Need some advice on parts

[skymead87]

I have picked out most of the parts that I think I would like to use but I am unsure about some of them. I have never built a system from scratch so if I am missing something vital, any input would be very helpful. Well here is what I have picked out so far:

Case: Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16811129021

Motherboard:ASUS P5K-E/WIFI-AP LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16813131196

GPU:MSI N9800GX2-M2D1G GeForce 9800 GX2 1GB (512MB per GPU)
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16814127337

GPU Cooler: need a suggestion on this one

Power Supply: I am unsure on what size I will need so any input would be helpful

CPU:Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale 3.16GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16819115036

CPU Cooler:ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16835186134

RAM:OCZ Reaper HPC 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ2RPR10664GK - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16820227289

Hard Drive:Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST3500320AS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16822148288

DVD Drive:ASUS 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model DRW-2014L1T - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16827135156

Thats what I have picked out so far, but I'm open to suggestions and any tips to help make my first build as painless as possible. Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[Rage_3K_Moiz]

I'd recommend the GA-P35-DS3L over the P5K-E, unless you need the WiFi capability of the latter.
Also, the Seagate Barracuda ES.2 is a much better drive than the 7200.11, but is slightly more expensive, so consider it as an alternative if your budget permits.
In addition, for the GPU cooler, there is none available at the moment, so no-go. But the current cooler throws all the hot air out of the case anyways, so it won't heat things up in your case.
Lastly, I recommend this PSU for your system. It's very cheap with the rebate and provides a hefty 52A on a single +12V rail, which is more than enough for your system.

 

[skymead87]

ok I switched the hard drives and added the psu to my list, but about the mobo, what makes the one you suggested better than the one i have picked out? is it just a price thing?

 

[Rage_3K_Moiz]

Yes. Both mobos are identical except for the features offered. If you don't need the extra features of the ASUS one, the one I recommended will do fine.
Also, I recommend this video card over your current choice. It's slightly overclocked and with the rebate (which eVGA is known to honor), it's almost the same price as the MSI one.

 

[skymead87]

ok, I kinda liked the idea of the WiFi so I think Im gonna go with that one, thank you very much for the help
is there any other parts im missing or would this system be ok to go ahead and order once i find the right prices?
also what are some good sites to order parts from?

 

[Rage_3K_Moiz]

The only thing is you could get the Freezer 7 Pro cheaper from here. Otherwise, everything looks great. I have the Freezer 7 Pro on my current CPU and have had it on my previous ones too. I personally love it and I think you will too. Also, nice drive choice. It's a rebranded Pioneer drive, so it will deliver fantastic performance and reliability.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

EDIT: TigerDirect, Newegg, ZipZoomFly, M-wave, ClubIT, Directron, Geeks.com, Buy.com, Jab-Tech and FrozenCPU are all great sites. Also, you can sometimes find good deals on eBay too.

 

[fenris]

I have had success at newegg, tigerdirect, zipzoomfly, and mwave in the past.

 

[skymead87]

once again thanks for all the feedback, I have another question though, can anyone recommend a decent UPS? I guess the UPS and a moniter is all I need to find before I can start ordering so I'll keep you guys informed. Thanks again for all the help and advice.

EDIT: I was wondering if anyone had a brand recommendation for a 22" widescreen monitor, and a good choice for a UPS. Thanks again for all the help.

 

[skymead87]

Just wanted to update, I've ordered the parts so when they come in I'll be sure to let you know if everything works out or ask questions if it doesn't lol. Also I'm still wondering if anyone can recommend a good UPS. Thanks for all the help.

 

[skymead87]

Well all the parts came in last night and i was able to get it running first try got the OS installed and called it a night lol. Tonight was spent getting all my drivers up to date and now I'm typing this out on my new system Everything is working great so far and I'm installing Age of Conan so I can really test it out soon. Thanks again for all the input and feedback, I don't think I could have done this by myself, at least not on the first try lol. Thanks again for all the help guys.