Getting a desktop built - best options?

I am planning to get a desktop computer built for me, with parts I am planning to buy off the internet. I've searched around at this website

: http://stores.tomshardware.com/search_attrib.php/page_id=5/promo_id=63//

for video cards. Basically I want to spend up to $700 total, and get some really good graphics, etc. I think that right now there are "outdated" chips that have a lot of power. Also there is this dual-card stuff that I don't know about but sounds like buying 2 cheaper cards would make it awesome.

 

Yeah, well, if your looking for 700 total, theres a definate ceiling on your computer, not to insult you or anything, but thats the fact. But for good graphics at a cheap price this is the card I used to use, and I loved it.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814129033
and it was tangeld with a AMD XP 3200+. It played games at a decent level when it wasnt overclocked, then I overclocked it to 2.4, and it worked well. Ram is up to you though, Im not going to make any suggestions since Im not to knowledgable. Maybe someone else can help you with that.

But then again what MOBO do you have, cause its AGP or PCI-e usually? Just hit us back with all the gear your planning on buying and then we can give you better answers.

 

Well, ok, I guess 700 might not be enough.

Basically I need an idea of what to get that will be a good deal on price. Like that website I linked, there are some good-sounding videocards that are under 300 dollars. I guess then I would need the rest to match that power...

 

A good gaming comp is about 1000-1200 bucks, which might sound like alot, but really isnt. The biggest things, well in my opinion, for gaming, are Graphics card, CPU, and Ram. Yes the MOBO and the harddrive have important roles, but they are not as influencing for a great gaming experience. Case is very important too. After about 2 hrs of play BF2, your processor and gpu are going to be cooking, so a big case with lots of room and good airflow is a definate, unless you like your comp shutting off in the middle of a firefight. But do not neglect, I repeat, do not neglect power supply. This is what makes or breaks a system in my eyes. Stability will suck if you aint got enough juice.

Well now that you know where I stand on importance, here is what I am currently running:

AMD Athlon 64 3700+ 939 pin (OC to 2.4 ghz)
Asus A8N-SLi
1GB Kingston HyperX RAM (533 mhz)
180 Sata GB(dont know what kind)
BFG Nvidia Geforce 7800 GT OC (Major Attitude is right, BFG is the schiznack)
Turtle Beach Catalina Sound Card
Aspire ATX 500W P4 Aluminum Power Supply
Windows XP Home edition with SP2

You can search for all of my stuff and see how I made my choices. But basically its all up to how much your willing to spend.

Hope I helped.

 

Awesome man, thank you for the list.... I might just try to emulate what you got. I have an old computer (4 years) that has a 3 ghz processer and probably some ram I could take from it... I think the graphics card was worthless though. I am hoping I can use some of it.