BigmacK wrote:
I've never done it, but have friends that would be more than willing to help me.
What would you suggest Stormscythe?
Generally, I think that friends who are willing to help you also have got a clue about computers. Anyway, getting a decent gaming rig for $1000 is hard, if you had like €1000, it would be much easier
But well, that rig there is not bad, I have to admit. You will, however, certainly be looking for a rear exhaust fan in addition.
I'd basically suggest the same as PanzerFIN, but I'd rather save on the Case and PSU.
The cooling capabilites of an Antec 900 are not needed for that setup and the PSU is too expensive.
Although I usually don't recommend saving on a PSU, but how about this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6811156062Case and 500W Psu, the PSU got 22Amps on the 12V rail, which ought to be enough to power CPU and one 8800GTS.
If that's not what you'd like, how about this case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6811119094 with an additional 120mm fan (for rear exhaust) along with this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6817104037 PSU?
You're certainly getting your value for money there and can keep these expenses under $100: 56,99 + 29,99 + 5,99 (Hiper 120mm fan) are only about $93 for the second combo and the first one even only costs about $70.
In comparison to the Antec900 and the Corsair PSU-combo, this would leave you a minimum an extra $151.
Now, what could you do with an extra onehundredandfiftyone US dollars?
For example, you could chose this EVGA gfx card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6814130071 over the 320MB PNY version which would only take you 50$.
This processor then (4MB cache, w00t)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6819115015 again only costs $51 more.
Well, you've got 50$ left - let's see if we can get anything for a little overclocking which is nothing to worry about with a C2D. Assuming that you'll want to reach at least 2,8GHz with an E6320 (FSB400), the Gigabyte 965P-DS3 is surely a good choice. Although it's an open box in the offer there, you should get it. Still, there are another $50 left to spend - so what are we going to head for? Yes, correct, a CPU cooler. Boxed Intel coolers are really quiet meanwhile, but hey, we also want to oc a little, right? (and I'm sure your PC-building friends will be capable of that
). Usually, I wouldn't suggest a Zalman, they're not the top end products anymore, but this one
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6835118003 will do the work for you (although it's pretty loud). Also an oldie, but a goldie is what once was called the Thermaltake BigTyphoon (BigTyp, after Anubis Typhoon almost took TT to court for using the name "Typhoon"):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6835106061 - cools pretty nicely, is not too loud - and well, what else do you need?
I hope that helps a little!