so far this is the parts i decided on, i dont really have a specific budget. I want something that will be nice and powerful to run games like GTA 4, and photoshop smoothly. but no need to go super powerful, not like i have unlimited funds.
Motherboard - gigabyte p35 ds4
Hard disk drive - Seagate barracuda SATA 2 320GB
CPU- Intel Core Duo E6750
RAM - will get at least 2GB , might get 4GB
GFX card - Nvidia 8800GT 512MB
Case - Thermaltake soprano VX
probably will run XP home as an OS, dont need vista to hog resources
for monitor, i think a 19 - 20 inch will be enough
what speakers you guys recommend? i want a 5.1 setup
can you guys help me compile a list of parts that are all compatible, good quality, and can meet the requirements in the 1st paragraph
errr... DVD read/write Drive?
Altec Lansing or Creative? I'm not so big on sounds. Maybe others will know better.
DVD drive, i can just get any decent brand
will the standard psu incl with the Soprano case be sufficient to run all these parts under heavy load (gaming)?
is there a graphics card that is less pricey and power demanding, but can still allow me to play newer games with little to no lag?
TS-Since you have the money, why not go for Quad Core and X38 chipset motherboard which is DDR3 capable, more future proofing
Q6600+ASUS P5K-E
Hard Disk-ok
RAM-2Gb ok
Graphics card- Ok but get the Xpertvision one because it has a custom cooler which is better than the reference cooler
Case-No experience with thermaltake casing, but to me it feels rather overpriced.Rather get a Lian-Li casing and then get a separate PSU
PSU- Enhance 500W ENP-5150GH (PFC, 80Plus certified)
Sound-No point getting a 5.1 setup if you are running onboard sound.Get a better soundcard before you get the speakers.The Auzentech Prelude is good for gaming and music if you got the $$$. If not just get a 2.1 setup, the logitech X240 is good enough
Display-You are not doing justice to your graphics card if you are using 19 or 20" display, better get a 22" one.Trust me it's worth it
Optical drive- Just get any SATA ones can already
The above setup can run all the games now mostly with max settings.