New Build List - opinions please?

cozumel

Yup - it's always best to be patient and buy the core components last so they're cheaper or so that you can save and get the next model up etc but that is soooo hard to do.

So Swimtech, you got the advice from Panging jr to get the E6400 and do less overclock, is that what you will do? Or if you do in fact save and get E6400 will you overclock it to the max anyhow and everything else for that matter? I reckon it's probably too addictive too resist the temptation.......

swimtech

Yeah kris23, I noticed there was no mention that the 20" Sceptres were HDCP compliant at Newegg, but you sited that feature, and I had been looking at them for awhile, and the 22" is HDCP compliant, so I checked the other evening at the manufacturer's site - sure enough, both the 'Naga' and the 'Gamer' are HDCP - you should have seen me smile...

However, I went with the 'Gamer' rather than the 'Naga' 20" for several reasons... Despite the slightly lower contrast ratio, the 'Gamer' has a higher color count, better viewing angles (look at the best Dells, Gateway, and Samsungs as a comparison), and has a higher initial retail price - all indicative of a different and better panel inside - hopefully PVA maybe - I'd have to call or email them to check, plus the screen is a glossy type which generally displays richer colors, and also comes with a DVI cable. The price is awesome and I can't afford the big ones (you're right, going with a smaller monitor is a great way to cut the cost on the system...) so... I did note that there seem to be some quality control issues with the Sceptres in general, but I've been fortunate that way so I'll take my chances. It is shipping from Tennessee so should be here Wednesday . I'll use it immediately with my present desktop system until I get the rest...

PangingJr., Zelig, and cozumel, I hear you - I have to be thoughtful going forward and take time to do some more homework - yup, yup, yup! I know time is nearly always on my side in this process. I don't yet know if I will be using the 6400, but I'm leaning, and I will be doing the mainboard, processor, video card, and memory last...

Yeah, the case...
My wife found that one while we were shopping. She liked the Apevia for the gauges and the overall look (although it was a bit gaudy for me...), saw the Atrix, and pointed it out. It's actually a bit roomier than the Apevia, has better innards (tool-less drive bays, and deeper - Dyre's review of the CoolerMaster case of late is an influence...), looks to be good at cooling (dust filtering too...), and (thank the Lord...) has cleaner styling, it's blue, and looks cool in the dark - she likes it, and it suits me on the inside. The LCD display for temp and fans is better I think - all with a $30.00 rebate which makes it cheaper than the Apevia - great!

I really appreciate y'alls input and perspectives - this is fun! I've spent 280.00 so far including shipping and after rebates (30.00 shipping - ouch.), and the big and heavy items are out of the way.

kris23

i know the naga 20.1" lcd is HDCP compliant but im not sure about the gamer..... it did say HDTV ready or something but alot of non HDCP cards say that..... ill look at that later

hmm....it is lol good to save a few bucks put it to something better.......

so what are your choices for the build? what are your current components choices?

PangingJr

" I don't yet know if I will be using the 6400 "

that might mean you are also considering E6600, or more like you want to stay with your first choice, which is E4300?
anyway, you may also want to check some new models of the P965 based motherboards since they are many good and new ones on the market now.

swimtech

Yeah guys, it means I'm open to considering whatever is best at the time I get to ordering...

I'm also considering changing the video card - with an eye toward an NVidia 8800GTS or 8600 series should they release it shortly - especially considering what I read here late last evening about all the cooling problems folks here are having with the 1950Pros - seen this thread: New AGP card coming: X1950 PRO I've saved a hundred on the monitor and case over my original choices - might take some of that and use it toward the video card - and get unreal DX9 performance with DX10 in standby for when I need it.

Over 10,000 reads since November last year, and almost 300 posts! Worth a read - good info there...

Edit: [COLOR=white]I'm updating my original first post with the components list and purchased price as we go forward...[/COLOR]