Analyze this build

[Dudd]

I'm planning on putting together a new rig from Newegg for the start of college in a month, and I just want to make sure that everything is allright. In addition to regular internet and word processing, I'll probably manage to sneak in some gaming with Half Life 2, Deus Ex 2, and various others.

Shuttle XPC- SN41G NForce 2
Athlon XP 2500+
Radeon 9700 (non-pro)
Lite-On CD-RW/DVD drive
80 GB Hard Drive w/ 8 mb cache (is there any difference in manufacturers, or should I just go with the cheapest?)
512 MB Crucial ram (since I'm not using any integrated graphics, there is very little difference between using one 512 mb stick and 2 256 mb sticks, thereby utilizing the NForce's dual channel setup? And, what speed should I go with? PC2700?)
One of those 16ms 17in LCD monitors
Logitech Z640 speakers (would these be at all practical in a dorm room, or would I be better going with a cheaper 2.1 setup?)

If I forgot anything, let me know. Thanks for looking it over.

 

[KhoiFather]

If u're going with the 2500+ Barton, then I recommend going with PC-2700 so the cpu and ram are sync, thats if u're not planning on overclocking. If so, get at least pc-3200 and I would recommend getting Kingston Hyper X. Running dual channel would be a lot better, so you should get 2 x 256MB PC-2700 or 3200.

If u're not gonna use the onboard sound, then I suggest you getting a Turtle Beach Santa Cruz.

 

[Dudd]

Originally posted by: KhoiFather
If u're going with the 2500+ Barton, then I recommend going with PC-2700 so the cpu and ram are sync, thats if u're not planning on overclocking. If so, get at least pc-3200 and I would recommend getting Kingston Hyper X. Running dual channel would be a lot better, so you should get 2 x 256MB PC-2700 or 3200.

If u're not gonna use the onboard sound, then I suggest you getting a Turtle Beach Santa Cruz.

I'm definately going with the onboard sound. From what I've read, it sounds pretty good, and that's all I'm looking for. Also, how overclockable are the 2500+? I don't know how the heatpipe Shuttle uses would affect that, but a general ballpark would be nice.

 

[Novgrod]

you want pc2700. You really don't need dual channel since its benefit is way under 10%. Otherwise looks fine.

Personally I like asus products because of their help in diagnostics (having had problems before in that regard) but shuttle is, i think, fine too. good luck.

 

[Dudd]

Originally posted by: Novgrod
you want pc2700. You really don't need dual channel since its benefit is way under 10%. Otherwise looks fine.

Personally I like asus products because of their help in diagnostics (having had problems before in that regard) but shuttle is, i think, fine too. good luck.

I'm going with Shuttle's Small Form Factor system because it will be much easier to store in a cramped dorm room than a regular tower, and because it will be easier to transport back and forth to school. Correct me if I'm wrong, but Asus doesn't have anything to challenge Shuttle in the SFF arena.