Building a new system, need opinions

I am planning on building a new computer in the summer. I haven't been in touch with the computer world since 2005, so right now, I am uncertain of what my best choices are. Here is where I need your help.

Before I start listing what I have in mind, I am not looking to build a state of the art, top of the line system. I am looking to build a system that will run games smoothly at good settings, in other words, not hardcore.

Here are the settings that I usually run my games at:
1440x900 4xAA 16xAF and at least on high settings (preferably max) with an acceptable frame rate (consistently above 30FPS).


Gaming is probably going to be the most intensive thing I will be doing. Other than that, I just use my computer to browse the net, do photoshop, and listen to music. All my video editing is done on my mac so video rendering times are not my concern.


So far, I have 2 parts in my possession, the Antec Nine Hundred gaming case, and a Zalman CPU cooler for LGA775 sockets.

Without counting the things that I have already purchased. my goal is to stay below $950.


The things I have in mind right now totals to $904.32 (shipping included)

Here is my list:

Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 Conroe 2.66GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80557E6750 -$189

Motherboard: ABIT IP35 Pro LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard -$170

Ram: OCZ Reaper HPC Edition 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ2RPR800C44GK -$105

Sound card: Creative 53SB000003000 7.1 Channels PCI Interface Elite Pro Sound Card and HS-900 Headphone Bundle -$130

Video card: EVGA 512-P3-N802-AR GeForce 8800GT Superclocked 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card -$209

Hard Disk: Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD5000AAKS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive -$90

Optical drive: LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner With 12X DVD-RAM Write Black SATA Model LH-20A1S OEM BK -$26


Every part that I have listed is necessary, so there isn't anything that I can just do without in there. I just want to know if these parts are a good choice and if there are any substitutes that will better suit my needs.

Also, I am aware that I did not list a power supply, I am planning to use the one that is in my current system. It is a Cooler Master 600watt ATX PSU. Other than that, I don't think I am forgetting about anything. Please say something if I am missing something vital.

Thanks!

I would get a graphics card with at least 512 MB of memory. Other than that, it looks fine.

You can go with an Intel board, it will save you about 50 bucks

I know you can find cheaper ram out there in the form of 2x1GB DDR2 800

I'd be concerned about your PSU. I am assuming its coming from your old box, if so the new boards require 2 2x2 processor plugs. I dont know the proper name for them other than the old name of the P4 pin. Though I do hear that you can power up your system with just one connection. Also new mobos are ATX v2 which is the 24pin mobo plug.

Items to think about (though they do cost a little more):
I dont know how much diskspace you need/want but for 40 dollars more you can get a Seagate 750GB SATA II 32MB Cache off of the Newegg site

For 40 dollars more you can get a 8800GT 512MB or a 9600 GT 512MB(Both kinda equal in performance, but much better than the 8800GTS)

I did a little more searching and I think I will go with the 8800GT 512MB instead. Its between that and the 9600GT but it seems that the 8800GT is better for some reason.

The reason why I am going with abit is because their boards handle heat quite well. Which intel board did you have in mind? Maybe I'll check it out.

I actually thought about getting 2 packs of 2x1GB ram but that actually costs a tad bit more. Its hard to find any local places here that gives deals. We don't have any mom & pop stores, just greedy corporations (circuit city and best buy).

My PSU is actually much newer than my current system. It does actually have the 2 separate 4 pin connectors.

I am okay with the 500GB hard drive. $40 is a lot of money.

So between the 8800GT an the 9600GT, which should I get? I was unable to find any direct comparisons.

Thanks for the input guys!

first post updated.

Well it looks like you have a very solid build. I'll see if I can pull up some reviews of both cards. I think most of them are going to be tied to the HD 3870.

That looks like a good spec system to me - but as you've got 4GB RAM in there I'm wondering which OS you are using? Vista 32-Bit might not be able to map and use up to the whole 4GB.

I might look into upgrading to the 64bit vista. I need to find out if there are still driver issues for 64bit.

I think SP1 is supposed to fix the mapping issue.

As for the video card, I think I am going with the 9600GT.