Im looking to build a gaming desktop system so that i can play all the latest games and the ones coming out in the near future. Im looking to build using the custom configurator from this website:

http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/

I'm sure i could choose the right components and such that would allow me to do what i want but i'm just looking for some extra opinions from someone with a little more knowledge.

What would you recommend for:
A) video graphics card
B)motherboard
C)RAM i was thinking 3GB would be more than enough
D)AMD or Intel

A) GeForce 9600GT, or if you have the money, GeForce 8800GTS 512MB.

B) Pick an Intel P35 chipset-based motherboard. They're cheap, solid performers. I've always been an Asus fan. :)

C) Choose 800MHz PC2-6400 DDR2 memory. PC2-6400 is cheap, will allow you to select tighter timings at default speed, and will give you some overclocking headroom. I like Kingston, OCZ, and Corsair. :)

D) Intel C2D e8400, or, for roughly $30 more, Intel C2Q q6600. Choose the e8400 if you plan to only play games. Select the q6600 if you plan to perform other tasks (media encoding, Photoshop, etc) in addition to playing video games.

The creme de la creme of Socket 939:
Opty 185 @ 3.2GHz
SLI'ed GTS-640s, both flashed to 625/1458/1950
4GB PC3200
Blu-Ray/HD-DVD, X-Fi
A8N32-SLI Deluxe
3DMark06: 13896

And choose a decent power supply from the list.

Ok cool. Thanks for the input. I'll do some research and see what the price would be. Any other suggestions or comments would be greatly appreciated.

What would a decent power supply be in your opinion?

Tell us which configurator you're using, then we can look at the choices.

Ok this is a system summary that website gave me:

CASE: ($20 off Mail-in Rebate) NEW! Apevia X-Jupiter Jr. 420 Watts Case (G Type Blue Color with Side-Window)
CPU: (Quad-Core)Intel® Core™ 2 Quad Q6600 @ 2.4GHz 1066FSB 8MB L2 Cache 64-bit

MOTHERBOARD: Asus P5K Intel P35 CrossFire Chipset LGA775 FSB1333 DDR2/800 Mainboard w/GbLAN, USB2.0, IEEE1394, & 7.1Audio

MEMORY: (Req.DDR2 MainBoard)2GB (2x1GB) PC6400 DDR2/800 Dual Channel Memory (Corsair Value Select)

VIDEO CARD: NVIDIA GeForce 9600 GT 512MB 16X PCI Express (Major Brand Powered by NVIDIA)

VIDEO CARD 2: NONE

VIDEO CARD 3: NONE

LCD Monitor: NONE

HARD DRIVE: Single Hard Drive (160GB SATA-II 3.0Gb/s 8MB Cache 7200RPM HDD)

Data Hard Drive: NONE

Optical Drive: (Special Price) 20X DVD±R/±RW + CD-R/RW DRIVE DUAL LAYER (BLACK COLOR)

Optical Drive 2: NONE

SOUND: 3D WAVE ON-BOARD 5.1 SOUND CARD

How does that look? That added up to $1223.00. Good deal or no?

The one i posted above was done with the Intel Core 2 DUO configurator starting at $559. The other one i was looking at was the Athlon 64 X2 AM2 starting at $379. Jackbomb said to go with Intel so that is why i used the Intel core 2 duo configurator above.

1st of all, you didn't select a PSU. The 420W unit that comes with the case isn't gonna cut it.

2nd, you selected a Crossfire board & an nVidia based video card. Not that the nVidia card won't work, but it kinda defeats the reason for getting Crossfire. I suggest a non-Crossfire P35 board.

3rd, pick a larger HDD w/16MB cache.

I came up less than $1000 & that included the CoolerMaster 600W PSU, 320GB HDD & CoolerMaster TX2 HSF. And I picked the MSI P35 Neo-F motherboard.

You've got to remember i don't know what alot of this stuff means that i why im asking for an opinion. I'll try a new build using what you suggested and see what i come up with and post the results. Which system did you choose in the beginning for the one you got under 1000?

"You've got to remember i don't know what alot of this stuff means"

Then maybe you should take the time to learn about some of this stuff before blindly jumping into it. Here's my suggestions using the same configurator that you mentioned:

- I see no reason to go for the quad CPU. The E8400 doesn't appear to be available so you'd be better off going with the Core2 Duo E6750...that will save you about $100.

- the CoolerMaster 600Watts eXtreme is probably the best PSU choice without spending too much.

- you don't necessarily have to select a better CPU cooling fan but for $19, the CoolerMaster Hyper TX2 is worth the investment...especially if you plan to overclock in the future.

- in case you're not familiar with the terms, Crossfire is a technology used for pairing up two ATI video cards to *theoretically* double the performance. SLi is the technology used for nVidia cards. If you have no intentions of ever using it, why pay for it? If you do plan on using it, make sure to match the video card to the board. That being said, the P35 is arguably the best performing chipset for Intel CPUs & the only non-Crossfire choice is the MSI P35 Neo-F.

- go with the 320GB HDD w/16MB cache. You'd be doubling the capacity for just $29.

The rest of the choices are pretty much up to you. I picked the Logitech speakers, keyboard & mouse. And regardless of which OS I choose, the price is still under $1000.

You're right i probably should take the time to learn a few things. Thats why i've come on this forum and have been going through posts trying to pick up as many things as i can. I really do appreciate your help though..i need to get a solid gaming system as soon as possible that doesn't break my bank.

Taking all of your suggestions in consideration heres what i've come up with...and i'm pretty happy with it:

CASE: ($20 off Mail-in Rebate) NEW! Apevia X-Jupiter Jr. 420 Watts Case (G Type Blue Color with Side-Window)

CPU: (Sckt775)Intel® Core™ 2 Duo E6750 CPU @ 2.66GHz 1333FSB 4MB L2 Cache 64-bit

MOTHERBOARD: ($15 off Mail-in Rebate) MSI P35 Neo-F P35 Chipset LGA775 Supports Core 2 Duo CPU FSB1333 DDR2/800 Mainboard w/GbLAN, USB2.0, & 7.1Audio

MEMORY: (Req.DDR2 MainBoard)2GB (2x1GB) PC6400 DDR2/800 Dual Channel Memory (Corsair Value Select)
V
IDEO CARD: NVIDIA GeForce 9600 GT 512MB 16X PCI Express (Major Brand Powered by NVIDIA)

VIDEO CARD 2: NONE

VIDEO CARD 3: NONE

LCD Monitor: NONE

HARD DRIVE: Single Hard Drive (320GB SATA-II 3.0Gb/s 16MB Cache 7200RPM HDD)

Data Hard Drive: NONE

Optical Drive: (Special Price) 20X DVD±R/±RW + CD-R/RW DRIVE DUAL LAYER (BLACK COLOR)

Optical Drive 2: NONE

SOUND: 3D WAVE ON-BOARD 5.1 SOUND CARD

I didn't see the PSU in that summary but i chose the CoolerMaster 600Watts eXtreme that you suggested. And XP Home Edition... I've been told to stay away from Vista for now.

This totaled at $981.00.

this is just a matter of personal opinion..but i prefer nvidia for my gaming needs ati is just as much a good competitor.
also for a psu antec or enermax both companies make good psu's hope this helps !!!!

Intel Core 2 Quad Processor Q6600

3 Gigs Ram

Windows Vista Home Premium

640 Gig HD

Quad Core All The Way !!

If It Isn't Broken Don't Fix It. !!!!

Go with an X38 board, you'll be able to utilize the PCI Express 2.0.

You won't be able to find the E8400 but you can get the Xeon 3110 which is the same exact processor. I got this processor and it even shows up in cpuz as an E8400 Wolfdale.

I know you've heard bad things about Vista but DirectX 10 is awesome on a Vista 64bit system and you'll need it in the future.

Im building this system mainly to play the new MMO comeing out called Age of Conan.

Here are the system requirments:

Required
OS: Windows Vista/XP
Processor: 3GHz Pentium IV
RAM: 1GB RAM
Video Card: Shader Model 2.0 and 128MB RAM: NVIDIA GeForce 5800 or ATI 9800

Recommended
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo 2.4 GHz (E6600) or better
Vdeo Card: NVIDIA GeForce 7950GX2 or better
RAM: 2GB or more

Enhanced for: DirectX 10, 64-bit processors, multi-core
Supports Parental Controls on Windows Vista

I should be able to play this game comfortably with the system i posted above, correct? Or will i need to put a little more cash into it?

If you want to save a little go with the processor jam recommended.

I highly recommend you go with the X38 board and Vista 64bit. The board will only set you back a little more and you'll have the best DirectX 10 gaming experience.