Building my own computer. Need suggestions for the parts listed?

Question

I'm planning to build a desktop computer with the "more than enough" performance needed. I already have how much RAM I need (4-8GB) and my hard drive (200-400GB) but I need specific names for the parts about to be listed that will be able to handle current and future computer games.

Which kind of these should I get? (be specific if possible)

Motherboard:

CPU/Processor:

Sound Card(s):

Video Card(s):

Optional

DVD/CD Burner:

Power Box:

Fans/Heatsinks:

Flash Memory/Readers:

That should be it. I don't care what company (eg. Intel, AMD, etc.) you list, I just need to know the specifics of the parts needed.

Answer 1

Well 'More than enough' can drive you into building a $3000 dollar system and seriously miscalculating what it's worth to you.  Plus, depending on what you decide, certain setups will give you more benefit depending on which kind of software you're using.  Personally, instead of 'listing components', go to a company that can custom build you the system you want, add all of the components and use good quality, but low cost aftermarket options to save you some serious dough.  Here are a few pointers that seem random, but simply address the important specifics as far as I'm concerned:

If you want to get full use of 4 to 8 gigs of memory, make sure you get a 64 bit version of Vista Home Premium or Vista Ultimate.  A plain version of 32 bit windows will only adequately use and address up to 3.25 to 3.5 GB of memory.  

Go with DDR2 800 speed memory.  This is also marketed as PC2-6400 memory.

If you intend to get serious about building your own computer, at the very least, pick up a Comptia A+ certification book.  This will teach you all the specifics of computers if you don't already understand the fundamentals.

Although you can go with a Quad Core based processor (4 physical processor cores on one processor), unless you're seriously running some top notch software, you won't get full use out of 4 cores.  Stick with a dual (2) core processor.  They will be plenty fast and give you plenty of bang for your buck.

Processor:

Intel Core 2 Duo E8400, E8500, or E8600 for processor.

For motherboards, I personally use Gigabyte based boards on all of my installs.  Reliable and affordable.

Video cards, to get started, you definately want to run an Nvidia based PCI-Express card.  Ideally, the GeForce GTX 280, GTX 260, GeForce 8800 series, or the GeForce 9800 series cards will give you top of the line performance.  If you really want to get the most for your performance, you'll want to get two SLI compatible cards and an SLI compatible motherboard.  This will let you use 2 video cards for the best possible gaming performance.  Personally though, I only use a single GeForce 8800 GT card and I'm plenty happy.  It plays full screen, full frame rate on just about any game out there today.  You will want to consider a dual setup if you're running Vista in all honesty due to the drag on OEM based graphics use, but you can still get by just fine without.

And finally, K.I.S.S (keep it simple stupid).  If you really don't want to get into the ins and outs of building your own system, just go to http://www.pricewatch.com and find a company that will sell barebone systems and let you configure and add options to your choices.  It all comes down to price point, but I'd sincerely suggest you do your homework if you're going to try building one yourself.  

Other websites: newegg.com  ascendtech.us  

If you have any further questions, just shoot me an email.

Answer 2

I have never built my own, but I teach a lesson about building.  One resource I use is this Web site.  It is free and usually updated frequently.  

http://www.mysuperpc.com

Answer 3

I would say go to newegg.com and experiment. A top of the line PC (without monitor) shouldn't cost more than 1000.

Answer 4

What's your budget?  Does that include a monitor?  Are you going to be doing anything CPU-intensive besides gaming (e.g. video editing)?

Without knowing your budget, it's hard to give advice on specific parts.