New Gaming PC Build

[ElGrimm]

Hello everyone, this is my first time posting on the AnandTech forums (long time lurker) ! I just wanted to run what I have so far on the machine I'm looking to build soon.

This machine will primarily be used for gaming, currently playing WoW, TF2, and Lotro. I'm a big MMO and FPS fan so I would also like this machine to be able to play up and coming games such as Warhammer Online with ease. I'm looking to spend around $1,200USD and would like to get everything from NewEgg. I also don't plan on overclocking, will most likely be running the system at default speeds.

This is what I have so far:

Case:
ThermalTake Armor VA8000BWS Full Tower
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...ke%2bArmor%2bVA8000BWS
Price: $135

Processor: (I've been back and forth with this processor or the Q6600)
Core 2 Duo E8400 (3.0GHz) Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16819115037
Price: $240

Hard Drive:
Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST3500320AS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16822148288
Price: $120

Video Card:
EVGA 512-P3-N801-AR GeForce 8800GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814130318
Price: $240

DVD-/+RW Drive:
SAMSUNG Black DVD Burner - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...bSH-S203B%2b20X%2bSATA
Price: $27

Power Supply:
CORSAIR CMPSU-520HX ATX12V v2.2 and EPS12V 2.91 520W Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...01&Tpk=Corsair%2b520HX
Price: $115

Motherboard:
GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX All Solid Capacitor Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813128059
Price: $90

Memory:
2 - Crucial Ballistix 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820148069
Price: $130


I'm currently at $1,092. So any recommendations would be greatly appreciated! I'm basically looking for the best bang for the buck in terms of gameplay. If you see something that I have currently picked out that doesn't look right, please post with any suggestions!

I already have the following: Monitor, Speakers, Mouse/Keyboard, OS: Windows Vista Business, so they have not been included in the $1,200 budget.

 

[chinaman1472]

Motherboard options $100 or less:
Gigabyte P35-DS3L, ASUS P5K, Abit IP35 is on sale at newegg. Get a more expensive version if you need the extra features.

Memory options $100 or less:
4GB (2x2GB kit) DDR2-800 G.Skill, OCZ, Crucial, Corsair. You will need 64bit Vista to see/use 4GB.

Power Supply $125:
Corsair 520HX for modular cables, provides plenty of power.

Up the video card to an 8800GTS if you can.

 

[accguy9009]

OCZ 500W StealthXStream Power Supply - OCZ500SXS $ 27.99 shipped after MIR.

http://www.buy.com/prod/ocz-50...loc/101/206526699.html

Corsair VX 550W Power Supply - CMPSU-550VX $ 67.99 shipped after MIR

http://www.buy.com/prod/corsai...loc/101/205852646.html

Corsair 4GB ( 2 x 2GB ) XMS2 800MHz PC2-6400 DDR2 $ 83.93 shipped after MIR

http://www.buy.com/prod/corsai...loc/101/204979188.html

 

[ElGrimm]

I just updated the Power Supply, Motherboard, and Memory.

 

[chinaman1472]

I'd opt for 4GB memory. It's well within the budget and memory is cheap. Remember to register your card with eVGA for their warranty and Step Up program.

 

[DSF]

EVGA's 8800GTS 512MB, which is a little bit faster than the GT, is only $20 more expensive after a mail-in rebate at Newegg. (I know you're looking to bring the cost down, but I just figured I'd mention this as it's a good value for the money.)

Also, I believe the E8400 is $189 at MicroCenter.com.

 

[jterrell]

http://microcenter.com/single_...tml?product_id=0281097

189.00 e8400.

 

[ElGrimm]

What do you guys think of the case I have picked out compared to the Antec P182 in terms of cooling and noise reduction?

 

[accguy9009]

Just curious, what is it you like about it?

 

[ElGrimm]

Originally posted by: accguy9009
Just curious, what is it you like about it?

Which case are you referring too, the ThermalTake Armor or the Antec P182?

 

[Skooter]

Originally posted by: jterrell
http://microcenter.com/single_...tml?product_id=0281097

189.00 e8400.

Out of stock =\