New build suggestions
 

Hello...I'm putting together my first build...I'll more than likely be buying these components this week: Nzxt guardian 921, 2 wd caviar se 160gb sata hd,corsair cmpsu 650tx power supply,siig two port firewire pcie card, g skill 4 gb1066, asus p5q pro p45, core 2 quad q9400, xp pro....I'll need a dvd drive dual layer and a basic video card for a dual monitor setup...this will be a pro tools dedicated computer w/ no gaming etc. Any suggestions for the dvd and video card or perhaps overlooked items such as cooling etc. I might need..I'll probably hire someone to assist with the build but I expect to do most myself...any suggestions are greatly appreciated...oh yeah pt 8.0 and oo2 with two uad 1 cards. thanks

Re: New build suggestions
 

Start Here;

http://duc.digidesign.com/showthread.php?t=200560

Re: New build suggestions
 

What he said. My BFG nVidia 7300GT video card has been fine(and cost me all of $79). Many are having good results with ATI cards as well but they can be a PITA when it comes to drivers. AFAIK, there is no performance gain with more expensive video cards(unless you NEED one for serious video work).

As for DVD burners, Lite On and Samsung are good choices. The Sony Optiarc seem to get poor ratings at newegg where I buy most of my parts(but I have 1 that has been fine). Check what you have for IDE and SATA ports as you may want to get a SATA DVD drive(depending on what other drives you have in the machine). I am using IDE drives for system and backup(recycled from the last PT machine), SATA for all audio and I mounted my SATA DVD drive in an eSATA case so it sits on top of the desk(so I don't have to open the case door by my ankle and keep bumping into it).