need geek help

I have decided to build a new system but this is the first time I have picked out my own bits and parts.

I am reusing my case, regular DVD drive, and 5.1 speakers.

I have picked out the following and would like to know if I made compatible and good choices. I am a graphic artist and have a budget of less than $800.

Motherboard
Video Card
Processor
Memory
Hard Drive
DVD Burner
Sound Card

I have also decided to use xp vs vista

Thanks

 

Looks OK except for:
Video card- your mother board has SLI but you chose a Radeon card which is not SLI capable. Go with an Nvidia card in the same price range, that way you can add a second card to take advantage of the SLI on the motherboard. If you don't plan on ever using a 2nd video card, get a different mother board and save some $$$$.
Hard drive: Personally, I'm not a huge fan of WD. Go with Seagate. They have the best warranty right now: 5 years.
DVDRW: I've had a bit of experience with the LiteOn 20x DVDRW's. About 40% I've had to return due to various problems: they don't burn DVD's properly; don't read multi-session burns, etc. Personally, I like the NEC or Samsung 18x DVDRW's. And they cost less.
Sound Card: the motherboard has 7.1 digital audio built in (8 channel) so there's no need for the sound card.

Hope this helps!

hd2k

Oh, and I don't like Vista. But that's just me. Personally, I'd wait 6 months or a year to install Vista. Remember what a nightmare XP was when it first came out? Maybe you don't..... it really was a nightmare.

 

what are your plans for this rig?

 

are you saying I cannot use the radeon card or that is is a waste of money on the motherboard?

 

i am a graphic artist and multitasker I like to listen to music, use photoshop and illustrator at the same time and research stuff on the net will running various messaging programs.

 

Yes, you can use the Radeon card, but you won't be able to take advantage of the SLI configuration on the motherboard. SLI works with NVidia based cards only. If your heart is set on the Radeon card, either select a different motherboard with only one PCIX video slot to save some money, or find a motherboard with Crossfire support. Crossfire is ATI's version of SLI. With a Crossfire capable board, you could add a 2nd video card later if you need more video horsepower in the future. Then again, this is just my personal thoughts on the subject..... good luck and let us know what you decide.

hd2k

 

Phew.... :clap
I had to order early last night because I am under huge can't work without Murphy time constraints and have many pending projects. I was in a major panic. I don't see needing a second video card as up to this point one had been sufficient. I was nervous as all get out though... thanks for your help.

 

Anytime... glad I could clear things up a bit for you

 

YAY!!!! it works!