Well.. im very nervous.. but my build is loaded into the cart at newegg

[Xarick]

Here it is:

POWERCOLOR X1950 PRO Extreme 256MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Extreme Edition Video Card With AC Cooling - Retail $199.99

BUFFALO Select 1GB (2 x 512MB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 533 (PC2 4200) Dual Channel Kit System Memory Model D2U533B-K1G/BR - Retail $93.99

Intel BOXDP965LTCK Socket T (LGA 775) Intel P965 Express ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail $106.99

Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 Conroe 1.86GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80557E6300 - Retail
$180.00

Total with shipping: $592.19

Big jump for me from a barton 2800+, and a 9800pro
of course I worry that the dx10 cards will make me wish I had waited in six months, but I bought the 9800 at the end of its life and have had it for 2 years.

If you are wondering about the buffalo ram.. I have buffalo in my computer now and it has been rock solid. So I trust their ram.

Any final thoughts before I pull the trigger?

 

[John]

Originally posted by: Xarick
Any final thoughts before I pull the trigger?

That's an EGGcellent cart, but don't forget a quality power supply!

 

[pkme2]

Buying a PSU should be a careful and informed purchase. See the below links for common sense suggestions.

http://www.directron.com/psu.html

http://www.xoxide.com/buy-computer-power-supplies.html

 

[nova2]

some helpful PSU info links:
ATX Power Supply Group Test - TrustedReviews
http://www.trustedreviews.com/periphera...5/02/08/ATX-Power-Supply-Group-Test/p1

The Power Supply Thread
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.cfm?catid=27&threadid=1815673

the ultimate "do i need a 24pin PSU ?" thread
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...&STARTPAGE=1&FTVAR_FORUMVIEWTMP=Linear

SeaSonic S12-380 ATX12V 380W
Output +3.3V@22A, +5V@21A, +12V1@10A, +12V2@15A, -12V@0.8A, +5VSB@2A
Bot-chok: Contrary to popular belief you do not need a gigantic PSU to run your average gaming rig. Even with an SLI setup with a high powered processor will only draw about 200 watts. So read your specs carefully. I'm running 2 raptors 36GB, a 7900gt, 4400+ CPU, x-fi sound card, 320GB HD, 2 zalman fans, 3 80 mm led fans, and a dvd drive all on this one psu. And guess what? I've never had a problem! Couldn't love this cpu more.

ultrachrome: Powers a Clawhammer 3500+, 2GB RAM, Asus A8N5X, 2x optical, 2x HDD, Audigy, and finally an EVGA 7900GT KO Superclocked despite EVGA specifying 400W minimum.

 

[stogez]

Are you planning on overclocking? If yes then I would go with the Gigabyte S3/DS3 or something that has OC options. The Intel will obviously be rock solid but the E6300 have a lot of performance in them to be wasted on an Intel board

 

[brikis98]

as others have said, don't forget:

* to get a quality PSU with enough amps on the +12v rail(s)
* a decent case w/ proper ventilation/air flow
* sound card, dvd burner, hard drive (if you need them)

also, if you are going to OC that CPU (which is a very worthwhile thing to do), you'll want ddr2 800 RAM, which isn't all that much more expensive than the ddr2 533 stuff you got (example).

finally, make sure (as best you can) that the RAM you choose is compatible with your motherboard - the P965 chipset can be very picky with RAM (working with only certain brands, voltages, timings, etc) so do your research to avoid headaches.