First time builder looking for input

[Yellowhello]

I agree with Strowcrow, SLI/Crossfire isn't worth it. Plus, if you get an SLI/Crossfire ready motherboard and GPU, by the next time you want to upgrade you WILL NOT want to get another of the same card and put them in SLI/Crossfire; by then you'll want a different, newer single card.

I know first hand. I got the system in my sig planning to get another 8600GT to run in SLI; of course I don't now, I want to get an 8800xxx or HD2900XT card. Things never work out the way you plan.

[PTROTH]

Thanks for the inputs. More queries:

Case - Antec P180 or 182? Heard there are some (minor?) space and cabling issues with P180 that aren't such a big deal with P182.

Power - modular like AeroCool ZeroDBA better than OCZ?

Lastly - Do I need some kind of ethernet card or is that generally on the mobo these days? I plan for now on hooking up via cable, not wirelessly.

[gvblake22]

Originally Posted by PTROTH

Case - Antec P180 or 182? Heard there are some (minor?) space and cabling issues with P180 that aren't such a big deal with P182.

I don't have any experience with either of those cases, but I think the P182 has a few minor fixes that people complained about with the original P180.

Originally Posted by PTROTH

Power - modular like AeroCool ZeroDBA better than OCZ?

I would not buy an AeroCool power supply. I also don't have any experience with them, but I've never talked to anyone who has. And to be honest, I would not trust their units in my system. Accessories and heatsinks are their main product lines, not power supplies; that makes me nervous. If you are looking for a modular PSU, check out the Seasonic M12 series, Corsiar HX series, Silverstone Decathlon series, Enermax Liberty and Infinity series, and Antec NeoHE series.

Originally Posted by PTROTH

Lastly - Do I need some kind of ethernet card or is that generally on the mobo these days? I plan for now on hooking up via cable, not wirelessly.

Ethernet cords are usually not supplied by the motherboard manufacturer, but an onboard ethernet controller is. So you don't need to buy a separate add-in ethernet card, but you will probably need an ethernet cable.

[PTROTH]

Ethernet cables I've got.

Thanks for the heads-up on power. I'm seeing some recommendations for the Cosair. WRT power supply, is there any reason other than to avoid having unused power couplings taking up space to look for modular?

[Dread]

Originally Posted by PTROTH

Ethernet cables I've got.

Thanks for the heads-up on power. I'm seeing some recommendations for the Cosair. WRT power supply, is there any reason other than to avoid having unused power couplings taking up space to look for modular?

Modular PSU's give you more options for your particular build, but be prepared
to buy any extra cables you may need from the OEM. Not a bad thing, just don't expect 10 of each type of cable to come with it. IMHO the biggest draw for modular PSU's is the ability to not have extra cables getting in the way and possibly restricting airflow. With that said, I'm not a big fan of them, but thats a personal preference rather than a scientific evaluation of them.

[PTROTH]

Just noticed I'd forgotten a sound card - is it necessary? Any suggestions? The Enthusiast Recommendation has the Creative X-FI XtremeGamer for $81.

[Dread]

Having a discrete sound card would take some of the burden of processing the sound from the CPU, and of course give you a better
quality of sound. I haven't purchased a dedicated sound card in
a couple years, been happy with the integrated ones, but then
I'm not an audiophile.

[gvblake22]

Originally Posted by PTROTH

Just noticed I'd forgotten a sound card - is it necessary? Any suggestions? The Enthusiast Recommendation has the Creative X-FI XtremeGamer for $81.

I reviewed the X-Fi ExtremeMusic a while back when the series were first released (although the review is still MIA waiting to be transferred over to the new site CMS). The sound was better, and gaming performance did improve a little, but that's not to say onboard sound is not worth anything. Most onboard sound solutions these days are pretty impressive and even feature digital inputs and outputs. Prettymuch any motherboard you buy will have onboard sound, so you might as well try it out and see how you like it. If it seems fine, then you saved $81. But if you decide you want something a little better, then it is very easy to get an add-in dedicated sound card later on. I say give onboard sound a test drive since you are getting it either way and see how you like it, then go from there.

[PTROTH]

That is kind of what I was thinking as well. I think my plate is full enough at this point.

Currently build looks like this:

Case: Antec P180
Mobo: Asus P5K-E
GPU: EVGA 768-P2-N831-AR GeForce 8800GTX
Power: Corsair CMPSU-620HX
CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield
Mem: G.Skill 4GB (2x2GB) 240 pin DDR2 Dual Channel Kit
HD: Western Digital Caviar SE16 500GB 7200RPM
CD/DVD: Samsung 20X DVD+-R DVD Burner
System: Vista 64-bit Home Premium for System Builders
Cool: Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro

total at NewEgg = $1751.90

Good price, I think, and seems like system should see me through the next 12-18 mos without really requiring upgrades. Any comments?

Going on vacation soon, so earliest possible purchase would be November (after getting approval from better-half ). Given my needs and rough budget (c. $2k) is it wise to hold off and see what comes out in November? I understand Intel should be coming out with new chips

Any vendors recommended besides Newegg? They seem to be the 800# gorilla in this business.

[One4yu2c]

Originally Posted by gvblake22

I reviewed the X-Fi ExtremeMusic a while back when the series were first released (although the review is still MIA waiting to be transferred over to the new site CMS).

It's transferred, there's just a few backend quirks (being worked on) that may prevent it from being seen in your review history:

Creative X-FI Xtreme Music Sound Card Review