New rig

[RepliCarter]

After looking over many of your changes, thank you! :)

DVD/CD Drive: That Lite-On is perfect, removing the Sony and adding that one right now.

PSU: I am thinking about the Thermaltake that Polobunny recommended. The Rosewill I added to my list is the same one I have in this rig and it's still going strong after two years so I'm not too sure just yet.

RAM: The OCZ is nice and cheaper right away, but the Crucial Ballistix rebate is really good. Sorta torn right there.

Audio: I will give the onboard a shot and see how that goes.

GPU: I don't plan on getting Vista anytime soon or playing anything that needs DX10 or is really fancy. I'd really prefer any card at $100 or under, but there aren't many decent choices there. I really don't want to get another 7600. Too much darn trouble with the fan.

[polobunny]

Video card:
Newegg.com - Leadtek PX8600GT 256MB Standard GeForce 8600GT 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
$104,99, $79,99 after MIR.

I've had experience with Leadtek. Normally their products are fine, no problem with them. The bundles are sometimes a bit bland and the RMA process in case something goes wrong is "alright". You have to send an e-mail to their tech support but it's not a hassle like certain companies. GDDR3 version (not the GDDR2 one like some of the 8600GT)

[Stormcrow]

I'm using a Rosewill PSU right now, and while not nearly the best on the market they do have some decent quality. You don't have to worry over them like a Powmax or Deer, but they're typical general use in the fact most of the amps are on the +3.3v and +5v rails. Mine has 55(?!)amps on the +5v and a mere 28 amps on the 2 +12v. Personally I recommend going with the brands that One4 has suggested, and I'll be upgrading my PSU to something better here in a few months, but the Rosewills (which are just rebadged OEMs in themselves)are not bad when used in less demanding budget PCs.

[Elysium]

I second (or third) the Crucial set that One4 mentioned. I have a 8600GT, and I find them alright GPU's but for the money and since your not playing any DX10 games, I second the X1950 Pro One4 mentioned also. Also for the money and for upgradeability's sake, I would get a P35 board like THIS one so it's guarenteed to work with the future Penryn CPU's.

[screwballl]

everyone has their suggestions, heres mine based on a similar recent build:

go with the E6550, you will not notice much of a difference between that and the E6750
Newegg.com - Intel Core 2 Duo E6550 Conroe 2.33GHz 4M shared L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor - Retail

go with the X1950Pro or GT video card
GT: Newegg.com - SAPPHIRE 100199L Radeon X1950GT 256MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail
Pro: Newegg.com - SAPPHIRE 100176L Radeon X1950PRO 256MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail
I myself have the GT and it works great since I do not play anything DX10 and even many of the new Demos for new games have all played without a problem. CS:S plays at 120-200 fps with all settings as high as it will go including AA and AF at 1440x900. BF2 is the same way and looks gorgeous. Unreal tournament 3 demo plays great with no problems, I am planning on testing the Call of Duty 4? demo later this week.


anyways, relating to the case, I myself suggest the Antec Sonata II as it is a great case for a good price. Plus it includes a 450W Antec power supply which is great for a standard system like what you are building. there are no real high draw items in your build so a quality 450W will do better than a cheap 600W will.
Newegg.com - Antec LifeStyle SONATA II Piano Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 450Watt SmartPower 2.0 Power Supply - Retail
I would be using that PSU myself if I had not won this Corsair HX620W.

As for the motherboard, I would stick with what you have chosen, I tend to discourage use of the DS3 series motherboards due to electric interference:
DailyTech - Wake Up America: Who's Watching out for EMI?

[RepliCarter]

Thank you all so much for the help. I am so very grateful. :)

Modified list-


Now lets hope they still have all these items by December 3rd, because that's when I get the money to buy! Lol.

[One4yu2c]

Originally Posted by RepliCarter

Now lets hope they still have all these items by December 3rd, because that's when I get the money to buy! Lol.

That tidbit possibly changes things, maybe even dramatically. The tech world moves along very quickly, and the best buys today are not necessarily the best buys a month or so from now.

When your money is in hand and you're ready to hit the submit order button, check back for updated opinions and recommendations. It's possible that nothing will change, but impossible to predict that a month in advance.

In the meantime, if you scrounge up enough to snag that Crucial Ballistix kit before the rebate's qualifying purchase date expires (Oct. 31), I'd recommend jumping on it. It's not likely to get cheaper than $55 shipped (after rebate) by December 3rd, and out of all the components, that kit represents the biggest steal of the bunch.

[polobunny]

Originally Posted by RepliCarter

Thank you all so much for the help. I am so very grateful. :)

Modified list-


Now lets hope they still have all these items by December 3rd, because that's when I get the money to buy! Lol.

Forget that. By december 3rd this list will probably half of what you'll want. ;)

[fps justin]

e6550/e6750
gigabyte P35 DS3L/DS3R/abit ip-35pro/p5k-3
2 x 1 cruciall ballistix
x1950pro
corsair 520hx

[Elysium]

Originally Posted by fps justin

e6550/e6750
gigabyte P35 DS3L/DS3R/abit ip-35pro/p5k-3
2 x 1 cruciall ballistix
x1950pro
corsair 520hx

The motherboard that I'm selling (link in sig) instead of what you recommended... Other than that good recommendations.