First off, choose a motherboard that supports a 1333 FSB, intels newer
processors already require it(although it will work with the one you
picked).  That'll extend the upgrade life of your system.

A slim DVD is intended for either laptop or external use.  It may be
possible to mount it, but it'll drive up the cost for no benefit.

You do still need a heatsink and fan.  Get one of the good Zalman
heatsink/fan units, your system will be quiter and cooler.

An 800W PSU is overkill for what you're putting together.  500-550W will be
enough.

Good Luck,

                Phill R.

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Tom R." <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, September 13, 2007 3:21 PM
Subject: First time builder for casual gaming


This is my first time attempting to build a computer of my own, and no one I
know can help with my questions.

1. My question is will the following items work well together?  I don't know
everything about what I'm doing, but I have somewhat of an idea.

     **I found all the items on newegg.com ...if you need to check out any
of
       the specs.
 -ASUS P5LD2 R2.0 LGA 775 Intel 945P ATX Intel Motherboard
 -Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 Conroe 2.4GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80557E6600
 -ASUS EN7600GS SILENT/HTD/256M GeForce 7600GS 256MB 128-bit GDDR2 PCI
Express
    x16 SLI Supported Video Card
 -Kingston 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Dual Channel
Kit
    Desktop Memory Model KVR667D2N5K2/2G
 -Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD4000AAKS 400GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard
Drive
 -XION Onyx XON-303 Black/Blue Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
    *Is this a "normal" size case?
    *This case has a 120mm fan for intake and one for exhaust.  It also has
a
     140mm fan on the side to cool the processor/MB.  Do you think, with
fans
     this size, that would I need a heatsink?
    *Can a "slim" DVD burner fit in a regular sized 5.25" bay slot?

2. What kind of wires do I need to connect everything to the motherboard? Or
rather, what kind of connections does everything use (including disc and
floppy drives)?

3. If I was looking to be gaming (and running Vista), should any items be
upgraded?  Any suggestions as to what newer model

4. What size power supply should I be looking for?  I do know that I need
something that won't be strained when trying to feed the comp.  As of today,
newegg has a bundle with the case and an 800W PS; is that enough for what
I've chosen?

5. Finally, I am on a budget, so if you feel that something does need to be
upgraded, try to keep in mind the cost.

I hope that covers my questions.    Thanks for the help!

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