first build - suggestions?

[dhase]

Hi,

I'm trying my first build and am looking at using the GIGABYTE GA-MA790X-UD4P mobo with the AMD Phenom II X3 2.8GHz cpu. What do you recommend picking up for memory?...I'm going to stick to Win XP, 32 bit for my OS so I guess it's going to be 4GB? Also, any recommendations for video card, heatsink and fan? Trying to be cheap but I do both gaming and video apps and am willing to spend a little bit more...sort of within the budget plus range and do want something dependable. Any suggestions would be appreciated...Thanks!

[RickyTick]

Any particular reason to stick with XP?

A really nice video card is the GTS250, for around $150.

Take a look through THIS (http://forums.mysuperpc.com/showthread.php?t=1642).

[The Wise Monkey]

If you are willing to spend a bit more, the GTX260 is about $180 now after MIR and is an excellent choice.

To be honest, the upper-end of the graphics card market is saturated with lots of cards suitable for each price range.

[RickyTick]

I quoted off the top of my head. Checking Newegg, I found the GTS250 for $130, and an overclocked version for $140. And of course you know these are re-labeled 9800GTX+ cards. Good stuff.

I was ready to pull the trigger on a GTX260 core 216, and they announced the GTX275. Now I'm really leaning that way. I think I'll let the dust settle a bit before making a decision. I'm really ready for a new card. My 8800GT is getting long in the tooth.

[dhase]

Thanks for the suggestions, guys! I'll check those video cards out...it's just that there are so many choices that it can be overwhelming.

I was going to use Win XP as my OS as I have an unused one lying around but as I read up on the memory usage, guess I should be going Vista 64 bit?

I have this generic ATX case lying around and wanted to use that...any suggestions for heat sink and cooler?

[RickyTick]

Take a look through this.
http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=266&Itemid=62