How does this build look?

[DarkDisciple]

Sorry if it's the wrong forum, but I didn't see one that was leaps better. Pretty much decided on this setup, but what do you all think?

Case: Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

Mobo: ASUS Striker II Formula LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 780i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard

GPU: 2 x MSI NX8800GT 512M OC GeForce 8800 GT 512MB

PSU: CORSAIR CMPSU-620HX 620W

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz

Memory: CORSAIR DOMINATOR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500)

HDD: 2 x Seagate Barracuda ES.2 ST3250310NS 250GB 7200 RPM (in raid 0)

Heatsink: XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler

Mostly I am concerned about the motherboard. I want something that can handle the DDR2 1066 memory, but I have heard mixed reviews about the asus board. The XFX MB-N780-ISH9 LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 780i SLI Intel Motherboard says it can do up to 1200 with EPP 1.0, and I have no idea what that means. :) The EVGA board, which seems to be the highest rated, does not support DDR2 800. Can I live without it? I have been told that only having 800 memory reduces your FSB to the same speed. If this is not true it would actually solve the problem and I would just get the nvidia board.

If I do end up just going with ddr2 800 memory:
Newegg.com - OCZ Reaper HPC Edition 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Desktop Memory
or
Newegg.com - CORSAIR XMS2 DHX 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Desktop Memory

Think that's everything of note. Gonna use the DVD burner from my current PC. Thanks for any advice.

[Jack Rabbit]

With the way RAM is shaping up now getting 800MHz is starting your 1/4 mile 20 feet behind everyone else. What does all this total up to? Looks like you want a really nice system so I would not scrimp on the RAM.

[belgolas]

About ram you wont notice a difference in gaming with a 800mhz or 1066mhz. You might get 1-2 extra fps.

It looks like you are building a very nice rig.

[DarkDisciple]

Ah cool. I wasn't too hot on the asus motherboard, and the XFX one looked kinda shady with the "Memory Standard: DDR2 800 (up to DDR2 1200 with EPP 1.0)". I will probably just spend 100 bucks less and get the evga board with ddr2 800 memory.

-Thanks!

[CanadaRox]

Originally Posted by DarkDisciple

Ah cool. I wasn't too hot on the asus motherboard, and the XFX one looked kinda shady with the "Memory Standard: DDR2 800 (up to DDR2 1200 with EPP 1.0)". I will probably just spend 100 bucks less and get the evga board with ddr2 800 memory.

-Thanks!

They will both run with DDR2-800, ad JEDEC specs (5-5-5-18 2T 1.8v). EPP is just some useless gimmick that nVidia made that will automatically apply the tighter timings the RAM is rated at. All it does is saves you 5 seconds of changing the ram timings (which likely will be changed around if your overclocking anyways).

So just go with whatever motherboard is cheaper. Any RAM should work, you will just have to manually set the timings if its not EPP (which usually makes the RAM cost more, so you don't want it).

[crazyazn]

Of the 2 DDR2-800 kits I would get the Corsair DHX. NCIX has them for a lower price I think...and they also have the new G.Skill PI series DDR2-1000 for ~$115 IIRC...so check them out.

[kruzn4evr]

The EVGA 780i mobo is worth the money for it's lifetime warranty alone, the ASUS board is 3yrs I believe, I know several people who have had the ASUS and had nothing but headaches especially when it comes to service. The E8400 you can't go wrong with, great for OC'ing, check ncix.com for prices, it's $198 I believe.

Sounds like a nice build to me.

[enaberif]

Change your case from the 900 to the Coolermaster 590 or 690 you'll be much happier.
I wouldn't really worry much about SLI and go for a single powerful card.