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A note of thanks to Anandtech members... and my new build!

S

Senator

Junior Member
I've had my old Pentium II 350mz Win98 system since for 6 years, and since it couldn't run many of todays programs effectively I finally decided to get a new computer. After spending months learning everything I could on the Anandtech forums, I decided to try building one on my own. I've installed extra memory and a few optical drives to my system over the years, and the willingness of Anandtech members to help newbies gave me the confidence that I could handle any problems that came up.

I bought all of my components at NewEgg. They shipped everything the same day I ordered it, and it all arrived (from 4 different warehouse locations) in just two days. Everything was in perfect shape, and all of the electronic components worked right out of the box.

Here's what I got:

- Antec Performance Plus server case with a 430 watt power supply and three case fans
- AMD Athlon 64 3200+ processor
- Albatron K8X800 Pro II motherboard
- Mushkin 3500 Level One memory - 1gb
- Seagate 160gb 7200 RPM SATA hard drive
- ATI Radeon 9800 Pro All-In-Wonder video card
- Lite-On 16x DVD-ROM/48x CD-RW combo drive
- MSI 16x DVD-ROM drive (I'm waiting a few months for the dual-layer DVD writers to come out)
- Sony floppy drive
- Windows XP Home Edition
- MS Flight Simulator 2004
- Saitek X45 digital Joystick and throttle

Wow! This thing SMOKES! I did have a few problems during assembly, but eventually got everything worked out. (Hint - it helps if you actually plug in the 12v power for the processor. Doh! 😱) Anandtech members were quick to offer their guidance when I got stuck, and it took me the better part of a day to build the whole system and load all of the software.

Would I do it all again? Yup - without question. When I was installing the processor's heatsink and fan it was nerve racking, but overall it was a great way to spend a day. I learned a lot, and got a killer system as well.

Many thanks to Anandtech and its members for all of the knowledge they shared.

Senator
 
w00t! 😎

One of the fancy items on that rig is the VIA Envy24 audio. What do you use for a speaker setup? Can you hear the passengers screaming in the back of your Boeing 767? 😀

:evil: ~ ...and on your right, if you look up quite a bit, you can see the rim of the Grand Canyo--- WHOA, EVERYONE PLEASE HOLD ON REAL TIGHT FOR A MINUTE... !!!




😀
 
Originally posted by: mechBgon
w00t! 😎

One of the fancy items on that rig is the VIA Envy24 audio. What do you use for a speaker setup? Can you hear the passengers screaming in the back of your Boeing 767? 😀

:evil: ~ ...and on your right, if you look up quite a bit, you can see the rim of the Grand Canyo--- WHOA, EVERYONE PLEASE HOLD ON REAL TIGHT FOR A MINUTE... !!!




😀
Click to expand...
alright..give up the title..? 🙂

Welcome to AT , Senator !
Congrats on the build! 😀
 
Wow, upping from a 300mhz system to that badboy is proly like trading in a '73 Ford LTD for a Porsche Boxter!! 🙂

Welcome and congrats on the successful build!
 
Now that is what I call an upgade!! Congrats on your killer system and enjoy FS2004!!

Now all you need is a video beamer: Use that to display the scenery on a wall and use a smaller monitor right in front of you for the instrument panel = FS heaven!! thanks to modern dual head graphics cards this setup is really easy to set up and darned impressive in a darkened room 😀
 
Originally posted by: PorBleemo
Congrats on your new system! 😀

Only one suggestion, get an Audigy2.

-Por
Click to expand...

Aye, I'd have to chime in and agree with this comment. You want to get off that Onboard motherboard sound if you can, as its a hog on CPU cycle and resources.

You can get the Audigy 2 ZS for around $90 shipped ( newegg, and get a nifty lead crystal paperweight to boot.. 🙂 ) if you are looking, or perhaps somene here will sell you the board for less sans software that can be downloaded...

Nice setup regardless... happy flying!
 
Originally posted by: Coalfax
Originally posted by: PorBleemo
Congrats on your new system! 😀

Only one suggestion, get an Audigy2.

-Por
Click to expand...

Aye, I'd have to chime in and agree with this comment. You want to get off that Onboard motherboard sound if you can, as its a hog on CPU cycle and resources.

You can get the Audigy 2 ZS for around $90 shipped ( newegg, and get a nifty lead crystal paperweight to boot.. 🙂 ) if you are looking, or perhaps somene here will sell you the board for less sans software that can be downloaded...

Nice setup regardless... happy flying!
Click to expand...

Wel actually the VIA/ICEnsemble Envy24 is a discrete chip solution, and for music and movies offers superior sound than the Creative card. for pure gaming, the Audigy2 ZS is better.

I can say this, as I have both

🙂
 
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