[netburnr]

From the specs on the newegg link for that mobo

Number of Memory Slots 6×240pin Memory Standard DDR3 1333 / DDR2 1066

You need to get ram that matches your motherboard
1333-http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145 183
1066-http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145 181

For the minimal price difference it is definitely worth it to get the faster ram.

Also, if you plan on overclocking later, make sure you get a really good heat sink like this:
Newegg.com - ZALMAN 9500A 92mm 2 Ball CPU Cooler - CPU Fans & Heatsinks

[Ambrosius]

All this geek talk makes me want to eat potato chips.

[Aphelion]

I've finalized my rig. Here is my wishlist at Newegg. Now I just need to get the go-ahead from my parents and hear back from my Microsoft Game Studios friend about getting me a copy of Vista. I guess I could just order it without an OS.

Newegg Wish List: http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishList Number=8788452&WishListTitle=A phelion%27s

Oh yeah... which OS should I get? I want to get Vista just because it's newer and I keep hearing that games won't support XP anymore. Something about the "Games for Windows" branding?

Also, does anyone know what I can get away with on a Vista upgrade disc? I've got an original Windows 95 OEM disc, a pirated XP Pro disc, a Dell laptop Media Center Restore disc, and a Windows ME key. Will any of those let me buy the upgrade or should I just get the OEM? (if my friend falls through... since he's probably playing Fable 2 for 14 hrs/day )

[netburnr]

Why did you cheap out on the ram?

I guess because you decided on a 1066 FSB CPU? Personally I would have gone with the:

Newegg.com - Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale 3.16GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor - Processors - Desktops

CPU, and the 1333mhz ram.

Other than that everything looks good. You might want to think about getting an aftermarket sound card too, built in ones tend to be a bit chitty.

Lastly, do not purchase windows..... Send me a PM

[Aphelion]

Originally Posted by netburnr

Why did you cheap out on the ram?

Well, I started feeling guilty since my family is buying the computer for me as a gift. Plus, the 2 GB of the cheap DDR2 is only $41, and I can easily add two more sticks later. If I went with the 1333 DDR3, I would have to resell them later if I wanted to upgrade.

Also, as for the processor, as soon as Jumpgate Evolution, Diablo III or StarCraft II come out, you can bet I will be running it at 3.0 GHz or more. Hell, by then I could buy a watercooling system, or instead of a $100 water cooler I could sell the E7200 and buy a new CPU. There are just so many options out there and that's why I choose the (cheaper) components now.

As for Windows, I have a copy of XP Pro laying around... that someone gave to me that I think is pirated from a University, so it probably won't work. Hopefully my Microsoft friend can get me an actual, legal copy of an OS. Vista's only 90 bucks for OEM crappy Home version though so I may do that later too.

[ELPIRATA]

Now I just need to get the go-ahead from my parents

LOL

For a moment I pictured you like a young kid :P but the last post cleared it out.

Games not being supported for XP... interesting... another reason to leave the micro$ world

ELP