Motherboard
Intel S775: ASUS P5N-T Deluxe SLI, Nvidia 780i SLI, S775
CPU Model
Intel S775: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 3.0GHz Dual (6MB),1333MHz, 45nm
Intel CPU Cooling
Artic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro CPU Heatsink Fan, S775
Memory
DDR2 2GB (2x1GB) DDR2-1066 CL5 RAM, GSkill or Geil
Case
Thermaltake VA8000BWS
Power Supply
Thermaltake 850W Toughpower
Hard Drive
Western Digital 500GB SATA2, 7200rpm
2nd Hard Drive
Western Digital 500GB SATA2, 7200rpm
CD/DVD Drive
ASUS 20x DL DVD-RW Burner, Lightscribe, quieter
2nd CD/DVD Drive
Lite-On 16x DVD-ROM
Gaming Video Card
nVidia GeForce 8800GT 512MB PCI-E
2nd SLI Video Card
nVidia GeForce 8800GT 512MB PCI-E
Sound Card
On-board Sound
Operating System
Microsoft Windows XP Home, 32-bit

Looks good - similar to what I am looking at, but I think am going to shoot for the quad core and 4gb memory. Out of curiosity, where you getting your parts and what is it running you? What do you play?

I'm using KC Computers to build it. Probably around $2400 with shipping. I don't have the skills to build and I'm OK with burning the extra cash.

I play CoH, BF2 primarily.

I'm using KC Computers to build it. Probably around $2400 with shipping. I don't have the skills to build and I'm OK with burning the extra cash.

I play CoH, BF2 primarily.

but still they are charging you around $1400 more than the part's cost,,, thats a pretty big premium

hmm maybe you can consider this
http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/Gamer_Infinity_SLI_Ultra/

it's still overpriced, but for a similarly equiped computer it's $1000 less than the one you have in mind
some suggestions though

1) no point for you to get an expensive motherboard, I'm assuming you are not some crazy overclocker
2) Stick with stock CPU fan, more than adequate even for some mild overclocking for a Core 2 Duo.
3) no need to go crazy with the PSU.

another thing,, COH and BF2 are not very demanding games, even a cheapo $110 8800GS can easily handle those games.

but still they are charging you around $1400 more than the part's cost,,, thats a pretty big premium

hmm maybe you can consider this
http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/Gamer_Infinity_SLI_Ultra/

it's still overpriced, but for a similarly equiped computer it's $1000 less than the one you have in mind
some suggestions though

1) no point for you to get an expensive motherboard, I'm assuming you are not some crazy overclocker
2) Stick with stock CPU fan, more than adequate even if you some mild overclocking for a Core 2 Duo.
3) no need to go crazy with the PSU.

another thing,, COH and BF2 are not very demanding games, even a cheapo $110 8800GS can easily handle those games.

Is SLI even necessary? Wouldn't he be better off with a 9800GTX?

Is SLI even necessary? Wouldn't he be better off with a 9800GTX?

for the games he list even a single 8800GS would be fine.

Wow. That is quite a difference in price.

You're correct - I don't overclock - purely a stock user.

Your recommendations address those areas where I don't have much expertise at all. Not really familiar with differences in mobos, not sure how much power I need running 2 x 8800
GT's, and not sure how much cooling I need.

Thanks for link - I'll take a look. Now I'm thinking about buying my IT buddy a case of beer to build the thing...

EDIT: How the hell did this post get in here? Are the mods playing games with me?

I agree with the other comments. You are paying a pretty huge premium. I just priced the exact same PC at newegg, without the rebates, and parts alone would cost you $1,540.32 including 50 bucks in shipping. Here is the item list:


ASUS 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model DRW-2014L1T OEM - OEM
Item #: N82E16827135157
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
Select An Optional Extended Warranty Plan 1 Year Extended Service Net Replacement Plan -- $9.992 Year Extended Service Net Replacement Plan -- $19.99 $31.99

Thermaltake Armor Series VA8000BWS Black Aluminum / Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Retail
Item #: N82E16811133154
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy $149.99

Western Digital Caviar SE WD5000AAJS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
Item #: N82E16822136178
Return Policy: Limited 30-Day Return Policy
Select An Optional Extended Warranty Plan 1 Year Extended Service Net Replacement Plan -- $14.992 Year Extended Service Net Replacement Plan -- $19.99 $189.98
($94.99 each)

Leadtek PX8800GT 512MB Standard GeForce 8800GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
Item #: N82E16814122040
Return Policy: Limited Non-Refundable 30-Day Return Policy
Select An Optional Extended Warranty Plan 1 Year Extended Service Net Replacement Plan -- $39.992 Year Extended Service Net Replacement Plan -- $69.99 -$55.00 Instant
$519.98
$409.98
($204.99 each)

LITE-ON Black IDE DVD-ROM Drive Model DH-16D2P-04 - OEM
Item #: N82E16827106088
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
Select An Optional Extended Warranty Plan 1 Year Extended Service Net Replacement Plan -- $9.992 Year Extended Service Net Replacement Plan -- $19.99 $16.99

Thermaltake Toughpower W0172RU ATX12V / EPS12V 850W Power Supply - Retail
Item #: N82E16817153062
Return Policy: Limited 30-Day Return Policy
Select An Optional Extended Warranty Plan 1 Year Extended Service Net Replacement Plan -- $39.992 Year Extended Service Net Replacement Plan -- $69.99 $209.99

GeIL Esoteria 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model GX22GB8500ESPDC - Retail
Item #: N82E16820144097
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy $20.00 Mail-in Rebate $85.99

ASUS P5N-T Deluxe LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 780i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Item #: N82E16813131247
Return Policy: Limited Non-Refundable 30-Day Return Policy
Select An Optional Extended Warranty Plan 1 Year Extended Service Net Replacement Plan -- $39.992 Year Extended Service Net Replacement Plan -- $69.99 $269.99

Microsoft Windows XP Home With SP2B 1 Pack - OEM
Item #: N82E16832116056
Return Policy: Software Return Policy $89.99

ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler - Retail
Item #: N82E16835186134
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
Select An Optional Extended Warranty Plan 1 Year Extended Service Net Replacement Plan -- $9.992 Year Extended Service Net Replacement Plan -- $19.99 $36.99

you might want to look at xp pro instead of home

you might want to look at xp pro instead of home

why? whats the advtange of Pro over Home?

Not much really. Pro has more network tools than Home from what many has said.

There virtually is no performance difference from my experience.

I would mirror what most of the posters have said, but if you're going to go through this route, I would at least suggest learning how to upgrade/install the basics. Basics such as Video Card, Optical/Hard Drive, Memory, and perhaps even PSU installation is what will drive the cost down greatly. Those parts are very easy and cheaply to come by.

Oh and if you're going to go with such a high end set-up, at least don't cheap out on the sound card using on board. With 25 dollars, you can get a great Audigy card that handles EAX which is supported by some of the games you have listed.

Thanks for all the advice. I didn't realize I was paying that much of a premium (Thanks SDers!).

I just missed upgrading the sound card and will upgrade to an audigy probably. I'm also now thinking about getting Windows Vista instead because of DX10 and for future proofing. I just oh so DONT want to get Vista for a gaming rig.... I've heard the rumors that its coming to XP, but I'm a bit skeptical.

Thanks for all the advice. I didn't realize I was paying that much of a premium (Thanks SDers!).

I just missed upgrading the sound card and will upgrade to an audigy probably. I'm also now thinking about getting Windows Vista instead because of DX10 and for future proofing. I just oh so DONT want to get Vista for a gaming rig.... I've heard the rumors that its coming to XP, but I'm a bit skeptical.

Vista is fine, I'm using it right now.
No need to go crazy with the sound card, just get any crappy $20-30 Audigy and you are set.

If you are willing to wait for SD prices on your computer, it can get even cheaper.

My computer is a Q6600, 3GB RAM, 750GB+250GB HD, 8800GTS 512MB GPU, a 24" monitor and a 22" monitor ended up costing me a little over $1000. If you take the 24", 22" monitor and 750GB HD out of the price calculation, the price for my computer is actually less than $500.

My advice wait for a Dell desktop deal on the front page, than just upgrade the graphics card, memory and power supply yourself. This route is actually significantly cheaper than building your own computer.

Couple of things:
You don't need an 850watt PSU. Get the Corsair 750TX. It has excellent build quality and will meet your power requirements adequately.

The arctic cooler 7 isn't that great of a cooler. I can understand not wanting to spend $60 on a HSF, but the arctic cooler isn't going to be much better than the stock cooler, so it's really not worth getting.

Do NOT get a "home" version of windows. It's a pain in the ass if anyone ever has to work on your machine, because it gives you very little control over the machine. If you are having a buddy put it together for you, at least do him the favor of staying away from "home"

Rather than get 2 500 GB hard drives, why not invest in a Western Digital Raptor and a 1TB internal HD?

Rather than get 2 500 GB hard drives, why not invest in a Western Digital Raptor and a 1TB internal HD?

Eh.. I'd even skip the raptor and just do the 1Tb since it performs better than the raptor in some instances anyway. Honestly I think raptors are the most retarded thing you could put in your box.

I was going to say something about his HD choices... but really, in this day it's more preference than anything.

Why are they retarded? I figure improved seek times would be well worth the cost at least for the OP since he seems to be not worried about a budget.

Yes, but larger drives are a lot better than raptors in terms of read/write time, which is the biggest situation that you're going to notice a difference. You're not going to notice random access searches, but you are going to notice if maps/levels/games/apps load 15% faster.

you can build it yourself. its really not that hard. save some major loot.

Couple of things:
You don't need an 850watt PSU. Get the Corsair 750TX. It has excellent build quality and will meet your power requirements adequately.

The arctic cooler 7 isn't that great of a cooler. I can understand not wanting to spend $60 on a HSF, but the arctic cooler isn't going to be much better than the stock cooler, so it's really not worth getting.

Do NOT get a "home" version of windows. It's a pain in the ass if anyone ever has to work on your machine, because it gives you very little control over the machine. If you are having a buddy put it together for you, at least do him the favor of staying away from "home"

I've been using xp home since it first came out.. I build my own computers, I build computers for family members with xp home, and I've never had a problem. The only difference in home / pro is the start up screen as far as I know.

Wow what a waste of cash $1,500 ?? just buy a Mac and you won't be stuck with XP or Vista.

I'd get a 8800GTS 512MB card. One will be plenty for what you plan on running. I'd like to think that you are a stock user now, but give it time before you want to dabble a bit in to the overclocking realm. The 8800GTS 512 is sweet for overclocking and gentle for the timid.

me and my two cents :)

Wow what a waste of cash $1,500 ?? just buy a Mac and you won't be stuck with XP or Vista.

#1: ICK -> You're an idiot (don't listen to this guy)... Mac = the definition of overpriced.

#2: If you do go with Vista, get 4GB RAM.... and from my experience, 64bit Vista > 32 (not sure if this is a global opinion though)

#3: Get a single video card initially, if you find it to be laggy (which you will definitely not)... then you can always buy a 2nd one for SLI.

I've been using xp home since it first came out.. I build my own computers, I build computers for family members with xp home, and I've never had a problem. The only difference in home / pro is the start up screen as far as I know.

The task manager is a HUGE difference...

I find it surprising that you build your own computers but don't use the task manager...

he would be better of finding a mobo with 2 pciex16 and using two 4870's in crossfire instead of two 8800GT's in sli.. for what he wants to pay. But heck, send me 2400$ and ill send you the computer you specified in a week :P