gaming comp build, revised

[rcd7767]

changed a few things upon advice from forum, need advice on compatibility and opinions on my list so far. not buying till xmas so its not set in stone


GIGABYTE GA-X48-DS4 LGA 775 Intel X48 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128336.
Model #:GA-X48-DS4
Item #:N82E16813128336
Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy
In Stock
$224.99


SAPPHIRE 100257L Radeon HD 4870 512MB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102797.
Model #:100257L
Item #:N82E16814102797
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
Mail-in Rebate
$264.99

Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale 3.16GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8500 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115036
Model #:BX80570E8500
Item #:N82E16819115036
Return Policyrocessors (CPUs) Return Policy
In Stock
$189.99

Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136218
Model #:WD6400AAKS
Item #:N82E16822136218
Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy
In Stock
$74.99

CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139005
Model #:CMPSU-650TX
Item #:N82E16817139005
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
Mail-in Rebate

$159.99

COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119137
Model #:RC-690-KKN1-GP
Item #:N82E16811119137
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
$89.99

mushkin 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146731
Item=N82E16820146731
$67.99 -$20.00

Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate SP1 64-bit English 1pk DSP OEI DVD for System Builders - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116493
Model #:66R-02034
Item #:N82E16832116493
Return Policy:Software Return Policy
In Stock
$179.99


XIGMATEK ACK-I7751 Retention Bracket - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233019
Model #:ACK-I7751
Item #:N82E16835233019
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
$6.99

ARCTIC COOLING MX-2 Thermal Compound - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186020
Model #:MX-2R
Item #:N82E16835186020
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
$6.99

XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233003
Model #:HDT-S1283
Item #:N82E16835233003
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
$36.99

 

[rcd7767]

also forgot to mention would like to try ocing at some point, would i need a different cpu cooler?

 

[hardwarekid9756]

E8500 and I have a rager for MSI's X48 Diamond board. Otherwise it looks pretty solid to me. built about 3-4 rigs like that for co-workers/friends and everyone is really happy!

 

[shortstuff_mt]

That's really expensive RAM. You can save a bundle going with this instead:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146731 $67.99 - $20 MIR

Use the money saved on the RAM to help pay for these:

XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233003 $36.99

XIGMATEK ACK-I7751 Retention Bracket - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233019 $6.99

ARCTIC COOLING MX-2 Thermal Compound - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186020 $6.99

 

[lunyone]

I'd consider the Cooler Master 690 also. It allows you to place your PSU right side up on the bottom, if you want to do that. It's equivalent if not better than the Antec 900. It's also cheaper at $78 shipped!!
Cooler Master 690 without Power Supply - RC-690-KKN1-GP
Also save the MIR hassle from Newegg and save an additional ~$10. Buy it for $100 shipped here.

 

[rcd7767]

thanks for the advice on the tower somthing to think about, one ? does it have any usb ports i couldnt find any in the pictures they had. heres a ? dont everyone lol at once, remember i am new to building comprs, what does crossfire mean and is it something i would want to do?

 

[rcd7767]

another ?, does the hard drive i have listed come with cables or wires to hook up? read that oem means no cables come with it i could be wrong

 

[lunyone]

Okay here's some answers to some of your questions:
Yes it comes with front usb ports and more (USB, Audio, IEEE 1394. e-SATA)!
As you can see below!

Sorry forgot to add the Newegg link, that has the Cooler Master 690 information. The Buy.com website doesn't have too much information.

Crossfire is just like SLI, if you know either one. It is basically taking 2 or more graphics cards on 1 mobo and allowing both graphics cards to share the work load. This in theory would double your FPS, but in reality it doesn't give you that much speed. Here is AMD's definition of Cross-fire:
"What Is ATI CrossFireX™
ATI CrossFireX™ is the ultimate multi-GPU performance gaming platform. Enabling game-dominating power, ATI CrossFireX technology enables two or more discrete graphics processors to work together to improve system performance. For The Ultimate Visual Experience™, be sure to select ATI CrossFireX ready motherboards for AMD and Intel® processors and multiple ATI Radeon™ HD graphics cards.

ATI CrossFireX technology allows you to expand your system’s graphics capabilities. It allows you the ability to scale your system’s graphics horsepower as you need it, supporting up to four ATI Radeon™ HD graphics cards, making this the most scalable gaming platform ever."

NO you won't need it, but maybe in the future you might/might not want it. 99% of computer builds don't really need Cross-fire or SLI to accomplish what you want to do. It's nice to have, but definately isn't a necessity.

OEM HD's are the norm. Your mobo that you buy, comes with the cabling to hook up your HD's/DVD's/CD's/Floppy drives. You will need to see what comes with whatever mobo you buy. Most mobo's have at least 2 SATA, 1 IDE, and 1 floppy cable included in the package. Just double check and see if they have what you need. If not, you'll need to buy extra cables.

 

[rcd7767]

thanks for the info, you learn something new everyday

 

[rcd7767]

ok, changed the tower to a coolmaster 690, antec 900 was alright, i know what is in my tower dont need a window to remind me + all the blue lites would drive me nuts, stupid me forgot to add a psu{corsiar 650W} will this be enough power for what i have listed or should i go with the 750W in case i want to crossfire or add something else, also hate to drive you guys nuts with stupid ?s how do i figure out what size psu to get to run everything, thanks everyone for all the help and suggestions given

 

[lunyone]

If you can afford the Corsair 750tx than I'd get it over the 650tx, just because it has more PCI-e power connectors (4 x 6+2pin 750tx and 2 x 6+2pin 650tx). It also has 60A on the 12v rail which is up from the 52A on the 12v rail for the 650tx. Either are a very good and solid PSU, so if you want to save the $10 than the 650tx will do just fine. I just think since your even questioning on whether or not to get the 750tx tells me that you should just spend the $10 more and get the 750tx for $82 shipped after $20 MIR and "esave15" promo code at Newegg.com.
Newegg link to Corsair 750tx. Use promo code "esave15" at checkout to get 15% additionally off.