Gaming computer ~$1400

[Driveway]

I'm helping a friend build her first gaming computer. Her budget is around $1400. Case is already taken care of, as is the keyboard. Mouse won't be too much of a problem to find, but if there are any recommendations on a decent 2.1 speaker setup for under $60 or so that would be appreciated.

So far I've come up with the following:

CPU - This is going to be mostly a gaming computer without a need for quad core processing.
e8400 $190
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16819115037

GPU - This is where I could use the most help. I'm thinking about the 8800 GT currently but please offer your opinions.
8800 GT 512MB ~$170

RAM - Two or four GB, DDR2 800.
2GB option
OCZ Platinum 2x1GB $44
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820227139
4GB option
GeIL 2x2GB $83
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820144064

Motherboard - Not likely to be a SLi setup in the future so I was thinking about going with the P35 chipset to save some money over an nVidia chipset.
I had seen some good things online about this board:
DFI Lanparty DK P35 T2RS $130
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813136043

Monitor - 22" 1680x1050, not sure which model or brand to go with though.
~$300
I have a 226BW, it looks like the LG 227WT is a good choice. Anyone know where to buy from or what it retails for?

HD - We've already decided to go with this one.
Barracuda 7200.10 500GB. $80
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16822148136

Optical - A CD/DVD R/RW/+-/whatever not too hard to find, recommendations are welcome though.
~$30

OS
Vista Home Premium. What are the limitations with getting an OEM version?




-Thanks

 

[modoheo]

Not bad, but I think you can do a little better at that price point. Check out the sticky "Attention System Builders" thread in this forum for a lot of good hardware choices. For instance:

Good CPU and RAM choices (definitely go 2X2 gigs RAM).

Upgrade your GPU to the ATI 4850 which is faster and (with the MIR) the same price.

Consider a p45 (or even X38 or X48 with that much money to spend) motherboard, or at least a cheaper p35 motherboard.

A good quality Acer monitor 22'' can be had for around 230 bucks.

The HD you chose is a generation old and very loud.

Power supply? CPU cooler? Extra fans? Thermal paste? Card reader? Do you plan to overclock at all?

 

[DaveSimmons]

Agreed, the 4850 is a much better value. Or if you're an nvidia fanboy the 9800GTX is now $199.

 

[Driveway]

Thanks for the great replies.

There is a PSU in the case but it lacks PCIe and SATA cables, a new one would be preferable to daisy chaining I suppose.
If you have any recommendations that would be appreciated.

Going to go with the stock cooler, no overclocking, might put another fan in.

I'll look into the 4850, thanks.

I hadn't looked too thoroughly at the recommendation thread before posting, so I'll look through that and update my original post.

 

[Moobox]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16822136073 WD 500gb HDD
^ Same price. I've had better experiences with WD, and the ratings are higher for the WD than the Seagate.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16836121130 Logitech Z-4 2.1 speakers.
^ $75 shipped. Looks like the most popular ones there.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16836116024 Creative Inspire 2.1 speakers.
^ $60 shipped. A step down in price, still looks good.

Anything cheaper, on Newegg (just quick browsing), doesn't look worth it IMO.

Just some suggestions.