a $900 gaming machine-looking for feedback

[toezar]

I still haven't decided which motherboard i want. .i keep going back and forth. I read all the great comments about the chaintech on newegg (and the link someone provided earlier) and then i have second thoughts when i read about some of the problems people are reporting having:

I already own the videocard -- an MSI 6600gt (pci-express).

Also, is it really worth my trouble to buy a third party heatsink (and thermal glue)? or should i just buy the retail version? I do plan on overclocking....

Summary
$90 Antec Sonata Case (and use that included PS-if i have problems, i'll buy a new one)
$159 AMD Athlon 64 3000+ 1.8GHz, 512KB L2 Cache 939-Pin 64-bit Processor - OEM
I still can't figure out if i need the 20-24 pin converter. Antec's answer on the FAQ is 'don't worry', lol
$179 DFI nForce4 Ultra Chipset or $129 Chaintech.
$159 Patriot 1GB PC3200 400MHz (2x512MB) Dual Channel DDR
$37+7 Thermalright XP 90 Heatsink (which fan should i buy? i want quiet. Do i need thermal compound??!)

$100AR Western Digital 250GB WD2500JBRTL UATA100 8MB Buffer, used in conjunction with my two 80gb pata drives (which will run in raid 0--all MBs support this on PATA, right?).
$90 Sound Blaster Audigy2 ZS
$60 NEC 16X Double Layer DVD±RW Drive

Total: around $835 (with the chaintech, not including shipping, tax). I'm so excited about this machine, but also so worried. The last time I built a computer was 7 years ago..a P2-300! I sure hope that everything works out, and that it runs reliably...

 

[anthrax]

I think u left the gaphics card out.......

 

[CheesePoofs]

I would say stick to a retail CPU and don't bother with the thermalright heatsink, just use the retail one. Athlon 64's are very cool, and can be overclocked considerably with just the stock HSF.

 

[Rip the Jacker]

Why would you spend $180 on a motherboard?

If I were you i'd get 939 3500+ and $100-120 939 board (epox/chaintech)

 

[CheesePoofs]

I wouldn't recomend the 3500+. Its 400mhz faster than the 3000+ and costs nearly twice as much. Especially if you're on a budget, i'd recomend the 3000 or 3200.

 

[Chosonman]

If you're on that tight of a budget I strongly recommend getting a Socket 754 rather than a Socket 939 and definately don't get an Nforce4 and get and Nforce3 motherboard instead.

Here's why:
754 vs 939

 

[toezar]

Oh, i forgot to mention that i already own the video card (a 6600gt pci-express. thus the nforce4 boards)

 

[Sc4freak]

If you really must have an aftermarket HSF, go with the Zalman heatsinks. Zalman specialises in quiet HSFs.

 

[syzygy]

you can save 35.00 by buying another 80 gig wd drive.
you can save 65.00 by going with the chaintech 7.1 av-710 (24bit/192khz) soundcard
you can save another 25.00 by opting for the mushkin ddr value pack

loss of quality is negligible. there are those who would argue persuasively that mushkin
and the chaintech soundcard are as good if not better than the other choices.

all through newegg, btw.

 

[syzygy]

addendum:

its also possible to save a little more with your choice of case and psu.

directron is selling an 370w enermax noisetaker for 29.99
you can couple that with a 30-35.00 aluminum case and save more money.