Good gaming computer

Excellent. Also, as soon as you get the board, update the BIOS to the latest version. You can do that by downloading the latest version of the BIOS for the mobo from ASUS' site and using ASUS's provided instructions to flash the BIOS. You could also use this guide to flash the BIOS from DOS, which is the way I prefer to do it, since it can be done before installing Windows. Since you didn't specify whether you're getting your PC with Windows pre-installed, I'm giving you options for both.
If you're not sure how to do it yourself, tell the guy building it for you to do it. It's easy enough to be done in front of you, so you know it's been updated, since this matters a lot when it comes to system stability.

I am assuming your talking about the P5 motherboard from asus?

I have no idea what BIOS is (LOL) so me doing it no way

He is supplying the P-5 so I hope he updates first but who really knows.

I only have to supply the memory he supplies all else including the antec 900 tower.

Rage I was reading reviews on the 9800 gx2 and some find it loud and very hot. I don't know if this is true, but what do you think? I place the tower in a desk which had restricted air flow.

I'm still probably going with vista home premium 64 Bit

It is loud and hot, but the fastest card on the market nevertheless, so I think it's expected.
As for the case, not a good location to keep it in. I'd recommend keeping it on a table or on the floor, though it's best not to keep it directly on the floor, especially if you have a carpet. The best is to keep the monitor and case on the same table.

Rage that is a problem. I have to keep the tower in the desk or my wife will kill me. Is there a video card that runs a bit cooler and quieter, but with similiar performance. What ever you select would have to match the other componets that you selected. I definately have to keep the tower in the compartment in her desk.

If the misses is not happy then i'm not happy if you know what I mean. LOL

The rear of the desk where the computer slides in is completely open, and a few inches away from the wall. The rear opening is probably 10 inches wide by 28 inches high. Maybe this is enough area to keep it cool enough. There would probably be atleast two inches of space on both sides of the tower, and the rear would be open.

I'd make sure it was at least 4-5" away from the wall. With good cooling in the room and ventilation, you might be able to get away with it. Also consider SNGX's ideas.

Its tough to cool in the winter.

Any other suggestions for a great video card with potentially less problems that would match your system?

Does this card run hot while using the computer for non game programs?

Thanks

I guess you could look into the 3870X2 but i hear it takes alot of power and thus i would asume produce alot of heat too. Cheeper though.

Having Your Cake and Eating it Too.......

Sometimes, when I'm really bored I read case fan reviews at Newegg. So, when I see a review for a fan that moves 120CFM, and the purchaser puts it in, turns it up full blast, and then complains about the noise, I can't help but chuckle to myself, thinking "WTF did you think was going to happen".

The same principles apply to overclocked processors, and top of the line video cards.

When you're not running games, no the card won't run as hot.

lol!
120cfm is alot lol.

Does't SLI prevent gpu's from running at lower power settings?
I forgot were i heard this, and it seems unlikely but...

Good Question....

[QUOTE='hellokitty[hk]

Does't SLI prevent gpu's from running at lower power settings?
I forgot were i heard this, and it seems unlikely but...[/QUOTE]
That answer is unfortunately above my pay grade. But somebody will ring in to illuminate the subject.

Actually, I believe Mako Man is going to with a single video card, a GT9800. Which is heap plenty, no need-um SLI.

Myself I'd opt for a lower line card, since the GT9800 would take away any excuse you might have for losing.

The 9800GX2 has a Hybrid Power mode, which puts the GPUs in a low-power state when watching videos or doing anything else which doesn't need the GPU to work too much. IMO, go with it, the heat output wouldn't be too much, especially if you have a fan in the back of the case. The GPU itself also has a two-slot cooler that throws the hot air from it out of the case, so don't worry too much.

The house would cool down in winter, so you wouldn't really need more cooling would you? Maybe you meant summer?

LOL one would think so. My wife cranks the heat in the winter, and in the summer I crank the cold air. I'll just go with it and give it a chance. As Capt says I won't have an excuse for losing now.

Thanks guys have a good weekend. Its time to go fishing and have a couple.

Or you could wait for the apparent new architecture of the GeForce 9900's coming out in the next few months. =D

So glad I haven't gotten a 9800 GX2 yet, should be good.

Just met with the builder and everything looks fine except he wants to use an antec 550watt PSU. How is this compared to the Corsairs 550 vx you recommended? Any concerns?

Thanks

Antec's are a good brand, so don't worry about it. I'm guessing it's the TruePower variant, although the NeoHE is the best one by far.
I don't think it quite matches the power output of the Corsair, but it's enough for your system, so I don't think you'd have any problems. I'd still recommend the Corsair PSU though if the builder can use it, since their build quality is just superb. But the Antec will be okay if he can't/won't use it.

The Antec would be the better PSU in my opinion, but the Corsair and the Antec are about the same.

Antec has and honors a 3 year parts and labor warranty. Always a thumbs up fact in my book.

Corsair is probably better, higher amps i think.
Antec however is fine too.

One thing i don't get is the naming scheme they are using. I think all the 8800 (G92 chips) should be in the 9000 series along with the existing 9000's.
I hope the next generation will be as astounding as the 8800's were.