Seannap

Ok I am about to purchase my components for my new pc. I have built one pc before and it was years and years ago (I remember the CPU was an 800 MHz AMD Thunderbird if that gives you an indication of how long ago it was.)

My dilemma is that I am scared. I will have the assistance of my step-brother who has some knowledge of pc's, but it's been ages since he has built one as well. Below is a list of my components. I would appreciate it if anyone can give me a "heads-up" for common problems I might have to look for.
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CPU: AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core Processor 6000+* (3GHz) AM2 Retail

Mobo: GIGABYTE GA-M57SLI-S4 AM2 NVIDIA nForce 570 SLI MCP ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail

RAM: CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail

GPU: Inno3D Nvidia Geforce 8800GT 512mb DDR3 (came with a game that was my selling point!)

PSU: SILVERSTONE SST-ST75ZF ATX 12V 2.2 & EPS12V 750W Power Supply

HDD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250410AS 250GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM

Case: RAIDMAX Smilodon Extreme ATX-612WEBP Black SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 500W Power Supply - Retail

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Is this a good setup for gaming? And also I have no clue what operating system to use.

Thanks for the opinions and help!!!

TheMatt

The only two changes I would make are these:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128074
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103194
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835185125

Everything else looks good, although it looks like you are buying the graphics card from a UK-based company which would be in the UK. If you are in the US then buy from a US-based site like Newegg.

Seannap

Why the downgrade on the processor?

Edit: Also I've purchased from that company before, I believe my items shipped from California.

TheMatt

Because you won't notice that much of a difference, and the processor is on 65nm so it will put off a lot less heat even if you do overclock it (unlocked multiplier). You are also paying more money for a higher quality motherboard with better components and a newer chipset that supports newer technology.

Newegg has warehouses all over the country. Most of the stuff comes from a warehouse near you (my stuff almost always comes from NJ) but sometimes the stuff comes out of VA or CA.

Seannap

Great info thank you for the help!!

What OS would you recommend for gaming?

TheMatt

You're welcome. For gaming I would select your OS depending on the games you will be playing. For example, newer games like World in Conflict and Bioshock will look better on Vista. Older games that don't utilize DX10 like Counter-Strike:Source and Half Life 2 will get better frame rates in XP. Additionally, there is also the personal preferences that cause some people to like Vista over XP and XP over Vista. I suggest you try out both operating systems and if you still want help, post what games you will be playing.

Seannap

Ok, one last question if I may. In an attempt to save some money would it be feasible to buy the cheaper mobo (the one I originally selected) and CPU? I don't plan on upgrading any time soon, and when I do upgrade I will likely make a completely new build.

I want to make sure chosing that route wouldn't end with a major loss of performance.

(FYI: My gaming preference is mostly first-person shooters, so games like Crysis and Unreal tourney III will be on my list.)

TheMatt

I would downgrade something else before I went with a lower price motherboard. The one I picked out is a very high quality board, and motherboard failures and replacements are a very big hassle.
I would go with some less expensive RAM or the 256MB version of that GPU if you want to save money. Gigabyte has a good deal on their 8800GT now:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814125085

lilman4evur

i'd go with xp vista can get annoying and ur probably use to it