Suggestions for building a new PC

[MJK9UVA]

I am going to college next year and I want to start thinking about what I'm going to want when I build my computer. I know a little bit but I was hoping you guys could give me some input. Obviously, I want my computer to be able to handle my workload at school, but, in addition, I'd like it to be able to run a lot of games (Counter-Strike: Source, F.E.A.R., etc.) without getting outdated too quickly. My budget is around $1000-$1200 bucks. What parts would you guys recommend. Please be as specific as possible. I really appreciate the help, hopefully you guys will come to a consensus and I can work from that. Thanks again.

 

[Noema]

I suggest getting a mid-range Core 2 Duo based system. The E6420 is a good choice for that.

As for the video card, it depends on the resolution you are playing in. With your budget you can squeeze in a 8800GTS 320MB or even a 8800GTS 640MB if you game at resolutions higher
than 1280x1024.

As for the motherboard, both the ASUS P5N-E SLI and the Gygabyte 965P-DS3 are both popular bang-for the buck choices. Both can overclock the C2D chips really well.

You should also get 2GB of DDR2 RAM, preferrably PC26400@800MHz.

 

[law9933]

This what I & internet help built my teacher sister, but a video card & another GB of memory might be good for a gamer.

 

[law9933]

This what I & internet help built my teacher sister, but a video card & another GB of memory might be good for a gamer.

www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129015
Antec Case
www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145568
Corsair 1 GB
www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145568
Zippy RF-620 Keybd/ms
www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820223072
Rosewill RCR-FD200 Floppy
www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811999964
Intake Fan
www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827106055
Lite-on LightScribe
www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822148140
Seagate Barracuda
www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131043
Asus Motherbd P5B-VM
www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819115005
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor
www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824254005
Hanns.G 19" Monitor

 

[kalrith]

Here's a similar thread.

 

[MJK9UVA]

For a video card, I'm looking at getting the EVGA 8800GTS 320MB.
I was wondering if i should bother with getting the overclocked version or stay with the regular version.
Also, will 1 120mm or possibly 2 120mm fans be enough to handle it at its max load?
Along with that, will I need thermal paste? And how is it applied?

 

[fujduong]

Yup, you'll need thermal paste $7 for a small amount of arctic silver 5. Get the 8800 GTS 320 regular version. Its cheaper, and if you really want, you can overclock it yourself.

2 fans should be okay, normally they come with the case. Depending on what college program you're in, I might recommend a laptop over a desktop. Unless you're living on campus, you can't exactly bring your work with you.