System Specs and Feedback...

Well since some games are starting to make the transition to Vista-Only, I figured it was time for a fully upgraded computer. Bit of a problem is that i'm not completely computer savvy, so I need advice on whether or not these parts will be compatible, feedback on the parts or just simply what would be a better part to substitute.

I'm aware of the price range and its a further down the road project, I'd just like to get it all straightened before actually purchasing anything. Also, the Newegg links ive posted are not the exact parts I will be getting, just price reference for me and more detailed info for the computer guru that might be advising me. So here goes:

Video Card: GeForce 8800 Ultra 768MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Video Card
RAM: Kingston 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model KVR667D2N5K2/4G
Processor: AMD Athlon 64 X2 3.0GHz
Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar SE16 250gig
Sound Card:Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer
Motherboard: ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe
Power Supply: Antec True Power Trio 650W SLI certified
Operating System: Windows Vista Ultimate
CD/DVD Drive: DVD-/+RW: Samsung 18x DVD+RW/-RW SH-S182D
Floppy Drive: SAMSUNG Black 1.44MB 3.5"


This setup excludes minor things such as the mouse and keyboard, which I know is not important, and the monitor and speaker setup, as I don't see the need for upgrading until they no longer work. If some other piece of hardware was left out that I will need, please tell me as well. SLI was added in as I plan to add a second card later on, but for now its just focused on the best parts with the least amount of money saving time, so two nearly 700 dollar cards would kind of set the schedule back.

Oh, and I was also wondering about cooling, would it be ok to stick with the standard tower fans, or should I consider Liquid Cooling due to the High-end gear? If Liquid Cooling is needed, what is a good/trusted brand name for liquid cooling? I hear that upkeep for liquid cooling is expensive just for upkeep, that true?

Thanks for your time .

Well i am no expert....so take that for what it's worth.

I would suggest making sure that your RAM speed matches with your Mobo.. look inot the DDR2 800 (PC6400) i believe your mobo can handle that

Also I would defenetly get a nonstock heat sink for your CPU and if you are building for the future...then i imagine you would want to go with something other than your standard cooling solution...especially if you plan on putting 2 cards in your box. Also i didn't see what case you wanted to get...where as some people don't think that is important...it can be especially if you want to go with SLI etc. You can get into the whole Intel vs AMD thing as well if you want..the prices for the E6600 series is about the same as you AMD 6000+ like a $5 difference...but then you would probably need to spec a different Mobo as well.

again i am no expert!

Good luck...i just built my system and i love it. I would wait for Dex or one of the other more knowledgeable people to post with thier opinions.

What resolution are you using? If you don't have a really, really big monitor, SLI 8800 Ultra's isn't necessary. Maybe you could spend part of video card budget on a nice LCD.

Get a different power supply if you want dual 8800 Ultras. I've read some bad things about that PSU, especially if you put a really powerful system like yours on it. One magazine review said that thing wasn't able to handle two 8800GTX's, so I doubt it will work for 8800 Ultras. The Corsair 620W (made by Seasonic, just like the Antec), from what I've read, is better PSU, although costs quite a bit more. It's certified to run two 8800GTX's, and might be able to run the Ultras. There's also PC Power & Cooling PSUs at that price range.

Since you aren't building yet, Intel is coming out with the new E6850 (3 GHz) at around $270 this month. I believe that is Intel's fastest dual-core CPU if you don't factor in overclocking. The Q6600 will also be at that price, but it's slower in games.

And I really don't think water cooling is necessary. If your case has good air flow, it should be fine. I'm buying an Arctic Freezer 7 for my CPU (roughly $20-30), though there are better, bigger, heavier, and more expensive coolers like the Tuniq Tower or the Thermalright Ultra 120 ($50-60).

I kinda agree with Eggrolls on this one.

The E6850 will annihilate the Athlon 64 X2 6000+ at stock frequency, plus it's said to be an outrageously good overclocker.

Also, keep in mind that Athlon itself is a deadend upgrade path. AMD's new desktop CPUs (Phenom) are slated to launch 4Q07 or 1Q08, effectively bringing the Athlon era to a close.

However, while the new Phenom series CPUs are socket compatible with this mb, it's really an open question right now as to whether the new uarch (k10) will be able to beat Conroe processors in desktop apps like games.

In any case, buying an Athlon X2 6000 now doesn't really make a whole lot of sense with K10 knocking at the door, and better C2D products already available.