Final build critique

[happybelly]

This computer will be used almost entirely for gaming. I do plan to overclock a bit.

I already ordered the PSU and video cards because I got very good deals on them.

Here are the parts:

Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale 3.16GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor - Retail (waiting to see if Frys gets them back in stock for $150. If not i'll go with the E8400)

EVGA 123-YW-E175-A1 LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 750i FTW SLI ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1000 (PC2 8000) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail

CORSAIR CMPSU-1000HX 1000W ATX12V 2.2 / EPS12V 2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply - Retail

2X PNY VCGGTX260XPB GeForce GTX 260 896MB 448-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail

Antec Twelve Hundred Black Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Retail

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit English for System Builders 1pk DSP OEI DVD - OEM


I would also like a recommendation on a good heatsink. I've heard good things about the tuniq tower and have been considering that.

Also, I'm considering going with 8GB of ram. Would I still be able to overclock a good amount if I go with that much ram? I would like to hit 4.0 ghz or so with the CPU.

Thanks.

 

[Roguestar]

It all looks good except for the motherboard and graphics. There's no point in SLIing mid-range graphics cards when you can buy a single better high end one. You're also free to choose a better motherboard when you're not tied to an nVidia chipset. Consider the 4870X2 for graphics, or the 4870 1GB to save money if you're only gaming at up to 1920*1280. If you're playing games at 2560, look at getting the 4870X2 or such, otherwise it's a bit of a waste of cash.

8GB of RAM should be fine and will probably not hinder your ability to overclock on most motherboards. Remember you'll need a good heatsink; check out the Xigmatek HDT-S1283.

PSU is overkill, the 750TX would do you quite fine, even for an SLI setup.

 

[happybelly]

The reason I went with SLI is because I got a very good deal on the cards. I know SLI has some issues, but I felt like it was worth it. I'm probably going to overclock the cards themselves as I've read that the 260 gtx cards overclock decently.

As for the 4870 x2, it will still have scailing issues like any other multie card setup from what I've read, and I bought my two GTX for quite a bit less than one 4870 X2.

The power supply may be a bit overkill, but again, I got it for very good price.

I've heard of the Xigmatek before, I'll check a bit more into that one.

Also, any suggestions on a dvd burner for $30 or less? I haven't done any research on them lately.

Thanks.

 

[Roguestar]

Most DVD burners are the same quality. People will tell you nightmare stories they had with two LG drives in a row or an Optiarc burner that never worked but really they're all the same. Just get whichever one's the cheapest.