Custom build - Need opinion and advice

[GR8Madmax]

My objective is to build a budget gaming system. I've read all the responses to the "new build needs advice" threads and have ordered or bought the following:

Case: Planning to use my old case for now since it's been farily good to me. It's a cheap "dBox" (don't know who made this thing).

Audio Card: Sticking with my old Philips Acoustic Edge 5.1 or onboard sound for now.

DVDRW: Sticking with my NEC 3520A.

CDRW: Sticking with my Lite-On 48x.

Floppy Drive: Already have one.

PSU: Antec SmartPower 2.0 500w (ordered) - From the Hot Deals section.

CPU: AMD 3000+ Venice & AS5 paste(ordered) - Not much of a debate with the CPU. I've seen all the recommendations on this board and agree with the reasoning. I'll probably overclock a little but nothing crazy.

HSF: Thermalright XP-90 & Panaflo FBA09A12M fan (ordered)

MB: EPOX EP-9NPA+ ULTRA nForce4 Ultra (ordered) - I went back and forth between this one and the DFI board. In the end, I decided to go with the EPOX board.

Memory: 2 x 512 Kingston 3200 Value RAM(bought) - Picked it up at Fry's. I thought about getting either OCZ or Corsair online but I thought for a budget system, Kingston was good enough.

HD: 200GB Seagate PATA (bought) - Picked it up at Fry's also and courtesy of AT Hot Deals.

Video Card: None - This is where I need help with. I mostly play strategy games (Civilization, Total War: Rome, etc.) and I also play Madden football. I do not play any first person shooters or other graphic intensive games. I don't think Madden '06 is that graphic intensive. I used to have a BBATI 9800Pro but had to sell it earlier this year due to money constraints. I'm using a 16mb TNT2 right now so I really need a new card. Right now I'm thinking about a 6600GT, 6800NU or a comparable ATI. My budget would be ~$250 but it's a little flexible. I have no idea what the cards I mentioned go for these days so any help is greatly appreciated.

I don't know if I missed ordering any thing and let me know if I did. Also, please let me know what you think of the hardware I decided to go with considering my needs.

Thanks!

Tony

 

[daftpunkit]

6600GT or 6800NU is good (there is a post on the video forum about unlock the NU). You seem to have it all straight.

 

[raildogg]

Either get a Radeon X800XL or a Geforce 7800GT or GTX.

TigerDirect has a deal going on for the X800XL which is around $229.99. I suggest you get that.

but if you want to spend more than $400 or $500, get the GT or GTX, respectively.

do not get the 6800GT. in many many games, the X800XL is faster and is less costlier.

X800XL or one of the 7800's.

 

[munchow2]

Get 2 Gigs (2x1gig) of value RAM. I am pretty sure some upcoming games will require some massive resources. Gfx card wise, I would suggest a 6800GT since the prices went down recently.

 

[GR8Madmax]

Thanks for the replies guys. I was about to order the X800XL raildogg but unfortunately Tigerdirect charges tax for IL residents ($21). So the price for the X800XL comes out to $261 including tax and shipping.

 

[GR8Madmax]

Another question: Which is the longer card - x800 XL/XT or 6800GT? I'm wondering because the EPOX board supposedly is cramped and the IDE cables can get in the way of the video card. Thanks!

 

[raildogg]

its no big deal.

i have heard of people compain about 7800gtx having a minor problem. the 6800gt is not much different in size than the 7800.

are you going to be using IDE?

i'd go for the x800xl anyway. people have it in their epox's and have good luck with it

look at Tiger Direct for the sweet $229.99 X800XL pci-e version