New computer... need advice

[eggrolls]

So I'm building a new computer. Budget of $1000, but prefer to keep it as cheap as possible (under $700). It will be used for games.

I already bought an Antec Trio 550W PSU, and an eVGA 7600GT is on its way here. That's $120, assuming rebates come back, so $580-$880 left.

From what I understand, Vista OEM is tied to the motherboard and/or hard drive (correct me if I'm wrong), so I want to keep the motherboard (and preferably the CPU) for the next 2 years. I will be overclocking, starting low and eventually hitting over 3ghz+ when necessary.

Parts:
7600GT+PSU $120
E6400 $220
CPU cooler $60 or less
Gigabyte S3 or DS3 (which one?) $110
2x1GB DDR2-800 (what memory should I use: brand, voltage, etc.?) $???
320GB Seagate 7200.10 $90
Vista Home Premium $120
--------------------------------
Total: $720+memory

Is there any way to lower the price a bit? I'm thinking about waiting till Intel releases their new E43xx CPUs before buying.

I also have a question regarding the lower end 650i SLI motherboards. I probably won't go SLI, but wouldn't mind having that option. How much of a performance impact will I see with two x8 electrical slots instead of two full x16's?

Comments appreciated

 

[stevf]

do you plan to OC? if you dont or dont plan on OC'ing much the retail version of the E6400 comes with a heat sink (at the price you list) so there some savings there. About the only savings I can see for you is go down one step on the memory speed or go to a E4300

 

[stogez]

Get the S3 with the E4300 and OC them. If you get the E4300 then you can go with DDR2-667 and still OC to 3ghz.

 

[moosey]

Your budget was $1000 for a gaming computer and you bought a 7600GT?

 

[eggrolls]

I'm definitely OCing... but only when I really need it. For what I play now, I wouldn't need to, but when I get some new games, I will.

Originally posted by: moosey
Your budget was $1000 for a gaming computer and you bought a 7600GT?

I'm buying a dx10 card when I need one and moving the 7600gt to my other pc, which is inside an antec aria. I didn't want to put too much stress on the psu.

 

[moosey]

Your Gigabyte motherboard choices will suit you fine.

Edit: Get whichever fits in your budget more. Main thing is the DS3 has all solid state caps.

 

[idiotekniQues]

Originally posted by: stogez
Get the S3 with the E4300 and OC them. If you get the E4300 then you can go with DDR2-667 and still OC to 3ghz.

yeah do this and use the saved money on a better power supply.

you may run into a bit of money down the road and want a dx10 card that is power hungry.

if gaming is what this rig is for, you are going to want to beef up the graphics on the rig sooner than later.

sumtin to think about anyways.