First-Time Custom Build Help.

[imported_Silverturtle]

Thanks for all the replies! I think I will go for the G. Skill memory unless anyone else has any other opinions.

Lemere, if I remember correctly the 280 Pros are a closed headphone and I would prefere to hear my surroundings. What do you reccomend for a closed un-amped gaming headphone for around $100? How is the Audio Techinca AD-700 I mentioned earlier?

I think I will also go for that 430 watt Seasonic if you guys are conifdent it will feed enough power, though I'm still sceptical.

My biggest conufusion is on what GPU or Monitor to get. I wanted the 7950GX2, but I think it may be overkill for 1600*1000. But if I upgrade to the Dell 24 incher I cross my budget. If I downgrade to the X1900XT I will have a bit more money for the Dell (not enough though) but I'm not sure if I will a have enough graphics power to run maxed out at 1920*1200. See my dillema? Any help or suggestions here would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Howard]

Originally posted by: Silverturtle
Thanks for all the replies! I think I will go for the G. Skill memory unless anyone else has any other opinions.

Lemere, if I remember correctly the 280 Pros are a closed headphone and I would prefere to hear my surroundings. What do you reccomend for a closed un-amped gaming headphone for around $100? How is the Audio Techinca AD-700 I mentioned earlier?

I think I will also go for that 430 watt Seasonic if you guys are conifdent it will feed enough power, though I'm still sceptical.

My biggest conufusion is on what GPU or Monitor to get. I wanted the 7950GX2, but I think it may be overkill for 1600*1000. But if I upgrade to the Dell 24 incher I cross my budget. If I downgrade to the X1900XT I will have a bit more money for the Dell (not enough though) but I'm not sure if I will a have enough graphics power to run maxed out at 1920*1200. See my dillema? Any help or suggestions here would be appreciated.

Thanks.

20" monitor + X1900XT + nice headphones + headphone amp

 

[Ika]

Originally posted by: Howard

Originally posted by: Silverturtle
Thanks for all the replies! I think I will go for the G. Skill memory unless anyone else has any other opinions.

Lemere, if I remember correctly the 280 Pros are a closed headphone and I would prefere to hear my surroundings. What do you reccomend for a closed un-amped gaming headphone for around $100? How is the Audio Techinca AD-700 I mentioned earlier?

I think I will also go for that 430 watt Seasonic if you guys are conifdent it will feed enough power, though I'm still sceptical.

My biggest conufusion is on what GPU or Monitor to get. I wanted the 7950GX2, but I think it may be overkill for 1600*1000. But if I upgrade to the Dell 24 incher I cross my budget. If I downgrade to the X1900XT I will have a bit more money for the Dell (not enough though) but I'm not sure if I will a have enough graphics power to run maxed out at 1920*1200. See my dillema? Any help or suggestions here would be appreciated.

Thanks.

20" monitor + X1900XT + nice headphones + headphone amp

Might want to be careful on the headphones + amp thing, if you go too high end the costs WILL increase exponentially.

Here's how I think of it - The quality of headphones + amp is a square root of x curve, while the cost of headphones + amp is an x^2 curve.

 

[Howard]

Originally posted by: Aflac

Originally posted by: Howard

Originally posted by: Silverturtle
Thanks for all the replies! I think I will go for the G. Skill memory unless anyone else has any other opinions.

Lemere, if I remember correctly the 280 Pros are a closed headphone and I would prefere to hear my surroundings. What do you reccomend for a closed un-amped gaming headphone for around $100? How is the Audio Techinca AD-700 I mentioned earlier?

I think I will also go for that 430 watt Seasonic if you guys are conifdent it will feed enough power, though I'm still sceptical.

My biggest conufusion is on what GPU or Monitor to get. I wanted the 7950GX2, but I think it may be overkill for 1600*1000. But if I upgrade to the Dell 24 incher I cross my budget. If I downgrade to the X1900XT I will have a bit more money for the Dell (not enough though) but I'm not sure if I will a have enough graphics power to run maxed out at 1920*1200. See my dillema? Any help or suggestions here would be appreciated.

Thanks.

20" monitor + X1900XT + nice headphones + headphone amp

Might want to be careful on the headphones + amp thing, if you go too high end the costs WILL increase exponentially.

Here's how I think of it - The quality of headphones + amp is a square root of x curve, while the cost of headphones + amp is an x^2 curve.

Compare the cost of a one-time purchase (unless he wanders into Head-Fi) and the cost of a PC upgrade every few generations.

 

[bfonnes]

My Recommendations

that link above won't work for another 3 days because of the way newegg does their public wish lists. If you pm me, I'll email it to you, OP.

If you want the most screaming system for gaming. This is the best out there for a decent price... Although, if you wait a couple of weeks for the Core Duo to be more widely available, then it might be more feasable to build with that... I'd recommend a Core 2 Duo E6400 and overclock it if you decide to go that route,

BFonnes

btw, that price doesn't include a monitor... If you want to save money, I suppose you could drop the 2nd video card and add one, or just add one for about $300

regular

widescreen
I'm on a Sceptre 19" and I'm very happy with it, but the above are both 20.1" monitors...

 

[bfonnes]

Originally posted by: Aflac

Originally posted by: Howard

Originally posted by: Silverturtle
Thanks for all the replies! I think I will go for the G. Skill memory unless anyone else has any other opinions.

Lemere, if I remember correctly the 280 Pros are a closed headphone and I would prefere to hear my surroundings. What do you reccomend for a closed un-amped gaming headphone for around $100? How is the Audio Techinca AD-700 I mentioned earlier?

I think I will also go for that 430 watt Seasonic if you guys are conifdent it will feed enough power, though I'm still sceptical.

My biggest conufusion is on what GPU or Monitor to get. I wanted the 7950GX2, but I think it may be overkill for 1600*1000. But if I upgrade to the Dell 24 incher I cross my budget. If I downgrade to the X1900XT I will have a bit more money for the Dell (not enough though) but I'm not sure if I will a have enough graphics power to run maxed out at 1920*1200. See my dillema? Any help or suggestions here would be appreciated.

Thanks.

20" monitor + X1900XT + nice headphones + headphone amp

Might want to be careful on the headphones + amp thing, if you go too high end the costs WILL increase exponentially.

Here's how I think of it - The quality of headphones + amp is a square root of x curve, while the cost of headphones + amp is an x^2 curve.

not to mention the exponential damage to your hearing... Hearing damage is calculated by both decibels and length of exposure.

BFonnes

 

[Howard]

Originally posted by: bfonnes

Originally posted by: Aflac

Originally posted by: Howard

Originally posted by: Silverturtle
Thanks for all the replies! I think I will go for the G. Skill memory unless anyone else has any other opinions.

Lemere, if I remember correctly the 280 Pros are a closed headphone and I would prefere to hear my surroundings. What do you reccomend for a closed un-amped gaming headphone for around $100? How is the Audio Techinca AD-700 I mentioned earlier?

I think I will also go for that 430 watt Seasonic if you guys are conifdent it will feed enough power, though I'm still sceptical.

My biggest conufusion is on what GPU or Monitor to get. I wanted the 7950GX2, but I think it may be overkill for 1600*1000. But if I upgrade to the Dell 24 incher I cross my budget. If I downgrade to the X1900XT I will have a bit more money for the Dell (not enough though) but I'm not sure if I will a have enough graphics power to run maxed out at 1920*1200. See my dillema? Any help or suggestions here would be appreciated.

Thanks.

20" monitor + X1900XT + nice headphones + headphone amp

Might want to be careful on the headphones + amp thing, if you go too high end the costs WILL increase exponentially.

Here's how I think of it - The quality of headphones + amp is a square root of x curve, while the cost of headphones + amp is an x^2 curve.

not to mention the exponential damage to your hearing... Hearing damage is calculated by both decibels and length of exposure.

BFonnes

Who said anything about listening too loud?

 

[jgigz]

Originally posted by: Howard
If all you need the headphones for is CS:S, you don't need a nice pair nor an amp (or a sound card, for that matter).

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.ne
egg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820146108--->Mushkin 2x1GB DDR2-667 5-5-5-12]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp<h"></blockquote>

If he gets...oduct/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820146108</a>

Edit: ignore this post something screwed up badly

 

[Howard]

Originally posted by: jgigz

Originally posted by: Howard
If all you need the headphones for is CS:S, you don't need a nice pair nor an amp (or a sound card, for that matter).

Better fix that link...

 

[Ika]

Originally posted by: Howard

Originally posted by: bfonnes

Originally posted by: Aflac

Originally posted by: Howard

Originally posted by: Silverturtle
Thanks for all the replies! I think I will go for the G. Skill memory unless anyone else has any other opinions.

Lemere, if I remember correctly the 280 Pros are a closed headphone and I would prefere to hear my surroundings. What do you reccomend for a closed un-amped gaming headphone for around $100? How is the Audio Techinca AD-700 I mentioned earlier?

I think I will also go for that 430 watt Seasonic if you guys are conifdent it will feed enough power, though I'm still sceptical.

My biggest conufusion is on what GPU or Monitor to get. I wanted the 7950GX2, but I think it may be overkill for 1600*1000. But if I upgrade to the Dell 24 incher I cross my budget. If I downgrade to the X1900XT I will have a bit more money for the Dell (not enough though) but I'm not sure if I will a have enough graphics power to run maxed out at 1920*1200. See my dillema? Any help or suggestions here would be appreciated.

Thanks.

20" monitor + X1900XT + nice headphones + headphone amp

Might want to be careful on the headphones + amp thing, if you go too high end the costs WILL increase exponentially.

Here's how I think of it - The quality of headphones + amp is a square root of x curve, while the cost of headphones + amp is an x^2 curve.

not to mention the exponential damage to your hearing... Hearing damage is calculated by both decibels and length of exposure.

BFonnes

Who said anything about listening too loud?

I think we need to tell people that amplifier != more sound. It's getting to be a really big problem, especially with the retard people I talk to. "omfg dude you got an amp? that's gonna kill your hearing even faster man"

 

[jgigz]

If you're looking for a good set of headphones/headset senhiesser makes good headphones. I have the pc-155's and they work well. I play both CS:S and 1.6 and they have served me very well. Plus they're under 90$ arenty fully closed and still allow you t hear your surroundings. Plust it eliminates the need for a sound card seeing as they have the whole USB sound card thing.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16826106381

 

[imported_Silverturtle]

Again, thanks so much for the help. I've narrowed it down to the following headphones. If anyone has anymore suggestions, share them.

• Sennheiser HD280 Pro $79.95
  
  Audio Technica AD-700 $110
  
  Audio Technica AD-500 $70
  
  Bose Triport $149.99

What do you guys think of these? The worst one on that list I'm thinking is the Triport. The only reason I put it there is because I tried them at Best Buy and was very impressed. But if they're anything like other Bose products, they are very overpriced.

Another question, do any of the headphones on that list require an amp to play at a satisfactory volume? I would prefer not to have to get an amp if I didn't have to, but I would if necessary.

I'm wondering whether I should invest in the Dell 2407 and get the X1900XT still. Is there that much of a difference between 24 inches of 1920*1200 or 20 inches of 1600*1000? I could always upgrade the graphics card in the future with DX10, but getting a new monitor would be more costly. And I don't want to invest too much in the GPU with DX10 right around the corner. So, are there any owners of both a 20 inch screen and 24 inch screen that could tell me whether they think it is worth the $400 difference.

I'm not debating whether the 20 inches is "big enough" (heck, I'm using 15 inches right now), but only whether the 24 incher will provide a substantially more immersive experience.

Another dilemma with the Dell 2407 is that people say it looks pretty bad at the non-native resolution, so when my video card starts becoming dated, I will either have to be upgrade (which I hope to do anyways, though) or lower all the settings except resolution. And, the extra money from the cheaper monitor could be used for future GPU upgrades or a better set of headphones. So much confusion, so few answers!

I'm working on some new configurations with these discussed changes to see how they fit into my $2,000 budget. I'm sure whatever I go with I will be happy with as it will be a massive improvement over my current system.

Thanks!

 

[Howard]

Consider these, too:

http://www.headphone.com/guide/by-budget/80-150/akg-k-501.php
http://www.headphone.com/guide/by-budget/40-80/grado-sr-60.php
http://www.headphone.com/guide/by-budget/80-150/grado-sr-80.php

An amp delivers more clarity and less distortion, especially for bass and higher volumes. Some headphones do well without an amp... others don't.

 

[buck]

Originally posted by: Howard
Consider these, too:

http://www.headphone.com/guide/by-budget/80-150/akg-k-501.php
http://www.headphone.com/guide/by-budget/40-80/grado-sr-60.php
http://www.headphone.com/guide/by-budget/80-150/grado-sr-80.php

An amp delivers more clarity and less distortion, especially for bass and higher volumes. Some headphones do well without an amp... others don't.

The only beef i had with those is that they are very uncompfortable.

 

[bfonnes]

Originally posted by: Aflac

Originally posted by: Howard

Originally posted by: bfonnes

Originally posted by: Aflac

Originally posted by: Howard

Originally posted by: Silverturtle
Thanks for all the replies! I think I will go for the G. Skill memory unless anyone else has any other opinions.

Lemere, if I remember correctly the 280 Pros are a closed headphone and I would prefere to hear my surroundings. What do you reccomend for a closed un-amped gaming headphone for around $100? How is the Audio Techinca AD-700 I mentioned earlier?

I think I will also go for that 430 watt Seasonic if you guys are conifdent it will feed enough power, though I'm still sceptical.

My biggest conufusion is on what GPU or Monitor to get. I wanted the 7950GX2, but I think it may be overkill for 1600*1000. But if I upgrade to the Dell 24 incher I cross my budget. If I downgrade to the X1900XT I will have a bit more money for the Dell (not enough though) but I'm not sure if I will a have enough graphics power to run maxed out at 1920*1200. See my dillema? Any help or suggestions here would be appreciated.

Thanks.

20" monitor + X1900XT + nice headphones + headphone amp

Might want to be careful on the headphones + amp thing, if you go too high end the costs WILL increase exponentially.

Here's how I think of it - The quality of headphones + amp is a square root of x curve, while the cost of headphones + amp is an x^2 curve.

not to mention the exponential damage to your hearing... Hearing damage is calculated by both decibels and length of exposure.

BFonnes

Who said anything about listening too loud?

I think we need to tell people that amplifier != more sound. It's getting to be a really big problem, especially with the retard people I talk to. "omfg dude you got an amp? that's gonna kill your hearing even faster man"

I know what an amp is and what is does and how that relates to speakers (amplified and unamplified). I guess your sacasm meter was broken when you read my post and Howard seems to be trolling and flaming multiple threads that I write to... give it up, man

 

[imported_Silverturtle]

O.K., so I've narrowed it down (for real this time) to the following four, or maybe five, headphones. They are:

• Sennheiser HD280 Pro $79.95
  
  Audio Technica AD-700 $110
  
  Audio Technica AD-500 $70
  
  Grados SR-80 $95
  
  Grados SR-125 $150
  
  And some others (more expensive) for your consideration:
  
  Beyer Dynamic DT880 $199.99
  
  Sennheiser HD-595 $179.99
  
  AKG K 601 $199.99
  
  Audio-Technica ATH-A900 $209.99

Now to the actual computer! More on the headphones later.

Latest list of components:

SCEPTRE X20G-Naga III Black 20.1" 8ms Widescreen HD Ready LCD Monitor - Retail

$309.99 - $50 Mail in rebate + $16.99 Shipping =
$276.98

This was the cheapest 20 inch widescreen LCD on Newegg. How is it? The reviews were quite positive.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD2500KS 250GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive

$79.99 - $10 Mail in rebate + Free Shipping =
$69.99

Good reviews, seemingly good price for a fast drive. Any other suggestions?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lian Li PC-7B plus II Black Aluminum ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

$89.99 + $20.27 Shipping =
$110.26

Brand seems to be well-received. I'm not sure I want this though. Do you think it will have enough room?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pioneer 16X DVD±R DVD Burner With 5X DVD-RAM Read Black ATAPI Model DVR-111D - OEM

$32.99 + $5.64 Shipping =
$38.63

I believe Howard recommended this drive.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Logitech G5 Laser 931376-0403 2-Tone 6 Buttons 1x Wheel USB Laser Mouse - Retail

$40.99 + $5.64 Shipping + Rosewell Multimedia Keyboard Combo ($10) + $6.13 Keyboard Shipping =
$62.76

I think that is the mouse I want, and that keyboard came cheap in a combo. That shipping seems expensive on the keyboard.
Another concern: Can I use this mouse if I'm left-handed or does it not matter. I use my right hand for the mouse, though.
Or is that normal? Sorry if I'm not making sense.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wolf King Warrior KBWOLDK2388URD Black 55 Normal Keys USB Gaming Keyboard - Retail

$24.99 + $5.64 Shipping =
$30.63

This looks interesting. What are your guys' thoughts?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Scythe KATANA SCKTN-CU1000 92mm CPU Cooling Fan/Heatsink - Retail

$29.99 + $5.64 Shipping =
$35.63

Are there any other fans that are better for under $50? This one got good reviews, though.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

XTRAC HYBRID Mouse Pad - Retail

$19.99 + $5.64 Shipping =
$25.63

Had the highest rating on Newegg. Looks quite big though! Good thing my desk is large.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM Unbuffered DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit System Memory - Retail

$177.99 + $4.99 Shipping =
$182.98

Looks good. Any other suggestions? How is the OCZ Gold RAM for $140 after rebate?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Intel BOXDP965LTCK Socket T (LGA 775) Intel P965 Express ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

$114.99 + $6.13 Shipping =
$121.12

I'm undecided on what motherboard is right for me. I plan to do some minor overclocking. What do you recommend?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Seasonic S12-430 S12 Series 430W 430 Watt Universal PCI-E Power Supply - Sleeved

$75.50+ FreeShipping =
$75.50

I'm not sure whether this is really free shipping or not. If you guys are confident this power is sufficient I will get this one; are you?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Intel Conroe E6600 CPU

$339.99+ FreeShipping =
$339.99

Can't find anywhere yet.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeMusic 7.1 Channels 24-bit 96KHz PCI Interface Sound Card - Retail

$111.99 + FreeShipping =
$111.99

Seems like the best soundcard out there, other than its big brothers in the X-Fi line.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

connect3D 3056 Radeon X1900XT 512MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card - OEM

$389.99 - $100 Mail in rebate + $6.13 =
$296.12

Not sure whether I want to go with this or the 7950GX2. Still deciding. If I go with the 20 inch monitor I think this will be sufficient to run most games maxed out. Thoughts?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Speakers

I'm wondering whether I even need any speakers at all. I've been completely dependent on headphones for a few weeks and haven't mind. Opinions?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

How are these components? Their grand total after shipping and rebates is:

$1,778.21

I am forgetting anything?

Previously I asked if I had bought a Dell in 2003 with XP would I have to buy it again and never recieved an answer. So, do I?

Now, with that grand total it leaves me about $200 of money left over which I would like to use for headphones. So take a look at the above list of headphones and give me your opinion on the best one overall, and the best value. Also, decide whether I need an amp for it and what one you would recommend. Thanks a bunch!

Wow, this took me a long time to write. Please share your thoughts!

 

[Molinjir]

For headphones around 100$, Sennheiser HD-555 is the way to go. I've seen them selling between 90$-120$ (I got mine for 105$).
They sound phenomenal for the price, and have strong but not overdone bass, warm, but precise mids. and decently crisp highs.
They sound better, in my opinion, than my father's Bose QuietComfort2 (300$) or the Shure e3c. Extremely comfortable, but the only downside is the size. They are massive, being completely, totally and utterly full-size headphones. They are also "open" meaning about 1/5th of the sound leaks out, so hypothetically, a person standing next to you would be able to hear what you are listening to, albeit in a much softer and tinny version.

 

[bob4432]

Originally posted by: Silverturtle
O.K., so I've narrowed it down (for real this time) to the following four, or maybe five, headphones. They are:

• Sennheiser HD280 Pro $79.95
  
  Audio Technica AD-700 $110
  
  Audio Technica AD-500 $70
  
  Grados SR-80 $95
  
  Grados SR-125 $150
  
  And some others (more expensive) for your consideration:
  
  Beyer Dynamic DT880 $199.99
  
  Sennheiser HD-595 $179.99
  
  AKG K 601 $199.99
  
  Audio-Technica ATH-A900 $209.99

Now to the actual computer! More on the headphones later.

Latest list of components:

SCEPTRE X20G-Naga III Black 20.1" 8ms Widescreen HD Ready LCD Monitor - Retail

$309.99 - $50 Mail in rebate + $16.99 Shipping =
$276.98

This was the cheapest 20 inch widescreen LCD on Newegg. How is it? The reviews were quite positive.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD2500KS 250GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive

$79.99 - $10 Mail in rebate + Free Shipping =
$69.99

Good reviews, seemingly good price for a fast drive. Any other suggestions?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lian Li PC-7B plus II Black Aluminum ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

$89.99 + $20.27 Shipping =
$110.26

Brand seems to be well-received. I'm not sure I want this though. Do you think it will have enough room?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pioneer 16X DVD±R DVD Burner With 5X DVD-RAM Read Black ATAPI Model DVR-111D - OEM

$32.99 + $5.64 Shipping =
$38.63

I believe Howard recommended this drive.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Logitech G5 Laser 931376-0403 2-Tone 6 Buttons 1x Wheel USB Laser Mouse - Retail

$40.99 + $5.64 Shipping + Rosewell Multimedia Keyboard Combo ($10) + $6.13 Keyboard Shipping =
$62.76

I think that is the mouse I want, and that keyboard came cheap in a combo. That shipping seems expensive on the keyboard.
Another concern: Can I use this mouse if I'm left-handed or does it not matter. I use my right hand for the mouse, though.
Or is that normal? Sorry if I'm not making sense.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wolf King Warrior KBWOLDK2388URD Black 55 Normal Keys USB Gaming Keyboard - Retail

$24.99 + $5.64 Shipping =
$30.63

This looks interesting. What are your guys' thoughts?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Scythe KATANA SCKTN-CU1000 92mm CPU Cooling Fan/Heatsink - Retail

$29.99 + $5.64 Shipping =
$35.63

Are there any other fans that are better for under $50? This one got good reviews, though.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

XTRAC HYBRID Mouse Pad - Retail

$19.99 + $5.64 Shipping =
$25.63

Had the highest rating on Newegg. Looks quite big though! Good thing my desk is large.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM Unbuffered DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit System Memory - Retail

$177.99 + $4.99 Shipping =
$182.98

Looks good. Any other suggestions? How is the OCZ Gold RAM for $140 after rebate?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Intel BOXDP965LTCK Socket T (LGA 775) Intel P965 Express ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

$114.99 + $6.13 Shipping =
$121.12

I'm undecided on what motherboard is right for me. I plan to do some minor overclocking. What do you recommend?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Seasonic S12-430 S12 Series 430W 430 Watt Universal PCI-E Power Supply - Sleeved

$75.50+ FreeShipping =
$75.50

I'm not sure whether this is really free shipping or not. If you guys are confident this power is sufficient I will get this one; are you?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Intel Conroe E6600 CPU

$339.99+ FreeShipping =
$339.99

Can't find anywhere yet.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeMusic 7.1 Channels 24-bit 96KHz PCI Interface Sound Card - Retail

$111.99 + FreeShipping =
$111.99

Seems like the best soundcard out there, other than its big brothers in the X-Fi line.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

connect3D 3056 Radeon X1900XT 512MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card - OEM

$389.99 - $100 Mail in rebate + $6.13 =
$296.12

Not sure whether I want to go with this or the 7950GX2. Still deciding. If I go with the 20 inch monitor I think this will be sufficient to run most games maxed out. Thoughts?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Speakers

I'm wondering whether I even need any speakers at all. I've been completely dependent on headphones for a few weeks and haven't mind. Opinions?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

How are these components? Their grand total after shipping and rebates is:

$1,778.21

I am forgetting anything?

Previously I asked if I had bought a Dell in 2003 with XP would I have to buy it again and never recieved an answer. So, do I?

Now, with that grand total it leaves me about $200 of money left over which I would like to use for headphones. So take a look at the above list of headphones and give me your opinion on the best one overall, and the best value. Also, decide whether I need an amp for it and what one you would recommend. Thanks a bunch!

Wow, this took me a long time to write. Please share your thoughts!

have a look here for oblivion benches....you may be surprised at how much gpu power you need for that game

 

[imported_Silverturtle]

You've got to be kidding me. I'm not spending $2,000 to run a game not even fully maxed out with no AA or AF at 1280*1024 at 31.5 frams per second! I might give the 7950GX2 some more thought.

 

[bob4432]

Originally posted by: Silverturtle
You've got to be kidding me. I'm not spending $2,000 to run a game not even fully maxed out with no AA or AF at 1280*1024 at 31.5 frams per second! I might give the 7950GX2 some more thought.

i know, crazy. i have never played it but was amazed out how much power it needs

 

[imported_Silverturtle]

Any more suggestions?