Ok, so I've decided to build a new system and this is what I'm looking at, it's going to primarily be used as an all around system with some AutoCAD and some gaming. I will be using my current LCD, mouse and keyboard. The system is going to be used as an AutoCAD/gaming rig and as my primary computer for internet/email so not only is performance a priority but stability as well. This is what I'm thinking about going with, all item numbers and prices are from newegg.

Anything i've failed to think about, or anything that doesn't look like it will work? I've decided to see what the onboard sound is like before purchasing a soundcard. The mobo supports SLI so a second video card is definitely in the plans for the future.

Edited by cj2112 on Jan. 19, 2006 @ 6:32 AM

if I were you I would ditch the XP OS & the AMD-64
i dont think theres a single program out there yet that uses the dual processing & by the time there is there will be better CPUs and the AMD-64s will be much cheaper...& $94 for XP,come on now

with the money you save on those 2 you can go ahead and buy that kick-ass sound card & still have money left over

if I were you I'de add an ethernet card also (just in case...or if you have appliences that work via USB & ethernet)

Edited by DeathDealer on Jan. 24, 2006 @ 7:53 AM

the motherboard has dual onboard 10/100/1000 connectors. As far as Windows XP is concerned, what would you suggest? It will be a Windows box, I will be working from home. It will also be a legit copy of Windows. While I do plan on gaming with this PC, it will also be used for business, I'm not gonna screw around with an OS that is not legit. I need to be able to run common business software (like AutoCAD and Office) so Linux is out.
The processor I chose, IS a single core chip, just because it's an Athlon 64, doesn't mean it's a dual core processor.

That processor, graphics card (PCI Expess can blaze), HD and the general PC itself qualifies for an awesome gaming rig. More RAM my friend is your next purchase. When you can run the PC raping games like a Ferarri, then you got a PC that'll run the laps on time with a P4. When did office or AutoCAD demand such a heavenly PC?

cj is this an income tax PC? If so, I think the wife can do without and you can buy a 5.1 soundblaster, at least (your rig might bottleneck in the sound department).

no wife to worry about and yeah I'm looking at taking some money from my income tax, and some money I've saved and throwing it at this. I've been thinkin about doubling the memory and a soundblaster, but I wanna see where I'm at with it first. Of course I'll be doing some gaming with it, but
the AutoCAD and office applications were pointed out to show the need for a windows box.

Looks like a sweet setup to me. Only thing I would suggest is making sure that NZXT makes good power supplies. I've never heard of them before so try and lookup some reviews of them online. You don't want to be stuck with a subpar power supply, it can be the cause of many problems and a big pain to replace.

Also, do you do any kind of programming on the computer or any kind of networking besides plugging the internet in your computer? If you do then you might want to consider the Pro version of Windows instead because it enables quite a few useful features if you need them. If you need to run a webserver or database then you will need the Pro version.

I wont be running a database on my computer, but I will be using software that uses a database that is stored on my company's server. I'm seriously considering going w/ XP pro, all I need is a reason to justify the extra 50 bucks. I will definitely be going with a good power supply, now it's a matter of choosing between Thermaltake, or Antec.

i don't know any good reasons to justify that much money in xp pro. i've been using home for over 4 years now and its all good for me. pro just has a few extra features, only ones that would've been useful to me is editing permissions without going into safemode.

Antec is definately a good brand to go with.

Here's a pretty good list that should help you decide which version of XP you need : http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_home_pro.asp

Some relavitity high end gaming systems will just use XP home. There is a list of services in the XP brand that you can disable. They have no performance decrease and can even be benificial (to overall performance), if you don't use that service.