Help on my new build

[loganex]

I've got an AMD Athlon X2 6000+ that I need to put into a new system, so I'm building around that. It's purely a gaming setup, so I'm planning to save some $$ by using my AMD processor and spending on my graphics card and fast hard drive. I hope to keep it around $600 or less. I'm in the US and plan to get most of this stuff from Newegg in the next couple of months.

Already have:
AMD Athlon X2 6000+ http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16819103233
Corsair 650TX PSU http://www.newegg.com/Product/...Item=N82E16817139005&T
2X1GB A-Data DDR2-800 http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820211066
16X DVD-R drive

Need to purchase:
$115 MSI DKA790GX AM2+/AM2 AMD 790GX HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813130191
$79 COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Case http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811119137
$200 MSI N260GTX-T2D896 OC GTX 260 http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814127361
$150 Western Digital VelociRaptor WD1500HLFS 150GB 10000 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16822136296

Missing anything? I had a bad experience with an HD4850 recently (driver issues) so that's why I'm going with the GTX 260. I've been impressed with the nVidia cards I've owned. SLI is not necessary for me as I'm currently gaming at 1280X1024 and might not get a new monitor for a while -- if I do, it'll only be up to 1650X1050.

The part I have the most questions about is the motherboard. I don't know what chipsets are best on AMD boards and I don't know which are the most reliable. I need it to be stable because I don't have a lot of time for troubleshooting. But I want to try overclocking with it, so I'd like something that deals with overclocking well. Also, how do I find out what memory voltages will be compatible with my new board?

Tell me if I'm headed in the right direction. Any advice/suggestions are welcome.

 

[Denithor]

Add the extra $50 to get the 300GB Velociraptor. 33% more cost for 100% more capacity? Yes, please!

GTX 260 is massive overkill for 1280x1024. Get a 4830 for $85AR instead.

I don't know the good AMD boards these days, haven't used any of their chips since C2D launched (superior gaming chips).

 

[mb]

I agree the 260 is overkill at 12x10 (but a 4830 probably isn't enough to max out settings).

Ditch the Raptor altogether. Pick up a WD6401AALS or two instead and go with 4GB of ram.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Stick with the GPU choice, you'll be thanking me later.

not sure about the drive, i haven't heard alot of hoopla about it...

 

[yh125d]

Yes, ditch the raptor for a 640gb WD caviar black edition. it's 90-95% as fast, with more than double the capacity, at less than half the cost. No brainer there

EDIT: Also add at least 2 more GB of ram

 

[loganex]

Thanks for the advice, folks.

I'm thinking of replacing the mobo with the ASUS M3A79-T Deluxe. http://www.newegg.com/Product/...E16813131339&Tpk=m3a79

At $189 it's pricier, but lots of people seem to think it's about the best AM2/AM2+ board right now as far as stability, features and overclocking. Any thoughts? Would I be disappointed if I got a 790X or 790GX chipset instead?

Thanks again.

 

[zerocool84]

Get a 9800GTX+ or a 4850 to game at that rez.
4850 $124.99AR

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

DDR2 800 RAM is so cheap right now, I see no reason to not get 4gb or even 8gb (if you are running Vista x64).