Hello everyone, it's been a while since I have used this forum. I am currently in the process of configuring a desktop system for post secondary education and gaming. I'm going to be majoring in a multimedia course, where animation will be a heavy part of the multiple semesters.

I'm not very smart when it comes to hardware, so any suggestions are appreciated.

Intel 975XBX2KR Intel Socket 775 ATX Motherboard with an Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 2.40GHz OEM Processor http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2896569&CatId=2406

EVGA GeForce 8500 GT / 256MB DDR2 / SLI Ready / PCI Express / Dual Link DVI / VGA / HDTV / Video Card
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3056564&CatId=1839

OCZ SLI-Ready Edition Dual Channel 2048MB PC6400 DDR2 800MHz Memory (2 x 1024MB)
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3079597&CatId=2368

Hitachi / Deskstar 7K500 / 250GB / 7200 / 8MB / SATA-3G / OEM / Hard Drive
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2659046&CatId=2458

Ultra Gladiator Black ATX Mid-Tower Case with Clear Side, Front USB, FireWire and Audio Ports
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2337816&Sku=ULT33182

Sony DRU830A / 18x DVD±R Burn / 16x DVD±R Read / 8x DVD+RW / 6x DVD-RW / 8x DVD±R DL / 12x DVD-RAM / 48x32x CD-R/RW / Internal / Black-Beige / DVD Burner
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2968766&CatId=482

My goal is to build a reasonable computer that will be upgradeable for the future. Any comments on the hardware is graciously appreciated. For instance, would this video card that I have chosen be powerful enough for the latest games and animation/rendering technologies? I can always upgrade later, but to start is that my BEST option? I want to build this system for a low cost, I'd like to keep my budget anywhere from $1000-$1500, but I'd prefer the former.

Thanks,

Mit

I just built a few systems similar to yours. My first suggestion would be going with newegg.com, they seemed to be cheaper but of course you'll need to compare for yourself.

That motherboard is excellent by the way! I love it, it's very easy to upgrade the firmware too.

I know you didn't list your processor choice, but my recommendation right now is either the E6600 or E6700 Intel Core 2 Duo's. They seem to be the most bang for buck, and trust me they're excellent!

For RAM I'd recommend Kingston, you can find a list of compatible RAM from Kingston  here. I prefer them, but I've heard good things about Corsair too, but I've never used them.. I've never herad of OCZ so I can't say whether or not they're good or bad.

I think you'll be fine with that Hard Drive, but you could maybe look at Seagate too.

For the DVD burner, I'd stay away from Sony. I've broken two of them and so I decided to go with LG's burner and it's fantastic. GSA-H42N-BK or GSAH22N-BK

I'm not so sure on your case, it's subjective really you've got to research cases to make sure you're getting what you want. As well when it comes to its power supply to make sure you'll get things like video card power adapter [thingy].

Nvidia 8000 series is excellent, you won't have to worry at all.

I cannot go with Newegg, they only ship in the USA and Puerto Rico.

The motherboard is a combo package, it comes with an Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 2.40GHz OEM Processor.

I'm looking at this RAM, http://canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=013637&cid=RAM.835

I've asked some people about the Nvidia and they have said for gaming it may have difficulties keeping up with the latest games, I'm not entirely sure. Do you think it may be best to invest in something more powerful right now?

As far as I know the Nvidia is the most powerful. Though I think ATI is coming out with something even more ridiculous ... But new super-duper cards are released every 6 months basically so it's up to you. I know that he Nvidia 8000 series is top of the line, so I can't see why there would be any major problems.. I mean I guess you could always get a geforce 8800 with 640mb of RAM. That's what I did and it's totally overkill for me, but I know it'll last for like 3-4 years until I really have to upgrade if I even bother to game by then.

Ah, I didn't know newegg didn't ship internationally, could've sworn they did.

ATi is better for most games, NVidia for rendering and video editing. At least that's how it's worked in my experience.

Nvidia has the superior DX10 card right now.

nvm

Try using NCIX.

also, check local companies/stores too.  you'd be surprised.

I'd up it to the 8600, myself.
and hitachi is crap.  get seagate or WD.