Going around and around in my head. Researched so much, that I'm sorta confused. Would like an opinion on whether or not this graphics card:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16814121266will fit on this MB without covering sata plugs, or causing another problem....anyone out there using this particular combo?:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16813131299Actually, while your at it, do you see any problems with what I've chosen as parts for this build? Mainly for FS9, but, maybe some FSX?http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWi...tNumber=9639266I've been going back and forth as to whether or not I can afford (with current economic situation) to build a new computer, or just use my old, slow laptop for FS. I think I want to leave off the vitamins, banana splits, movies, etc for a year and just go ahead and spend the money and get back into the sim.....I MISS IT!I'm brand new at building.....some of you have been great to help me in past posts....I'm ready to order, and build, and FLY.....help...for the final time, at least until I get the parts...heh heh?Lobo :)

The blue slot on the MB is for the video card, so it isn't near the SATA plugs. You might want to install the memory modules before installing the video card.ArtBiostar TF560-A2+, Athlon 64X2-6000+, 4GB RAM, Geforce 8800GTS-320MB, 500W PSU, 250GB HD, FSX(SP1-SP2), Audigy SE sound, Vista Home Premium 32 bit, CH Yoke & Pedals, 22" WS LCD monitor

Great!! I figured they surely knew what they were doing, even if I didn't!?! Ha! Especially since it is an ASUS board and and ASUS graphics card. I thought when it said this board had 2 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots that they must be the two white ones side by side. I thought this card would plug into one of those. My bad, I reckon.This is a factory OC'd card that is cheaper than the 8800GT. Some say it is essentially a 8800GTX in performance, but only 9" long. Seems like a really good card for a really good price? $129 after a rebate!Thanks Art!Lobo :)PS - Let me ask....is this 650W PSU gonna be sufficient if I end up OC'ing the e8500 to 4.0?? Or do I need to go for more power? I tried using the PSU calculator, but I didn't know what to input in the overclocking area for Core voltage when overclocked....and that number seemed to make the largest difference in the PSU wattage results.I like the PSU chosen because it is the same brand as the case and mainly because it is modular. Is that a good enough reason, or am I fooling myself?

>I've been going back and forth as to whether or not I can>afford (with current economic situation) to build a new>computerUnless you are going to overclock, the fan/heatsink and thermal compound are not necessary. The CPU comes with all of this.ArtBiostar TF560-A2+, Athlon 64X2-6000+, 4GB RAM, Geforce 8800GTS-320MB, 500W PSU, 250GB HD, FSX(SP1-SP2), Audigy SE sound, Vista Home Premium 32 bit, CH Yoke & Pedals, 22" WS LCD monitor

I would love to eventually overclock. I'll see how she runs what I want, and then read, learn, and gain knowledge from you folks and give a try at overclocking. So, still wonder if the PSU will be enough if I do so? I see a good deal on a OZC 700W PSU (~$70 after rebate), but not modular. It's about $20 less than the modular Antec 650W.Which would you rather have if this were your computer?The OCZ:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16817341002or the Antec:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16817371010 Thanks a ton for your input so quickly! I'd like to order tonite or tomorrow before the "deals" change on me.Lobo :)

Well, I'm not an overclocker, but I've read that they prefer a single 12V rail psu. Distribution of 12V amps is as important as watts. How about this?http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16817139006ArtBiostar TF560-A2+, Athlon 64X2-6000+, 4GB RAM, Geforce 8800GTS-320MB, 500W PSU, 250GB HD, FSX(SP1-SP2), Audigy SE sound, Vista Home Premium 32 bit, CH Yoke & Pedals, 22" WS LCD monitor

Who would think?? You'd think more rails were better, hunh? Now, I see there is this thing about "balancing" them. Oh well, you are big help, Art. Maybe I should just back up and punt. I'll think about "upgrading" sometime in the future if I should ever wish to oveclock. I mainly want to run FS9, and I reckon this comp as it is, at 3.1, and the 9800GT card, will do that with ease. You've made me think and not get too carried away....remember the "economy" thing ;), and just drop the extra CPU cooler, artic stuff, and just go ahead with the modular antec 650W PSU. I can always come back in better days and move forward with it.So, it should be no problem running at 3.16GHz with the stock fan and "goo" they send, or do they send some? Would I still need the Artic Silver?Also, since the Sata, 3.0Gb/s, HD is OEM, , I understand I need a cable. Is this the one I need?:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16812816027I believe the length is fine. I saw a cheaper one, but someone in the reviews said that it was a max of 1.5 Gb/s transfer rate. This one says 3.0 Gb/s. So, I guess I'm looking at this correct?Thanks a bunch, Art!Lobo :)

>So, it should be no problem running at 3.16GHz with the stock fan >and "goo" they send, or do they send some? Would I still need the >Artic Silver?If it was an AMD processor, the thermal paste would be already applied to the heatsink and you would just need to peel off the protective cover and slap it onto the processor. I assume that Intel processors are similarl.>Also, since the Sata, 3.0Gb/s, HD is OEM, , I understand I need a >cable. Is this the one I need?One SATA cable and one IDE/PATA cable come with the motherboard, so if your HD and your optical drive are both SATA, you will need one more cable and that one is fine (actually, I didn't know they had different rated ones).ArtBiostar TF560-A2+, Athlon 64X2-6000+, 4GB RAM, Geforce 8800GTS-320MB, 500W PSU, 250GB HD, FSX(SP1-SP2), Audigy SE sound, Vista Home Premium 32 bit, CH Yoke & Pedals, 22" WS LCD monitor

A Solid System.I'd personally buy a better cooler now since you say you'll OC later.Get the OCZ2 Vendetta or if you can find one a Thermalright 120http://www.crazypc.com/products/ultra-120_extreme-50983.htmlhttp://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=...127&dcaid=17902

. . . and that $60 for the cooler/fan will be the biggest bang for your buck of any component you'll be buying. It'll get that E85 from 3Ghz to 4+Ghz. That's a 30% improvement on a $1000 investment for only $60. Wish I could get that kind of return these days. Even just not loosing huge chunks on a daily basis would be nice.