PC under $1500-$2000

I need help. Yes you, the ones that know all the ins and outs of every component out there.

I want to build a a good gaming PC, I've been looking at newegg.com, but there is so much stuff out there, I always get lost. I have no idea which component is better 1 or 2 or the other 60-100.

I need help, I have about $1500 I can spend on a new desktop (monitor not included).

And then maybe $2000 (monitor not included).

Can someone copy and paste links from newegg.com and I'll take a look at them and make a decision.

Please make sure they are compatible and upgradable.

Thanks

Newegg is definitely great, but its not like they are the only quality retailer around. Try looking at alternatives like Buy.com, Monarch, or Zipzoomfly.com. Its usually wise to try and compare different retailer prices on comparison websites (I personally use pricegrabber.com). To be honest though, it seems Intel Core 2 Duo processors are in short supplies lately, since it looks like all the major retailers have jacked up the prices for these processors. I would consider waiting, since in a short few months, Intel is going to be releasing some new Core 2 Duo processors, and will be making some nice price cuts.
Drunkentig3r

Samsung DVD Burner SATA
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16827151141

Cooler Master Stacker 830 Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16811119103

Western Digital 320 GB HD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16822136053

eVGA 8800 GTS 320 MB (x2)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16814130082

Corsair HX620 Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16817139002

Corsair XMS2 DDR2-800 RAM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16820145034

ASUS P5N32E SLI Plus Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16813131153

Intel Core 2 Duo E6400
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16819115004

Windows XP Home Edition OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16832116169

Scythe Ninja Heatsink CPU Cooler
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16835185038

$1890 + ~$35 shipping
- $115 rebates worth
Around $1810 for grand total...
GamingMonkeyPC

Well... $2000 converts to about £1000 in the UK. But US prices seem to be much cheaper... but i will see how much i can help.

Processor 

Your best bet would be to go for one of the Intel Core 2 Duo Processors. They are the best thing on the market at the moment. Have a look at the E6600 or E6700  

RAM

Make sure you get at least 2GB RAM. I make sure its DDR2 RAM, because the Core 2 Duo Processors only use DDR2 RAM 

Graphics Card

Now you have to ask yourself the question, do i want DX10 ? If you want DX10 you will also have to get Windows Vista for your PC. The best DX10 card is the GeForce 8800GTX, but it is very expesive and needs a very good Power Supply [PSU]. Alternatively you could get the 8800GTS, or wait until more DX10 cards are released.

If you don;t want Vista or DX10 i would recommend a high end GeForce 7 Card like the 7900GTX or 7950GT. Or you could get an ATI card like the X1950XTX or X1950Pro 

Newegg is definitely great, but its not like they are the only quality retailer around. Try looking at alternatives like Buy.com, Monarch, or Zipzoomfly.com. Its usually wise to try and compare different retailer prices on comparison websites (I personally use pricegrabber.com). To be honest though, it seems Intel Core 2 Duo processors are in short supplies lately, since it looks like all the major retailers have jacked up the prices for these processors. I would consider waiting, since in a short few months, Intel is going to be releasing some new Core 2 Duo processors, and will be making some nice price cuts.

Intel's next desktop launch

Intel's announced price cuts
Drunkentig3r

[QUOTE="GamingMonkeyPC"]Samsung DVD Burner SATA
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16827151141

Cooler Master Stacker 830 Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16811119103

Western Digital 320 GB HD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16822136053

eVGA 8800 GTS 320 MB (x2)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16814130082

Corsair HX620 Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16817139002

Corsair XMS2 DDR2-800 RAM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16820145034

ASUS P5N32E SLI Plus Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16813131153

Intel Core 2 Duo E6400
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16819115004

Windows XP Home Edition OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16832116169

Scythe Ninja Heatsink CPU Cooler
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16835185038

$1890 + ~$35 shipping
- $115 rebates worth
Around $1810 for grand total...
geogo3r

Hi all. I'm also looking to buy/build a PC in this price range. If I buy within the next few months, I would stick with windows XP. Since I wouldn't have dx10, would it be better to go with something like a x1950xt 512mb instead of a 8800GTS 320mb? Even after searching, I'm having trouble figuring out how these two cards would compare in a mid-range dx9 system. Maybe I should just wait another year for vista to settle down? :P I appreciate any tips, especially being a novice. It looks like this thread, and forum in general, will be a big help. Thanks so much!Martial14

I have been reading and reading about computer for some time now and this is the computer that I have worked up.

E6600 - $308.00USD
160GB HDD - $68.83USD Faster RPM = sooner death.
Razor Copperhead - $60.98USD
Sony 16XDVD48XCD - $24.63USD
Arctic Silver - $10.98USD
P180B Case - $143.98USD
P5N32-E SLi PLUS - $193.93USD
DDR2-533 - $166.48USD
PC150 Headset - $45.63USD
Vista - $219.99USD
Antec 650Watt - $108.99USD
eVGA 8800GTX - $576.12USD
---Total---
About $1,950USD

As far as I know, the computer should work. I haven't checked for cheaper parts but I think this should be good.HostileEffect