First build! Feedback needed

So I'm finally going to take the plunge on building my first PC. The only tinkering with my PC I've done in the 6 years since I've owned it is install some more RAM and put in a new video card. I've been researching as much as I can but, before I actually hit 'order' I was hoping you guys could help me out and make sure this is money well spent, and if its all compatible! The computer would mainly be used for gaming. Here's what I'm looking at: Case: Cooler Master Centurion 5 CAC-T05-UW ATX Mid Tower Computer Case ($55)http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119068 ----------------------------------------CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0ghz ( $170 )http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037----------------------------------------Mobo: Gigabyte 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard ( $119 )http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128359----------------------------------------RAM: G.Skill 4GB (2 x 2gb) 240-pin DDR2 1000 ( $68 )http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231145-----------------------------------------GPU: EVGA 8800GTS 512mb ( $171 )http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130325------------------------------------------PSU: Corsair CMPSU-550VX 550watts ( $98 )http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139004 ------------------------------------------HDD: Western Digital Caviar SE16 7200RPM 16mb cache SATA 3.0gb/s hard drive ( $75 )http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136218 ------------------------------------------DVD Drive thing: Samsung 22x DVD-R 16x DVD-ROM ( $28 )http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151173 ------------------------------------------ OS: Windows Vista Home Premium 64bit ( $100 )http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116488 ------------------------------------------Total: $884 (budget $900) So how does it look? I already have a 17'' CRT + Keyboard/mouse/speakers so I'm not worried about that just yet. But assuming all these parts showed up at my door, after reading guides and watching youtube videos (plus lots of patience and care:D), I could essentially just start piecing them together and it'd all work? I do have screwdrivers ect. but would I need to order any 'thermal paste' or anything particular like that? My main concern is if it will all fit in the case (I'm looking at you video card!). And of course if I'm getting good bang for my buck with the video card mostly. I picked that one because I used EVGA for my last upgrade (7600GS AGP lol) and have had no problems with it.If there is anything I'm missing, or you think money would be spent better on a different part, let me know. I'm really determined to build my own PC for once and get back into gaming! Thanks!P.S. Sorry if that is hard on the eyes, I don't know how to make those links to newegg 'clickable'... -Amy First build! Feedback needed
That graphics card is fine to fit in the Centurion 5, but it's outdated and outclassed. You can get a 9800GTX+ for that price (although that card might actually prove to be a problem in terms of fitting in your case since it has a good 1.5'' on the 8800GTS), and you can also get the HD4850. Both cards are very much superior to the 8800GTS. Or if you want to save more money, a cheap HD4830 or 9800GT will also easily max out most games on your setup, and only cost you around $100-$130.Thermal compound is nice to have - I'd order a tube just to keep on you so you don't have to rush off to Radio shack or Best Buy and get screwed price-wise there (or have to order it online by itself and get screwed on shipping). Still, it's not 100% necessary, the stock cooler comes with thermal compound pre-applied. First build! Feedback needed
i would reccomend getting an aftermarket cpu cooler for sure. You will want to overclock down the line. I thought I wouldnt, so i am just using stock cooling. I can still overclock, but not as much as if i had an aftermarket cooler. Just a tip

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