Build me an $800 PC

[Nightshade]

I just got some extra cash, and unfortunately I have no time to research components. So, good folks of Q3W's T&T forum, give unto me your suggestions for a phat gaming rig (sans monitor) for $800. I need everything as my HDDs are all IDE still.

[creep]

I got to $762 before adding memory, dvd, case/psu, or OS.

I fail.

Good luck.

[Captain]

Let's see what I can do with Newegg.

Memory:

CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - $88
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6820145034

HDD:

Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD2500KS 250GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM - $69
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6822144701

Video card:

XFX PVT88PYDE4 GeForce 8800GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - $289
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6814150253

CPU and CPU cooler combo:

Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 Conroe 2.4GHz 4M shared L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor (combo price $244)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6819115003

Rosewill RCX-Z775-LX 92mm Ball CPU Cooler
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6835200035

Case (my personal recommendation):

COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 Black/Blue Aluminum Bezel, SECC Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - $49
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6811119047

Mobo and PSU combo:

ASUS P5N-E SLI LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 650i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard (PSU combo price $184)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6813131142

Powertek PowerTek770W ATX Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6817713003

DVD-RW/CD-RW:

LITE-ON Black 20X SATA DVD Burner with LightScribe - $36
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6827106072

$959

Hope that helps a little.

[Nightshade]

Thanks man. But the total was $674 when I looked last night, what changed?

[Captain]

Yeah sorry about that, Newegg crapped out and showed $600-something. It didn't seem right so I added them up myself

It's not easy on an $800 budget. If you can stretch your funds a little, goody. Otherwise we'll need to see what we can sacrifice to lower the price without affecting performance and quality much.

[Nightshade]

I think I'm going to end up waiting...again. Since I'm doing so much more gaming on the 360 I'm going to snag GH3 and 2 controllers, Mass Effect, and a few other games. I'll hang on to the rest for Christmas presents.

FOR ME.

[Captain]

These parts will still be here when you're ready to go for it