Building New PC after 4 years

[RS8]

So I'm in the market for a new PC, my 2.4c just isn't cutting it anymore.

I'll be doing a fair share of gaming, photoshop work and a media center. I've pretty much settled on a core sum of parts which could use some input on what could be different.

Proc: Q6600
Mobo: Gigabyte GA PA35 DS3L
PSU: Coolmaster Extreme Power 600w
Monitor: LG L204WT 20" LCD
Case: NZXT Lexa Aluminum
Optical: Pioneer DVR 212
Vid card: eVGA 8800 GTS 320 MB
Misc: Arctic Cooling Freezer

The listed parts come up to $1230 Canadian inc. tax. I wouldn't mind spending, at most, $1400 or so.

For storage, I've got some drives on my current PC; as for RAM, I've already purchased OCZ Reaper PC2 6400's 2x1.

Gaming wise, they vary, anything from the upcoming COD4 and Assassins Creed to the occasional FPS / RTS. Not to mention a Xbox 360.
Photoshop will consists of image enhancing and the usual editing.
For my media center needs, I'll be streaming music and film to the 360. When possible, I'm thinking of using the PC inputs on a Samsung 46" lcd. Would the 8800 be suitable to run content on the LCD native 1920 x 1080?


I was looking to pick up a 24" LCD but figured the dollars don't make sense at the moment, but it's something I'll be looking forward to when the prices drop.

Should I stick with the 8800 GTS? Should I downgrade to another vid to save some cash when the new GPUs come out? Or could I milk my ati 9600 (lol) until said GPUs release?

I don't plan on OC'ing the Quad (too much), instead I'll be focused on OC'ing the 8800 instead if it's deemed a good purchase.

As for the OS, I'll most likely stick with XP2 for now.

When I upgrade to Vista, I'll look to getting a pair of 2x2 ram sticks instead of the typical 2x1.

So guys, any thoughts? and thanks!

 

[JustaGeek]

I would try to "milk" the ATI 9600 for another month or so, until new GPU's arrive.

And think about the 22" LCD - the height of the 22" is basically the same as 19", but it is wider.

The 20" might be only slightly higher than 17" regular LCD.

And welcome to the AT forums!

 

[RS8]

Ah thanks, I'll really consider the GPU issue since nothing solid, game wise is out until next month or so.

Sorry, I don't mind the real estate space a monitor would have to take up, I was concerned about the usual contrast, ghosting and whatnot. Probably why I settled for the LG widescreen instead of going for a Samsung 226 after reading reviews here and there.

I've read the LCD recommendations thread and suffice to say, I'd have to purchase them in the US since Canadian retailers aren't selling them 1:1 =\ Case in point, the NEC multisync is nearly $200 more Canadian versus the average US retail price.

 

[RS8]

I'll be waiting for the 8800 GT and see how that holds up vs the GTS if news about the similar price point holds true.

I think I'll pick up the Samsung 226BW since there's only a $50 difference between that and the LG226WT; unless someone thinks otherwise, I guess I'll buy one in the next few hours.

 

[RS8]

So mad, I realized not too long ago that the DS3L doesn't have any AGP slots, which makes my 9600 useless. In the meantime, I'm looking for a temporary PCIe GPU that's around the $100 mark. Any ideas? (Did have the evga 8500gt 512mb one in mind before reading some reviews)

Will grab the Thermalright Ultima 90 along with the Scythe 21f fans to keep the quad cool.

 

[jkresh]

8600gt or 2600xt both can be found around $100 and are acceptable cards (they also are both very good for multimedia (hd video) purposes).