Advice on components for a custom PC

[Crisis101]

Hi there,

I've got together $1300 and I'm going to build myself a PC. I've never built one before, so I really don't know what exactly I should get. I've done some research (well, probably tens of hours worth....heh) and I've got a list together, including the lowest prices I could find:

Asus A7N8X Deluxe nForce2 Mobo - $144
Corsair XMS 512MB PC-3200C2 - $178
Western Digital Caviar SE 80 GB - $116
AMD Athlon 2400+ @ 2.0 GHz OEM - $179
ATi Radeon 9700 Pro - $357
Antec PLUS660B Mini Tower Case - $107
Asus CD-S500 50X IDE CD-ROM Drive - $30
Windows XP Professional - $153

For $1264, that pretty damn cheap. Anyway, I still need to get a CPU fan, so I'll need some advice on that--I'm looking for a quiet fan. Using a Mac has spoiled me . I'm building this thing for gaming. I've been a Mac user, but the performance of Macs in abysmal (1.25GHz vs. 3.06GHz...that "Megahertz Myth" be damned!) and the game selection is unacceptably small *cough*deusex2*cough* Plus the astronomical prices don't help much either.

So, let me know what you think



PS: If you plan on flaming me for being a Mac user, don't! Remember I'm on your side now.

 

[CallTheFBI]

What are you going to do for a display?

 

[Crisis101]

Originally posted by: CallTheFBI
What are you going to do for a display?

I already have a ViewSonic P95f+ for my PowerMac.

 

[Matt2]

How much overclocking do u plan on doing?

 

[Crisis101]

Originally posted by: Matt2
How much overclocking do u plan on doing?

Well, seeing how I'm inexperienced in things like this, probably none for the time being. Maybe I'll get adventurous . It would be nice to overclock this thing to a 2.5GHz or so, but it probably won't happen. I'm too cautious.

Edit: Note to self - it ain't a P4.

 

[Matt2]

Well Iw as just thinkin, that maybe if u dont plan on heavy overclocking, to drop the XMS memory, pick yourself up some good quality PC-2700 and save a few bucks and you can invets it else where.

My Crucial 512MB PC2700 stick works great even when overclocked over 400MHZ DDR.

Also, any ideas on what cooling syystem u are getting?

 

[Lonyo]

How about a CD-RW and DVD drive? You could get a combi drive, rather than a straight CD drive. You probably don't need XP Pro, so if you want to cut costs a bit then Home should do nicely. Maybe some Corsair XMS 3000 to reduce price, unless you plan on overclocking a lot, if you don't plan on it at all, then some PC 2700 would suit just fine and be cheaper. There wouldn't really be any performance hits from it either in case you're worried. Apart from those small things (you really should get a DVD drive and CD-RW, because they're very useful), it looks nice. You might want to look at some Akasa stuff for the HS/F (if you can get them in the US), or a Thermaltake Volcano 7/9 because they're meant to be good performers, if a bit noisey.

 

[Crisis101]

Originally posted by: Lonyo
How about a CD-RW and DVD drive? You could get a combi drive, rather than a straight CD drive. You probably don't need XP Pro, so if you want to cut costs a bit then Home should do nicely. Maybe some Corsair XMS 3000 to reduce price, unless you plan on overclocking a lot, if you don't plan on it at all, then some PC 2700 would suit just fine and be cheaper. There wouldn't really be any performance hits from it either in case you're worried. Apart from those small things (you really should get a DVD drive and CD-RW, because they're very useful), it looks nice. You might want to look at some Akasa stuff for the HS/F (if you can get them in the US), or a Thermaltake Volcano 7/9 because they're meant to be good performers, if a bit noisey.

I already have a CD-RW/DVD-RW drive in my PowerMac, so I won't need one in my PC. I don't watch DVDs anyway. Good idea on the RAM--cheaper is better . I'm trying to keep the PC as quiet as possible, and that's why I haven't decided on fans yet.

BTW--What's HS/F?

 

[CallTheFBI]

80 GB hard drive isn't big enough in my opinion. I have an 80 GB drive and in one week I have already used up 16 GB by downloading DivXs every night and installing apps and games. You should go for 200 GB, in my opinion. Get two 100 GB drives going in RAID.

 

[Matt2]

HS/F = Heatsink/Fan

If you want a quiet fan, you're probably gonna have to sacrafice some thermal eprformance which will further limit your o/c potential. I'd look into getting a good quality heatsink then looking at a fan like the Vantec stealth, something quiet.

 

[Lonyo]

Originally posted by: Crisis101

Originally posted by: Lonyo
How about a CD-RW and DVD drive? You could get a combi drive, rather than a straight CD drive. You probably don't need XP Pro, so if you want to cut costs a bit then Home should do nicely. Maybe some Corsair XMS 3000 to reduce price, unless you plan on overclocking a lot, if you don't plan on it at all, then some PC 2700 would suit just fine and be cheaper. There wouldn't really be any performance hits from it either in case you're worried. Apart from those small things (you really should get a DVD drive and CD-RW, because they're very useful), it looks nice. You might want to look at some Akasa stuff for the HS/F (if you can get them in the US), or a Thermaltake Volcano 7/9 because they're meant to be good performers, if a bit noisey.

I already have a CD-RW/DVD-RW drive in my PowerMac, so I won't need one in my PC. I don't watch DVDs anyway. Good idea on the RAM--cheaper is better . I'm trying to keep the PC as quiet as possible, and that's why I haven't decided on fans yet.

BTW--What's HS/F?

I would get a CD-RW even so, just for backup (may not be the best thing, but it's quite good), they're not much more expensive than CD drives nowadays, it's always good to have the option. Unless you're networking your Mac and PC together, in which case you could just transfer the stuff to your Mac to burn to CD.

 

[Kalvin00]

.

 

[EXman]

I'd go with cheaper ram IMO

 

[OulOat]

If you want cooling advice go to the Case and Cooling forum, there are hundreds of threads about keeping your comp nice and cool. In a nutshell, all the latest swiftech and thermalright heatsinks equip with any quiet fans (panaflos L1A, stealths, etc) will provide your cpu with excellent cooling while keeping noise to a minimum. Silent NMBs mounted correctly as case fans will be more than sufficent in keeping your case temp down too.

Why are you getting a nForce2 mobo if you're not using the onboard video? You didn't forgot the speakers, mouse, keyboard, and power supply, right? Lastly, I hope the prices reflect final prices after shipping from reliable dealers.

 

[Crisis101]

Originally posted by: OulOat
If you want cooling advice go to the Case and Cooling forum, there are hundreds of threads about keeping your comp nice and cool. In a nutshell, all the latest swiftech and thermalright heatsinks equip with any quiet fans (panaflos L1A, stealths, etc) will provide your cpu with excellent cooling while keeping noise to a minimum. Silent NMBs mounted correctly as case fans will be more than sufficent in keeping your case temp down too.

Why are you getting a nForce2 mobo if you're not using the onboard video? You didn't forgot the speakers, mouse, keyboard, and power supply, right? Lastly, I hope the prices reflect final prices after shipping from reliable dealers.

About the nForce2 - I really don't know much about this kind of stuff. The nForce has decent onboard video? It'd have to be the first one ever if true. I have a mouse, and I'll just have to find my PS/2 adapter and it'll work fine. I'll head down to CompUSA and get myself a keyboard; hands-on is best for that sort of thing. I have some decent 2.1 speakers right now, and I plan on buying Logitech Z-680 4.1 Speakers pretty soon.

I've put together a list of my cooling choices:

Seasonic SS400FS APFC Power Supply - $110
ThermalRight SLK-800 Heatsink - $40
Panaflo 80mm Hydro Wave Fan - $7

And yes, the prices do include shipping from high-rated (4+ star) dealers.

 

[mechBgon]

The A7N8X-Deluxe isn't equipped with onboard video. Is that something you want, or would you rather go with an add-in AGP card? edit: ah, I see now. Yes, stick with the Radeon 9700 Pro, it is vastly more powerful than the onboard video on those nF2 boards which do have it. As you were...

The Thermalright SLK-800 and Panaflo 80mm L1A fan you picked will be good. There is a deal over in Hot Deals that will get you the very nice and very quiet Antec TruePower 430 PSU for $66 shipped plus local tax if applicable. Just need to use the AMEX code from the plump-wallet forums if it hasn't expired. Even without the coupon, that's a $100 PSU for $75 or so.

 

[magomago]

get rid of the cdrom and get a cdrw and a dvdrom


and ditch winxp pro and get win2k pro

I have that mobo and it doesn't have onboard video.



also, you will have a hellva loota fun pushing that CPU...I've seen people push it up to 2800+ speeds easy


Get the SLK...argh can't remember the name! Its 550g of pure copper though...

 

[Aiden]

just went through this process myself. as you sound similar to me,a person who only upgrades once every 2 years i have a few suggestions.

first off,overclocking is not that hard from what i can tell you,which is very little. just take your time and dont push the limits since its new. my first overclock was this month,and worked pretty well. that said,if you dont want to overclock then its not a really big deal in my opinion. i dont think the preformance you gain is that much to worry over. most people do it as a hobby,or because they like messing around with the computer they own.

Memory: i woudlnt buy anthing less then pc3200,even if you dont choose corsair. The reason being is that if you plan on upgrading your processor in a year,your memory will most likely be slower then your cpu. granted this might not be a big issue,but you lock your self into lack of upgrade potential down the road.

Case: i would go with something like the antec 1080 amg plus,or the antec SX1040BII case with 400w p.s. The reason here is from what i have read the video card you are using is a power hog. it seems that these days 350w is more or less becoming the standard, and ive seen many posts/reviews about the 9700 and power supply problems. spend the extra money and get a good case with 400 or more watts as a powersupply. why buy a case with a 330w ps,then turn around and spend another 80-90$ on a power supply.

CPU: this is probably the area where i would cut money. The reasons are,AMd is coming out with there latest line of processors,which will basically run you the same ammount as an xp2400. you can get the new barton cpu,which should work with your MB just fine. for the cost of the xp2400 you can pick up a new barton xp2500 in a month or so. another idea is to buy a cheaper Cpu,say a xp1700-1800 and then upgrade 6-8 months from now. personally if your buying the xp2400 id wait for the barton at this point i think.

MB: theres nothing wrong with your MB selection,and i would stick with the nforce2 boards. However if you dont need the serial ata,raid ,extra lan etc etc. you might want to look into the epox or abit boards for some cost savings. i would say you want to stick with the deluxe versions <epox 8rda+ or Asus A7N8X dlx> as they have better sound.

Heatsink: the slk-800 is nice, but if your not overclocking you might want to just buy a retail amd kit. otherwise like most people the slk-800 plus a panaflo or vantec fan would be quiet.

The only thing that confused me,is your power supply/case really. might be misreading your post. but your looking at spending 220$ for a steel case+2 power supplies. you could buy a very nice aluminum case and good power supply for that price.

 

[Crisis101]

Originally posted by: Aiden
Case: i would go with something like the antec 1080 amg plus,or the antec SX1040BII case with 400w p.s. The reason here is from what i have read the video card you are using is a power hog. it seems that these days 350w is more or less becoming the standard, and ive seen many posts/reviews about the 9700 and power supply problems. spend the extra money and get a good case with 400 or more watts as a powersupply. why buy a case with a 330w ps,then turn around and spend another 80-90$ on a power supply.

CPU: this is probably the area where i would cut money. The reasons are,AMd is coming out with there latest line of processors,which will basically run you the same ammount as an xp2400. you can get the new barton cpu,which should work with your MB just fine. for the cost of the xp2400 you can pick up a new barton xp2500 in a month or so. another idea is to buy a cheaper Cpu,say a xp1700-1800 and then upgrade 6-8 months from now. personally if your buying the xp2400 id wait for the barton at this point i think.

Great idea on the case. I'm now getting an Antec PLUS1080 and not buying an external power supply. Now I have an even more powerful PS, a bigger case, and a $100 savings! Thanks!

Also, I'm not going to be getting this comp for a few months, so there are bound to be some tech improvements before then. I have a personal rule that my new PC will always have at least double the frequency of my old CPU. For example, I'm on a G4 933MHz right now, and I won't get a new CPU that's less than about 2GHz. That's why I picked the 2400 Plus--it's about 2GHz and that's the minimum speed I will buy.

 

[Aiden]

check the barton thread then,under the cpu processer& overclocking forum. Since your waiting 2 months or so,i would select that 2500 for 180$ with retail heatsink/fan. would go well with pc3200 ram which should drop a few more dollars by then.

the one problem with the antec 1080 is that you cant remove the mb tray,so its a bit of a pain to install,if your in a major city,id try to hit a few computer stores,and pick a case that you like the best.