Questions regarding a new build.

[shikhae]

I'm building a new computer and I've pretty much decided on everything except for the case. I've been considering on spoiling myself with a Lian-Li PC-V1000aplusII for ~$180, but does anyone think that I should get a cheaper case and spend the difference on something else?

Also I want to know whether I should go with a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Vista. And if I get the 64-bit OEM can I install the 32-bit first and then install the 64-bit version later when I want?
The reason I'm asking is because I've read that 64-bit OS is required for memory over 4gb, but I'm worried I might have compatibility issues with some of my games. (The Myst series for instance may not run on a 64-bit) However gaming fps isn't an issue because I don't plan on playing any of the newer releases and I don't play any shooters at all.

Lastly, I heard the 680i chipsets are great overclockers, so if I attempt an OC what kinds of aftermarket cooling would I need?

Here's a list of the components I chose. (I'm a first-time builder, so please tell me if I'm missing something.)

Intel Core 2 Duo e6420
Evga 122-CK-NF67-T1 $173.55
Evga Geforce 7950GT 512mb $217.04
Kingston HyperX 2x1GB DDR2-800
Western Digital Raptor 150gb $183.16
Antec NeoHE 500w $64.64
Lite-On LH-20A1L-05
Lite-On LH-20A1S

The components with prices are ones I've already bought.

And on a sort of unrelated note: I've always been a fan of Kaspersky Antivirus, but I've heard great things about Nod32. Has anyone had experience with both antiviruses?

 

[Airs]

How about a 8800GTS 320MB for another ~$50 over the price of the 7950?

Pretty sure the 64 bit version of Vista has poor driver support still..Stick to XP for now IMO.

I'm not sure about the 680i, but I have heard great things about the Gigabyte DS3 rev 3.3 and its quite a bit cheaper.

If you want to OC, go with something like a Thermalright ultra 120 (extreme possibly) or Tuniq Tower.

Might want to step up a bit on the powersupply - corsair 620 maybe?

 

[shikhae]

Thanks for your input.

Actually I already bought both the video card and motherboard, and I doubt I can return them as I've already cut out the UPC's for the mail in rebates. However the reason I didn't choose the 8800gts was because I didn't want to pay over $300 upfront for a video card that far exceeds anything I need. I'm thinking that the 7950GT might have even been overkill for the games I play and I doubt I would be able to notice the fps differences. But I was thinking of upgrading in two or so years with SLI. Which is why I bought the SLI motherboard and thought paying ~$217 (btw this is price with taxes+s&h included) now and paying less much later should be a viable path. I don't know how accurate benches are, but 7950GT SLI'ed seems to perform just as well or better than a single 8800gts in many cases. And again I'm not really interested in the latest games or any with dx10 for that matter.

I also already bought the PSU unfortunately, but I think you might be right about the PSU being too low. Especially if I want to overclock or SLI. Does anyone have numbers to show much power my build will need?

BTW did you mean the Tuniq Tower as in Mid-Tower Case or the CPU heatsink/fan?

 

[Airs]

I think the 8800gts 320 can be had for around $260 now, just FYI.

As for preemptively getting an SLI board, it usually doesn't work out that way - by the time you start to want more pixel pushing power, a new generation has come out.

Anyway, I suppose its a moot point - you've already purchased them

As for the power supply, its not the claimed wattage that matters. Check out JonnyGuru for some info.

 

[ribbon13]

VA8003BWS!

64-bit os runs 32-bit versions of software just fine.

NOD32 rocks.

ThermalTake's Toughpower PSUs kick ass too, 140mm cooling fan Anyways, Jonny is a great reviewer.