Don't be afraid to check NewEgg and ZipZoomFly once you get a list of what you want. I saved at least $800 when I did my build by shopping around. IMO ZipZoomFly > TigerDirect > NewEgg, although lately TigerDirect has really been challenging ZZF's prices. Building a PC for my mom atm and I got everything
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Originally Posted by MasterOfPuppets
But first, I have some questions. If I get 1gb total of video memory (two 512mb geforce 8800's in SLI: A) Where can I get WinXP 64bit to support it + 4gb of ram;
I personally wouldn't buy two memory cards at once. One of those 8800's is going to rock everything you throw at it for quite awhile - then in 6 months or so, you can pick up another one for a pretty sweet deal. Since it's your birthday...you CAN get that second one if you didn't have to skimp on the rest of your build for it. Otherwise, keeping it down to one helps to keep your cost down.
I have a Q 4 U: why do you need 64bit windows? I recently read that some programs have trouble with 64bit windows and 4 GB memory.
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Originally Posted by MasterOfPuppets
Dump the bundle IMO. It's not even a deal - I added them all up and it comes out to $400 anyways...so it's not worth bundling.
The MOBO - IMO - is good. Buk thinks otherwise (he'll post about it when he's sober ;) haha) but I picked it up for my mom's build.
The processor is OEM - meaning, it does not come in an Intel box with a stock Intel fan. I'm a bit confused why you're getting a quad (IMO they're not proven technology yet) rather than a duo - but hey, whatever. You should just get the retail version - which comes with a fan AND a copy of UTIII (fucking love free games tbh) for about $45 more - which is about what you'd be spending for a decent fan anyways. If you go OEM, you HAVE to buy a processor fan.
The ram is good (OCZ has worked out great for me) but is it SLI ready? Might want to check that out offline. If not, you can get the SLI ready ones for $5 more.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...?EdpNo=3404049
PS: If you want to get 4 GB (which you don't need off the bat) the OCZ mail in rebates are ONE PER PERSON so don't anticipate both being marked down. This is why I encourage buying the other down the road.
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Originally Posted by MasterOfPuppets
Good for the price. I LOVE Ultra's X-Connect (modular system) because it clears all the clutter...but 700W for $100 is great. Looks great too for a clear side panel.
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Originally Posted by MasterOfPuppets
Your link says "THIS ITEM IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE" (ownt)
From all I've read, the 8800 GTs rock, so it's a good choice. Here's a new link:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...?EdpNo=3548332
Like I said earlier - I wouldn't buy both (especially if a mail in rebate is driving your decision - these things are always 1 per person) but if it fits in your budget, that's fine.
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Originally Posted by MasterOfPuppets
I like SATA better.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...L12-1132%20OEM
(This is what I got for my mom.)
I had heard that Lightscribe breaks after awhile, but not sure about the Philips model. Philips has been a pretty good brand through the years, so I don't think you can go wrong if you get it.
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Originally Posted by MasterOfPuppets
Just get 2 500GB ones because that model works better together.
BTW don't get 8MB cache, get 32MB:
https://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Produ...tCode=10005939
You may have noticed the absolute kickass price...I told you - ZZF FTW friend...cheaper than your choice + the 32MB cache version on TD. This is INSTANT PRICE too - so no gay mail in rebate nonsense.
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Originally Posted by MasterOfPuppets
I don't know if I much care for it. I don't see the front USB/Audio. If those aren't really on it or are behind that panel - that's a huge pain in the ass. I got my mom a Thermaltake Soprano (with no clear side):
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...430&CatId=1849
The quick release feature is fucking awesome, honestly. The front USB/Audio are VERY accessible and the panel can stay closed. I like it better than my case, tbh.
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Originally Posted by MasterOfPuppets
Duno if I agree with Buk ATM. The 2ms refresh rate is rox on this. Buk's is 5ms which is totally fine for gaming though. His IS a bit cheaper. Depends on if those extra 2 inches really matter to you. 22" is fine IMO.
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Originally Posted by MasterOfPuppets
I have a G7 wireless - which I love quite a bit. Either way works though.
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Originally Posted by MasterOfPuppets
Keyboard:
Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard (2007 Version)
I have the old one (with blue lights - which IMO is better) but this is good.
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Originally Posted by MasterOfPuppets
Speakers:
Logitech G51 Surround Sound Speaker System
Why? Are you seriously going to have your speakers on while playing games? Probably not - you'll just put your headset on, fattie. They look cool, but you're probably pressing your luck trying to get a $120 speaker set out of your dad for something that isn't useful right now.
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Originally Posted by MasterOfPuppets
Anything with that faggot's name on it is instantly tagged with a higher price. Sound cards are not a big deal - your board has one integrated. I have the X-Fi Platinum card on mine (the top one - $$$) because I can plug in my guitar and such. You probably don't need one. If you want one, though; the regular X-Fi Gamer card is just fine:
https://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Produ...uctCode=290246
(notice ZZF wins again?)
Like I said, sound cards are not a big issue. The board has a great setup (8 channel hi-def) already.
I've seen very few things with "Fata1ty" that wasn't marked up 20%+ above the regular card (that did the SAME DAMN THING).