Novice seeks advice on gaming build

If you simply want the BEST gaming machine that you could possibly build just take a look at what I have listed under this post!

But the ASUS P5W DH DELUXE is still a good MB, right? Interestingly the Commando is the same cost as the P5W. I'm leaning toward the Asus P5W since it seems to have been out longer and may have fewer bugs (just an assumption). Which would provide the best long-term investment (if there is such a thing in computers)? I plan on upgrading the video card in a year or so, but I'd like to have a motherboard and processor that will last longer than that.

Very cool. I will stick with the Corsair RAM.

Also that NZXT Nemesis does look good.

If I were you, I would upgrade to a Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 CPU. It is about $100 more, but the 4mb cache is a noticeable difference, and it doesn't hurt that its 2.4Ghz. Add $100

You don't really need the extra sound card, so unless your integrated one craps out on you, why not save the money? Save $100

If you have XP already there is another $150 you can save.

I would also upgrade to a larger HDD, at least 250 gigs. Those go for about $90 instead of $50, so add $50 to the original price as well.

$1360 + 150 - 250 = $1260 and a better system.

Everything else is a pretty good choice, nice mobo and ram, and it is up to you which graphics card or cards you want.

I say stick with the Asus. Be wary of their tech support though....

This Diamond sound card from Newegg has almost the same features as the X-Fi, without the outrageous pricing (only $17). And the E6600 is quite a bit more expensive and unless you can afford it, I don't think it's worth the money.
@Bluemouse, look at post #32 for JCole's final build.

Thanks, Rage. I was also wondering if the E6600 processor would provide a real benefit over the E6400. I am just going to be doing online gaming with this computer. I get the feeling that the E6600 may offer a lot of horsepower, but will probably never be utilized. What do ya think? I could afford the E6600, but if it's not really going to boost the performance I'd rather opt for the E6400.

That Diamond sound card is inexpensive. I could add it in, but will it provide better sound capabilities than the onboard audio?

And here is another 'noob' question: :blush: Do I need to purchase a network card? Or will my ethernet cable connect to the motherboard?

Here is the full build as it stands today: (estimated cost: $1400)
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Motherboard: ASUS P5W_DH_DELUXE -- $210

Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 Conroe 2.13GHz -- $220

Video Card: SAPPHIRE 100171L Radeon X1950PRO 512MB 256bit -- $230

Power Supply: OCZ 700watt GameXstream -- $130

RAM: Corsair 2x1GB DDR2 800 $207

Hard drive: Seagate Barracuda 250GB 720RPM SATA -- $75

DVD/CD Drive: Lite On DVD/CD LH-20A1H-184 -- $36

OS:
Windows XP Pro SP2 Upgrade Coupon for Vista -- $140

Audio: Onboard sound?

Case: Antec P180 Performance ATX mid -- $130
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The E6600 will for sure be faster than the E6400 but as you said, the extra power will not be utilized that much so it's a safe bet to get the E6400 and save the extra money to get a good gaming keyboard/mouse instead. The Diamond audio card will provide a boost in performance since the onboard uses up CPU cycles so the sound card will free up those CPU cycles and will also provide better sound quality. And since the motherboard comes with onboard LAN u don't need a LAN card. I have the P5WDH Deluxe and it's a really premium quality board. You'll never have problems with it.

Cool. I will add the Diamond sound card and also I will stay with the less expensive E6400.

Now, most of these components I'll be purchasing from newegg.com. Is there anything I should do when buying from newegg (like buying Newegg.com warranties on the motherboard, processor, and video card)? Is there a way I can make sure that they ship all the components in one box, or does newegg usually send multiple packages?

Thanks again

They will be multiple packages I think but since I've never ordered from them, I really don't know. Maybe others will know better.

Newegg

The case and other components will be in different boxes, and your order may even come from two or more warehouses. I've had parts of the same order come from both California and New Jersey.

I wanted to let you know that I purchased the components listed a few posts above (including the Diamond sound card that was recommended). I took the parts to a small computer shop for assembly (didn't have the time nor knowledge to do it myself) , and now I am enjoying the completed computer. I'm really impressed with my new PC. It is running extremely well and can handle the high settings in the online computer games I just purchased. Thanks for all the advice--really great forum!

Coolness. Let us know if you have any more questions

Regards

Good to hear that. And ditto kitty500cat, we're always here to help.