1st Build Componets.

[Nate Dogg]

Hello Everyone and thanks for taking the time to check out my proposed setup and make any recommendations. I only have a 4 yr old Dell right now but from what I have learned by doing research I will never buy another prebuilt computer again. Looking for any suggestions you might have for my componet choices. Thanks again and looking forward to your invaluable input!!

Case = Antec P160W
PS = Antec NeoPower 500
MB = Abit IP35 Pro
CPU = Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz
CPU Heatsink = Zalman Fatal1ty FS-C77 CPU Cooler Anyone know if this will fit?
RAM = Crucial Ballistix Tracer 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066
or
RAM = Crucial Ballistix Tracer 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800
Im a sucker for the lights on these tracers but how are they for this build? Also should I go with 2 or 4 gigs? I haven't decided 32 or 64 bit XP Pro yet

Video = XFX PVT84JUDD3 GeForce 8600GT XXX

HD = (2) Seagate Barracuda ES.2 ST3250310NS 250GB 7200 RPM 32MB I would like to try and run these in RAID 0

NIC = Linksys WMP54GS Wireless-G PCI Card with SpeedBooster


I do a little gaming but less and less, mostly this will be a work computer(multiple apps, some video, a little gaming, ect...)

Thanks again and I am anxiously awaiting your advice so I can start burning up my bank account!

P.S. I have been researching overclocking and will eventually try that, but probably not at first.

[shyster]

The only two changes I feel comfortable even suggesting would be checking out this RAM:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145590

It comes very highly recommended on this board, and is very cheap. No LED lights so not as pretty but still very good ram.

And secondly I would look at the corsair 520hx PSU:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139001&Tpk=corsair%2b520

It is also highly recommended and supposed to be one of the best power supplies out there.

I do not know how much of a concern money is for you, I know that the corsair is considerably more than the one you listed and it does not have lights on it either.

I suggest these merely to give you more information to think about. As I have no personal experience with the parts you listed (RAM, or PSU) to say that they are bad, I am only listing the popular items on this forum.

[JasonG]

If you want 4GB of RAM, you'll need the 64-bit OS. The 32-bit cannot take advantage of that much.

[RickyTick]

Hey Nate. Welcome to our little community.

As Jason said, if you want to utilize 4gb of ram, you'll need the 64 bit operating system.

That P160 case is bit dated. The newer version is the P182 which is on sale right now at newegg for $89.99 after rebate. Check it out.

[RickyTick]

Here is some great ram for the IP35 Pro. Highly recommended on the Abit Forums.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231098

unless you're going with 64 bit OS and want 4 gb, go with this

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231145