My Proposed $1,500 Gaming Rig

[tivowatcher]

Any thoughts to compatibility issues, problems, recommended changes?

FYI: I have no immediate plans to overclock, but I understand this is a pretty decent setup to support it.

LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model iHAS220-08 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106265

COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119137

Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136218

Acer P244Wbii Glossy Black 24" 2ms HDMI 16:9 Full 1080P Widescreen LCD Monitor - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009154

SAPPHIRE 100251SR Radeon HD 4870 X2 2GB 512-bit (256-bit x 2) GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102768

CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006

mushkin 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model 996587 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146731

ASUS P5Q Pro LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131299

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

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

Total: $1,576.90
After MIR: $1,541.90

 

[shortstuff_mt]

You've done your homework! That's a nice looking build. Be sure to pick up a 64-bit OS to go with it.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116488

I would also recommend the retention bracket for your cooler.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233019

 

[tivowatcher]

Yup - just to clarify I am going with Vista 64bit as the OS.

I have no idea what a retention bracket is or what it does, but I now have something new to read up on.

Thanks for the reply!
Dave

 

[RetroDude]

i think it replaces the bracket on the back of your motherboard for holding the heatsink and fan, not 100% sure though.

 

[slomo4sho]

Since you seem to have overclocking in mind, I recommend upgrading your case to a XCLIO A380PLUS-BK
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811103014

Its an extra$50 but provides great airflow(cant go wrong with a 360mm fan covering your entire board!).

 

[jerb]

I just wanna say everything looks great except...... the monitor.


When dealing with such an inportant piece go all out!!

That monitor will not hold a candle too a view sonic 24" or a dell ultra sharp 24" .


Trust me i have seen both and.... i say too you go BIG or go HOME! DELL or VIEW SONIC or go home!



~peace


PS. just trust me on this 1, if you are gonna stare at your investment for a while.....

 

[kyeana]

Make sure to get the retention bracket, its very helpful. As for the build it is spot on


Cheers

 

[aeiouandxyz]

The Antec 900 also has good airflow with 2 fans in the front, 1 in the back, and a 200 mm monster on top. It has good reviews and comments from buyers.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021

 

[aevm]

Beautiful build.

If you're going to record TV shows and turn them into DivX or whatever you should get a Q9550 instead of the E8500. Same if you play Flight Simulator X. Apart from that, the E8500 will be fine.

The RC-690 has great cooling. I'd prefer it to the Antec 900 because I watch movies a lot and don't want annoying lights.

The retention bracket is useful if you move the PC around (LAN parties, whatever) or if you hate push-pins.