1500 max budget for Computer build, what do you guys think of these specs??

[bozack]

Building a computer for my brother because he wants something other than his laptop for his graphics design class...

he send me these specs and wanted my opinion on them...personally I am not keen on the mobo, cpu, and the case but haven't had time to research anything better..

any thoughts on these specs and any alternative suggestions are welcome.

Thanks

EPoX EP-9NPA+Ultra
AMD Athlon 64 3500+ Retail
Two 512MB PC3200 DDR SDRAM
eVGA GeForce 6800GT
M-Audio Revolution 7.1
Seagate Barracuda 7200.8 250GB
NEC ND-3520A
Lite-On 16X DVD-ROM
Antec SLK3700BQE
Mitsumi 1.44MB

 

[KoolDrew]

What core is the 3500? Exactly what RAM did he choose?

 

[NoToRiOuS1]

go for patriot series 3200 sticks...i have em...they overclock very very well...and are pretty inexepnsive as well. oh and make sure you get the venice core(for the prcoc that is)

 

[knothead34]

do you have your heart set on an epox motherboard?

 

[Skotos]

buy a xbox 360

lol

 

[w00t]

Originally posted by: KoolDrew
What core is the 3500? Exactly what RAM did he choose?

 

[imported_g33k]

Lite On optical drives sound like a jet engine starting up. I mean they are loud! Get this Samsung. Or get something that matches your case that's not Lite On.

 

[dandragonrage]

Motherboard: DFI
Sound Card: http://www.bluebonepc.com/catalog/detail.asp?id=SD-BG-HDA%20X-Mystique -- DDL encoder like Soundstorm has
DVD-ROM: Toshiba SD-M1x12 (they have 1612 up through 1812 as far as I know)
PSU: Coolermaster Realpower, Fortron BlueStorm, Seasonic S12, PCP&C Turbo-Cool 510, etc... 450W min, 500+ better.

And what is this 1.44MB of which you speak?

 

[akugami]

Graphics design. If doing graphics I would question the need for a 6800GT. My first choice would be something cheaper like a 6600GT. This gives decent gaming performance and will work just as well for most graphics design. Not sure on 3D rendering and how the various cards will affect their speeds. My next choice would be an X800XL if the 6600GT doesn't pull enough weight.

I would also think that 2x1GB for 2GB total RAM would be better for graphics design work than 2x512MB of RAM. Most graphics programs like Photoshop likes RAM and likes lots of it. I'm assuming that it's the same deal with 3D rendering programs.

Why does he need the audio card? The onboard sound is good enough for the average consumer truthfully speaking so you can save a few bucks there. Get a decent set of speakers for him like the Logitech Z-5500's. I use the onboard sound and it's just fine. Not saying add-on audio cards don't better, they almost always do. It's just a case where the current onboard sound is good enough for most and that you're better off investing in a nice set of speakers.

Just because you have a $1500 max budget doesn't mean you have to reach it.

 

[imported_rod]

AMD Athlon 64 3500+ Retail

Good CPU. If he is planning to overclock, go with the venice core. If not, the winchester runs a little cooler.

Two 512MB PC3200 DDR SDRAM

Corsair Value Select is good value for money.

eVGA GeForce 6800GT

This is overkill unless he is planning to play games. The 6600GT is a great value card, which will let you play Half-Life 2 and Doom 3 no problems, and costs half what a 6800GT costs.

Lite-On 16X DVD-ROM

DVD-Burners are so cheap these days, that it's not really worth just getting a Reader. He should consider getting a Pioneer DVR-109 (DVD+/-RW DualLayer) as well as a DVD-ROM.

Anyway, thats where i'd be heading.

RoD

 

[dandragonrage]

Originally posted by: rod

Lite-On 16X DVD-ROM

DVD-Burners are so cheap these days, that it's not really worth just getting a Reader. He should consider getting a Pioneer DVR-109 (DVD+/-RW DualLayer) as well as a DVD-ROM.

He's got a NEC ND-3520A there too.

 

[bozack]

Should have clarified that this is for 3d student work not graphic design. He will be using Maya, also the sound card won't be included.

I am debating whether or not I want to undertake the project as I am trying to get out of building home PCs even for family as it always comes back to bite you in the arse...

Any other suggestions appreciated.

Thanks