new system build: ordering in two days! please help!

[nikko]

Hey there. I am looking to order components for a new system no later than this Wednesday. I will be using this computer mostly for gaming, some Photoshop work, and converting various formats of video files. I will be running Windows XP Pro on it.

The components I need are:

CPU
Motherboard
Video card
RAM
Power supply
Case


My preferred budget is $800, though I would be willing to spend up to a $1000 if that extra couple hundred will buy a significant performance gain

I would like to be able to use my current hard drives, which are IDE, so I would prefer a motherboard that can support 2 IDE devices.

Like I said, I would like to order these parts in the next two days, so any advice you can pass along would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

 

[DSF]

Most new motherboards are only going to support 2 IDE devices.

Have you looked at the sticky with recommended parts? That's a good place to start.

 

[nikko]

Originally posted by: DSF

Have you looked at the sticky with recommended parts? That's a good place to start.

I did take a look at it, but found it a little overwhelming. I also wasn't sure which parts would work well together best. I was just looking for some consensus on what currently might be the best value for each component.

 

[DSF]

What kinds of games and how big is your monitor?

 

[disports]

You might also want to tell us what resolution you're gaming at and whether or not you're going to overclock.

An example, based on newegg pricing, would be:

CPU: Intel E8400 - $169.99 or Intel Q6600 - $189.99
MOBO: Gigabyte EP45-DS3L - $89.99 after mail in rebate
GPU: Don't know what your resolution is.
RAM: G.Skill DDR2-800 (PC 6400) - $59.99
PSU: Corsair 650TX - $79.99 after mail in rebate
Case: Depends on what you like.

 

[nikko]

Thanks, guys. I have a 20" widescreen monitor. I believe the max resolution is 1680 x 1050. As far as games go, I'm planning on playing Team Fortress 2, Battlefield 2, BioShock, Call of Duty 4 and whatever the latest and greatest games coming out this fall are.

As far as overclocking, I don't know much about it. I'm open to the idea if it's going to yield a significant performance bump without sacrificing stability.

Thanks again.

 

[disports]

ATI HD 4850 is a good choice for GPU (any reference brand - Sapphire, VisionTek (limited lifetime warranty), Gigabyte, etc).

 

[DSF]

For a single card like the 4850, 650W is more than you need. The 550VX would be just fine. Also, www.buy.com tends to have better prices on PSUs than Newegg, so be sure to shop around.