Overall it's looking like a solid build. Why the EVGA 680i? That's an enthusiast board to the max. If you want to keep your options open for SLi, though, go for it. It's a great board. As long as you get the 640mb version of the GTS, that is- the 320 won't do for SLi.
Also, I looked on Tigerdirect, and apparently it's better to skip the MB+GPU combo and buy the board and card separately. The combo is $640-30, separate is $230-15+$400-30=$630-45. $25 cheaper after rebates. And, it's only another $10 to get the Superclocked version. For an extra 76 core / 300 mem MHz, that's definitely worth it.
So, thoughts about the board aside, you should probably buy them separately and get the Superclocked.
I agree. TigerDirect has some good deals, but they are a little pricier than NewEgg and ZipZoom usually. Those are the two I buy from the most, followed by sites like CheifValue, TigerDirect, eWiz (newer), and others I've come to trust. It often comes down to who has the better service between the companies, but if you don't require their service I guess it doesn't matter. Most companies will let you RMA most parts for a short time, which is why you don't want to buy a part and then not use it right away to see how it works. Parts sometime either give out within their first month or work as intended, and it's easier to RMA than it is to pull out the old warranty.
Try to find a cheap motherboard (not too cheap) with the ICH8 controller and the 965 chipset. A board with these will suit your needs best I think.
I'm posting a ton of links right here from Tom's with motherboards and information to consider. Read up!
Pertaining to mobos:
This first one is especially for you...
http://www.tgdaily.com/2005/12/29/intel_ich8_ic9_preview/
http://www.tomshardware.com/2006/11/13/shootout_at_the_core_2_corral/
http://www.tomshardware.com/2006/11/22/four_microatx__mobos_for_core_2/
http://www.tomshardware.com/2007/02/13/amd_crossfire_xpress_3200_chipset_for_core_2_rolls/
More about Vista:
http://www.tomshardware.com/2007/01/29/xp-vs-vista/
Do it yourself section of Tom's Hardware:
http://www.tomshardware.com/howto/howtodiy/
Hope that helps!
Not to confuse you more, but I'd switch out your PSU, your mobo, check other places than TigerDirect, and you can get 8800GTS's for $289 now.
Try to steer clear of the 80mm fans, even if you don't you can get them cheaper. You can find an even cheaper case as well. I thought the one I picked out was perfect for ya. :roll:
I use froogle, pricegrabber, and some of the main sites when comparison shopping. Pricewatch, etc...there are a ton of others too.
I also don't know if anyone answered your question about what OCing is. Overclocking (OCing) is running your components, namely your CPU, Memory, Graphics card at higher speeds (using more voltage) than what they are originally set at. OCer's take a risk of voiding warranties, wearing out parts sooner, and damaging components, but it often pays off. They can buy a cheap part and get speeds that equal those of more expensive parts. To do this, they often have to change out the stock cooling that comes with their parts, as pumping more electricity through a component results in more wasted energy which is dissipitated as heat. The average user can benefit from learning how to OC, but it can be a tad tricky to figure out and do right. There are many here who could try and help you with that once you get your build going. Most likely, the motherboard you buy will provide you with some small amount of overclocking abilities. My advice? Don't worry too much about it. It's often not worth the risk and requires a small but more depthy understanding of computers. The computer you build will be just fine. Overclocking tends to be more for rich speed enthusiasts and poor college kids.
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