I NEED a new rig. PLEASE read and help?!

[kenrippy]

i think what mrsinister is referring to is the single core 4000+. back when i was shopping for a new system, most people were saying that for a GAMING only rig, a single core cpu was the way to go. now that's not exactly the story. with games starting to be made with dual cores in mind, you'll be glad you went with an x2. if you get the 4400 x2 you'll have twice the L2 cache, i don't know if it's worth it though. i got the 4400+ because i like to render video so i thought it might be the way to go for me.

i'm sure the antec TP II 550w will do you fine (the single 120mm fan model)

one thing you didn't mention, an aftermarket cooler. like os-wiz said, the xp-90c is a great cooler. i went with a larger, quieter version though (si-120 with recommended fan) http://www.frozencpu.com/cpu-tri-23.html it may not perform quite as well as the xp-90c but it keeps it cool and quiet.

i don't game much at all, so i can't help you with a vid card choice...

you're on the right track with raid 0 for windows. i tend to format about once a year too. just be sure to leave the pata drives out until after you have your OS installed. it ensures that your windows drive will be labeled "C" which makes things easier. and use the NVRAID raid controller, it's faster than the silicon image one. i am very impressed with the 2x74gb raptor setup i have. very snappy! just put your games on it and go. it'll give you about 140gb total. don't get the 36gb flavor, it's slower. then use your other PATA drives for storage. i linked a couple tests i ran with mine below..

i have mine setup like this:
a8n-sli premium
4400+ @ 2.5ghz
si-120 w/ panaflo L1a
2x1gb crucial ballistix pc4000 (250, 3-3-3-8 1T)
2x74gb raptors raid 0
2x200gb pata seagate drives
antec TP II 550w
6600gt
NEC 3500A
lite-on dvd/cdrw combo drive
antec super lanboy

here's a couple screenies to show the difference between a single 74gb raptor and 2 in raid 0
single 74gb raptor
2x raptors in raid 0

[ThorneDarcloud]

Wow, thanks for the swift reply ken.

I can't really see the difference with those screencaps, I'm just not saavy to the app or the numbers myself. As far as RAID goes, do you have any links to info and tutorials on how to get that up and running? I have absolutely no clue on how to run and set up RAID. Also, I figure I won't be able to partitoon the way I am used to, everything from Windows, Games and applications will all be on the same drive letter, so if I get a virus or if windows decides to crap out, I have to redo everything... which is what I do anyways, (reinstalling everything on respective drives/partitions respectivly) so nevermind, this might be easier.

Aftermarket coolers are what I am going for. I got an OEM CPU on my last build with a Thermalright SLK-90 (finally remembered the name). I like the to options you suggested and I think the lafrger one with the 120mm fan would be best for me.

I still need a nice case though... any thoughts guys?

I'm going for an all-around build. Something that will rock games and be able to keep up with new software as it comes out. (Namely Vista and other 64-bit apps/games/OS's)

Speaking of software, here is a new twist to this thread. I currently use Norton products for Firewal/Anti-Malware. From what I have been hearing, I really shouldn't. I'm more concious than the typical AOL moron, so I am looking for security products that don't eat system resources like mad. I have been hearing great things about ZoneAlarm Security Suite for Firewall/Malware protection. As far as SpyWare is concerned, I have that covered. 99% of the time, I don't get Spyware because I know what not to do, but for regular scans I use Ad-Aware, Spybot, Spyware Blaster and Microsoft Anti-Spyware (Soon to be Microsoft Defender). So, anyone have any opinions on this?