Building gaming rig $1100-1300

[Banli]

I'm building the following rig for a client who is looking to future proof their computer as much as possible without spending much more than 1300.

Is a sound card really needed? I've been acting under the impression that onboard audio is good enough for just about everyone and I'm not sure what my client would gain by having a sound card.

$160 AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition processor http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103674

$107 ASUS M4A78T-E 790 GX motherboard http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131366

$55x4 CORSAIR 2GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 RAM 8gb(4x2gb) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145246

$165x2 XFX Radeon HD 5770 gfx http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150447

$80 Antec Earthwatts 650W power supply http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371015

$27 Sony Optiarc DVD-RW optical drive http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118030

$80 1 TB Samsung Spinpoint HDD http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185

$70 RAIDMAX Quantum ATX-798WB case http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811156241

$100 Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer sound card http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102006

Total $1174

 

[gkay09]

^ Only for an audiophile would know the difference...for regular users, IMO the on-board would suffice...
And some suggestions...
A newer mobo with additional features...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.391138

And get the open cooler type...It runs cooler...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150462

And why 8GB RAM ???

 

[fastx21]

Get the recommendation above. Better mobo and the C3 version of the 955 (latest).

Don't get a 5770x2 from the start, always go up and get a 5850 instead.
Shave a $100 and drop that soundcard.

That ram is no bueno, get a Cas7 g.skill
Get a Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus and call it a day.

Otherwise everything looks good.