Computer Build Tips/Prices

I have need of a desktop so that I don't screw over my laptop for college use.
Plus, my laptop can't play games, essentially. I want a to build a desktop for games and fun use.

I'm building up a list of parts from Newegg and Tigerdirect, trying to find the best prices but I also want great performance. I would prefer to stay with Windows XP, but also want to dual boot Linux, like I have on my laptop.
What would ya'll suggest for motherboard, processor, RAM, hard drive, graphics, and anything else you can think of?

This would be my first build, but my rents have built computers so they can help.

Thanks.

For graphics card i recommend maybe dual Geforce 8600 cards, they have some power but they are rather large so you will need a good fan and a big case.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Volcon

For graphics card i recommend maybe dual Geforce 8600 cards, they have some power but they are rather large so you will need a good fan and a big case.

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Meh, I'd say get a 9800 GT, Identical to an 8800 GT but with a couple added features and you can get hold of it easily and quite cheaply....

I've read very good reviews for the Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 (3.16GHz), which goes for US$187.99 on Newegg. You probably want to avoid quad core CPUs since they'll either have a lower clock speed or a higher price tag, they'll rack up your electric bill, and you'll need twice as good cooling. If you really want extra performance, you could overclock the E8500 to 4.5+ GHz, but that's probably not a good idea unless you really know what you're doing.

I don't have specific brand name suggestions for the other parts, but for gaming you'll want at least 2 GB of RAM. Some people recommend 4-8 GB. You'll also want at least a 7200 RPM hard drive to decrease read/write times, especially when loading games. I can't help you in the motherboard and graphics card departments.

just ensure the motherboard has at least two full 16x PCI-e slots
and check it's max ram capabilities

motherboard's all important for future proofing the machine
anything else is pretty redundant, to be honest
but overspec the motherboard and the machine will last 5-6 years

*edit*
that's 5-6 years at the bleeding edge
obviously many, many more years as a progressively not-so-up-to-date machine
*edit*

At present, I'd personally aim for the Intel LGA1366
new processor socket for the Intel i7

pricey, but will last for the foreseeable future
something like this one
http://www.dabs.com/ProductView.aspx?Quicklinx=5BRP

then obviously you'll need an Intel i7 CPU for it
http://www.dabs.com/ProductView.aspx?Quicklinx=5CC9

unfortunately that's £500 straight off
(or whatever weird foreign coinage you use)

graphics, Ram & other bits 'n bobs could well push this up to £650-£700

but if you can do it, you'll have a machine that'll last a good long time with loads of upgrade potential

cheaper to have a £700 machine for 6 years (and upgrade bit by bit as and when needed) than buying three £400 machines that only last two years each

I'll probably go with e 9800 GT...

Intel Core 2 Duo, and a good motherboard...

Case I don't really care as long as it's pretty durable and has plenty of expansion room...

OCZ memory, probably 2-3 GB since XP can't use 4 anyways. I forget the limit for XP?

Also, does anyone have a good tunneling program that works for games and Steam?
My school doesn't like steam.
Preferably free.

Here's a few good rules on building a new machine...

Power Supply: Do NOT go cheap on the power supply. Get yourself a quality brand (like Corsair, PC&P, Seasonic) for more. A good power supply really could be the difference on whether or not ANY part in your system lasts a few years.

Motherboard: Unless you plan to overclock, you do not need anything amazing. Though, with a Core 2 Duo, you should! It's super easy, ans safe if you spend a few days researching on how to. There is too much safe headroom in these chips not to overclock them. Though, a third party cooler is recommended, because you'll probably find yourself wanting to push past the safe limit of the stock cooler.

Avoid SLI/Crossfire: In most cases you are much better off going with a single card for the price of two cheaper and slower cards. There are still issues with SLI/Crossfire that do not exist with single cards. Also, get yourself an HD4850 instead of the 9800GT. The difference is well worth it. I'd also avoid single slot coolers on either of these cards.

Operating System: XP is fine, but it is end of life. I do recommend Vista x64 as your Windows OS since you will be able to take advantage of 4GB+. All those Mac vs. Vista commercials - they're so 2 years ago. You'll have a machine that will have no problem running Vista, and you'll even get the DX10 gaming option (and DX11, as MS has stated Vista will support DX11). Though DX10 isn't anything special.

Case Fans: If you want your computer to be quiet, get 1200rpm or less. Or you can buy loud 2000rpm fans and slow them down with fan controller (is nice to have the option when summer comes around to push the fan speeds up). Also, (1) 120mm is better than having (2) 80mm fans - keep that in mind when buying a case.