after much ado, i present to you my new system...
 

i know it's been a while that i have been researching a new computer. i've put it off for way too long now, as my current computer is going to suffer an imminent hard drive failure. anyway, i paid the guy and he is building the system as i type this. here are the specs, in a broad stroke of the brush:

LIAN LI CUSTOM BUILT SLI COMPUTER 6600GT x 2
500GB \ 2GB RAM\DVD W\LIGHTSCRIBE\6 pc gaming speakers
Condition: New, Sealed in Box
Processor Type: AMD Athlon 64 X2
Brand: LIAN LI CUSTOM BUILT
Processor Speed: 3 MHz
Operating System: Windows XP Professional
Processor Configuration: Dual Core
Primary Drive: DVD+/-RW
Memory (RAM): 2 GB
Bundled Items: Keyboard, Mouse, Speakers
Hard Drive Capacity: 500 GB

more geek specs:
Specifications:
* Dimensions: 210 x 450 x 490mm (WxHxD)
* Drive bays: 4 x 5.25", 2 x 3.5", 5 x 3.5" internal
* Fans: 12 cm bearing fans x 1; 8 cm ball bearing fan x 2; Air Duct for PSU fan x 1
* M/B type: ATX (MAX SIZE: 12"x9.6")
* Front I/O: USB 2.0 x 2 ; IEEE 1394 x 1; MIC x 1; EAR x 1
* Expansion Slots: 7
* Model: Lian Li PC-65

Features:
* Hard anodize for the surface
* Slidable M/B tray
* Horizontal converter kit for hidden HDD (new function)
* Super bright HDD and PWR LED
* Tool-less detachable front panel
* Transparent left side panel

DFI LANPARTY DK 790FX-M2RS AM2+/AM2 AMD 790FX ATX AMD Motherboard
* CPU Type: Phenom / Athlon 64 X2 / Athlon 64 FX / Athlon 64
* Dual Channel Supported: Yes
* FSB: 2600MHz Hyper Transport (5200 MT/s)
* Maximum Memory Supported: 8GB
* Memory Standard: DDR2 800
* Number of Memory Slots: 4×240pin
* PATA: 1 x ATA100 2 Dev. Max
* PCI Express 2.0 x16: 3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots - 2-way or 4-way CrossFire at x16/x16/NC bandwidth - 3-way CrossFire at x16/x16/x4 bandwidth - 2-way CrossFire + Physics at x16/x16 bandwidth
* Model #: 790FX-M2RS

AMD Athlon 64 X2 5200+ Brisbane 2.7GHz Socket AM2 65W Dual-Core Processor Model ADO5200DOBOX
* 64 bit Support: Yes
* Hyper Transports: 2000MHz
* Hyper-Transport Support: Yes
* L1 Cache: 128KB+128KB
* L2 Cache: 2 x 512KB
* Manufacturing Tech: 65 nm
* Multimedia Instruction: MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, 3DNOW! Professional
* Processors Type: Desktop
* Model #: ADO5200DOBOX

Western Digital Caviar GP WD5000AACS 500GB 5400 to 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
* Cache: 16MB
* Form Factor: 3.5"
* Average Seek Time: 8.9ms
* Average Latency: 5.6ms
* Features: IntelliPower - A fine-tuned balance of spin speed, transfer rate and cache size designed to deliver both significant power savings and solid performance. IntelliSeek - Calculates optimum seek speeds to lower power consumption, noise and vibration. IntelliPark - Delivers lower power consumption by automatically unloading the heads during idle to
* Model #: WD5000AACS

OCZ SLI-Ready Edition 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ2N1066SR2GK
* Cas Latency: 5
* Features: SLI-Ready XTC Heatspreader NVIDIA SLI certified 2.35V EVP EPP-Ready
* Heat Spreader: Yes
* Labor: Lifetime limited
* Parts: Lifetime limited
* Recommend Use: High Performance or Gaming Memory
* Timing: 5-5-5-15
* Voltage: 2.1V - 2.3V
* Model #: OCZ2N1066SR2GK

PHILIPS 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe 2-Tone SATA Model SPD6104BD
* 20X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X ...
* 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM
* 2MB Cache

and the best part? i got it for $600. i know you're envious. i sent him a note a little while ago asking about the PSU, because i want one that'll handle the load of this beast including the case fans (120, 80 x 2). he says he and his wife spec the machines they sell for compatibility and he only had two problems that he couldn't fix on the phone (one was a cracked MoBo thanks to UPS and the other was a memory problem that he solved by replacing both SIMMs. this case is HUGE, plenty of room for expansion and it comes with two of the nicer video processor boards, so i should have no problem with 3D games.

i am psyched that this cycle is finally over and i'll have a machine here that'll last me at least as much as the first computer i bought. and i am sure that many of you are relieved that you won't have to see me throwing specs at you every week, asking if the box will do what i want it to. about the only thing i can think of to upgrade immediately is i want to be able to watch TV on the computer and also have a Tivo-type setup.

I have the OCZ SLI RAM and it works good for me. The only thing is that you sometimes get a bad stick and have to have the pair replaced. After OCZ sent me a new set, no problems.

good to know. it's cheap enough.

Nice. Lian Li cases are awesome - my new system is in one. Easily the best case I've ever worked with hands down.

Sounds like you got a hell of a deal!

- Justin

if it comes with a dead stick, they'll replace it for free :)

very nice, good deal

now i know i did good. :mrgreen:

a guy offered for him to relist it as a buy it now for $450 and he turned him down, saying 450 didn't even cover the parts, so i know he was close to break-even at 600. i am plain psyched about this machine. A) i needed a new computer, B) i scored big time by being in the right place at the right time. super sweet.

the guy's already told me that i shouldn't expect problems, but if i do i can always call him. i got him on the phone to set this deal up, and i gave him my list to which he changed several things claiming compatibility. he changed them to parts that he knows work together, and who am i to disagree? if there is a problem, i know he will stand behind his machine. now, if he'd only get to building it so the boys in brown can make a delivery to my door. he said it will be here in 7-10 days, part of which he needs just to put it together and test it. that's the way he does business, and i can't fault him for it; he waits until the customer pays to put his sweat into it. he said he will also be available in the future should i want to upgrade the box.

oh, and the PSU? a 575 high load unit that won't brown out when the fans kick on. :mrgreen: