Kinetix7

So, the time has come, and my computer is becoming outdated. What I'm looking for...

A Quad Core processor (8400 or 9550 preferably) or an i7
(like the 920)

4 GB of RAM

Good Nvidia card (like a GTX 260 or something)

A PSU and mobo to match the above (specifically the CPU and GPU)

Good fans/cooling

320 GB HDD in RAID 0, preferrably

A case that will fit all this but is still kind of portable (have to move computer around quite a bit, so nothing too heavy, and I currently have a Coolermaster Centurion so let me know if that case is fine for this)

That's just my hopes for new parts, but its gotta be no more than $900

Tyree

Basically you want a new PC minus a case?
What will be the main use for the PC?
Look over this thread for some ideas. Asus & Gigabyte are quality Mobo's. Want to Build A New Intel or AMD Computer? Here are 6 suggested models with Spec
RAID can generate more problems than benefits. A 32MB Cach Hdd is the best solution to performance.

Kinetix7

Alright, forget about RAID. I'll mainly be using the computer for heavy gaming. If I get a Quad Core CPU, I'll probably get http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128358 for a motherboard, but then again, i7 is also an option...the total cost for all these parts has to be under 900, however. So, yeah, either some good parts or a link to a new computer with all these specs would be nice.

Tyree

For heavy gaming a Dual Core CPU is the better choice. Either a E8400/8500 775 or an i5 will offer the best performance for gaming.
The GB Mobo you linked to is good as are these Asus: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...43%2fP45%2fP55.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131377

Any of them combined with an E8500 will be a great gamer.
Not being a gamer myself I can't suggest any GPU's.
A matched pair of 2X2GB PC8500 RAM --OCZ-Corsair-G.Skill are quality performance RAM.
The PSU will depend on what GPU you select.
If you need an OS, Windows 7 Home Premium is great. 32Bit & 64Bit OEM are $107 on Newegg.

Kinetix7

Really? Why is a Core2Duo better than a Core2Quad for gaming?

Anyways, this is what I've decided on:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115036

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128358

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231166

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139006

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16829102006

I think a new graphics card can wait, as my current 8800 GT performs admirably. If you have any more suggestions/advice, let me know.

wrench97

The HD sound on the motherboard is quite good, I would try it first if you don't like it add the card, if you do you saved $100.

Games only mainly use 2 cores some of the newer game push minor functions off to the other cores to make them look active, faster clock speed on 2 cores plays better then slower clocks on more cores(When comparing the same family of CPU's).

Phædrus2401

If you're willing to spend the money, though, a quad core of the same or slightly lower clock speed as a dual core will get the same performance in games plus other benefits. However, quad cores are much more expensive. The E8400 3.0GHz costs $160; the Q9550 3.0GHz costs $280.

Tyree

Ditto!
I believe you will find the Onboard sound more than adequate.
Good Luck and don't forget to build on the bench before assembling in the case.

Kinetix7

Alrighty, thanks for the help. One last question. I already have http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119068. Is that fine for the parts I'm getting, or should I upgrade to something like http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...2E16811129066?

wrench97

The Centurion is a good case I use quite a few of them in similar builds to this.