Please give me feedback on this computer :)

Ok so I went to Altex today and the guy there helped me pick out the parts of a machine that I want to build soon.

I mainly play MMOs, but I would like to be able to play some of the newer games on PC like Bioshock, Mass Effect, UT3, etc.

So before I post the specs, I have a couple questions. Should I go ahead and get a Quad-Core processor over a Dual-Core, and if so, what is the minimum speed quad-core processor I should get? And also, since this computer is going to be a hell of a lot cheaper than building it online at a place like Dell, I'm willing to spend some of that cash I'm saving on a really nice video card, so money aside, what is the best card or card combo out there right now (Nvidia)?

Current specs, just to get an idea of price:

Intel Core Duo 6850 3.00 GHZ

4gig DDR2 800MHZ RAM

Nvidia GeForce 8800 GTS 512mb PCIE HDTV

Windows XP Home Edition

500g Seagate SATA-II 3GB/s Hard Drive

As is, how well will this game run the afformentioned games, and is there anything you would recommend me do so that this will last for a good while without having to upgrade again.

Thanks in advance I will be back later to see if there are any responses. Sorry for long post.

Oh also, what is the minimum speed RAM you would recommend for gaming? The motherboard I would be getting only supports up to 800 I think.

cause i think Nvidia has WAYYYY more money so pays developers to optimize for there cards
Lehman

Yeah, that's why HD4870 > GTX 260 in Crysis, a heavily TWIMTBP game, and costs a 100$ less...

A HD4850 is faster than the GTS 512 it's even faster than the 98ooGTX.

HD4870>>>HD4850>9800GTX>>8800GTS(512)

Get either HD4850 or HD4870 they give you a great performance per buck, HD4850 is sub $200 and HD4870 is ~$300 on newegg.

Thanks for all the responses guys I really appreciate it. With that rig it came out to about 1400 dollars. Compared to an equally equipped Dell XPS 630 it is a deal but from what I am reading I can get it much cheaper on NewEgg or something, the only thing is that I am not very good with putting this kind of stuff together, though I wouldn't mind learning, and also I feel better about the stuff if I have a warranty, which this store gives for free.

Ok the motherboard:

Intel DG33TLM Motherboard

I would like to kind of future proof this machine. Someone said something about new processors that run cooler, are those out yet? But since I don't think I'll be overclocking, will I really need them? Speaking of that, will this computer need some kind of cooling system? I doubt it, but I'm just checking. :)

Thanks for the info again guys :)

Unless you OC (overclock) you don't need a "cooler" CPU and you definately don't need a cooling system.

1400... No. Don't pay that. And OMG building a computer is INCREDIBLY easy. And I'm not saying that to sound 1337. Everything now adays is all plug and play. You can find DOZENS of free guides to building a computer online. And building your own computer is a GREAT idea. Not only will you learn alot about your computer and computers in general, you will be able to upgrade alot easier and become more knowledgable about computer parts and their prices.

Edit: And about the warranty thing, newegg usually has at LEAST a 1 year guarantee on everything they sell you. Just keep all UPCs and E-mails from newegg and the receipt and you will be find. I don't know how large a warranty ur store is willing to give for free, but I doubt it's more than a year. Don't let the warranty discurage you.

Cool I might consider just doing it myself then :)

Oh, I don't think anyone answered the question about the processors.

What's best right now, Duo Core or Quad Core, and what will be the mainstream in a couple of years?

What speed quad-core will equal 3.0 GHz duo core? If it can be compared like that.

With the CPU... Quad-Core will be the new standard soon. If you want total gaming security, go with Quad-Core. It's going to be like running an 8600 today... Yes Duo-Core will run, but it won't run max. Your going to start bottle necking the BRAND new video cards in a couple years with a duo-core.

And about the 3.0 Ghz... Look at it this way. This is the way I was told, tell me if I'm wrong. If you have a duo-core 3.0, that means you have two 3.0 ghz processors. So the equivelent of a 3.0 ghz duo-core in relation to a quad core.. would be a 1.5 quad-core lol. I'm pretty sure they don't sell those. :P