Hi guys,

I've never built my own computer before but there's always a first, and I'm actually looking forward to the challenge. Anyways I did my research for finding the right parts (quality/price/reviews, etc.) but I need an experts opinion on what I have so far, like any compatibility issues that I might have. I'll mostly use it for video-editing and gaming.

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Here is what I have so far:
Case: NZXT Apollo Black SECC Steel Chassis ATX - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16811146025 - $70 after rebate
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16819115036 - $188
MOBO: GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16813128358 - $100 after rebate
RAM: OCZ Reaper 4GB (2 x 2GB) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16820227267 - $31 after rebate
HARD-DRIVE: Seagate Barracuda 250GB - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16822148288 - $65
VIDEO: MSI R4670-2D512 Radeon HD 4670 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16814127383 - $65 after rebate
SOUND: HT OMEGA STRIKER 7.1 Channels - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16829271001 - $90
OPTICAL-DRIVE: SAMSUNG Black Optical Drive - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16827151171 -$25
PSU: CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16817139005 - $70 after rebate
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I think that's everything I need right?

TOTAL: $704 - I don't really have a budget but I would prefer not to pass $800, since I still need a monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

Any advice is truly appreciated and I'm open to any suggestions/recommendations as well!

This post has been edited by Selim: Dec 3 2008, 12:05 AM

Anyone??

Hi Selim, welcome to GeeksToGo!

You're build list looks great. There's a few things I would change though. Also, will you be overclocking this system? And what kind of games will you be playing and what resolution? Note that the video card you have chosen (ATI HD4670) has an equal or lower performance as the ATI HD3850. If you're going to play a few of the new games right now I would recommend a better one. Let me know and we'll change your build to accommodate your gaming needs.

For the hard drive, I recommend going with this Seagate 500GB, its twice the size and twice the cache size. It is also the newer model from Seagate (the 7200.10 have some problems with ticking sounds). It would only cost you $5 more, seems like a good deal to me.

Will you be needing Lightscribe on your DVD-drive? This Samsung is the same but without the lightscribe and cost is $24.99.

For the power supply, I suggest going with the 650W. It is more than you need but the Corsair 550W is about the same price so just go with the 650W.

You can save about $50 with this power supply and computer case combination and maybe use it to get a better video card?
1) Corsair 450W with an Antec 300 = $69.99 + $69.95 = $139.94 (with a $10 Mail-in-Rebate for the PSU)
2) Antec Sonata III = $129.99

Hope that helps.
Kamille

I had no idea how much power supply I would need so I just went a little higher, better safe than sorry.

lol and I was wondering what lightscribe was.. if I don't know what it is, I probably don't need it.

I don't think I'll mess with any overclocking. I really don't see the point since the cpu I'm planning to get is already fast as it is, so no need to overdo it and kill its lifespan.

And for the video card, I don't think I'll be playing too many games that ask a lot from the video card (ex. Starcraft 2, pro evolution soccer or fifa, warcraft 3). I already have an 360 so the HD4670 should be more than enough I think right for the games I'm planning on playing, right?

Oh and from personal experience what do you guys think is the best manufacturer/brand for a graphics card? Is MSI any good?

Anyways thanks for all your advice kamille!!

This post has been edited by Selim: Dec 3 2008, 12:07 AM

For the HD 4670, 450W should be more than enough. However you can also get this PC Power & Cooling 500W with 35A (in +12V rail) for $79.99 with a $20 Mail-in-Rebate.

This is from wikipedia:
"The purpose of LightScribe is to allow users to create direct-to-disc labels (as opposed to stick-on labels), using their optical disc writer. Special discs and a compatible disc writer are required. Before or after burning data to the read-side of the disc, the user simply turns the medium over and inserts it with the label side down."
I just use those special pens and write on top of the disc. It's cheaper and I don't need Lightscribe compatible discs.

You should be okay with those games except Starcraft 2. The system requirements has not been released and all I could find are speculations. It should be able to handle it as you will have at least the minimum requirements for the game however I cannot guarantee that until the game is out.

I am not sure but I usually recommend HIS and Gigabyte as both offers great warranty and customer support. As long as you stay away from Sapphire, you should be okay.

alright well thanks again kamille