
First off I had to order parts!! This is probably one of the most important steps in building your computer!!! I usually start with the processor since everything has to be compatible with that!!
I went with a Intel Core 2 Duo E6600.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?...N82E16819115003
Next, I pick out the motherboard to match the processor socket. With the Conroe's the socket is LGA775. However, not every LGA775 board will work with the new Conroe's so you need to make sure!!!! I ended up going with the Asus P5N32-SLI SE. This is because I want the option to go SLI later down the road. However, now is when you need to make the choice weather or not your are going to go with ATI or Nvidia. You can still use a ATI card on this board but not in Crossfire!!
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?...N82E16813131031
Then I found some memory to fit my board. This board supports DDR2 667. In today's world I would recommend getting 2 1gb sticks since games are utilizing this more and more everyday!! When selecting memory you want to find some with low timings. DDR2 timings are higher then DDR at the moment but they will come down over time. I find that good memory Manufacturers are: G.Skill, Muskin, Corsair, OCZ, and Super Talent. Many people have their own preferred brands though. Also, read the reviews on the site to see if people say if the memory is good at overclocking or not. In most cases memory is the most important peice of equipment when trying to overclock. I ended up going with some G.Skill that had really nice timings. This is my first time using G.Skill but many people speak very highly of them so I guess we will find out!!
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?...N82E16820231051
Now you need to get your video card, hard drives, and optical drives. These are pretty much whatever you like. Just make sure you have the correct interfaces. For example most new motherboards will be PCI Express, so don't get a AGP by accident. Also, most boards now support SATA hard drives which are much faster then IDE so try to get those if you can. I use NEC and HP dvd burners. For a video card I have a XFX 7900gt. For my hard drives I have 2 160gb hitachi SATA II drives, and 2 320gb Segate SATAII drives. Don't spend to much on a video card until the DX10 cards come out early next year. All of these parts I already have from my last system so I will not be going into depth on them.
Next, we need some good clean power to drive this beast!!! In many cases people buy really nice parts but skimp out on the psu!!! The PSU is the most important part in your computer. If you have a crappy power supply you risk destroying all your other parts in your system. So, DON'T GO CHEAP!!! I went with a 750 watt Silverstone. I wanted to get a 1000 watt but just can't afford it right now. If you can get the 1000 watt PC Power and Cooling get it because video card requirments are just going to keep going up!!
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?...N82E16817256006
Finally, we need a sweet case to put all of these sweet parts in!!! I decided to change from my beloved Antec P180 to a Thermaltake Armor Jr. Cases, are really whatever you like and most people like something different.
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetai...ductCode=371303
I find that purchasing from newegg is the best. However, I have ordered several items from zipzoomfly.com as well with equally great results.
Well, all the parts are on the way now!! They should be here by the end of the week. So, when they come we will continue with some more fun!! Check back!!
