First build...

[Andyf]

Ok, first thing, that GPU is very dated. Its very confusing, the GTS 320 and 640 are the old GTS version (G80), the new one is the GTS 512 (G92), is just another level above those two. A rough guide to graphics card performance, in increasing order of performance:

GTS 320
GTS 640
ATi 3850
ATi 3870
GT 512
GTS 512
GTX
Ultra

So go GTS 512 instead in my view. Certainly don't get the 640 SSC.


Right, thermal paste... erm yes, If you can, get some aftermarket stuff. In order of preference, best first:

Arctic MX-2
Arctic MX-1
Arctic Silver 5

All will do a great job, MX-2 is prolly the pick of the bunch. Its worth spending the extra $5 or so on a good paste. Given how much you are spending on the HSF.


EDIT: Oh yes, maybe get a Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 or 7200.11 model over that WD caviar.

 

[Nanners]

Newegg.com - EVGA 512-P3-N841-A3 GeForce 8800GTS (G92) 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail

I was confused on the GPU performance. Thanks for the clarification.

I will throw another $20 on the build to keep my chip from frying


Any other critiques? Please be brutally honest because I don't want to mess this up.

Thanks

 

[Whirlwind]

This build is looking really good....just need a nice widescreen to put the icing on the cake!

 

[Invisible]

EDIT: Oh yes, maybe get a Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 or 7200.11 model over that WD caviar.

i agree, only thing i'd change

 

[Nanners]

So I made the suggested tweaks to the build (added an ASUS DVDRW Optical drive, a 22" Samsung WS LCD Display, the Arctic Thermal MX-2, switched to a Seagate 7200.11 500GB, the 8800GTS 512) and my build came out under my $1500 budget! (1469.89 after rebates)

Just unbelievable. I can't thank you all enough for the advice. I really thought I would be blowing away the budget. Now all I have to do is wait for the parts...

 

[Doer.]

The MOBO supports DDR2 1066, does it make a big difference that he chose DDR2 800 instead?

 

[Andyf]

Its more a case of 'you can spend less and still overclock good PC2 6400 RAM to PC2 8500 levels'.