Gaming desktop build

[Chess guy]

Yes, I know I have not been active on here for a long time, but I wanted to shoot this message out to you guys to get your opinion. I will be in need of a new desktop soon and will be constructing it myself. Also, I have a budget of a maximum of $900 (less would be best). After browsing on Newegg and consulting with some friends, I created this build list:

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=14994166

You should also know I am going to reuse my old cd/dvd drive to save $$

I wanted to get your feedback and see if you had any suggestions. Thanks for your time!

[condor]

no Network Interface Card? or is it built into the mobo

[Chess guy]

no Network Interface Card? or is it built into the mobo

I think it's built in

[KillerWhale]

Buy your RAM in multiples of three for i5 and i7, the memory scaling makes it faster.
Go with 3x1GB or 3x2GB.

Built in NIC should be fine, you don't really need a better one for home connections.

Otherwise, it all looks good.
Make sure you check other stores for your parts to make sure you're getting the best price.

[Chess guy]

I thought that since the mobo only supported dual channel memory I could only use RAM in pairs?

[Thorn]

Yes, but you should really be going for a trichannel mobo.

[Chess guy]

Most tri channel mobos I've found only support i7.... do you have any suggestions?

[ziplocpeople]

A... dual core processor? I'd go AMD for lower priced processors, intel only really shines with their high priced processors
I'd get this instead http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103808 (with a compatible motherboard of course) and since you'd also save a few bucks I'd get a GTX 260 instead http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130482


but that's just me.
EDIT: Also, here's some processor benchmarks you might find useful http://www.cpubenchmark.net/high_end_cpus.html

[Chess guy]

Wow thanks for the link on benchmarks. Changed the processor and mobo to the AMD base, much better bang for buck! I'm assuming the AMD Phenom II X4 955 likes triple channel memory as well?

[KillerWhale]

No, only i-series and higher end Xeons use tri-channel memory.
With the Phenom, you'll want 4GB or 8GB.

Look into a higher end cooler if you're getting a Phenom II Black Edition; they overclock like crazy.

[ziplocpeople]

No, only i-series and higher end Xeons use tri-channel memory.
With the Phenom, you'll want 4GB or 8GB.

Look into a higher end cooler if you're getting a Phenom II Black Edition; they overclock like crazy.

Well, I'm not sure about second generation Phenom's, but my first gen phenom OC's to about 2.6 GHz stable from 2.3 GHz on the cooler that came with it-- and it still stays cool under heavy loads (I haven't bothered to check the temp in a while though.)

[Chess guy]

I don't really plan to do extensive overclocking so I think the stock cooler should be alright (getting thermal compound elsewhere)