First time builder looking for Input

[drneedle]

Hello,
After a nightmare with a well known computer gaming company, I am finally taking the plunge and I am going to build my own gaming computer. It will only be used for the high end games ( mostly first person shooter). No music, picture editing, emails. Nothing but games. I am open to suggestions and not committed to any one product. I really appreciate the help. Check out the build.

1) Intel Core2Quad Q9550 2.83GHz@1333 12Mb cache

2) DiAMOND 4870 X2 2GB GDDR5

3) Corsair Memory
4GB Kit 2x2GB DDR3 1600 MHz PC3-12800 4GB Kit 9-9-9-24 240pin DIMM

4)ASUS P5Q3 INTEL P45/ ICH10R DDR3 2000/1600; HD

5) WD 300 GB Veloci Rapt 10k RPM 16 MB Buffer ( two of these)

6) Thermaltake TP 1200W ATX 12V 2.2&EPS 12v Modular, Quad rails

7) CM COsmos Full Tower
5x5.25" 6x3.5" Bays, 2x120mm Fans; no PSU

8) LG 20x Ls SATA DVDRW INT

Again thanks for the help in advance. I am not married to any one product so suggestions are appreciated...

[russwin13]

Man that's one hell of a first build. I would look for a good after market CPU cooler. Which operating system are you looking at? -Russ

[drneedle]

Thanks Russ, I am going to install Windows XP Pro on it. I have it from my old system and from what I have read, Vista is a nightmare. Can you suggest a cooling system? thanks.

[RickyTick]

My Vista Home Premium 64 bit works like a dream, and I only play newer games like COD4, COD5, Half Life2, Crysis, and Bioshock for example.

That Cosmos case is awesome.

Here's a great link on cpu coolers.
http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=45&Itemid=62&limit=1&limitstart=0

[drneedle]

Thanks for the info Ricky. Do you like the components I have chosen? ANy suggestions for improving performance without going too crazy? Or do you think this build works? Thanks!

[RickyTick]

Thanks for the info Ricky. Do you like the components I have chosen? ANy suggestions for improving performance without going too crazy? Or do you think this build works? Thanks!

That's going to be an awesome gaming rig. You might consider a cpu cooler other than the original Intel that comes with it. They not expensive, and much easier to install before putting the motherboard in the case. Look here.

http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=203&Itemid=62

[russwin13]

I have an Artic Cooler 7 Pro and it works fine. I also use Vista 64 Home Premium, and it runs flawlessly. With your rig you'll be able to play any game maxed out and it won't even break a sweat. -Russ