$2k w/o monitor to spend. PCI-X? DDR2? ----------

[firebirdude]

Buddy of mine is looking for a gaming rig. Wants to spend around $2k without the monitor. DVD burner is the only real requirement. Other then that, he doesn't really care. What do you guys think? I have heard PCI Express is the next wave, but isin't really even utilized yet. However, I'm sure he will have this rig a while. So in the future, he may want to upgrade video cards. So.... PCI-X? Next, DDR2-533 RAM? What's so special about it aside from the fact it's quicker then regular DDR400? Also, I have heard that the top of the line video cards are hard to come by. They are sold out everywhere. I'm not going to let that stop us. We'll hold the whole rig up waiting if need be. I assume 6800GT Ultra or ATI X800 would be in order? Both run about $450 right? ARE they worth it? Are there any cards between the ATI 9800XT and the X800? And finally, CPU and MOBO. Intel. AMD. Don't mind either. I know large cache sizes and high FSB numbers don't always mean everything. Biggest question regarding CPU's I have is what cores should I be looking for? Thanks for your help guys!

 

[Fern]

PCIe (not PCI-x) s/b coming real soon. It will allow for SLI (dual gfx cards). Do a search here for these mobo's.

For CPU's, look at an AMD skt 939.

Yaeh, get a 6800GT or Ultra (or two for SLI).

C'mon you 64 bit guys, help'em blow $2k

 

[davidjaii]

drop 2k on red at the roulette table adn buy a 4k system

 

[Ka0t1x]

DDR2?

Do not go LGA775 this close to 64bit. Spend a year with it and have to build another to play the latest games? Not what I'd do with my money. Wait for Nforce 4 if you're wanting a PCI-e Gfx card, but definately go Socket 939 A64. 6800GT or Ultra if you have enough, 1Gb (2x512mb) PC4000 ( gives you headroom if you want to OC. ). 74Gb Raptor or 2 for Raid, 200Gb Hdd's for storage, Lian Li case with a really nice NAME BRAND power supply( Antec, Fortron, Enermax... ).

 

[davidjaii]

does anybody really need the wd raptor HD's ?

 

[Acclaim]

Originally posted by: Ka0t1x

DDR2?

Do not go LGA775 this close to 64bit. Spend a year with it and have to build another to play the latest games? Not what I'd do with my money. Wait for Nforce 4 if you're wanting a PCI-e Gfx card, but definately go Socket 939 A64. 6800GT or Ultra if you have enough, 1Gb (2x512mb) PC4000 ( gives you headroom if you want to OC. ). 74Gb Raptor or 2 for Raid, 200Gb Hdd's for storage, Lian Li case with a really nice NAME BRAND power supply( Antec, Fortron, Enermax... ).

Well what would you do with your money?

 

[newParadigm]

http://secure.newegg.com/app/W...it=VIEW&ID=1059774

Here ya go

 

[SonicIce]

For $2000, you could build a sweet gaming rig. Maybe you guys can wait untill SLI before building.
Dual 6800 GT's $800 (These are AGP, but it's just a price holder for now.)
Athlon 64 3500+ $309
Corsair 512MBx2 DDR PC-3200 $156
NEC 16X Double Layer DVD±RW Drive $70
Seagate 200GB $107
Logitech MX-510 $33
Antec Sonata $98
Logitech Z-5500 5.1 Speakers $283
Hmm... That still leaves $144 for a socket 939 SLI motherboard. This setup is if your friend plans to spend every last drop of his money . If you wanna save a little, buy some lower end speakers, and a single 6800GT in AGP form (this way you could buy it right now).

 

[newParadigm]

Qty Product Item # Unit Price Qty x Price

Lian-Li 12-Bay Silver Aluminum Case, Model "PC-65"
Specifications:
Case Type: Mid-Tower
Color: Silver
Material: Aluminum
Drive Bays: 5.25'' x4,3.5''(External) x3, 3.5''(Internal) x5
Expansion Slots: 7
Front Ports: USB2.0 x2
Power Supply: N/A
Cooling System: 4x Ball Bearing Fans
Motherboard Compatibility: ATX
Dimensions: 8.5"x17"x18"(WxHxD)
Special Features: Fan Speed Controller;Horizontal converter kit for HDD inner rack more info-> N82E16811112024 $105.50 $105.50


Thermaltake 90mm BLUE LED Fan for PC case and CPU fan, Model "A2017" -RETAIL
Specifications:
Compatibility: PC case and CPU fan
Dimensions: 90 x 90 x 25 mm
Bearing Type: 1 Ball 1 Sleeve
Nominal Speed(RPM): 1300 ± 20% RPM at 20°C~ 4000 ± 10% RPM at 55°C
Max Air Flow(CFM): 24.6~ 78.7
Max Pressure: 1.3~ 7.2mm-H2O
Rated Voltage: 12V
Connector: 3 Pin
Noise(dBA): 17 at 1300 RPM~ 48.5 at 4000 RPM
Special Features: Smart LED Fan (3 functions in 1):
1. Full speed when jumper on
2. Temperature control : Fan speed varies according to the temp detected by the sensor
3. Manual control : Adjust fan speed manually more info-> N82E16811999121 $11.99 $11.99


EPoX "EP-9NDA3+" NVIDIA nForce3 ULTRA Chipset Motherboard For AMD Socket 939 CPU -RETAIL
Specifications:
Supported CPU: Socket 939 AMD Athlon 64FX/64 processor
Chipset: nForce3 ULTRA
RAM: 4x DIMM Supports dual channel DDR266/333/400 Max 4GB
Slots: 1x AGP 4X/8X, 5x PCI
Ports: 2x PS/2, 1x COM, 1x LPT, 8x USB2.0(Rear 4), 1x IEEE1394, 1xRJ45, 2x S/PDIF Out, Audio Ports
IDE: 2x ATA 133 up to 4 Devices
SATA/RAID: 2x SATA by nForce3 Ultra, 2x SATA by Marvell 88SR3020 with RAID 0,1,0+1,JBOD
Onboard Audio: ALC850 8-Ch
Onboard LAN: Cicada CIS8201 Gigabit Ethernet
Onboard IEEE1394: 2x ports by VIA 6306
Form Factor: ATX more info-> N82E16813123222 $129.00 $129.00


BFG nVIDIA GeForce 6800 GT Video Card, 256MB GDDR3, 256-Bit, TV-Out/DVI, 8X AGP, Model "BFGR68256GTOC" -RETAIL
Specifications:
Chipset/Core Speed: nVIDIA GeForce 6800 GT/370MHz
Memory/Effective Speed: 256MB GDDR3/1000MHz
BUS: AGP 4X/8X
Ports: VGA Out(15 Pin D-Sub) + TV-Out (S-Video) + DVI
Support 3D API: DirectX 9, OpenGL 1.5
Max Resolution@32bit Color: 2048X1536@85Hz
Cable/Accessories: DVI to VGA adaptor, Manual, Driver CD, Power cable
Retail Box (See pics for details) more info-> N82E16814143019 $469.00 $469.00


AVerMedia PCI TV Tuner Card, REMOTE, Model "UltraTV PCI 350(MULTRAP35)" -RETAIL
Specifications:
Video/Audio Decoder: Not Specified
TV Tuner: Not Specified
Interface: PCI
Ports In: TV In(75 Ohm Coaxial TV Antenna)+Video In(Composite Video+S-Video)+Audio In(dbx Stereo)+FM Radio In
Ports Out: Audio Out(Direct to Speaker or Loop to Sound Card)
Remote Control: Infrared Remote Control
Accessories: Remote Control, FM Radio Antenna, Audio Cable, Infrared Sensor Cable, 2 in 1 Cable, Driver CD
Supported OS: Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP
Retail Box (See pics for details) more info-> N82E16815100109 $58.00 $58.00


Sparkle Power 530W Power Supply, MODEL "FSP530-60GNA" -OEM
Specifications:
Type:ATX12V Switching Power Supply
Maximum Power: 530W
PFC:No
Power Good Signal: 100-500ms
Hold-up Time: 16.6ms min. at 115V/ 60Hz; 20ms min. at 230V/ 50Hz input
Efficiency: 65% min.
Over Voltage Protection:Yes
Overload Protection: Not Specified
Input Voltage: 95~132/ 190~264V AC, Manual-select
Input Frequency Range: 47~63 Hz
Input Current: 12A (RMS) @115V AC, 7A (RMS) @230V AC
Output: +3.3V@28A; +5V@40A; +12V@18A; -5V@0.3A; -12V@0.8A; +5Vsb@2.0A
MTBF: 100,000 hours/ 25ºC
Approvals: UL 1950, CSA C22.2 Level3, IEC 950, TUV 60950, NEMKO (CB Report) more info-> N82E16817103489 $74.00 $74.00


AMD Athlon 64 3000+ 1.8GHz, 512KB L2 Cache 939-Pin 64-bit Processor - OEM
Specifications:
Model: AMD Athlon 64 3000+
Core: Winchester
Operating Frequency: 1.8GHz
FSB: Integrated into Chip
Cache: L1/64K+64K; L2/ 512KB
Voltage: 1.5V
Process: 90nm
Socket: Socket 939
Multimedia Instruction: MMX, SSE, SSE2, 3DNOW!, 3DNOW!+
Packaging: OEM(Processor Only) more info-> N82E16819103499 $179.00 $179.00


Corsair XMS Extreme Memory Speed Series, Low Latency 184 Pin 1GB DDR PC-3200 PRO - Retail
18 activity LED's show level of memory activity, One row of 3 green + 3 yellow + 3 red for each memory bank Designed for visibility
Specifications:
Manufacturer: Corsair
Speed: DDR400(PC3200)
Type: 184 Pin DDR SDRAM
Error Checking: Non-ECC
Registered/Unbuffered: Unbuffered
Cas Latency: 3-3-3-8
Support Voltage: 2.75V
Bandwidth: 3.2GB/s
Organization: 128M x 64 -Bit
Special Features: New high-efficiency aluminum XMS heatsink, 18 activity LED's show level of memory activity
Warranty: Lifetime more info-> N82E16820145504 $265.00 $530.00


One Day Sale, Ends 11/2/2004 4:00 PM PST
Western Digital Raptor 36.7GB 10,000RPM SATA Hard Drive, Model WD360GD, OEM Drive Only
Specifications:
Capacity: 36.7GB
Average Seek Time: 5.2 ms
Buffer: 8MB
Rotational Speed: 10000 RPM
Interface: Serial ATA
Features: High Performance SATA Interface
Packaging: OEM Drive Only more info-> N82E16822144200 $103.00 $103.00


Seagate 120GB 7200RPM IDE Hard Drive, Model ST3120022A, OEM
Specifications:
Capacity: 120GB
Average Seek Time: 8.5 ms
Buffer: 2MB
Rotational Speed: 7200 RPM
Interface: IDE ULTRA ATA100
Features: 350 Gs non-op shock, 3D Defense System
Manufacturer Warranty: 5 year
Packaging: OEM more info-> N82E16822148020 $82.00 $82.00


Samsung 12X DVD±RW, Model TS-H542A/WBCH Black, OEM
Specifications:
Write Speed: 12X DVD+R, 4X DVD+RW, 8X DVD-R, 4X DVD-RW, 40X CD-R, 24X CD-RW
Read Speed: 40X CD-ROM, 12X DVD-ROM
Interface: ATAPI / E-IDE
Buffer: 2MB
OS Support: Windows XP/ 2000/ ME/ 98SE
Features: Buffer Under Run Free Technology
Packaging: OEM more info-> N82E16827151204 $54.99 $109.98


M-AUDIO 7.1 Channel PCI Sound Card, Model "Revolution 7.1" -RETAIL
Specifications:
Channels: 7.1
Signal-Noise Ratio: D->A: 107dB; A->D: 100dB
Max Sampling Rate: 24-bit/192kHz
Hardware Decode: Dolby Digital 5.1/EX; DTS
PC/Macintosh Interface: PCI
Supported OS: Windows ME/2000/XP; Mac OS 9.2.2 or higher(OS X compatible) more info-> N82E16829121101 $92.00 $92.00


Thermalright Heatsink for P4 & K8 CPUs, Model "XP-90" -RETAIL
Specifications:
Compatibility: AMD: Athlon64 FX 3200+ (socket 939/940)/Athlon64 3200+ (socket 754) and above
Intel: Pentium-4 socket 478 3.2 GHz and above
Material: Aluminum fins with copper base(nickel plated)
Dimensions: 116 x 96 x 96 mm (LxWxH)
Weight: 0.79 lbs(360g) more info-> N82E16835109119 $39.99 $39.99




Subtotal » $1,983.46


Straight from the egg.

That ur PC right there

 

[davidjaii]

wow .. $2k and all u can come up with is a a64 3000...

 

[Slik]

Video Card
eVGA GeForce 6800 Ultra - $499.99
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm...m/ccd/productDetail.do

CPU
AMD 64 FX-55 Socket 939 - $859.00
http://www.mwave.com/mwave/vie....hmx?scriteria=BA20682

Motherboard
Asus A8V-Deluxe Socket 939 Rev 2.00 - $129.99
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...jsp?ProductCode=240412

PSU
Ultra X-Connect 500W ATX PSU (Titanium or Black) - $97.75
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...jsp?ProductCode=273002
*OR*
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...jsp?ProductCode=273001

Memory
Corsair TWINX1024-3200XLPRO 512MBx2 (1GB Kit) DDR400 Latency 2-2-2-5 - $277
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...p?ProductCode=80097-10

*OR*

OCZ EL Platinum Rev 2.0 PC3200 512MBx2 (1GB kit) DDR400 Latency 2-2-2-5 - $275 http://www.newegg.com/app/View...=20-146-890&depa=1

DVD+R/RW
Samsung 12X/8X Internal DVD+R/RW Drive (Black or Beige) - $62.49 http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...jsp?ProductCode=172655
*OR*
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...jsp?ProductCode=172653

Hard drive
Western Digital Raptor 10,000RPM 74GB - $177.00
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...jsp?ProductCode=101222

Enjoy.

 

[Slik]

Originally posted by: SonicIce
For $2000, you could build a sweet gaming rig. Maybe you guys can wait untill SLI before building.
Dual 6800 GT's $800 (These are AGP, but it's just a price holder for now.)
Antec Sonata $98

I don't think that 380W Power Supply will support two 6800 GT's, yet alone one. :roll:

 

[newParadigm]

Originally Posted by: DavidJaii
wow .. $2k and all u can come up with is a a64 3000...

That CPU at 90nm will OC really really really far. And its cheapre than an FX 55, so other then having less cache the chips are very similar, and with the 90nm Core, the Winchester can run som much faster as to negate the extra cache.


~new

 

[SonicIce]

Originally posted by: Slik

Originally posted by: SonicIce
For $2000, you could build a sweet gaming rig. Maybe you guys can wait untill SLI before building.
Dual 6800 GT's $800 (These are AGP, but it's just a price holder for now.)
Antec Sonata $98

I don't think that 380W Power Supply will support two 6800 GT's, yet alone one. :roll:

It will support a single GT perfectly fine. MAYBE not an Ultra but this is a quality Antec power supply, man.

 

[slash196]

6800 Ultra for 500 bucks? Sign me up.

 

[Mikerla]

What's the deal on the warranty if you buy a OEM vs PIB besides the fan and HS being purchased seperate?

 

[Tostada]

newParadime:

That system is ... umm ... dumb.

You're paying that much for CL3 memory? RIDICULOUS. And Raptor 36's are slower than modern 7200RPM drives.

 

[techwanabe]

For 1K I got a computer with a 3.2 Ghz P4, 1 Gb of 533mhz DDR2 memory, 16X DVD+/-RW, 160 Gb SATA hard drive, and Radeon X800SE PCIe video card, plus a 19" LCD Flat Panel - all from Dell on a hot deal!

 

[Marsumane]

a64 3800+ $608
msi nforce4 SLI motherboard: ~$200 (released by end of year)
Corsair pc3200 (2x 512 sticks): ~$150
Dual Nvidia 6800GT cards: $800 (supply increased by year end)
Standard case + Antec 550w psu: $125
NEC ND-3500A DVD-RW drive: $68
Western Digital 200GB HD: $100
Audigy2 soundcard: $65

Total: $2116

 

[Thermalrock]

350w quality supply is enought for athlon 64 and 2 gts. ppl are crazy and buy psus that could run 3 comps. if you buy too big psu its gonna run low load and the efficiency will drop a bunch and then itll generate more heat than a smaller supply would and heat isnt good in a pc specially if it runs two high end video cards. low quality crap supply with 350w wont do tho.