M OC GeForce 8800GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card

 

[SarahKumiko]

Okay, so... if I get the 8400 CPU you recommended, then purchased a 8800GTS Video Card like you said... my system would have no trouble running everything I've selected, including the two changes I just made, correct?

All feedback is greatly appreciated!

 

[Puddle Jumper]

Since you do not need sli a p35 motherboard will suit you needs better. The EP35 DS3L is a great motherboard and will support the E8400.

Newegg.com - GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Intel Motherboards

Also this power supply will provide more than enough power for your system and is considerably cheaper than the Thermaltake SLI 750W.

Newegg.com - CORSAIR CMPSU-550VX 550W ATX12V V2.2 Power Supply 90 - 264 V UL, CUL, CE, CB, FCC Class B, TUV, CCC, C-tick - Power Supplies

You system should have no problem running the games you mentioned. With a 8800gts 512mb and E8400 you should be able to run all of those games at max settings.